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38 I I feature _ interview _cosmetic dentistry: Back in 1982, some 25 years ago, Cosmedent opened an office in Chicago. Here you began to offer the first hands- on training and lectures devoted to composite resins.Whatwereyoubothinvolvedinatthetime and what was the impetus behind this decision? Mr O’Malley: I was working for a dental con- sulting company when I met Buddy in 1980 to consult with him on one of his dental practices. Buddy and his friend, Dr Norman Feigenbaum, were lecturing on the use of the new composite materials for aesthetic dentistry. Over dinner, the three of us agreed to start an educational com- pany dedicated to sharing our enthusiasm and knowledge of composite dentistry and showing dentists the remarkable things these materials could do for dentistry—for both the patient and the dentist. In the earliest days we published The Forum of Esthetic Dentistry, a newsletter that promoted a dialogue among the first users of composite resins. We also continued to lecture across the United States and Canada, showing clinicians the vast possibilities of direct resin bonding as both a restorative material and a cosmetic procedure. Dr Mopper: In 1982, there was a total lack of reliable information about how to use composite materials. I was lecturing around the country showing dentists how to get the best results with these versatile materials. As a practicing dentist working with these materials everyday, I realised that direct resin bonding offered the dentist an opportunity for a rewarding personal experience making patients feel better about themselves as well as a way to significantly increase their office revenues. This was the main reason that I became such an enthusiastic advocate of using compos- ites in dentistry. There is a saying that goes, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” In the case of Cosmedent, this applies to dentists as your products are cre- ated to meet their needs. You also clearly state that your products are “designed for dentists by dentists.” Can you elaborate on how this process works in the company? Mr O’Malley: Cosmedent has working rela- tionshipswithmanydentistswhocometouswith innovative ideas they would like to bring to the marketplace. These ideas are evaluated by our product development team of dentists and chemists. A royalty is paid once the product has been successfully developed. cosmeticdentistry 1_2009 Products designed for dentists by dentists An interview with Cosmedent Inc. co-founders Michael O’Malley & Dr K. William ‘Bud’ Mopper The company’s co-founders: Michael O’Malley (Cosmedent President, left) and Dr K. William ‘Bud’ Mopper (Cosmedent Chairman and CEO, and Director of The Center for Esthetic Excellence).