13th January, 2013, saw a grand launch of "Smile in an hour lecture series" and the much awaited product "The Componeer Brilliant"- Direct Composite Veneer". The event was organised in association with IDA Mumbai branch, and held at Hotel Trident, Bandra-Kurla-complex. To the delight of all those present, Dr. Mario Besek, innovator of Componeer mesmerised the participants with relevant cases and effective style of oration.

The event saw a gathering of 400 participants attending the lecture and 50 participants who did the hands-on. Along with the innovator himself the dentists interacted with Dr. Suhas Lele (popularly known as the Composite Man) who enlightened everyone on the features of Componeer Brilliant vis-a-viz composite. Another perfectionist of his domain Dr. Rajiv Verma (The Porcelain Man) shared his experience on how Componeer Brilliant has become a part of his smile designing routine. From Mumbai this series moved to Kolkatta, Bangalore and Chennai. The finale of this series was at Delhi for a 2-day grand event held on 17th and 18th January 2013. The Delhi workshop of Dr. Mario Besek was a benchmark on its own as the lecture and demonstration was attended by more than 550 dentists with presence of stalwarts of the industry.

The "Smile in an Hour Lecture Series by Coltene Whaledent, marks the launch of the first of its kind composite veneering system "The Componeer Brilliant".

DGOI International German Oral Implantology Organization in collaboration with APAID [Asia Pacific Association of Implant Dentistry] launched their International Curriculum in Oral Implantology on 11th January, 2013 at Hotel Le Meridian, New Delhi, India.

Dr Fred Bergmann, Vice President of DGOI Germany who was also the first international faculty for the curriculum officially inaugurated the program in the presence of the entire national faculty of the course.

Dr Ajay Sharma, Secretary General of APAID conveyed that the unique program launched for the first time in India will comprise of 16 days of post-graduate education on fundamental and advanced Implantology.

The program is designed for dentists seeking solid continuing dental education of great relevance to their daily work. The faculty includes renowned national and international experts in the field of oral implantology. All these experienced educators not only focus on theoretical scientific aspects, but also place major emphasis on implant techniques of relevance to daily practice. Emphasis will be placed on showing the participants how to apply the techniques through exercises and live demonstrations. Participants will be given an opportunity to practice their skills. As a special bonus, exercises on superstructures, as well as the recent subspecialties of augmentation and red-and-white esthetics, have also been integrated into the program.

The highlight of this course is that participants receive guidance and can hone their own treatment skills through mentorship. During the course, the treatment follow-up will be presented and discussed. The program is being supported by Dentsply India.

The 4th Convention of the India International Dental Congress (IIDC) conducted at Mumbai from15th to 17th February 2013 has once again strongly conveyed the message of superior dental education.

The overwhelming response, the keen audience, the brainstorming scientific sessions with world renowned speakers were the highlights at the main podium.

IIDC, themed CFOR-Cosmetic Functional Oral Rehabilitation witnessed six international speakers address the audience on various aspects of Full Mouth Rehabilitation and interdisciplinary treatment approach. Dr. Shankar Iyer, Dr. Marco Degidi, Dr. Nikolaos Perakis, Dr. Ratnadeep Patil, Dr Ashok Karad and
Dr Sushil Koirala shared their knowledge, experiences and opinions.

IIDC was an enriching experience for all involved and attendees both personally and professionally benefited from it. Active participation from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Bihar, West Bengal, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttaranchal, U.P, M.P, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu was seen.

Presence of dental manufacturing and supply chain companies at the IIDC trade only reinforced the fact that these are truly international brands with world class products. Some of the trade partners included Dentsply, Ivoclar Vivadent, Villa India, 3M ESPE, Johnson & Johnson and ICPA. Dental Practice has been the official media publication of the event since the first IIDC.

Electronic poster presentations in power point format evoked an overwhelming response from the participants. Thirty posters displayed excellent cases and technology updates. These posters and event pictures will be displayed on the Smile Care website for one month post event.

The organizing committee renewed their commitment to the Indian dental fraternity by announcing the next IIDC in 2015.

The Japanese company Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. (MCI) has taken over the dental division of the Hanau based precious metal and technology company Heraeus. The transaction has yet to be approved by the German Trade authorities. MCI will keep its current structures. Heraeus Kulzer management believes the new umbrella will provide excellent opportunities for consolidating its leading position in the dental market.

MCI will take over the entire dental division with its 1,400 employees in 20 locations around the world. The company will continue to be called Heraeus Kulzer. The current management will remain unchanged and business will still be conducted from Hanau. Heraeus Kulzer has a steady and profitable growth and is the German market leader for laboratory materials. MCI supports the changes introduced in 2012 and the re-orientation to the divisions Dental Materials and Digital Services.

MCI has increased its interest in the emerging healthcare market. By acquiring the company, it is expanding into the international market whereby Heraeus' dental division takes an important role.

Dr. Martin Haase, who will continue to head Heraeus Kulzer as Managing Director, views the change in ownership with optimism. "Mitsui is strengthening its position outside Japan. It's about the long term commitment of a successful industrialist. Heraeus Kulzer will play a key role in Mitsui's expanding business concept, which is aimed at growth. This therefore provides us with good long term growth opportunities."

MCI is already active in the dental market through its shares in two regional manufacturers, Sun Medical and Shofu.

Indian Dental Association Delhi State in association with VITA Germany presented a workshop on Shade Determination by Thomas Gausmann. The workshop was held at Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences on 29TH January of this year.

Thomas Gausmann is the Head of the Department Technical Service / Courses of VITA Zahnfabrik based in Germany.The Workshop attracted over 240 participants.