Start buying laser tips and stashing ’em just in case.
Nick

I feel the use of the erbium laser in everyday practice will grow. First, it is starting to become consumer(patient) driven by means of the advertiseing efforts of both laser companies and dentists. The public thinks that we as dentists all pretty much do the same things. When they start asking why their dentist does not use a laser like it says in the ads, the market will be driven forward. I feel that lasik eye surgery have done alot to bring public awareness to lasers.There is a high consumer satisfaction with Lasik, why not the erbium when properly used? Also, the terms regarding lasers are starting to infiltrate the public market via advertising for hair removal, etc.
However, I am very disappointed in the way that some of the laser companies are marketing their equipment to the dental profession. Especially with regard to the erbium laser and use of local anasthetics. I hear marketing claims that put sales on the same level as used car dealers. Some of the companies are makeing claims that they know are less than valid in this point. So dentists who have not done their homework with regard to hard tissue proceedures performed with the erbium and no anastethic are getting hoodwinked into buying an erbium laser.
The the dentist doesn’t get what he thought he bought into, puts the laser in the cornor and his disappointing results will hurt laser dentistry. Ron, we have been pretty good at not stepping on the toes of companies who sell unrealistic claims to dentists, by not using their names. But they really need to be held responsible for declines in erbium sales. You know that the key to successful laser practices is education, mentorship, and places like this forum.
The erbium laser is a fantastic laser when you are realistic about how to use it. I use mine almost everyday for three years now and I’m still learning. Dentists are always looking for a panacea, that is why we are easy to sell to.
I think the future for the erbium is bright, it may make some corrections along the way. I just feel that education is the key.
Nick Luizzi

Ok folks here is the scoop….I was in on the conference call on Tuesday so this is from the horses mouth.

Hoya for a variety of reasons decided to relieve upper management of their positions and try a fresh new approach and in doing so Tom Haney, Rich Frankenburg and Jack Miller were let go. They were the VP of dental division (Tom ) and the eastern (Rich) and Western (Jack) regional managers.

I know that Biolase has had some turnovers at the top and I believe that Hoya just wanted to go in a new direction.

I for one will miss Tom especially as he was a good man and a great friend. He worked hard for Continuum for 23 years. Now I do know that he is getting close to working with another dental laser company and that would be great as good things do happen to good people.

I have talked to Tom 3 times since this happened and he is pretty upbeat these days and wants to stay in the dental market. I also talked to Rich and he is a great guy as well and wants to stay in dentistry as well.

I havent talked to Jack. I wish all three of them luck and each worked hard for Hoya and was a good person and alot of fun.

In talking to Hoya they are not in any worry of not staying in the dental market. I listened to the state of the union speech from CEO Tim Gelhman and not at one point during the conference call did he sound like he was going to pack in the dental division. Its amazing to hear how rumours get started!

In fact look for a new announcement from the company at the Chicago Midwinter meeting and things are clicking along pretty good.

There is a renewed commitment to furthering education opportunities for Hoya users and also all courses are going on with new ones to be developed.

With new people, new ideas, new courses and even new announcements (not saying more) there is every reason to be optimistic about the company and its commitment to dentistry.

Keep an eye out for them, they will be coming to your door directly this year so keep an eye out for their information and do drop by the booth when at the Midwinter, Yankee or various meetings.

Hope that helps and I GET ZERO kickbacks for this endoresement but someone else emailed me to ask what was going on and since I was a little in the know I thought I would put this email up.

Bob Desoto is in charge of international, and Rick MacDonald, and Nick Klassen have also been promoted to fill voids left by the management changes.

Hope that helps…..no need to stalk up on tips !
Glenn

I tested one out at Yankee. Pretty neat. the actual laser is the black part on the handpiece. So it’s a little heavy handed.
Cool unit though. Even better it’s made in Israel. How come their neighboring countries never come up with anything of any human value?

Hi there: Rick is a good guy. I have known him for a long time and he is a straight shooter and concerned for the customer. I am glad that you had a good meeting with him. Hoya does try to look after their customers and their product is a darn good one.

Take care and all the best, and I hope that he allayed your concerns re the recent managment changes.

All the best

Glenn