Heraeus Precious Metal Refining donates more than $12,000 to FDLT

Since announcing a partnership with the Foundation for Dental Laboratory Technology in May, Heraeus' Precious Metal Refining Division has donated more than $12,000 to the organization. The partnership calls for Heraeus' refining operation to make a contribution to the FDLT based on the value of scrap sent in from NADL/FDLT member laboratories. The foundation is a not for profit organization dedicated to advancing the dental lab industry by expanding educational opportunities.

According to a press release, 37 qualifying labs sent their scap to Heraeus for refining to make the donation possible. While this sort of partnership can be beneficial to Heraeus by giving potential customers another reason to choose the company's service, any program supporting the FDLT and it's educational mission is important.

This program creates a four-way partnership between Heraeus, it's refining service customers, the FDLT and all technicians who benefit from the foundation's work. Everyone involved deserves to be proud of what they've done thus far, but it's important to remember how much work is still required in order to get the industry back on a solid educational footing.

Read the complete press release below:

Heraeus’ Precious Metal Refining Division Makes Donation to Foundation for Dental Laboratory Technology

SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, November 1, 2011 – Heraeus Kulzer, LLC, the worldwide leader in dental esthetics, announced today that its Precious Metal Refining Division has donated over $12,000 to the Foundation for Dental Laboratory Technology (FDLT) since May.

Founded in 2008 with funding from the National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL), FDLT is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose purpose is to advance the profession of dental laboratory technology by developing educational curriculums and programs for dental technicians and other members of the dental team.

In May, Heraeus announced a partnership between itself and FDLT whereby Heraeus will make a charitable contribution to the Foundation based on the value of refined scrap from all NADL/FDLT member laboratories that use Heraeus’ refining services.

FDLT, which is sustained by ongoing charitable contributions, is committed to addressing three main industry challenges:

• The declining number of educated dental technicians.

• The gap between dental technicians’ expected knowledge and skills and the opportunities to acquire that level of knowledge and skills.

• Enabling dental technicians to stay current and advise dentists on emerging technologies and materials.

“We are pleased to be able to make this donation and support the extremely important efforts of the Foundation for Dental Laboratory Technology,” said Lesley Melvin, Product Manager for Heraeus’ Laboratory Division. “We would also like to acknowledge the 37 dental laboratories who made this donation possible by trusting Heraeus with their metal refining needs.”

Heraeus Precious Metal Refining is the world’s largest private precious metal refiner. The company burns, melts, separates and analyzes precious metals in a single location to give laboratories and dentists the highest possible return for their dental scrap metal. By eliminating surprise fees and minimum lot charges, Heraeus is able to give its customers the utmost in value and service.

Considered the global gold standard in dental esthetics materials, Heraeus operates a state-of-the-art refinery in Newark, New Jersey. The facility receives more than 25,000 scrap shipments annually, 80% of which are from existing loyal customers. Because it processes its own scrap from beginning to end, Heraeus offers direct, personalized contact without any middlemen, saving time and money for its valued customers.

For more information on Heraeus Precious Metal Refining, call (877) 431-1785 or visit www.heraeusdentalusa.com or www.heraeus-scrap.com. For more information on the Foundation for Dental Laboratory Technology, call (866) 627.3990 or visit www.dentallabfoundation.org.

About Heraeus

Heraeus, the precious metals and technology group headquartered in Hanau, Germany, is a global, private company with over 155 years of tradition. Our businesses include dental products and biomaterials, precious metals, sensors, quartz glass, and specialty lighting sources. With product revenues approaching € 2.6 billion and precious metal trading revenues of € 13.6 billion, as well as more than 12,300 employees in more than 110 companies worldwide, Heraeus holds a leading position in its global markets.

About Heraeus Kulzer Dental: Transforming Lives

The Heraeus Kulzer Dental Division mission is to advance the oral health of patients around the globe. To that end, we continually apply our research, science and global resources to deliver unparalleled innovation and exceptional products to both dental practitioners and laboratories. While product safety and efficacy are always our main goals, we also aim to create value-based products that unlock new levels of productivity in dental practices and dental laboratories. Interrelated products including the Venus® brand of low stress composites, Venus White® Whitening Systems, Flexitime® Impressions Systems, Gluma® Desensitizers, iBond® Bonding Solutions, Pala® Mondial® Teeth, and Modern Materials® Gypsum Products offer exceptional diagnosis, treatment, and restorative care.

Heraeus also collaborates with health care providers, researchers and academic institutions to support community wellbeing and overall oral health. To that end, Heraeus is a corporate supporter of the National Children's Oral Health Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides access to care for thousands of underserved children, and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Heraeus is the world’s largest private refiner with over 50 years of experience. For more information on Heraeus or its products, call (800) 431-1785 or visit www.heraeusdentalusa.com.