GSK purchases NovaMin Technologies
GlaxoSmithKline has acquired NovaMin Technologies for $135 million. NovaMin, made from the same bioactive material used in the most advanced bone regeneration material, according to the company's Web site, can be found in 13 products worldwide, including Nupro (Dentsply Professional), Topex ReNew (Sultan), and Soothe Rx (3M ESPE/Omnii Pharmaceuticals).
DENTSPLY donations benefit NCOHF
DENTSPLY International donated dental products valued at more than $163,000 to National Children's Oral Health Foundation: America's Toothfairy® (NCOHF) in 2009 to provide vital dental treatment for underserved children across the country.
Twenty-two NCOHF Affiliate nonprofit oral health care centers received donated dental products throughout the year from DENTSPLY International, which included prophy paste as well as fluoride foam, gels, sealants, burs, and other assorted products. Both the NUPRO® NuSolutions Prophy Paste and NUPRO Fluoride products were offered to Affiliates in a variety of child-friendly flavors.
Dental Health Products visits 3M ESPE
Dental Health Products, Inc., recently strengthened its working relationship with 3M ESPE by participating in a two-day seminar at 3M headquarters in St. Paul, Minn. Attending the seminar were Sean Smith (marketing manager), Ashley Frye (product manager), and Bill Michales, Darrell Durie, Jay Havlicek, Scott Schaepe, Heath Miller, and Robin Shear (sales representatives).
Not only did DHPI employees participate in product discussions, hands-on workshops, and sales training seminars, but they toured 3M's Innovation Center which gave them a better understanding of its worldwide operations.
"Our training at 3M definitely was a benefit," Miller said. "It helped me to expand on my product knowledge and give me a better understanding of how specific products are used and applied in the dental practice. The experience is going to help me to be an even greater asset to my clients."
Straumann honored in London
At a recent ceremony in London, Straumann was presented with the 2009 "Medical Device Technology of the Year Award" for Roxolid®, a high-performance material for dental implants. The award, which recognizes excellence in technological innovation, is one of the Best Practices Awards bestowed by Frost & Sullivan, the global growth consulting company.
Beaverstate's Aerolight earns patent
Beaverstate Dental Systems was recently granted a U.S. Patent covering 20 elements for their innovative Aerolight. The patent covers everything from the unique ball and socket swivel to the venting system which does not require a fan.
The result of this is a compact operatory light that is both innovative and affordable. The Aerolight is available for both post and ceiling mount.
"This patent shows Beaverstate's commitment to innovation and advanced product development," stated Rick Whitman, president of Beaverstate Dental Systems. "I am very proud of our team's hard work in developing this light."
Patterson renews AADOM partnership
Patterson Dental has extended its Diamond Level Corporate partnership with the American Association of Dental Office Managers (AADOM). The two-year agreement ensures that dental practices continue to benefit from combined resources that enhance practice management and enrich careers of office managers and administrators.
Patterson Dental and AADOM began working together in 2006.
"Our exciting partnership is producing resources we never imagined initially," said Patterson Office Supplies Marketing Manager Kim McQueen. "The next two years will be even more exciting as we roll out more educational and career resources for office professionals."
As part of the growing network of support sparked by the Patterson/AADOM partnership, many Patterson branch offices are actively working with office managers to start local study clubs, assist with meeting space and arrange guest speakers.
AFP Imaging now ImageWorks
AFP Imaging Corporation is now ImageWorks. According to R. Scott Jones, chairman of ImageWorks, "We feel that the name ImageWorks embodies the energy, innovation, and customer responsiveness that we value and strive to maintain. Our leading brands, Dent-X, NewTom, EVA, and MiniMed are well recognized for outstanding performance and quality throughout the world and will retain their brand identity in each of their respective markets."
While the company is now ImageWorks reflecting the new market approach, all existing warranties, service agreements and partnerships remain intact. ImageWorks proceeds into a new era with its corporate relationships.
For more information, visit www.ImageWorksCorporation.com.
Midmark's Girouard honored
Midmark Corporation's Réjean Girouard was recently presented with the highly prestigious "Director of Dental Services Commendation" by the Canadian Forces Dental Services (CFDS). Girouard, who has served Midmark as a territory manager in Eastern Canada for the company's dental division since 2002, received the commendation for his outstanding service to the Canadian Forces Dental Corps' work in Haiti. He is the second civilian to ever be presented with this award by the Canadian Forces.
