University of Buffalo dental school dean steps down

University of Buffalo dental school dean steps down

The dean of the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine is stepping down after serving in his position for seven years, according to a UB Reporter news story.

Richard Buchanan, D.M.D., has previously served in academic and administrative positions at the University of Texas Health Science Center Dental School at San Antonio, New Jersey Dental School, and Baylor College of Dentistry.

"A strong academician in his own right, he has provided the school an important compass in the form of leadership by personal example," said David Dunn, vice president for health sciences, in the news article. "Fortunately, he has agreed to remain in his current position until a national search can be launched and a suitable successor identified and recruited."

 Dentsply International has entered into a definitive agreement with the shareholders of Zhermack of Badia Polesine, Italy, to acquire a majority interest (60%) in the European firm, according to the company. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

As part of the agreement, the two founders of Zhermack will retain "significant ownership" and continue to manage the business.

Zhermack is a producer of dental impression materials and lab equipment and sells products in more than 100 countries, with an emphasis on Europe, Latin America, Asia, and the Commonwealth of Independent States. The company has manufacturing facilities in Italy and Poland.

"We believe that our polymer-based expertise can contribute to Dentsply's R&D efforts, and as partners, we can continue developing innovative products for the dental profession," said Tiziano Busin, Zhermack's president and founder, in a press release.