Cosmedent...Aesthetic Pioneers By: Carol Murphy, Executive Editor

Michael O’Malley Co-Founder & President

William (Bud) Mopper Co-Founder & Chairman

In 1982, a new technology was emerging in the marketplace that would change dentistry forever. Only a few early clinicians had developed an expertise in the use of bonding materials and fewer still were capable of teaching other dentists the field of esthetic techniques.

Cosmedent was founded in 1982 to meet this early demand of educating dentists in the use of composite materials for esthetic dentistry. Two of the original co-founders, Dr. K. William (Bud) Mopper and Michael O’Malley, shared an excitement and enthusiasm for the vast possibilities of direct resin bonding, not only as a restorative material, but also as a cosmetic procedure that would meet the needs of image-conscious patients. Bonding offered the dentist new opportunities, both as a rewarding artistic experience that made patients feel better about themselves and also as a way to significantly increase office revenues.

Initially, the company sponsored lectures all over the United States and Canada, teaching dentists the proper use of products and techniques used in the new and fast-growing dental bonding market, as well as offering one of the first hands-on training programs working directly with composite materials. Resin dentistry was not in the curriculum of any dental school, and dentists were anxious to learn from these early esthetic clinicians.

To begin to meet the need for timely information as well as to promote a dialogue among some of the early cosmetic dentists, in 1983 Cosmedent began publishing “The Forum of Esthetic Dentistry”, the first publication ever solely devoted to dental esthetics, and the forerunner of many of today’s esthetic magazines. The next year, Dr. Mopper and Dr. Norman Feigenbaum co-authored “A Complete Guide to Dental Bonding”, published by Johnson & Johnson, which was the first definitive book for the dental profession describing esthetic techniques.

Over the years, Cosmedent continued to focus on education while developing a line of quality products for the esthetic marketplace. As a pioneer in this industry, Cosmedent was always experimenting with dental materials, instruments and supplies, and quickly realized the inadequacies of existing materials. Several attempts were made to share information with manufacturers about how they could make their products better and fill existing voids, all without success. Cosmedent decided this was a disservice to the dental industry, and embarked on developing its own line of esthetic products that are now recognized and recommended worldwide by leading cosmetic dentists.

Cosmedent maintains a manufacturing facility in Germany, employing the top polymer chemists to guarantee constant upgrading of existing materials and to insure the continued introduction of quality and innovative products. This focus on creating innovative products to help the esthetic dentist, and to make his/her work easier and more predictable, has led to the development of a stream of unique speciality products. Last year alone, Cosmedent introduced DeMark (a flowable radio-opaque hybrid to clearly demarcate your composite restoration on a x-ray), ShowOff (a mock-up material with self-sticking chemistry), GingaGuard (a new resin dam that virtually eliminates patient sensitivity and pain) and Pink Opaque (a material that will neutralize all undesirable color). These products were again the result of working with practicing dentists to fill voids in the marketplace.

“Our focus has always been on making materials that work for the dentist. They are designed from the dentist’s point of view, incorporating the chemistry that best achieves that goal,” says Michael O’Malley, President of Cosmedent. This strategy has been rewarded by the many awards these products have received. Renamel Microfill was the first and only cosmetic product to win ‘Product of the Year’ from REALITY, and it won two years in a row. Renamel Hybrid, Creative Color, The Top Finisher System, Insure and Prevue have all been rated 5 star products, representing the top few products that are highly recommended by independent researchers and evaluators. At a recent American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry meeting of accredited members, the question was asked from the podium, “How many members used Renamel for their accreditation?” An almost unanimous show of hands indicated that Renamel was the material of choice.

Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, Cosmedent’s corporate offices are also home to The Center For Esthetic Excellence

Cosmedent continues its original focus on education to expand the knowledge and clinical skills of dental professionals. The first newsletters and patient education booklets have evolved into a series of instructional manuals that are acclaimed as the best in the industry.

When Cosmedent moved to its beautiful new international offices in 1999, it opened the Center for Esthetic Excellence, an ultra-modern and fully equipped educational center located in the heart of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. The CEE has gathered a faculty of world-class lecturers including Dr. Mopper, Dr. Robert Nixon, Dr. Newton Fahl, Dr. Corky Willhite, Dr. Jeff Morley, Dr. Jimmy Eubank, Dr. Robert Margeas and Dr. Dennis Hartlieb to teach in the center.

