Dental News Roundup September 2010
BY LAUREN UZDIENSKI, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
Product Introduction and Update
Glidewell Dental Lab announced that they have "invested heavily" in manufacturing technology to lower the cost of dental implant components. The company uses Tornos DECO CNC screw machines and notes that their technology is compatible with a range of implants including Neoss, Biomet 3i Certain, NobelReplace, NobelActive, Branemark System RP, Straumann Bone Level, Keystone PrimaConnex, and Zimmer Screw-Vent. Glidewell will add compatibility with Astra components "soon."
Sirona is introducing LED lamps for treatment instruments, which the company says can aid in color reproduction and illumination in the oral cavity, making "identification of tooth substance, filling material and soft tissue much easier." Additionally, LEDs typically have a longer service life than halogen lamps.
Straumann launched its CARES (Computer Aided REstorative Solutions) portfolio, a CAD/CAM dental restoration system that the company calls the "most significant launch of extended functionality to date in CAD/CAM dentistry." The system includes the new CARES Scan CS2 in-lab scanner, which features the ability to scan solid master models, section cuts and antagonist models. The company has also introduced new companion software, the CARES Visual 6.0. Additionally, the CARES system expands Straumann's prosthetic applications to include inlays and onlays, veneers and implant-borne screw-retained bars and bridges in addition to the copings, crowns, bridges and customized abutments already offered.
VITA announced an expanded shade range for their line of Multifunctional Teeth, the company's "value-priced, performance denture tooth line." MFT products, which are marketed in the U.S. by Vident, are now available for 23 molds, with 13 combination VITA 3D-Master/Classical shades and two new bleached shades.
Legislation
The EPA is proposing a new law that would require dentists to install mercury separating devices, which would reduce mercury waste from amalgam fillings and allow the mercury to be recycled. The law would reverse current policy allowing dentists to decide whether or not to use the separating devices.
Sales and Marketing
BIOLASE increased the size of its North American sales force by 30% to 26 reps. The company aims to have 35 reps by 1Q:11, and the company says the change will position them for "stronger performance in the fourth quarter and beyond."
Distribution
BIOLASE announced a change to its distribution agreement with Henry Schein, whereby Henry Schein will become a non-exclusive distributor of BIOLASE dental laser systems and consumables in North America. Henry Schein was BIOLASE's exclusive North American distributor from August 2006 through August 2010.
RTI Biologics signed an exclusive, 10-year distribution agreement with Zimmer Dental, whereby RTI will supply sterilized allograft and xenograft implants for use in dental cases globally. The press release notes that the agreement includes transfer fees, rather than the marketing fee structure previously in place, and minimum purchase requirements.
Appointment
BIOLASE named Federico Pignatelli the permanent Chief Executive Officer of BIOLASE. Previously, Pignatelli was the interim Chief Executive Officer of BIOLASE and has served as Executive Chairman, Interim CEO, and President of the company. The company also announced that it was initiating an official search for a Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer position.
Sirona announced several management changes. The company promoted Jeffrey T. Slovin to the position of President of Sirona Dental Systems Inc. from Executive Vice President, where he was responsible for U.S. operations and worldwide imaging. Additionally, Walter Petersohn will assume the role of Executive Vice President of Sales after having served as Vice President of Sales, and Theo Haar, an Executive Vice President, will retire as anticipated after 12 years at the company.
