James Hopkins
James Hopkins
James Hopkins
James Hopkins
James Hopkins

Industry Updates

April 1, 2013

News

VITA clinical specialists receive hands-on training at VITA headquarters

Recently, the North American VITA clinical specialists traveled to VITA headquarters in Bad Säckingen, Germany, for hands-on training with VITA's revolutionary new Enamic material. Introduced last month, VITA Enamic is the first hybrid dental ceramic in the world with a dual-network structure that combines the best properties of ceramic and composite materials.

Training focused on polishing techniques for the new hybrid material as well as staining and glazing. The team also attended lectures from prominent CEREC dentists and laboratories who shared their innovative cases and results. Enamic can be processed using the Sirona CEREC and inLab systems, where milling can be completed more quickly and with significantly less tool wear, saving valuable time and resources. A CEREC Master Training Course took place in German at the same time, and a translator was brought in so that the team could gain exposure to advanced techniques using Enamic.

Give Kids A Smile teams up with NASCAR

The ADA's Give Kids A Smile program, ADA Foundation, Henry Schein, Care Credit, and 3M ESPE have struck a partnership with NASCAR driver Greg Biffle for the third year to spread oral health awareness to young fans of the sport.

Biffle, driver of the No. 16 3M Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, will help deliver the message to children about healthy habits, such as brushing for two minutes twice a day, flossing, visiting the dentist, and making smart food choices.

Biffle and 3M ESPE will take the oral health message to 11 NASCAR tracks throughout 2013 with family activities and education about healthy dental habits as part of the 3M display in the track midway areas. They expect to reach more than 600,000 people at tracks during the season, according to a press release.

A Give Kids A Smile paint scheme will be added to Biffle's No. 16 3M car during the Father's Day weekend race at Michigan International Speedway.

At the Daytona and California races, Church & Dwight will donate 12,000 toothbrushes to young fans visiting the 3M Give Kids A Smile tent at the 3M display at the track.

BEGO expands into Turkey

Alongside the head office in Istanbul, BEGO Türkiye has opened two further sales offices in Ankara and Adana and is also pushing to expand branches in Turkey.

BEGO Türkiye reported rapid growth last year and is already one of the top eight implant providers in Turkey.

"Further sales offices are planned. In view of the rapid expansion, they are vital in order to ensure that we continue to be close to BEGO customers in Turkey," says Hakan Görgün, managing partner of BEGO Türkiye.

Biolux Research announces regional distribution partner for Middle East and North Africa

Biolux Research announced a partnership with MAC International Medical Solutions LLC of Dubai for the distribution of the OsseoPulse bone regeneration system for use in implantology and dental surgery. The distribution agreement includes the regional territory of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and is for a three-year term.

The OsseoPulse was formally launched at the UAE International Dental Conference and Arab Dental Exhibition in Dubai in February.

"MAC International is very pleased to add the OsseoPulse to our dental product offering, and we believe it will fit perfectly with our team of dedicated sales professionals in the region," states Dr. Mazen Canon, director of MAC International. "We believe that the OsseoPulse can be an important treatment option for patients with complicated implant surgeries or those who desire earlier loading of implants and final restorations."

"We are happy to announce this new distribution partnership with MAC for the OsseoPulse," states Kevin Strange, president and CEO of Biolux. "The MENA region represents a growth area for implantology, and has shown a very strong interest in new technologies for improving dental implant and surgical outcomes and for reducing treatment timelines. We look forward to working with MAC to present new solutions to the dental market."

Makota Nakao of GC Corporation wins Deming Prize

Makota Nakao, president and CEO of GC Corporation, received the Deming Prize for Individuals at the 2012 Deming Prize Award Ceremony, held in November 2012. The Deming Prize for Individuals "is awarded to those who fully perform leadership in his/her specialty as a leader of quality control activities in Japan," according to GC News.

"The Deming Prize Committee highly evaluated GC Group's efforts for promotion of total quality management in pursuing the world's top level quality management," said Nakao in a letter to the industry. "I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation for your continuing support and guidance to our company activities."