"We are honored to have Réjean as a Midmark teammate. He has truly exemplified 'Because We Care' through his commitment to his customers and country and — most recently — in his selfless contribution to the humanitarian efforts in Haiti," said Eric Shirley, Midmark's vice president and general manager, dental division.
Girouard played a critical role in the CFDS's victim identification mission in response to the February 2010 earthquake in Haiti. The corps discovered on a Saturday afternoon prior to a Monday morning deployment to Haiti that pieces of digital radiography equipment as well as its only spare were non-serviceable. Girouard donated considerable personal time and resources to lend the CFDS a Midmark Progeny™ dental imaging system and ensure its timely arrival. Working with Midmark teammates Terry Aldrich, Tony Bavuso and Joe Jacobs, he organized the overnight transport of the equipment and worked to ensure it cleared Canada customs in time for the Monday flight, enabling the CFDS to accomplish its humanitarian mission.
Girouard was also recognized for his outstanding work in supporting the CFDS — a longtime client of Midmark's —through customized dental equipment for Canadian Forces missions in Afghanistan.
Patterson breaks ground on Technology Center
Patterson Companies, Inc., recently held a groundbreaking event to celebrate construction of its upgraded Patterson Technology Center (PTC) complex in Effingham, Ill.
When completed in fall 2011, the nearly 100,000-square-foot PTC will have the space and high-tech capabilities to expand current development, testing and call center support of the newest technologies for customers and business partners in the markets served by Patterson Dental, Webster Veterinary and Patterson Medical — the businesses that comprise Patterson Companies.
The PTC supports Eaglesoft practice management and digital software, CAESY patient education, Patterson-branded computer hardware, and exclusive Patterson products, such as CEREC and Schick.
The state-of-the-art complex will have a workforce capacity of about 600 – nearly double that of the current PTC facility (also in Effingham). Features will include simulated dental, veterinary and rehabilitation environments showcasing the newest technology products and seamless integration capabilities. This representation provides opportunity for employees to gain more extensive hands-on training using cutting-edge technologies and demonstrates how leading software and digital technologies, for example, work together to enhance efficiency and productivity.
A-dec donates equipment to NCOHF
A-dec has donated dental office equipment to National Children's Oral Health Foundation: America's Toothfairy® (NCOHF) to facilitate enhanced comprehensive dental programs for children from vulnerable populations. United Methodist Mexican American Ministries (UMMAM), a member of the NCOHF Affiliate network, received new operatory equipment for its dental clinic that will aid in providing vital oral health services for underserved pediatric patients in Southwest Kansas. UMMAM is one of 14 comprehensive community health-care facilities in the NCOHF Affiliate network, and the only dental care provider in Southwest Kansas that offers services on a sliding fee scale based on income level.
Paula Vogel, A-dec's manager of corporate communications and public affairs, stated, "A-dec is proud to support the life-changing services that UMMAM provides and we plan to continue facilitating product donations to NCOHF Affiliate partners working to eliminate pediatric dental disease. A-dec's Local Territory Manager Dan Pulliam and Patterson Wichita's Territory representative David Criger worked diligently with UMMAM to identify and deliver equipment that fulfilled UMMAM's most critical operatory needs."
Prime Dental Supply joins ADC
American Dental Cooperative (ADC) announces a new member, Prime Dental Supply. Prime Dental Supply is located in Bardonia, N.Y., and serves the lower Huson Valley market with equipment and merchandise sales accompanied by technical service. Prime Dental Supply will now have access to the Quala Brand of dental products.
ADC represents 36 dental distributors in the United States and Canada, and is a division of National Distribution & Contracting, Inc.
Novalar reaches agreement with H.A. Systems to distribute OraVerse® in Israel
Novalar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has entered into an agreement with H.A. Systems Dental Imports Ltd., based in Ramat Gan, Israel, to distribute OraVerse® in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Under the terms of the agreement, H.A. Systems will file the necessary documentation for regulatory approval of OraVerse with the Israel Ministry of Health. Upon approval, H.A. Systems will have exclusive rights to promote and distribute OraVerse to dentists in the territory through the company's established dental franchise and sales force.
