Providing a full range of products and services to the dental profession and dental laboratories is a major industry and because awareness of dental health is growing all over the world, the industry must grow to keep pace with the demand. A clear understanding of what makes up the industry is essential if you wish to play a part.

Some facts and figures

There are around 200,000 dentists in the European Union, with over 24,000 practising dentists in the UK alone. About 90% of these work within the National Health Service, the Community Dental Service and private practice. Estimates put the total retail market for professional dental products at around £200 million a year (1999). This figure excludes over-the-counter (OTC) retail sales of toothpaste, toothbrushes and other consumer dental products.