Editor's Note By: Carol Murphy, Executive Editor

Many of your will recognize the focus of our corporate profile this month–KaVo America, Inc., located in beautiful Lake Zurich, Illinois. Known in the US primarily for their handpieces, KaVo has built a legacy of introducing innovative high-tech equipment including chairs, cabinets, imaging systems, laboratory equipment, diagnostics (Diagnodent) and of course, handpieces since their inception in 1909. The company’s rich history of development includes the introduction of dentistry’s first sterilizable handpiece in 1928, followed by the KaVo Dental Unit 1001 in 1936. Over 1600 patents are testament to KaVo's relentless pursuit of innovation.

It wasn’t until 1971 however, this well-established European company cautiously introduced their products into the American market because they wanted to make sure their products would well serve American dentists’ specific needs.

Last November, I told you about GC America’s Glass Ionomer Showcase contest. We are proud to feature their winning entry this month by Dr. Larry Herwig. He maintains a general dentistry practice in Dallas, TX and in 1999 received a nomination for the Texas Dentist of the Year by the Texas Academy of General Dentistry.

In order to participate, entrants were required to submit to GC America photos, articles, clinical and case studies, testimonials, videos, and/or techniques associated with a study or project on any topic related to the use of glass ionomer products. By participating in the contest, all participants agreed to allow GC America the right to use the previously unpublished, finished materials as appropriate for advertising, promotion and technical and clinical support.

The Glass Ionomer Showcase Contest ran from Sept. 1, 2002 to Feb. 28, 2003. Winners of the Glass Ionomer Showcase Contest were determined by a panel of judges. The judging was based on the following criteria: Originality, Quality, Accuracy, and Consistency.

The following is the listing of all the winners:

Grand Prize Winner:
Dr. Larry Herwig: Prize: Trip for 2 to the 2003 FDI (World Dental Federation) Meeting in Sydney, Australia

1st Place Winners:
Dr. Mark Cannon; Dr. Jeff Astroth; Dr. Robert Rada; Dr. Richard Parker; Dr. John Christensen

2nd Place Winners:
Dr. Scott Dillingham; Dr. Gustavo Carrasco; Dr. Terry Wilwerding; Dr. Laszlo Kalman; Dr. Olva Odlum; Dr. Shimon Friedman

Grand Prize Student Winner:
Ricardo Walter

First Prize Student Winner:
Sarah Crisler

Congratulations to all of you on your accomplishment. We look forward to meeting all of you on www.dentaltown.com soon!