SAN CLEMENTE, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Jan. 26, 1999-- BIOLASE Technology Inc. (Nasdaq:BLTI - news) announced that it has executed a distribution agreement with Henry Schein Inc. (Nasdaq:HSIC - news) for U.S. sales of Millennium Hydrokinetic(TM) dental laser systems.
The non-exclusive agreement is effective immediately.
A purchase order for the initial 20 units has been issued by Schein, and the first group of lasers will ship immediately. Millennium is the only hard tissue dental laser system currently carried in Schein's product line.
Schein, a publicly held company with 1997 sales of $1.7 billion, is the largest distributor of health-care products and services to office-based practitioners, such as dental and physician practices, in the United States and Europe, with a worldwide dental sales organization of 900 people serving more than 150,000 customers.
Schein's worldwide distribution capabilities create the opportunity to further the relationship with BIOLASE in selected international markets such as the United Kingdom, France, Australia and other countries.
''We view this agreement with Henry Schein Inc. as one of the most significant business developments in the company's history,'' said Federico Pignatelli, BIOLASE chairman of the board.
''Not only does our alliance with Schein, the premier dental distributor in the world, lend significant credibility to our Millennium technology and help solidify its role in the dental marketplace, it gives Millennium the kind of exposure to practicing dentists that could not otherwise be obtained.
''We expect Millennium to benefit considerably from Schein's advertising capabilities, as well as from displays at trade shows and incorporation in Schein's catalogues.''
''We are excited about adding the Millennium Hydrokinetic(TM) hard tissue laser to our product selection within the rapidly growing category of high-tech equipment,'' said Jim Stahly, president of Schein's North American Dental Group.
''These new technologies provide us with the opportunity to offer our customers additional means for enhancing their overall practice productivity.''
Added Jeffrey W. Jones, CEO and president of BIOLASE: ''We're very pleased that Henry Schein has chosen the Millennium. It is currently the only hard tissue dental laser system among their broad product offering.
''We see this as a very exciting and seminal moment in the growth of BIOLASE, and we look forward to a profitable and long-term relationship with them. We believe that Schein's large sales force will ensure the rapid introduction of Millennium in the U.S. dental market.''
Dentists using the Millennium report that they can quickly cut dentin and enamel without anesthesia and also perform numerous soft tissue procedures with speed and precision. Millennium was just cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for hard tissue applications in October 1998.
BIOLASE Technology manufactures and markets advanced cosmetic, aesthetic, dental and surgical products, including laser systems, Hydrokinetic(TM) surgical cutting systems and other laser and non-laser based products for the professional and home consumer market. The company's products incorporate patented and patent-pending technologies that permit achieving results in unique ways.
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