Making a significant change to its distribution practices, Vident has announced that, for the first time, its premium denture teeth lines are available exclusively through dealers. Zahn Dental and Darby Dental Lab Supply now join Hi-Tech Dental Products as distributors of Vita® Physiodens® and Vitapan® denture teeth; most other Vita products continue to be sold through Vident.
Until now, Vident has mainly sold direct, with the exceptions of its Vitablocs sold through Patterson Dental and Vita shade guides available from a handful of suppliers. The agreements with Zahn and Darby were finalized in early April and, shortly after, LMT was at Vident's Brea, California facility to hear the news first-hand.
"By forming this partnership with national dealers, we make premium Vita teeth readily available to every lab, no matter where they are located. Dealers have the infrastructure and regional distribution centers in every time zone for even better, faster customer service," Bill Sundheimer, president and chief operating officer, told LMT. "By letting the dealer handle distribution, we can focus on providing timely support and educational programs to help laboratories and dentists take their work to a higher level of quality and value."
Because of more tooth counter locations across the country, Vident customers will have access to a larger base of sales representatives, next-day delivery of most orders and reduced shipping costs. Other advantages include quick processing of tooth returns, online ordering, and the potential for customers to qualify for volume discounts or rebates by consolidating their tooth purchases with other merchandise and equipment orders from one vendor.
Vident is well-prepared for the transition, having recently hired new dental technicians/salespeople who will focus on training and traveling with Zahn and Darby representatives to teach courses and present lectures.
