Biomet dental sales down 5% in Q1

Biomet, a privately held orthopedic device manufacturer, reported $630 million in net sales in the first quarter of FY2010 (end-August 31, 2009), up 4% from $607 million in the first quarter of FY2009. Net loss for the quarter was $22.8 million, compared to a net loss of $59.9 million for the same quarter a year ago.

While overall reconstructive sales increased 5% worldwide, Biomet's dental reconstructive device sales decreased 5% during the quarter "due to the continued economic impact of the current recessionary environment," the company said in a press release. However, the company added, "the Encode Complete System continued to be well received by clinicians."

Craniomaxillofacial fixation devices were among the product categories that recorded double-digit sales growth during the quarter, noted Biomet President and CEO Jeffrey R. Binder in the release.