An online dental supply venture that started a few years ago for dentists in California is operating under a new partnership with Henry Schein Inc., a major online distributor of medical products.
AJ Caffentzis, president, U.S. Dental Distribution, Henry Schein Inc.
The Dentists Supply Co. and Henry Schein have formed a new joint operating company, TDSC Inc., to relaunch the dental supplies ecommerce site TDSC.com.
“We recognize that there are some members of organized dentistry who want an alternative channel for purchasing dental supplies and we look forward to meeting their needs,” AJ Caffentzis, president, U.S. Dental Distribution, Henry Schein Dental, said in announcing the operating company. The company added that the COVID-19 pandemic had ushered in new demand for new sources of dental supplies.
“TDSC.com, powered by Henry Schein,” will officially launch late this month and “continue to offer everyday low pricing and expand its offerings for dental supplies and small equipment to dental association members,” the two organizations said in a press release today.
After launching in 2017 by the California Dental Association as an ecommerce portal for its member dentists in California, then expanding to several states in 2018, TDSC began selling dental products online nationwide last November.
Addressing a competitive environment
Henry Schein will be the majority owner in the new operating company, with California Dental Association owning an interest in it, they said, without disclosing terms. The new company will form an advisory council including “key stakeholders” from each organization along with dentists and leaders of dental associations, they added.
Walt Weber, chairman, TDSC
“We’re proud of TDSC’s growth since its inception to help members of organized dentistry remain competitive in a challenging practice environment,” said Walt Weber, a dentist and chair of TDSC’s board of directors. “We’re excited to join Henry Schein, as it will expand TDSC’s value proposition to our members.”
Stanley M. Bergman, chairman of the board and CEO of Henry Schein, said TDSC “shares Henry Schein’s commitment to helping dental practices operate more efficiently so practitioners can focus on the quality of care delivered.”
Caffentzis added, “We also look forward to welcoming new customers and providing all customers of TDSC.com with the option to expand our relationship through our full-service model.”
Ecommerce an ‘integral’ part of healthcare distribution
Henry Schein, which reported $9.99 billion in total 2019 sales and $2.45 billion for the six months ended June 27, doesn’t break out ecommerce revenue but sells through several ecommerce sites, including Henry Schein Dental, Zahn Dental Laboratories and Henry Schein Special Markets. Two years ago, it spun off its animal health business as a standalone public company called Covetrus, which now operates an ecommerce site for veterinarians at NorthAmerica.Covetrus.com.
In its 2019 annual financial statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Henry Schein said that “electronic commerce solutions have become an integral part of traditional health care supply and distribution relationships,” and added, “We continue to explore ways and means to improve and expand our internet presence and capabilities, including our online commerce offerings and our use of various social media outlets.”
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