Basel, 12 April 2018: The Straumann Group and Dental Monitoring (DM), a highly innovative French company specialized in remote dental monitoring systems, have signed an agreement that provides Straumann with global distribution rights to DM’s technology as well as a minor stake in DM in return for an injection of capital. Straumann will integrate DM’s technology in its portfolio of orthodontic and digital solutions and the two companies will collaborate to develop further applications for artificial intelligence in the dental field. Dental Monitoring will benefit from the Straumann Group’s brand, network, distribution and development resources and will continue to sell and support orthodontic customers through its own network.

Dental Monitoring has developed and successfully commercialized a system that enables dentists to monitor the progress of orthodontic/dental treatments without the patient having to visit the practice. Using a smart phone and a dedicated app, the patient takes pictures of his/her teeth, which are uploaded into DM’s system. Artificial intelligence is used to compare the images with previous data and can detect even minor changes. The system then notifies the dentist, allowing for timely intervention and efficient treatment adjustments. In addition to avoiding unnecessary check-up visits, the system can also accelerate orthodontic treatments by identifying the point at which the patient is ready to progress to the next corrective step. It also checks for any relapse during the post-treatment retention phase. Other advantages include time savings for the dentist, enhanced standard of care, as well as convenience and peace of mind for the patient (see video clip on www.dental-monitoring.com).

The system is already sold in several markets and has been developed further to monitor oral hygiene, detecting decay, fracture, restoration defects, gum recession, inflammation, infections and other conditions. Additional applications, for instance in combination with intra oral scanners in the practice or for monitoring dental implants are possible. Artificial intelligence technology, could therefore support the full spectrum of Straumann’s activities including corrective, preventative, restorative and replacement dentistry.

Marco Gadola, CEO of the Straumann Group, commented: “Enabling dentists to offer patients a reliable, easy-to-use mobile application for checking their teeth and treatment progress will change dentistry. Our investment in DM provides us with a proven orthodontics tracking system and access to artificial intelligence technology. It also secures an innovative partner with the expertise to develop further leading-edge solutions in our field”.

Dental Monitoring’s CEO, Philippe Salah, added: “Straumann is an ideal partner for many reasons: they are a truly global company and are investing significantly in digital dentistry as a core business. They are renowned for clinical excellence and brand leadership and share our passion for pioneering innovation and entrepreneurism. With their scientific heritage and strength in digital, they are our partner of choice for developing and establishing remote monitoring coupled with artificial intelligence as the new standard of care”.

About Dental Monitoring

Dental Monitoring SAS developed and launched the world’s first remote monitoring orthodontic system and pioneered the use of artificial intelligence in the field of dentistry. DM has applied for over 40 patents to protect its intellectual property developed in the remote dental monitoring field. Founded in 2013, DM launched its product in the French market in 2015 initially to capture sufficient clinical data and develop proprietary dental algorithms to the required accuracy. In 2017, commercial sales commenced; DM products are now sold in the USA, France, the UK, Germany, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong. With headquarters in Paris, France, and offices in the USA, Australia and Hong Kong, DM has a staff of approximately 100 employees. For further information please see www.dental-monitoring.com.

About Straumann Group

The Straumann Group (SIX: STMN) is a global leader in tooth replacement and orthodontic solutions that restore smiles and confidence. It unites global and international brands that stand for excellence, innovation and quality in replacement, corrective and digital dentistry, including Straumann, Neodent, Medentika, ClearCorrect, Dental Wings, and other fully/partly owned companies and partners. In collaboration with leading clinics, institutes and universities, the Group researches, develops, manufactures and supplies dental implants, instruments, CADCAM prosthetics, biomaterials and digital solutions for use in tooth replacement and restoration or to prevent tooth loss.

Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, the Group currently employs 4881 people worldwide and its products, solutions and services are available in more than 100 countries through a broad network of distribution subsidiaries and partners