Oral Health America announces additional three-year commitment by Ivoclar Vivadent

Oral Health America (OHA) has received a three-year, $500,000 commitment from Ivoclar Vivadent to support its mission of connecting communities with resources to increase access to care, education, and advocacy for all Americans, especially those most vulnerable.

Ivoclar Vivadent previously made a three-year commitment to OHA in 2010, helping to support The Wisdom Tooth Project, which changes the lives of older adults especially vulnerable to oral disease. This included supporting an Oral Medicine Clinic in Buffalo, N.Y., which was run by the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine to provide dental and medical care to residents using a multidisciplinary approach that treats the entire person, not just their oral condition.

"Ivoclar Vivadent is proud to continue its relationship with Oral Health America, supporting its programs that bring oral health care to those who need it most," said Robert Ganley, CEO of Ivoclar Vivadent. "As a company we look to give back to the community while emphasizing the importance of oral health, and OHA's programs and campaigns are a perfect fit for those goals."

Jensen Dental added as channel partner for 3M True Definition Scanner

Jensen Dental and 3M ESPE have announced that Jensen has qualified as the latest U.S. channel partner for the 3M True Definition Scanner, giving Jensen the ability to sell the advanced digital impression system. The True Definition scanner is being introduced at the recommended retail price of $11,995.

"3M ESPE and Jensen have already established a strong relationship through our Certified Lab Channel Partner agreement," said Mark Gates, vice president of sales and marketing, 3M ESPE. "We are pleased to have them now handling the True Definition Scanner, and are confident that their expertise and outstanding support will continue to serve customers well."

"The True Definition Scanner is a natural fit for Jensen's total solution for digital dentistry," said David Stine, president of Jensen Dental. "We are excited to demonstrate to dentists and their laboratory partners how digital scanning can help them work efficiently and more profitably."

Midmark hosts national sales meeting in Scottsdale

Midmark Corporation recently held its annual national sales meeting in Scottsdale for more than 150 sales representatives and sales managers from its medical, dental, and animal health divisions. The meeting encompassed product training, education, sales strategies, and an overview of corporate goals and accomplishments.

"Our sales reps were excited by this annual meeting and the training they received on new dental and imaging products that will benefit our dealers and the dental professional's productivity and efficiency," commented Ted Kehagias, director of sales. "We will continue to work with our distribution partners to deliver these efficiencies and provide solutions that meet our customers' needs. We look forward to providing even more new product offerings in the future."

The sales meeting also featured an awards banquet to honor Midmark's top performers for 2012.

NuSmile Pediatric Crowns names exclusive distributor in Mexico

NuSmile Pediatric Crowns announced recently that it has named Villa de Cortes Dental Depot as its exclusive distributor in Mexico.

"We have the utmost confidence that Villa de Cortes is the right partner to help Mexican dental practitioners appreciate how NuSmile Crowns can benefit their practices and their patients," said Diane Johnson Krueger, owner and CEO of NuSmile Pediatric Crowns. "We are very excited to introduce our pediatric crowns to this vital market."

Antonio Safar Curi, general manager of Villa de Cortes Dental Depot, said, "We are honored to have been selected by NuSmile to be their exclusive distributor in Mexico. Our customers and their patients will be thrilled with the natural, attractive appearance of NuSmile's esthetic crowns compared to conventional stainless steel crowns, and they will be especially pleased with their proven durability."

Oragenics, Inc. enters three-year agreement with Organic Wave, Inc.

Oragenics recently announced a three-year contract agreement with Organic Wave, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Organic Wave will be the exclusive distributor of Oragenics' oral care probiotics for pets in Japan under the Evora name as well as a private label brand.

Organic Wave operates as a subsidiary of Orthomolecular Nutrition Laboratory, which was established in 1985 to practice orthomolecular medical nutrition and to spread the knowledge gained to the general public throughout Japan. The laboratory offers study groups, seminars, and lectures focusing on various topics. It provides updated scientific news and information for members, and offers courses for medical doctors who are implementing a nutritional approach in their medical field.

"The completion of the agreement with Organic Wave gives Oragenics a gateway to the pet market in Japan for the oral care probiotic product EvoraPet. As in the U.S., the Japanese not only value their companion dogs and cats, but they understand the importance of good oral health to the overall health of humans and pets," stated John N. Bonfiglio, PhD, president and CEO of Oragenics.

