Dental Asia January/February 2024

DENTAL UPDATES
Senator Bong Go advocates for advancement of the
dental profession at the Manila Dental Chapter 4th
Scientific Seminar
The Manila Dental Chapter 4th Scientific
Seminar was held at the Hotel Benilde in
Manila City, the Philippines, on 12 Nov 2023
under the theme ‘Synergizing Biofunctional
Dentistry and Effective Communication’.
Led by Dr Michelle Lamug, the event
brought together dental professionals,
practitioners, and enthusiasts, who listened
to featured speakers and experts speak on
the latest advancements in biofunctional
dentistry and the important role of
effective communication in promoting
dental health. In attendance was senator
Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of
the Senate Committee on Health and
Demography, where he advocated for the
advancement of the dental profession.
“I am committed to working with you and
the entire dental community to ensure
that our healthcare policies are responsive
to your needs and that we provide the
necessary support to help you excel in your
field. I believe that through collaboration
and open dialogue, we can achieve the best
outcomes for the health of our people.
We need initiatives that will shape our
healthcare landscapes for the betterment
of all Filipinos,” said Go.
Go emphasised the need for a holistic
approach to healthcare that includes
oral health as an integral component.
He highlighted the role of biofunctional
dentistry not only in treating dental issues
but also in promoting overall wellbeing.
Go also stressed the importance of
raising awareness about maintaining good
health as he encouraged the public to
take advantage of the medical assistance
programmes offered in Malasakit Centers.
Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health
and Demography, senator Christopher “Bong” Go
(Image: Senate of the Philippines)
Furthermore, Go continued to push for
the construction of more Super Health
Centers nationwide. Such centres will offer
database management, dental, outpatient,
birthing, isolation, diagnostic, pharmacy,
and an ambulatory surgical unit. Other
services that will be available include
eye, ear, nose, and throat care, oncology
centres, physical therapy and rehabilitation
centres, and telemedicine. DA
Young Innovations acquires Salvin Dental Specialties
(Image: Young Innovations and Salvin)
Global supplier of dental products Young
Innovations announced the acquisition of
Salvin Dental Specialties (Salvin). Based
in Charlotte, North Carolina, US, Salvin is
a supplier of regenerative biomaterials,
surgical instrumentation, supplies and
equipment specifically for implant
dentistry.
“Salvin takes great pride in delivering an
exceptional customer experience and
clinical support to implant practices, with a
robust product line specifically designed by
the Salvin team to meet the unique needs
of this specialty segment,” said Dave Sproat,
CEO of Young Innovations. “We are excited
to support the ongoing growth of Salvin’s
business, employees, customers, vendors
and brand as a part of our broader global
portfolio.”
Bob Salvin, founder and CEO of Salvin, will
serve as an adviser to Young Innovations
and continue to provide counsel and
support for the Salvin team and its
customers. William Simmons, CEO, and
Greg Slayton, president, will continue to
provide daily leadership and management
for the business from Charlotte. There
are no changes to ordering and service
procedures for customers or vendors.
“I am exceptionally proud of the company
we have built for over 40 years with
our valued employees, customers, and
partners,” said Bob Salvin. “We have
achieved our goal of creating a business
focused on providing everything for the
implant practice but the implants. Thanks
to our strong team, culture, and focus, we
are well positioned for continued success.
We are excited to be partnered with Young
in this new chapter of growth for Salvin.”
“Our acquisition of Salvin reflects our
continued commitment to invest in the
oral surgery market. The combination
of Salvin and Young now makes us the
largest dental implant-agnostic supplier
in the industry,” added Steve Clareen,
vice-president/general manager at Young
Innovations. “The leadership team at Salvin
is exceptional. They have built a fantastic
business with a respected portfolio. We
look forward to working together to drive
additional value to Salvin’s customers and
the patients they serve.” DA
12 DENTAL ASIA JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024