PureLife Dental donates to TCDC
Known for bringing eco-friendly and socially responsible values to the dental industry, PureLife Dental announces its partnership with The Children's Dental Center of Greater Los Angeles (TCDC) to provide dental care and education to underserved children and their caregivers. Recently, PureLife Dental contributed a total of $8,258 to TCDC, enhancing the program's ability to serve the underprivileged and uninsured children of Greater Los Angeles.
Nakao honored by Japanese government
GC America is pleased to congratulate Makoto Nakao, president and chief executive officer of GC Corporation, on being recently awarded the Medal of Honor with Blue Ribbon from the Government of Japan. The Blue Ribbon was first awarded in 1882 to individuals who have made significant achievements in the areas of public welfare or public service. Nakao was honored for his achievements as the chairman of the Japan Dental Trade Association.
Ranir acquires Synpart properties
Ranir, LLC, has acquired Synpart Limited and Synpart AG from HemCon Medical Technologies, Inc. Synpart is a leading manufacturer and marketer of store brand oral care products in the European Community and a contract manufacturer for global branded oral care companies.
Along with Ranir, LLC, Synpart will become a division of Ranir Global Holdings, LLC. The combined company is now the largest store brand oral care company in the world and a significant contract supplier to global branded oral care companies.
Patterson's Leadership Summit keys on enhancing value to customers
The 2010 Leadership Summit presented an opportunity for Patterson Dental branch managers and manufacturer partners from around the country to bolster the strong commitment to drive innovation and growth in the marketplace, to celebrate the leadership of recently retired Patterson Companies president and chief executive officer James W. Wiltz, and to give back to the industry through support for the National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped (NFDH). Manufacturers are not charged a fee to attend the Leadership Summit, but are asked to make a donation to the NFDH.
"Without your innovation, we couldn't do what we do," said Paul Guggenheim, president of Patterson Dental, welcomed manufacturer partners. "This shared commitment to providing the highest level of value to dental professionals is evident in the products you produce and in the customer-first approach Patterson brings to sales, service, and support — all continually evolving to support the client of the future."
Discussion centered on driving customer value and sustainable competitive advantages, enhancing the total customer experience, and further developing Patterson employees.
Patterson recently revamped its Patterson Advantage® customer loyalty program and maintains exclusive agreements to distribute CEREC technology from Sirona, as well as Schick dental X-ray products, and other productivity-changing technology to the practice. Patterson continues to see success with its Eaglesoft software, "the fastest growing practice management program in North America," according to Guggenheim.
Wiltz, who retired as Patterson Companies president and chief executive officer on April 24, 2010, ending a career that began in 1969 as a territory representative in Kansas City and Sioux City, was recognized during a special Leadership Summit program and video tribute in his honor He was named president of Patterson Dental in 2001, and president and chief operating officer of Patterson Dental Company in 2003. Between 2001 and 2003, business operations expanded into three reportable segments: dental, veterinary (Webster Veterinary) and rehabilitation supply (Patterson Medical). Wiltz continues to be involved in the business through participation on the Board of Directors.
The Leadership Summit also presented an opportunity to acknowledge Wiltz for his quiet, yet steadfast devotion to supporting charities such as the NFDH and Christina's Smile. Both organizations provide underserved populations with much-needed access to dental care.
More than 10 years ago, Wiltz informed NFDH President and CEO Larry Coffee that all the manufacturer partners invited to the Leadership Summit had been asked to consider making a voluntary contribution to the NFDH. "This action is exemplary of Jim's genuineness," Coffee said. "Without fanfare, Patterson developed and implemented the concept without having solicited it. More than $1 million has been raised. Using this generous support to expand the Donated Dental Services program, this assistance has been leveraged into $15 million in comprehensive pain-relieving, dignity-restoring and even life-sustaining therapies for several thousand needy elders and individuals with mental, physical and/or medical disabilities."
As part of the Patterson Dental Leadership Summit, high-producing branches were recognized for their performances in fiscal 2010:
Chuck Lottes Memorial Award for Net Income Improvement
Metro NY/NJ; Ted Vlamis, Manager
Finance – Top Branch Performance
San Francisco; Mark Webb, Manager (now Southwest Region manager)Most Improved Branch – U.S.
