Dental Milling Blocks

Discussion in '3M ESPE' started by Aspen Angel Investor, Dec 1, 2012 at 9:14 PM.

Tags: Add Tags
  1. I considering investing in a start-up company in the dental milling block space. Does 3M have reps that sell the Zirconia blocks that 3M makes?
     

  2. Anonymous

    Anonymous Guest

    Zirconia blocks are only used in the lab. While the Lava ultimate 3M's chair side block is used By used by dentists for one appointment dentistry. 3M has a salesforce for both markets but the sales force is indirect they through their distributors - primarily Patterson and Schein. They are primarily product specialists who support the territory reps at Schein and Patterson. Big players in block market are Sirona, Ivoclar Vita and 3M. If we're to sell blocks you'd probably want to sell directly to doctors since Patterson the exclusive distributor of CEREC in the US would not take your product on since 3m, Vita and Ivoclar would not be too happy.
     
  3. Thanks for that perspective, I appreciate it. My understanding of most of the sale people in the dental space is that they make solid and in some cases good money. Commission structures vary from 5-10% with low bases from what I have gathered. Would a company offering commissions in the 10-13% range with potential incomes north of 200k selling a zirconia blocks be of interest to the top sellers in this space? This is also predicated on the blocks being very high quality, created by a scientist with extensive history in the manufacture of zirconia.
     
  4. Anonymous

    Anonymous Guest

    A dental start up selling against monster companies like Ivoclar, 3M and Vita? Not to mention the premier full contour monolithic Zirconia used is the Bruxir brand which is for the most part owned by Glidewell, another monster player in the dental field. If I were the person who owned this new Zirconia material I would license it or sell the patent to an existing dental company with an established brand, sales force and market presence. Going directly against the big market leaders is a recipe for failure.
     
  5. Anonymous

    Anonymous Guest

    As a former 3M ESPE rep I would not be scared to do it. The business is not what it used to be bunch of turnover at 3M Patterson and Schein do not support 3M, Dentsply,Kerr like they used to. If you have a good product, a few good salespeople and the www it can be done.
     
  6. Anonymous

    Anonymous Guest

    'Would a company offering commissions in the 10-13% range with potential incomes north of 200k selling a zirconia blocks be of interest to the top sellers in this space? This is also predicated on the blocks being very high quality, created by a scientist with extensive history in the manufacture of zirconia.'

    You mean a never-heard of start-up with no track record, no podium and no units in vivo?

    What would you guarantee a rep in dollars and benefits - expense reimbursement first year? Why would a producing rep at a proven first-tier company jeopordize a book of clients, solid business and income and quite possibly industry reputation to jump and come work for you ?

    Talk to us.: Specifically: (generalities are unacceptable) Be Specific:

    Why would we leave a current position within the industry ?

    What benefits would the customer/patient derive by switching/using your product ?

    Be Specific. Give examples.

    Those of us that have spent a career in this field hear these dreams from dreamers and schemers all too often. Seldom are they backed up by serious people with the money and personnel that can actually pull it off.

    Here's your chance to educate us. Give it your Best Shot.

    We're in the elevator in the dental building. You have 90 seconds. Go.
     
  7. Anonymous

    Anonymous Guest

    No Answer.

    1st Prize = New car.

    2nd Prize = set of steak knives

    3rd Prize = Your Choice: A) You're FIRED B) You go to work for an unknown company selling something no one has used, lectured on or heard of and FAIL Dental Career OVER.

    Hmmmm.