Dentsply details operational impact of Japan earthquake

Dentsply has offered an update on the actions it is taking in regards to its business following the recent natural disaster in Japan.

The dental equipment manufacturer will be providing a donation via the International Red Cross to help relief efforts in the Asian nation after the earthquake and tsunami on March 11th 2011.

It also confirmed that all of its Japan-based associates are safe, while its primary Japanese facilities in Tokyo and Nasu were not significantly affected.

However, Dentsply may see disruption to its supply chain due to the fact that one of its key suppliers is located in an evacuation zone, with the company stating it will continue to assess the potential impact of the incident on its business.

Bret Wise, the firm's chairman and chief executive officer, said: "Our Dentsply associates' safety remains our utmost priority … on behalf of the entire company, I would like to express our deepest condolences to all Japanese citizens as they manage through this tragic event."

Last month, the company published its financial report for 2010, noting a record level of net sales for the year.