Ultradent Products, Inc.
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For Immediate Release

Ultradent Announces Exclusive Relationship with Shofu, Inc.

April 22, 2010 Kyoto, Japan & UT, USA

​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 

About Ultradent Products, Inc. 
Ultradent Products, Inc., is a leading developer of high-tech dental materials, devices and instruments worldwide. Ultradent’s mission is to improve the level of dental healthcare and to make dental procedures more predictable and hassle-free. Consistent with its mission, Ultradent works to improve the quality of life and health of individuals through financial and charitable programs. More information about Ultradent, call (800) 552-5512 or visit www.ultradent.com 

About Shofu, Inc. 
Shofu, Inc. is a publicly traded company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, and has remained one of the top manufacturers of superior dental products in the global market. They contribute to world dentistry through providing creative and innovative products. Shofu, Inc. is endeavoring to fulfill its obligations in the field of dental technology as a globally active corporation. Their aim is to put a smile on your face. Shofu, Inc. received CE marking of ISO13485, International Organization for Standardization, for dental equipment and ISO14001, for Environmental management systems. Their mission is not only to be a quality innovator but also to conserve the environment. For more information about Shofu, Inc., please visit http://www.shofu.co.jp/global/ ​

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