DENTSPLY International Acquires a Unique Compound for Protection of To

    Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

    YORK, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 4, 2005--DENTSPLY International Inc. (NASDAQ:XRAY) today announced that it has acquired rights to a unique compound called SATIF from the SANOFI-AVENTIS Group (EURONEXT: SAN / NYSE: SNY) for an undisclosed amount.
    Mr. Gary Kunkle, DENTSPLY's Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer stated, "SATIF is another excellent example of the progress our Office of Advanced Technology has made in their efforts to locate and acquire new technologies with potential applications in dentistry. SATIF is a unique Titanium-Fluoride derivative, which has demonstrated in studies the ability to protect the tooth surface, which could be of particular value in preventive and aesthetic dentistry. We believe that the potential applications from this technology could be seen as a significant innovation in oral healthcare, similar to the discovery of the benefits of Fluorides."
    DENTSPLY designs, develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of products for the dental market. The Company believes that it is the world's leading manufacturer and distributor of dental prosthetics, precious metal dental alloys, dental ceramics, endodontic instruments and materials, prophylaxis paste, dental sealants, ultrasonic scalers, and crown and bridge materials; the leading United States manufacturer and distributor of dental x-ray equipment, dental handpieces, intraoral cameras, dental x-ray film holders, film mounts and bone substitute/grafting materials; and a leading worldwide manufacturer or distributor of dental injectible anesthetics, impression materials, orthodontic appliances, dental cutting instruments and dental implants. The Company distributes its dental products in over 120 countries under some of the most well-established brand names in the industry.
    DENTSPLY is committed to the development of innovative, high quality, cost-effective new products for the dental market.
    This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding possible future events. Actual events or results may differ materially from the descriptions set forth herein as a result of certain risk factors. These risk factors include without limitation; the ability to develop commercially acceptable products which incorporate the technology, the continued strength of dental markets, the timing, success and market reception for new products, and changes in the general economic environment that could affect the dental business.

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CONTACT: DENTSPLY International Inc. Bret W. Wise, 717-849-4718

KEYWORD: PENNSYLVANIA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PHARMACEUTICAL BANKING MEDICAL PRODUCT SOURCE: DENTSPLY International Inc.

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