Industry Updates

NEWS

Ultradent announces grand opening of Chinese subsidiary

Ultradent Products, Inc. is excited to announce the grand opening of an international subsidiary in Guangzhou, China, on Sunday, May 29, 2013. The new structure will allow for the importation and storage of Ultradent products—ensuring full inventory and fast delivery to its ever-growing Chinese customer base.

Dr. Fischer, president and CEO of Ultradent, has been traveling throughout China and other parts of Asia during the month of May, presenting seminars on the newest developments in dental technology to clinicians and their staff in the region. Dr. Fischer will join the Ultradent China staff, as well as many dentists, partners, and distributors, to celebrate the grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, presentation, and cocktail reception.

Ultradent continues to expand beyond U.S. borders and currently operates 10 international offices throughout the world—including Europe, South America, and Asia. Ultradent proudly exports 70% of its products to many international regions and countries. The company also participates and contributes to numerous humanitarian efforts both domestically and abroad.

A-dec mourns loss of company co-founder Joan Austin

It is with great sadness that A-dec marks the passing of its co-founder, Joan D. Austin.

Joan Austin unexpectedly died in her sleep in the early morning hours of June 5 at her Newberg home. She was 81. Her husband Ken Austin was at her side.

Son-in-law and A-dec President & CEO Scott Parrish announced to A-dec employees that A-dec is grieving the loss of a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, business leader, and genuine altruist.

Joan (pronounced Jo Ann) is survived by her husband Ken Austin, two children and five grandchildren, all residents of Newberg and its surrounding area. Son G. Kenneth Austin III is married to Celia Strickland Austin. Daughter Loni Austin Parrish is married to Scott Parrish.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Joan," says Parrish. "Aside from Joan's dedication, breadth of experience, rich insight and business acumen, it's her enormous capacity to give that will create the greatest void." He also reassured employees of the family's commitment to remain a family-owned business in Newberg.

Joan Austin was co-owner and co-chair of the board for A-dec, Inc., the largest privately-owned dental equipment manufacturing company in the United States. She and husband Ken founded the company in October 1964. Up until her death, Joan was involved in the company's administrative, personnel, philanthropic, financial, and legal operations.

A memorial service has not yet been announced. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to any charity in memory of Joan D. Austin.

BIOLASE adds two new independent directors to its board

BIOLASE, Inc. . recently announced that its board of directors appointed Frederic H. Moll, M.D. and Erin S. Enright to the Board. Dr. Moll and Ms. Enright were each determined to be independent under the NASDAQ Listing Standards by the Company's Board and met the requirements for committee assignments as set forth in the respective committee charters.

Frederic Moll, M.D., is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Auris Surgical Robotics, Inc., the fourth surgical robotics company he has founded. In 1995, Dr. Moll co-founded Intuitive Surgical, Inc., the world leader in surgical robotics. He served as Intuitive's CEO through 1996 and a Director through 2004. Many credit Dr. Moll with creating the surgical robotics industry. Dr. Moll has been appointed to serve as a member of the Compensation Committee of the Board.

Erin Enright is a medical device executive, banker, and attorney now serving as the President of Lee Medical in Plainsboro, New Jersey, a manufacturer of Lee-Lok bone marrow needles. She is also the managing director of Prettybrook Partners, which she operates with her partner, Stuart Essig, former CEO of Integra Lifesciences, a former board member of Zimmer Holdings, Inc., and a current board member of St. Jude Medical, Inc. Ms. Enright is also a founding member and director of TigerLabs, a Princeton-based fund and technology accelerator. Ms. Enright has been appointed to serve as a member of the Audit Committee of the Board.

"We are extremely pleased with the addition of Fred and Erin to our Board of Directors," said Federico Pignatelli, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Their experience and vision will be an invaluable asset to the Board as it strategically guides the company forward into the next level of execution in our core laser dental leadership and to also project our unique laser technologies into new medical markets and opportunities."

Air Techniques

Kevin O'Hearon

Strategic purchasing manager. O'Hearon has more than two decades of experience in purchasing and supply management. He has a background in customer service, MRP, forecasting, and DRP, which extends to resale and international purchasing.

DMG America

Mark "Cookey" Eisen

Key accounts manager. Eisen will be responsible for creating and driving new innovative programs through DMG America's distribution network. Prior to his new appointment, he served as district manager and has been in sales for over 15 years.

Barry Larsen

Director of sales. Larsen will report to the VP of sales, Jerry Collins, and will oversee DMG America's North American Sales activities. Barry has worked for DMG America for over 12 years and served as both district sales manager and Canadian area sales manager.