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Google Glass App Virtually Guides Implant Surgeries

Xavier Boada - Avinent
International Department

STORY INLINE POST

Wed, 09/07/2016 - 17:04

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Q: How has your collaboration with Google Glass influenced surgical procedures?

A: The development of Avinent App for Google Glass has been a fantastic tool to show how technology can improve our sector. The app is ready to use and can be helpful for doctors during surgery. It guides them stepby-step through the surgical procedure. The application works with a QR code attached inside the packaging of an implant that when detected, automatically leads the doctor through the appropriate drilling protocol.

Avinent has contributed to new developments, having created an innovative implant system to which new digital technologies such as guided surgery or customized prosthetics are applied. These recent medical advances could make it possible to plan a surgery virtually.

Q: How important is Mexico in the trend toward dental medical tourism?

A: Mexico is one of most important markets in which we have to invest. We are starting with Colombia, and Mexico will be the next step for us. Another reason for this is that we are already well positioned in Canada and beginning operations in the US. It makes sense for us to enter Mexico in the very near future. The size of the market is a contributing factor, since it is the largest in Latin America after Brazil. Dentistry in Mexico is highly qualified and competent. Many doctors from the north of South America studied at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), which trains high-quality professionals. Doctors from Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela study in Mexico due to the excellence of its institutions. Our product is aimed at professionals that want a high-quality product, which is why Mexico is an important market for us.

Q: What are the biggest differences you have seen between Mexico and Colombia?

A: Colombia will be a lucrative market for us as it has qualified dentists and, because aesthetics are trending, odontology is a way to tap into that market.

We are seeing this trend replicate itself increasingly in Mexico. People want functionality and those that require intensive dentistry work want teeth that fit well and are aesthetically pleasing. The population is more familiar with implants and their purpose and functionality as information is readily available for everyone.

Q: How is your registration with COFEPRIS progressing?

A: We are still at the very beginning of the process. We have held some meetings and our product was well received. COFEPRIS does not provide information directly, it is received through third parties and we have already heard some good news. Having FDA approval and approval in Canada and Japan will certainly help to speed up the processes.

Q: What opportunities do you see in Mexico?

A: This second registry with the Mexican equivalent of the FDA is an opportunity. When we return to Barcelona our regulatory affairs department will study strategic ways for us to enter the Mexican market. We also have the help of the ACCIÓ office (Catalonia Investment and Trade Agency) here in Mexico. Even with all this support, we expect it to take nine or 10 months to obtain approval. Although we do not plan to manufacture our products in Mexico, I cannot make that as an unequivocal statement as we do not know how customized products will be classified by customs. It may become necessary to produce them in the country for local sales.

 

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