Patterson Dental to hold 45th Annual Clifford R. Guggenheim Memorial Golf Tournament

Patterson Dental is preparing to hold the 45th Annual Clifford R. Guggenheim Memorial Golf Tournament on April 9, 2013. Participants can sign up for a day of golf, a barbecue lunch, and dinner for a set price, or they can simply sign up for dinner for a lower price. The tournament will be held at the Braemar Country Club in Tarzana, California.

Whip Mix Corporation attends AEEDC and conducts training in Dubai

Whip Mix attended the AEEDC meeting in Dubai in February and participated with Piro Trading, the agent for Whip Mix in the Middle East.

Following the meeting, Whip Mix Conducted a two-day sales and hands-on training event for 30 people in eight different countries around the region. Participants included Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, and the UAE, along with dealer sales representatives and key opinion leaders from universities and hospitals in the region.

NDC holds annual Dental Forum

The annual NDC Dental Forum was held January 23-24 at the Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spa in Las Vegas, NV. The meeting had 41 independent dealers and 51 vendor companies in attendance. A recap of the past year showed business was strong for the independents in 2012. Merchandise purchases grew by 6%, while equipment purchases were up 5%.

Sunstar Americas was awarded the Warehouse Vendor of the Year, and Sultan Healthcare was the NDC Brands Vendor (Quala/Pro Advantage). Progeny was recognized as the Manufacturer of the Year for 2012.

Dealer recognition went to Northeast Dental & Medical Supply for the Warehouse Member Award, and Healthcare Supply Service for the NDC Brands Award. The Dental Member of the Year Award went to Midco Dental (Tuttle, Okla.) for the second year in a row for their performance in exceeding goals in all categories – sales, warehouse purchases, vendor direct purchases, and private brand support.

Dentalez Group

James Hopkins

Southern California territory sales manager. Hopkins has over 15 years of industry sales experience for other dental companies. Hopkins can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].

Kelly Grubbs

Florida territory sales manager. Prior to joining DentalEZ, Grubbs gained over a decade of industry sales experience at several other dental companies. Grubbs can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].

Laurie Eason

Sales representative. Eason will be responsible for all sales activity in Ohio, western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Michigan. She comes to EDS with a background in the medical device industry.

Michael Turner

Chief executive officer. Turner succeeds Gregg Coccari, who retired this year. Turner previously served as the company's president for three years. He joined 1-800-DENTIST in 2010 with an extensive background in building successful Internet businesses in multiple high-profile companies.

Henry Schein Dental

Nadia Abrahams

Exclusive products specialist. Abrahams will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in northern Virginia. She was previously employed as a sales professional.

Mustafa Albassleh

Field sales consultant. Albassleh will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in Orange County, Calif. He was previously employed as a sales manager.

Matt Barry

Field sales consultant. Barry will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in Chicago. He was previously employed as a commodities trader.

Lisa Becerra

Field sales consultant. Becerra will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in San Francisco. She was previously employed in the hospitality industry.

Tony Benuzzi

Field sales consultant. Benuzzi will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in Orange County, Calif. He was previously employed as a sales professional.

Mike Bianco

Field sales consultant. Bianco will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in Seattle. He was previously employed as a physician sales consultant.

Andrew Bose

Field sales consultant. Bose will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Heather Brown

Field sales consultant. Brown will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in Oklahoma City. She has five years of experience in the dental industry and was previously a regional operations manager for Henry Schein.

David A. Bullock

Field sales consultant. Bullock will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in northern Los Angeles. He was previously employed as an account manager.

Brian Burke

Exclusive products specialist. Burke will represent Henry Schein Dental at its metro New York center. He was previously a sales representative for Henry Schein Medical.

Julie Copeland

Field sales consultant. Copeland will represent Henry Schein dental at its center in Pittsburgh. She was previously employed as a sales representative.

Ben Davis

Field sales consultant. Davis will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in Little Rock, Ark. He has 17 years of experience in the dental industry and was previously employed as a dental sales manager.

