The changing face of DMT

The major shareholders and investors behind Dental Medical Technologies (DMT), David Wieland and David Goldberger, have recently acquired 100% stake in the company by purchasing the minority shareholder interest held by the previous managing director Peter King. Mr King is no longer involved in any aspect of the company's operations.

Known as the "Oil Twins", Goldberger and Wieland have been partners for well over 30 years. From humble beginnings, they now control, a corporate empire with an annual turnover of well in excess of $1.7 billion which includes Liberty Oil, Direct Factory Outlets, Property Development and other business interests.

DMT launched intraoral cameras and air abrasion systems into the Australian market and now supply a full suite of products from Eurodent dental units, Schick Digital X-ray and LaserBrite teeth whitening system to its recently introduced Biolase lasers.

"We have always been the major shareholders and investors behind DMT," said Mr Wieland. Having total ownership now, there is an opportunity to draw a line in the sand and make some exciting changes and explore new areas.

"We see there is tremendous potential at DMT, both in its existing operations and also in terms of new areas in the dental market that we see as under-serviced or untapped."

Mr Wieland said that he and Mr Goldberger would be part of a new board of directors which would now take a more active role in the operations of DMT. Current general manager, Barry O'Halloran, and sales and marketing manager, Peter Mackley, will continue to run the company on a day to day basis.

"We plan to invest further capital to expand DMT and apply our experience from other markets which we see as having synergies in dentistry. We have immediate plans to introduce and broaden DMT's product base, not just in high tech equipment but also in the dental consumable lines.

"We have always based our approach to all businesses in which we are involved on the value of excellence in customer service, being innovative and doing things differently to our competition and to provide quality and cost-effective products.

"Strong emphasis will be on the after sales support that we provide and we will be seeking to ensure any shortcomings in this and any other areas are rectified. Steps have already been taken with the appointment of a dedicated team to service the Biolase lasers including the Waterlase and Twilight and more changes will follow.

"Right now, we are looking for more staff and more products that we can bring into the market. We are looking for people with experience in both dental equipment and consumables in all states and in a variety of roles, from representative to managerial."

Mr Wieland said that there were a number of areas in the dental market that he perceived were lacking and that DMT would seek to address these in its new and expanded operations.

"We have never been afraid to take on the larger players and we have succeeded twice in the tough fuel retailing market, first with the Solo brand and now with Liberty. By transferring the same principles of excellence in customer service and delivering quality products with the back up service and value into the dental market, we believe not only will DMT be taken to a new level, but the dental profession on the whole will benefit."