CHARLOTTE, NC – September 24, 2004 – Sirona Dental Systems, the world’s only full-line dental equipment manufacturer, is reaching out to help those hurt by the recent hurricane activity in the Southeast. The company announced it has made a contribution to the Greater Carolinas Chapter of the American Red Cross and is offering discounts on equipment purchases for dentists affected by severe storm damage. The Red Cross donation was prompted by a request from Jeff LeClaire, Application Specialist, inLab, for Sirona to support its neighbors in hard-hit areas of the Southeast. In response, Sirona president Michael Augins, issued a challenge: if employees contributed to the cause, Sirona would match their donations. More than 60% of staff at the Charlotte headquarters participated in the challenge.
“Our employees rose to the occasion. We raised more than $1,000 in just 3 days,” said Augins. “We’re proud of our team for bringing this need to the forefront and responding quickly and generously. It is an honor to support the Red Cross in its much-needed disaster relief efforts.”
The American Red Cross will use the funds to provide food, clothing and shelter for individuals and families in some of the hardest hit areas of the country, including Florida and Western North Carolina.
In addition, Sirona is extending a special offer to dentists who lost equipment as a result of the hurricanes, flood or related tornados between August 1, 2004 and October 31, 2004. Dentists who have suffered documented damage to their practices will receive an additional 10% discount on new equipment purchases, in an effort to help get their practices back up and running quickly.
“Even with insurance covering equipment purchases, the immediate outlay of funds to replace or refurbish a practice following such devastation can be overwhelming,” explained Augins. “We want to help ease that burden so that these dentists can get back on their feet and return to productivity as quickly as possible.”
The hurricane relief discount applies to purchases made before December 31, 2004. Dentist should contact their local Sirona dealer to take advantage of this offer.
About Sirona Dental Systems
Recognized today as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high quality dental equipment and technologies, Sirona (formerly Siemens Dental Systems) has served equipment dealers and dentists worldwide for more than 125 years. Sirona manufactures a complete line of dental products, including the CEREC CAD/CAM restoration equipment, digital and film-based intraoral, panoramic and cephalometric X-ray imaging systems, dental treatment centers and handpieces. Sirona is committed to creating and supporting the most advanced dental technologies in the marketplace. Sirona’s worldwide headquarters is located in Bensheim, Germany, with U.S. headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. www.sirona.com