What was once primarily seen as a concern in the fashion industry has reached the dental market as a growing problem: products from unofficial distribution channels (gray market) and counterfeits. In the medical field in particular, this can have serious consequences, as such products often bypass legal quality and safety standards—frequently without being detected. Yet those who provide treatment bear responsibility, above all for patient safety. The use of gray market products or even counterfeits can have severe consequences for everyone involved.
Ivoclar’s new verification program helps dental professionals quickly and easily verify product authenticity.
Photo credit: Ivoclar.
For dental manufacturer Ivoclar, patient safety is top of mind, so the company has a new verification program in place. To help dental experts avoid the risks associated with counterfeit dental products, Ivoclar provides an overview of authorized distributors.
The Risks of the Gray Market
Products from the gray market often have a non-transparent history. They may be diverted, repackaged, or stored and transported under unsuitable conditions. In many cases, they don’t comply with the manufacturer’s original specifications or regulatory requirements of the country in which they are used.
The risks are real—and often not immediately visible. Products may be expired, damaged, or incorrectly labeled. Improper logistics can lead to contamination, chemical degradation, or altered material properties. The result can be compromised treatment outcomes or, in the worst case, harm to both patients and users. In addition, products sourced outside authorized distribution channels typically come with neither warranty nor support. In such cases, the responsibility—and the risk—lies with the treating professionals, whether legal, financial, or medical.
Counterfeit Products Bring Risks
Counterfeit products are particularly critical. They are often produced without regulatory oversight and are not subject to any quality control. As a result, the basis for safe use is entirely lacking.
“Counterfeit dental products are a serious concern for everyone in the dental community, as these products are not produced under the stringent quality control guidelines of a medical devices manufacturer such as Ivoclar,” Markus Heinz, CEO of the Ivoclar Group, stated in a press release earlier this month. “To prevent such risks and thereby protect patients and our customers, we exclusively work with business partners who meet its strict compliance requirements and cooperate with official authorities to fight illicit activities.”
For instance, illegal factories in China have already been uncovered and shut down.
Take Warning Signs Seriously
It is therefore all the more important to identify risks at an early stage. In practice, there are several indicators of gray or black market activity:
- Prices significantly below market level
- Irregularities in packaging or labeling
- Sales through unauthorized dealers
- Unusual product availability
- Lack of warranty or support services
Further information regarding signs and risks of gray or black market goods is provided on Ivoclar’s website.
New Verification Program
Patient safety is paramount. To help dental experts avoid the risks mentioned above, Ivoclar provides an overview of authorized distributors. In addition, the company is taking an important step further: with its new verification program, customers are provided with a simple tool to quickly and reliably check product authenticity. The Ivotion portfolio and the ProArt CAD Try-In discs are the first Ivoclar products to feature this function.
Safety Standards
A QR code, that also serves as the product seal, is located on the outside of the packaging and can easily be scanned with a smartphone—no app is required. Users are then directed to an Ivoclar webpage where they are asked to enter a PIN that is located beneath the peel-off QR code. After entering the PIN, end customers immediately learn whether the product is genuine and meets the highest safety standards. If anything appears to be incorrect, Ivoclar’s Customer Care is available to assist.
The company plans to gradually expand the verification program to additional products in its portfolio. It represents a simple, convenient, and reliable way to verify the authenticity of Ivoclar products—helping ensure that clinicians can rely on the quality and safety of the products they use every day. Moreover, further features are planned to be linked to the QR code scan, such as displaying useful and relevant product information, e.g. instructions for use. For more information on the verification program and included products, visit ivoclar.com/anti-counterfeit.
The Ivoclar Group, headquartered in Schaan, Liechtenstein, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of integrated solutions for high-quality dental applications. Ivoclar. The company’s United States headquarters are located in Amherst, NY.
