Interview: “We still see many benefits in having a more focused portfolio”

Dental Tribune International

Wed. 22. March 2017

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After only two years of development, Japanese company NSK is presenting the world’s first lightweight mobile dental treatment unit, among other new products, at IDS. At the show, President and Chief Operating Officer Eiichi Nakanishi spoke with Dental Tribune Online about the device and how his company has stayed ahead in developing innovative solutions for dentistry.

Dental Tribune Online: Mr Nakanishi, at IDS 2015, we spoke about sterilisers and premium handpieces. What is the focus of this year’s presentation by NSK?
Eiichi Nakanishi: We are focusing on two specific categories of products, in the fields of hygiene and prophylaxis, including the Varios Combi Pro. The device combines a prophylaxis scaler with powder treatment and will allow clinicians to effectively treat peri-implantitis, which has become a major issue around the globe.

We are also very proud of the new VIVA ace, our portable treatment unit, which is very lightweight and can perform all treatments. In Japan and in many other countries, including China, the population is increasingly ageing and many elderly people are not able to visit a dentist. Our device is aimed at addressing this issue by allowing people to be treated in their homes, for example. It is the first device of its kind in the world.

That is quite impressive. What has the feedback on the device been in your home country and here at IDS?
We only introduced the device in Japan last year, but it has already proved to be a great success. Within only a few months, we sold over 1,000 units. The response here in Cologne has also been extremely positive, and we are in talks with German dealers regarding the distribution of the device.

NSK has a unique position in the market, as it is still family-owned, in comparison with many other companies in the market that have grown through acquisitions or mergers in recent years. Where do you see the benefits in this?
It is true, many companies, like Dentsply Sirona, are becoming constantly larger and they can virtually offer everything. This is, of course, something we may need to compete with in the future. However, we still see many benefits in having a more focused portfolio. It gives us the opportunity to stay innovative and develop unique products like the VIVA ace.

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