Mathias Dunwoody

Field sales consultant. Dunwoody will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in northern Virginia. He has seven years of experience in the dental industry and was previously employed as a dental project coordinator.

Emily Farrell

Field sales consultant. Farrell will represent Henry Schein dental at its center in Raleigh, N.C. She was previously employed as a sales representative.

Brett Graeff

Field sales consultant. Graeff will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in Philadelphia. He previously worked in patient financial services at a health center.

Jeramy B. Graham.

Field sales consultant. Graham will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in Dallas. He was previously employed as a sales representative.

Jim Hagan

Field sales consultant. Hagan will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in Philadelphia. He was previously employed as a business development specialist.

Angella Heiber

Field sales consultant. Heiber will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in Portland, Ore. She has three years of experience in the dental industry and was previously a dental equipment sales specialist for Henry Schein.

Brian Hickman

Field sales consultant. Hickman will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in Dallas. He was previously employed as a sales representative.

Jason Jackson

Field sales consultant. Jackson will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in Louisville, Ky. He has 13 years of experience in the dental industry and was previously a digital dental technology specialist for Henry Schein.

Mike Jedlicka

Field sales consultant. Jedlicka will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in Anchorage, Alaska. He was previously employed as a product manager.

Bill Johel

Exclusive products specialist. Johel will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in Charlotte, N.C. He was previously employed as a sales professional.

Durrell Johnson

Field sales consultant. Johnson will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in Birmingham, Ala. He has three years of experience in the dental industry and was previously employed as a dental sales professional.

Max Lane

Field sales consultant. Lane will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in Minneapolis. He was previously employed as a medical sales representative.

James Lipsey

Field sales consultant. Lipsey will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in Seattle.

Ryan Macomb

Field sales consultant. Macomb will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in Portland, Ore. He has four years of experience in the dental industry and was previously employed as an office manager for a dental practice.

Jessica Madonia

Exclusive products specialist. Madonia will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in Chicago. She has more than two years of experience in the dental industry and was previously employed as a dental administrative assistant.

Mark Medford

Field sales consultant. Medford will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in Minneapolis. He was previously employed as a unit sales manager.

Cal Mitchell

Field sales consultant. Mitchell will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in Knoxville, Tenn. He was previously employed as a sales professional.

Jeff Newton

Exclusive products specialist. Newton will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in Philadelphia. He has 10 years of experience in the dental industry and was previously employed as a dental implant specialist.

Corey Nimety

Field sales consultant. Nimety will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in northern Los Angeles. He was previously employed as an insurance agent.

Leigh Ann Peterson

Field sales consultant. Peterson will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in Salt Lake City. She has six years of experience in the dental industry and was employed as a dental assistant.

Brad Pingle

Exclusive products specialist. Pingle will represent Henry Schein Dental in San Francisco. He has two years of experience in the dental industry as a dental sales manager.

Dan Sihksnel

Exclusive products specialist. Sihksnel will represent Henry Schein Dental in Long Island, N.Y. He was previously employed as a sales professional.

Cody Reynolds

Field sales consultant. Reynolds will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in Houston. He was previously employed as a sales and service representative.

Audrey Stern

Field sales consultant. Stern will represent Henry Schein Dental in Cleveland. She has 17 years of experience in the dental industry and was previously employed as dental office manager.

Diego Rosas

Field sales consultant. Rosas will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in Houston. He was previously employed as a sales professional.

Chris Stromdahl

Exclusive products specialist. Stromdahl will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in Seattle. He was previously employed as a sales professional.

Jennifer Saari

Field sales consultant. Saari will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in Philadelphia. She was previously employed as a sales representative.

Shantay M. Taylor

Field sales consultant. Taylor will represent Henry Schein Dental at its center in Charlotte, N.C. He was currently employed as a territory service representative.

Patterson Dental Supply

The following Patterson Dental representatives have met sales training requirements at Patterson's corporate office in St. Paul, Minn.
Elizabeth ClarkLesa CurleyBobby DimovskiKeith Frank
Glen HuberBlake JoeckelElizabeth KardelErika Leighton
Justin PhiloMichael RarratTheron WatsonChris Wittneben
Lindsay HainzingerJames MarvinMichael Zappone