3M’s success in launching 95 innovations in 2015 – 25 per cent more than any other dental company - has secured its position as ‘most innovative’ in the dental industry yet again.

The top ranking is based on an ‘Innovation Index’ created by the Anaheim Group, a US-based distributor of a highly subscribed international oral health magazine, Dental Fax Weekly. The index measures global patents and US regulatory clearances and is the dental industry’s best measure of overall technical strength and capability.

“Receiving the ‘most innovative’ honour for more than a decade is a testament to what 3M excels at – applying science to help keep people healthy,” said James Ingebrand, vice-president and general manager of 3M’s Oral Care Solutions Division.

“Every day, we explore new ways to impact lives as we consistently pursue new product and process innovations with a focus on promoting lifelong oral health for all.”

Over the years 3M science has delivered an amazing number of ‘firsts’ in dentistry. Among them are the first universal bonding system, the first preformed temporary crown and the first automated mixing of impression materials, bringing versatility, increased productivity and reduced waste to dental practices.

Cross pollination of ideas within 3M and collaboration with dental professionals around the world has inspired some of the company’s greatest breakthroughs in oral care, such as the application of nanotechnology to enhance aesthetics and strength in restorative materials.

The latest introduction to the UK and Ireland market is a unique restorative product with fewer application steps, meaning less time in the dentist’s chair. As well as creating a better experience for patients, particularly children and the elderly, this can help increase efficiency for dentists too.

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