Electro Medical Systems and Hu-friedy form strategic alliance

Switzerland-based Electro Medical Systems (EMS) and Hu-Friedy, a global leader in the manufacturing of dental instruments and products, announced a strategic alliance to deliver the most clinically advanced prophylaxis protocol to the U.S. and Canadian markets.

The foundation of the strategic alliance is a focus on advancing prophylaxis protocol by leveraging Hu-Friedy's heritage in high-quality hand instrumentation, coupled with best-in-class EMS offerings in Piezon scaling and air polishing.

With this new alliance, Hu-Friedy is now the exclusive U.S. and Canadian distributor of EMS Piezon NO PAIN scaling technology, as well as AIR-FLOW air polishing products. Combining these technologies with Hu-Friedy's extensive line of hand scaling instruments offers clinicians access to the most comprehensive prophylaxis treatment methods, backed by legendary Hu-Friedy service and support.

While distribution is a key component of this strategic alliance, the partnership will extend into other areas including clinical education, evidence-based research and Key Opinion Leader partnerships.

"This alliance not only adds exceptional technology to our product portfolio, but allows Hu-Friedy to change the game of prophylaxis in the U.S. and Canada," said Ken Serota, President of Hu-Friedy. "As the only company to offer products for hand instrumentation, Piezon scaling and air polishing, we are now uniquely positioned to help clinicians deliver the highest level of prophylaxis care to their patients."

In terms of the cultural fit of the alliance with EMS, Serota went on to state, "Hu-Friedy actively searched worldwide for a partner with similar values and a shared emphasis on helping clinicians perform at their best. With EMS, we have a partner who shares our commitment to innovation, quality and education."

Also commenting on the synergies of the alliance, Antoine Preisig, CEO of EMS Dental said, "With nearly 140 years of combined experience, innovation and clinically proven products and processes, Hu-Friedy and EMS are perfectly situated to provide clinicians with the most effective, comfortable and economic prophylaxis protocol. EMS has a strong heritage of precision engineering and award-winning product design, which makes our state-of-the-art Piezon scaling and AIR-FLOW air polishing products the perfect complement to Hu-Friedy's product portfolio. By leveraging the core competencies of both companies, we will fulfill our vision of bringing complete prophylaxis treatment to North America."

The Piezon scaling products combine the precision of Piezon technology, uniform power output and ergonomics in four devices that will optimize treatment efficiency and increase both patient and clinician comfort. These products can be used in even the most difficult or sensitive cases, including sub-gingival fine scaling, implant maintenance and endodontic treatments.

The AIR-FLOW family of air polishing products delivers the most advanced and effective method for supra and subgingival biofilm and stain removal, utilizing Swiss precision-engineered technology and soft impact powders. When used subgingivally, the AIR-FLOW devices and powders can reduce periodontal pocket depth, remove biofilm and help prevent peri-implant diseases.

Equipment and accessories included in this agreement are:

• Piezon Master 700
• Piezon 250
• Piezon 150
• AIR-FLOW Master Piezon
• AIR-FLOW Master
• AIR-FLOW S1 and S2
• AIR-FLOW handy 3.0
• as well as the respective accessories and consumables.

Hu-Friedy will introduce these products throughout 2014, with the full product suite available by year end.