Kulzer trains 27 Premium Partners in Germany

In February, Heraeus Kulzer initiated its new Premium Partners program in Australia and New Zealand, taking the first 27 dental technicians and prosthetists to the company's head office located in Hanau, Germany, for specialised training.

The Premium Partners program is designed to assist users of Heraeus Kulzer's teeth and acrylic systems to better understand the advanced technology associated with these products.

"The response to the initial intake into the Premium Partners program was considerably over-subscribed," said Mr Steve Chell, national sales manager for Heraeus Kulzer. "This was the first time we had taken a large group of our customers away to train on our products, but it definitely won't be the last. We're already planning an event at Hamilton Island later in the year, as well as another trip to Germany further down the track for IDS 2005."

Heraeus Kulzer will officially launch its Premium Partners campaign in April, giving clinicians and technicians alike a full marketing package of brochures, waiting room posters, patient education material, chairside educational aids, denture cleaning instructions and more.

"There's more to Germany than food"

A diary of our visit to Heraeus Kulzer's Head Office

Recently we were fortunate enough to be guests of Heraeus Kulzer's at their head office in Germany. This was a tremendous opportunity as Premium Partners to observe the workings of an internationally respected manufacturer and to interact with some of the foremost denture specialists from throughout the world.

My wife, Vicki and I would like to share our travel diary with you. We hope it inspires you to take advantage of the opportunity to visit Heraeus Kulzer when it arises again.

Sunday 15 February 2004

After 23 hours of traveling, we finally arrived at Frankfurt airport at 5.30 am, to be greeted by Franco Martella, MDT (our main host) and the rest of the Australian contingent. We arrived at Hotel Zum Reisen in Hanau to the smell of fresh brewed coffee and bacon cooking. After breakfast, we all went into Frankfurt to look around.

Monday 16 February 2004

Today we had lectures on Versyo.com, Heraeus Kulzer's light curing denture system and the Palajet system from Mr Murad Qasam, MDT. Lunch was at the "staff canteen" - approximately the size of two football fields and completely solar powered! We had a huge selection of foods from the four corners of the world to tempt us. At the end of the first day, everyone is starting to get to know each other and beginning to relax. Hanua is a melting pot of culture and restaurants. Each night we were wined and dined by Steve Chell (Heraeus Kulzer), Jason Gallagher and Maria Ford (Oraltec NZ) and others from Heraeus Kulzer's Head Office.

Tuesday 17 February 2004

After another huge breakfast, we boarded a luxury coach and set off for Heraeus Kulzer's state-of-the-art acrylic factory in Wehrheim. Heraeus Kulzer are the world's largest manufacturer of denture acrylic and this custom-built factory manufacturers the world's only biocompatiable acrylic.

Wednesday 18 February 2004

The tour of the Wasserburg tooth factory today was hosted by Professor Frank Uwe Strange. The main thing we noticed about the tooth factory was just how labour intensive it is to make the artificial teeth. They also use an injection system unique to Heraeus Kulzer called InComp. A quick stop at Lindau, a beautiful ancient town, followed by a few souvenirs purchased and a chance to take in the beauty of the Austrian Alps.

Thurs 19 February 2004

Now it was time for some serious learning. We were privileged to spend the day with Dr Peter Lerch, one of the foremost prosthodontists in Europe. He had flown in from Switzerland that morning to share a little of his knowledge with us. Meanwhile, Vicki and some of the other partners where treated to a day in Heidleberg.

Friday 20 February 2004

I can't quite believe this is our last day! Simon Ashworth from Queensland treated us to his insight on chrome design, followed by Steve Chell, who presented marketing concepts. After more lunch, we finished off with impression taking techniques and materials.

In closing, if you are privileged to be given the opportunity to spend time with the team at Heraeus Kulzer, then grasp it with both hands. You will learn an incredible amount in a very short time, make some new friends and return home with life long memories and an enthusiasm to put into practice what you have learnt. Thank you Steve, Franco, Helmar, Jason, Maria and the incredible fellow DT's and of course Heraeus Kulzer who have really looked after us and treated us like Kings and... Premium Partners.