This outstanding faculty teaches the most current esthetic dental techniques, combining lectures with hands-on experience. A sampling of last year’s comments from some of the attendees include: “The course was phenomenal,” “Beyond my expectations,” “Fabulous day, everything is the highest level,” “Should be taken by any dentist serious about esthetic restorations,” “Great class, great facility,” “The best course I’ve ever taken,” “This course helped me reach a greater level–a real eye-opener,” “The low student-to-teacher ratio was super.”

As Director of the Center for Esthetic Excellence and Chairman of Cosmedent, Dr. Mopper knows firsthand that individual dentists can make a tremendous difference not only in their immediate community, but also in the entire dental industry. Dr. Mopper’s career has grown and evolved in ways he never even imagined from his beginnings at the University of Iowa Dental School. His passion for direct resin bonding and early pioneering research in the field has led to the development of many new and innovative Cosmedent products plus a lifetime devoted to teaching thousands of dentists how to work with direct resin bonding materials, some of whom have become the leading clinicians and lecturers of today.

In recognition of his service to the dental profession, Bud has received many awards and commendations throughout his career including the award for “Outstanding Contribution to Cosmetic Dentistry” from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the GenR8T Next seminars. In April, Dr. Mopper will receive the Irwin Smigel Prize for Esthetic Dentistry from the New York University College of Dentistry.

Cosmedent’s Extensive Line of Products
		The Renamel Restorative System: An innovative direct resin bonding system that includes Renamel Microfill, Renamel Universal Microhybrid, Renamel Flowable Microfill and Hybrid, Renamel SuperBrite Microfill and Hybrid plus Creative Color Opaquers and Tints. All of these materials are color-coordinated to each other and to the Vita shade guide.
		The Top Finisher System: A complete resin and porcelain polishing system that includes FlexiDiscs, ultra-thin FlexiStrips, FlexiCups, Points and Wheels, ultra-thin FlexiDiamond Strips, plus Enamelize and Porcelize polishing pastes.
		The Insure and Prevue Universal Cementation System: The top-rated resin cement system for porcelain and indirect resin bonding.
		Temporary Materials: Includes the E-Z Temp Inlay and Onlay for the temporization of all indirect inlays and onlays regardless of cavity size plus RSVP, a new breakthrough technical system that simplifies provisional veneer fabrication.
		Composite Placement Instruments: Non-stick instruments designed specifically for the placement, sculpting and contouring of direct composite resins.
		Innovative Line of Speciality Products: Cosmedent has developed a line of products for the esthetic dentist. These include: DeMark, GingaGuard, GingaFill, Pink Opaque, ShowOff, the ResinKeeper, plus the Accubrush System and Cosmedent Brushes.
All of the above-mentioned products are registered trademarks of Cosmedent

Dr. Mopper is a member of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry and the ASDA, a Fellow of the American College of Dentists, a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and a Fellow and one of the founding members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Cosmedent maintains close contact with all of these organizations through sponsorship and support for their meetings, along with contributions for such charitable programs as the AACD’s Give Back a Smile.

The Co-Founder and President of Cosmedent, Michael O’Malley, brought 35 years of management experience in the dental and healthcare industry to the company. Mike’s strengths are in strategic planning as well as contract negotiations and financial planning. His foresight has led to the development of Cosmedent’s manufacturing facility as well as The Center for Esthetic Excellence. Under his direction, Cosmedent has become a highly regarded force in the dental industry. The combination of Bud’s clinical experience and Mike’s business acumen has been what has made this partnership so successful.

Now as the company expands rapidly into world markets, Cosmedent plans to continue to prosper and grow in the dental industry by offering only the finest products and educational services to the esthetic dentist–again leading the way. Modern resins have changed the face of dentistry, and as Dr. Mopper remarks, “We are just in the infancy period of esthetic dentistry by the artistic dentist. We all should become familiar with it. It truly makes dentistry more rewarding and enjoyable for both the patient and the dentist. It certainly has changed my life!”

For more information about Cosmedent and their product line, contact them at: