Industry News

Dallas, Texas - December 9, 2010— D4D Technologies, LLC, a high-tech medical device company focused on 3-D digitizing applications, successful entrepreneurship, and commercialization of new technologies, announced today that Basil Haymann, co-founder, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of D4D Technologies since 2003 has decided to resign, effective December 16, 2010, in order to devote more time to his other entrepreneurial pursuits.  Mr. Haymann, a successful serial entrepreneur, will continue to maintain his ownership position and serve as a member of the Company’s Board of Managers as well as a consultant to the Company.

Read more: D4D Technologies Forms Interim Office of the CEO

YORK, Pa., Dec. 9, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DENTSPLY International Inc. (Nasdaq:XRAY) announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with DIO Corporation (KOSDAQ -- 039840), based in Busan, South Korea. DIO operations include a state-of-the art manufacturing facility in Busan, producing dental implant devices and associated accessories, which are marketed in numerous countries including many emerging markets. DENTSPLY's investment includes an initial ownership of less than 20% of the outstanding shares of DIO Corporation, with an additional investment in debentures, which may be converted into common shares after a one year period. Jin Cheol Kim and Jin Baek Kim, co-founders of DIO, will retain a significant ownership in the Company and remain active in the management and operations of the business.

Read more: DENTSPLY Enters Into Strategic Partnership With DIO Corporation

Investing Up to $50,000 for International and $100,000 for North America Scientific Research in Clear Aligner Orthodontic Therapy in 2011

SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 8, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Align Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq:ALGN) today announced that it has expanded its funding of the Clear Aligner Research Award Program to include international research in order to further the development of clear aligners for the treatment of malocclusion, or misalignment of teeth worldwide. Launched initially in 2009 for North America, the Clear Aligner Research Award Program is an annually funded program designed to promote both clinical and scientific research in clear aligner therapy. For 2011, $50,000 is now being made available for scientific research funding to international applicants in addition to $100,000 currently available to North American applicants.

Read more: Align Technology Expands Clear Aligner Research Award Program