ZURICH, Switzerland, Nov. 21, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Nobel Biocare (Other OTC:NBCHF) (Stockholm:NOBE), the world leader in innovative esthetic dental solutions, has strengthened its long-standing partnership with the University of Toronto, Canada's leading teaching and research university, by endowing $2 million to establish the Nobel Biocare Chair in Prosthodontics. The chair's purpose is to advance the research and education surrounding the relationship between prosthodontics and implantology.
Heliane Canepa, President and CEO of Nobel Biocare said, "We need to partner with universities because we need the dental profession to tell us what patients need. We provide, and the dental profession, as the experts, decides. Together we are strong!"
The chair, established in honor of retiring Professor George Zarb, will focus on developing the area of prosthodontics, a branch of dentistry that diagnoses and treats complex oral-related and congenital conditions. The Dental Research Institute at the University of Toronto maintains a special Implant Prosthodontics Unit focusing on the relationship between implants and prosthodontics, which is key to Nobel Biocare's patient-driven solutions and concepts. World-renowned scholar in prosthodontics, Professor Asbjorn Jokstad from the University of Oslo, Norway recently joined the faculty to fill the chair.
Professor David Mock, dean for the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry commented, "The University of Toronto is the only Canadian university with endowed chairs in dentistry. The establishment of the prestigious Nobel Biocare Chair confirms our commitment to research and teaching excellence. Dr. Jokstad brings world-leading research skills in evidence-based dentistry to the institution, furthering the relationship between Nobel Biocare and the University of Toronto."
The long-standing relationship between Nobel Biocare and the University of Toronto began in 1982 when Professor Per-Ingvar Branemark, Nobel Biocare founder and the inventor of modern dental implants, presented 25 years of scientific research and development in the field of osseointegration to dental experts from North America's leading universities. Convinced of his findings, this momentous event marked the first time that modern implantology was taught at major North American dental universities.
Training and Education are cornerstones in Nobel Biocare's strategy to offer durable and esthetic tooth replacement solutions to dental professionals and patients. As one of the world leaders in undergraduate, post graduate and continuing education, the company has been providing specialist training and mentoring for its clinically documented treatment concepts for nearly 25 years. In 2005, Nobel Biocare expects over 200,000 dental professionals in its training and education courses around the world.
NOBEL BIOCARE HOLDING AG
Disclaimer:
This release may contain forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, projections of future performance of materials and products, financial conditions, results of operations and cash flows, containing risks and uncertainties. These statements are subject to change based on unknown risks and other factors that could cause the actual results or performance to differ materially from the statements made herein.
Nobel Biocare is a medical devices group and the world leader in innovative esthetic dental solutions with its brands Branemark System(r), NobelSpeedy(tm), NobelReplace(tm), NobelPerfect(r), NobelDirect(r), Replace(r) Select, (dental implants) and Procera(r) (individualized dental prosthetics). Nobel Biocare is a one-stop shop for restorative esthetic dentistry, offering a wide range of innovative Crown & Bridge & Implant products, as well as training and education and clinically documented treatment concepts. Nobel Biocare has some 1600 employees and recorded revenue of EUR 388 million in 2004. The company is domiciled in Zurich, Switzerland with headquarters in Zurich and in Gothenburg, Sweden. Production takes place at four production sites located in Sweden and the USA. Nobel Biocare has direct sales organizations in 29 countries. The shares of the parent company Nobel Biocare Holding AG are listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange and on the Stockholm Stock Exchange, Sweden.
Celebrating 40 years of scientific heritage. In 1965, the first patient was treated with the original scientific dental implant system, the Branemark System(r). This event marked a breakthrough in modern dental implant therapy. Since then, millions of people have been helped with dental implants, enjoying improved function, appearance and quality of life. The original fixtures that were placed in the first patient 40 years ago are still in place, providing the individual with firm bridge support. The Branemark System(r) has been scientifically documented in 1,500 articles.