Reimbursement in Germany to Boost European Dental Implant Sales

November 23, 2005 -- According to a new report by Millennium Research Group (MRG) a substantial increase in demand will result in the European dental implant and final abutment market generating over $1 billion in revenues by 2009.Dental implants were first introduced in Europe, and much of the implant technology and materials used in the US today were developed in the European region more than 30 years ago. These devices have come a long way in since their accidental discovery by Professor Per-Ingvar Bränemark in 1952.

In addition to these technological improvements, an increased awareness among patients and dentists about the benefits of dental implants, combined with their continued promotion by manufacturers, will continue to fuel dental implant sales in Europe over the next 5 years. The introduction of reimbursement in Germany the largest European market for dental implants will further aid in boosting sales.

Although Sweden, where dental implants originated, had the highest penetration rate for dental implants per 10,000 inhabitants in 2004, Germany had the distinction of being the largest national market for dental implants in Europe in 2004. Notwithstanding its large market size, the German market is poised for substantial growth over the next 5 years. Driving this growth will be a large population base, high awareness for dental implants, and the introduction of reimbursement for dental implants. In January 2005, Germany enacted a favorable fixed reimbursement rate for all dental prosthetics. Accordingly, any prosthetic procedure (including crowns and bridges and dental implants) will now be reimbursed at a set fee.

Any additional charges above this fixed fee will be billed directly to the patient. The confusion from the implementation of the new system will result in an initial slowdown in dental implant demand in Germany in 2005. Nonetheless, because the approval process for reimbursement has begun to move forward, demand for dental implants will rise beyond 2005.

MRG's European Markets for Dental Implants and Final Abutments 2005 includes analyses of the regular-diameter dental implant and final abutment markets. The report covers over 30 competitors including Astra Tech (STH.PA), Camlog, Dentsply Friadent Ceramed (XRAY), Lifecore Biomedical (LCBM), Nobel Biocare (NBCHF.PK), Straumann (SAUHF.PK), 3i (BMET), and Zimmer Dental (ZMH).Contact Information:Tim GuramMillennium Research Group Inc.+1 (416) 364-7776 ext.