Ultradent announces partnership with Shofu Inc.

UTAH, U.S.A. & KYOTO, Japan, April 22, 2010 - Ultradent Products, Inc. and its orthodontic division, Opal Orthodontics, today unveiled its exclusive relationship with Shofu, Inc., one of the largest international dental materials and equipment manufacturers with over 85 years of industry experience. Shofu, Inc. will be the exclusive distributor of Opal Orthodontics in Japan.

Founded in 1922 by Mr. Kajo Shofu III, a Japanese entrepreneur and researcher, Shofu, Inc. has a solid history with regional key opinion leaders and orthodontic specialists. Now a publicly traded company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Shofu has remained one of the top manufacturers of superior dental products used by dentists, dental technicians, and dental hygienists with affiliate companies in the United States, Germany, Singapore, United Kingdom, and China. Shofu will be the exclusive distributor of Opal Orthodontics products in Japan. Ultradent Japan will continue with distribution for Ultradent’s dental products through a network of distributors in Japan.

Dr. Richard P. McLaughlin, a private consultant to Ultradent’s orthodontic division, has been an active proponent of the Shofu-Ultradent partnership. “It is a pleasure to renew my relationship with Shofu in Japan under a new umbrella with a quality innovator of orthodontic products like Ultradent,” said Dr McLaughlin. “Dr. Masatada Koga, a recognized orthodontic expert, and I share a history of working in tandem to educate Shofu customers on advanced orthodontic diagnosis, treatment planning and patient care. Ultradent will add more depth with its long history of continuing education and the development of quality, innovative orthodontic products. ”

Dr. McLaughlin's passion for continuous improvement of the pre-adjusted appliance is what drew him to Ultradent and Dr. Dan Fischer, its president and founder. Last year, Dr. McLaughlin partnered with Opal Orthodontics as an advocate and consultant, helping to lead the global orthodontic education program and as a contributor to new product development and design. In the first quarter of 2010, Dr. McLaughlin represented Ultradent at a continuing education course in Japan, educating over 200 orthodontists on case studies related to the Opal Orthodontics system.

For more information on the partnership between Shofu, Inc. and Ultradent Products, Inc., please contact Hiroshi Kaji at Ultradent Japan at hiroshi.kaji@ultradent.com or Mr. Masaru Miyajima at Shofu, Inc. at m-miyajima@shofu.co.jp

For the last 12 years, the company has taken great measures to use and recycle rain water, reduce its carbon dioxide output and use solar energy for all its power needs.