Australian Dental Manufacturers Take On The World

Australian manufacturers of dental supplies have shown they have the knowledge and expertise to take on the world's largest medical and pharmaceutical companies. This is the assessment of Australian exporter's participation in the IDS2011 dental exhibition, the largest of its type in the world, held late last month in Cologne, Germany.

The Australian Dental Industry Association (ADIA) is the peak representative body for the local dental industry and coordinated an Australian pavilion at the IDS2011 dental exhibition. According to the ADIA Executive Officer, Troy Williams, this important biennial event raises the profile of Australia's dental manufacturing capacity and secures its future.

"In global terms Australia is a small player, representing around two percent of the total market for dental product. The local exporters who travelled to IDS2011 in Germany have the opportunity to tap into a larger customer base thus consolidate their position," Mr Williams said.

According to Mr Williams, local exporters have been able to overcome several obstacles including a small domestic market, the Australian dollar at historical highs and a local regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration, that has proposed a number of manufacturing requirements specific to Australia, something which makes it tough for local exporters.

"It's successfully facing these challenges that demonstrate exactly what Australia's dental manufacturing base has to offer. The demonstrated capacity to adapt to changing market circumstances coupled with a reputation for quality and innovative product solutions is what has allowed Australia's dental product manufacturers to succeed," Mr Williams said.

ADIA members exhibiting at IDS2011 in Germany included ANZ Dental, William Green and Australia's largest dental product manufacturer, the publically-listed company SDI. As exporters participation at IDS2011 was logical for these companies as it is the world's largest dental exhibition attracting nearly 2,000 exhibitors and some 115,000 visitors.

"Providing support for Australia's small dental manufacturing base is a key priority for ADIA and we are please to assist their export initiatives," Mr Williams concluded.