Straumann now available direct

Swiss-based dental implant manufacturer, Straumann, commenced direct distribution of its products in Australia on July 1. Straumann was previously distributed by Ivoclar Vivadent Pty Ltd and the move brings the number of direct subsidiaries around the world to 16.

"It's a very exciting time for Straumann in Australia," said General Manager, Angela Young. "It's early days and we're bedding everything down at the moment and trying to make it a positive and seamless change for our customers. In the long term, the move will also enable us to give them a whole new level of service."

Straumann has moved into a new facility in Port Melbourne that incorporates offices, warehousing and a state-of-the-art training and education centre.

"We've made a serious commitment upfront to ensuring our customers and potential customers continue to have access to a comprehensive continuing education program. Our new head office has an auditorium that seats 100 and a full KaVo laboratory set-up complete with phantom training heads.

"We will also be introducing new products into the market including our range of hard and soft tissue regeneration products that are currently with the TGA and an increased product range in implant dentistry. Complete training in these products will be delivered by our growing faculty of teachers which comprise well-known clinicians."

Ms Young said that the organization had employed a dozen people nationally in sales, management, customer service and accounts. The sales team comprises Fiona Norrish and Ellen Krajnc in Melbourne; Jenny Lays and Deborah Cotter in Sydney; Janelle Dycer in Brisbane; Angela Tascone in Perth; and Jo Nayda in Adelaide.

"We were at critical mass stage distributing through Ivoclar Vivasdent and our parent company made the decision that the time was right to go direct.

"We obviously have a lot more autonomy now and a lot more support from our parent company. Straumann has gone from being one of four business units to the sole focus of the entire business."