Q&M completes acquisition of CAD/CAM component maker

Q&M dental clinic located in the City Square Mall on Dec 27, 2012. -- PHOTO: ST FILE
Q&M dental clinic located in the City Square Mall on Dec 27, 2012. -- PHOTO: ST FILE

SINGAPORE - Dental patients in Singapore will soon have access to better dental crown technology via Q&M Dental Group.

The group announced on Wednesday morning that it has completed its acquisition of Aidite, the second-largest dental ceramics manufacturer in China of key component materials in computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) dentistry.

"We now have access and control of the expensive ceramic and zirconia material used to fabricate the crowns and ceramic restorations in CAD/CAM dentistry," said Dr Ng Chin Siau, chief executive officer of the group.

CAD/CAM dentistry technology allows express service for patients who need dental crowns, with customised crowns completed in an hour.

Its use in Singapore has so far been confined to high-end dental practices, due to the high investment cost of equipment and materials and lack of training opportunities, Dr Ng said. But Q&M is now aiming to bring this technology to the mass market.

"It is the fastest growth segment in the dental market...at Q&M, we want to be part of this new wave in the dental market."

The dental CAD/CAM system market is projected to grow to $540 million by 2016 and $755 million by 2017.

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