Austin; Renee Mikkalson, ManagerTop Branch-Group 5
(1st) Fargo; Scott Fossen, Manager
(2nd) Maine; Steve Carlin, ManagerTop Branch-Group 4
(1st) Albuquerque; Travis Wiseman, Manager
(2nd) Austin; Renee Mikkalson, ManagerTop Branch-Group 3
(1st) Salt Lake City; Cory Hanks, Manager
(2nd) Rochester; Jim Stewart, ManagerTop Branch-Group 2
(1st) Minnesota; Dan Konicek, Manager
(2nd) Connecticut; Joe McGonigal, ManagerTop Branch-Group 1
(1st) Philadelphia; Jeff Drugotch, Manager
(2nd) Boston; Ed Ferrero, Manager
Whip Mix honors "Winners Circle"
Whip Mix recently hosted the 2010 "Winners Circle" contest winners Stuart Schultz (lab manager of Pearson Dental) and Lorraine Golding (sales representative of Zahn Dental). As winners of the Winners' Circle contest, Schultz, Golding, and guests were treated to a tour of the Whip Mix facility, Woodford Reserve, Taylor Made Horse Farm, and attended the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby.
The Whip Mix "Winners Circle" contest ran from May 1–Dec. 31, 2009. Contest winners were selected from dealer sales representatives who promoted and sold select Whip Mix equipment. One winner was selected from a lottery drawing and the other winner selected was the overall top performing sales rep.
Supermax named as Malaysian company of the year
Supermax recently won three awards at the Billion Ringgit Club of Bursa Malaysia's award ceremony — company of the year, highest return to shareholders over three years, and highest growth in profits before tax over three years. The Company of the Year award, signifying Supermax as the best among the 163 member companies in the most exclusive Billion Ringgit Club of the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange, Bursa Malaysia, was presented by Prime Minister of Malaysia.
Schein, Sirona team up to help in Peru
Henry Schein Cares, the global social responsibility program of Henry Schein, Inc., and Sirona Dental Systems, recently donated equipment and oral health care supplies to support the operation of the new Diospi Suyana Hospital Dental Clinic in the Apurimac region of Peru. Henry Schein and Sirona are two of the largest donors to the non-profit dental clinic.
To meet the needs of many in the community who require urgent and extensive oral health care, the new dental clinic, which includes five consultation rooms, an X-ray room, and a laboratory, will serve as many as 1,000 patients per month. The dental clinic is part of the Diospi Suyana Hospital, which has been completely funded by donations, allowing patients to pay only what they can afford, often in the form of barter.
The opening of the Diospi Suyuna Hospital Dental Clinic was celebrated at a special ceremony on June 26, which was attended by more than 3,000 people, including the First Lady of Peru, Pilar Nores de Garcia, and many other global dignitaries.
Fall for Smiles® campaign coming soon
Oral Health America (OHA) announces the launch of Fall for Smiles®, a public messaging campaign conducted in collaboration with Oral Healthcare Can't Wait®, an initiative of the Dental Trade Alliance. The campaign was scheduled to begin in September to promote messages to consumers about the importance of self care, good nutrition, regular dental visits, and tobacco avoidance in maintaining oral health.
During the campaign, OHA will announce the results of a public opinion survey on consumers' beliefs about oral health. Sponsored by Oral Healthcare Can't Wait and Plackers dental flossers, the survey of more than 1,000 adults and more than 1,000 children asked questions about oral care habits and perceptions.
Fall for Smiles will include outreach to dental care providers through a participation booklet and kit created by Patterson Dental. The campaign will also dedicate a week to the often-overlooked topic of oral health issues faced by mature adults and older Americans, an initiative being sponsored by Aspen Dental. A "Tobacco Free Week" will focus on the oral health risks of tobacco use.
Schein helps clean Hawaiian beaches
Henry Schein Hawaiian team members volunteered on the Fourth of July to support the Honolulu County Dental Society's program to clean the Ala Moana State Park Beach in Honolulu. They were joined by more than 200 Hawaiian dentists and staff who also volunteered to pick up trash and litter along the Honolulu shoreline.
"The generosity and concern that is at the heart our Team Schein spirit was evident at the beach cleanup at Ala Moana State Park Beach in Honolulu," said Brian Brady, San Diego and Hawaii Regional Manager, Henry Schein Dental. "I am proud to see that each Team Schein Member in Hawaii helped make a difference in our community and for one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. 'Mahalo' to all Henry Schein team members in Hawaii."
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