Dental News Roundup December 2010
BY LAUREN UZDIENSKI, DECEMBER 23, 2010
Regulatory
Following a two-day meeting, an outside panel of experts recommended the FDA review data on amalgam fillings. In 2009, the agency released a rule stating the fillings were safe.
Sales and Marketing
Biomet 3i introduced new interactive booths for display at industry events. The company says visitors to the booth can now experience how the company's products can "provide them with solutions for each patient scenario." The new booths feature interactive kiosks, digital dentistry demonstration areas and animated media.
Collaborations
Dentsply entered into a strategic partnership with DIO Corporation, based in Busan, South Korea. DIO manufactures dental implant devices and associated accessories. Dentsply says the partnership will allow the company to "better meet a broader range of customer needs, particularly in emerging markets."
Materialise Dental has established a partnership with Zimmer Dental. Zimmer Dental says they are now able to market Materialise's SimPlant dental implant treatment planning software with Zimmer Guided Surgery Instrumentation and the Materialise Dental SAFE SurgiGuide solution.
Appointments
Nobel Biocare announced several appointments this month. Effective January 1, 2011, Bill Ryan will revert back to his original role as an advisor to the CEO and become the non-executive Chairman, North America following his "successfully transforming the North American organization." Melker Nilsson will succeed Bill Ryan as President & General Manager North America and as a member of Nobel Biocare's Executive Committee. At present, Melker Nilsson is Chief Operating Officer, North America. Additionally, Mike Thompson was named Senior Vice President & General Manager Asia/Pacific. Mr. Thompson joins Nobel Biocare from Pfizer. Finally, the company appointed General Counsel Jorg von Manger-Koenig as Head of Legal & Compliance and member of the Executive Committee, where he will be responsible for legal matters, regulatory issues and quality assurance.
