3M ESPE has been ranked as the most innovative company in the worldwide dental industry for the sixth consecutive year, according to the 2010 Dental Industry Review conducted by The Anaheim Group, distributors of Dental Fax Weekly.

“It is ingrained in the culture of 3M to share information on materials and markets along with every technology at our disposal across the entire company,” said Larry Lair, division vice president and general manager of 3M ESPE. “There are many stories in this company of technology cross-pollination that have led to breakthrough innovations that really make a difference for our customers. Every day we are working to leverage the resources of the total company to help solve problems and make things better for our dental customers and partners around the world.”

“The same technology used to mix impression materials in our Pentamix™ mixing unit is being used by auto body repair specialists to mix fillers for automobile body work,” said Jim Ingebrand, global business director of 3M ESPE. “Similarly, nanotechnology that improves the performance of Filtek™ Supreme Ultra Universal Restorative for dentists is helping to create the next generation of fishing rods. This deep of a technology pool better enables us to meet dental professionals’ needs and, in turn, helps make them more successful.”

“According to the 2010 Booz and Company Global Innovation Study, 3M ranks as the third most innovative company in the world, behind only Apple and Google,” Lair said. “That type of reputation isn’t earned by chasing any and every idea that comes across the desk, but through purposeful innovation aimed at helping customers overcome their challenges.”

The Anaheim Group considers three components in its innovation index: FDA 510(k) new product clearances for the U.S. market; U.S. Patent Office dental industry patents; and dental patents from the European Patent Office and the World International Patent Office. The Dental Industry Review summarizes the key business and technical events occurring in the worldwide dental industry.

For additional details, visitwww.3mespe.com.