Dentsply International saw a 12.3% increase in net sales for the third quarter of 2012 (end-September 30).
The company reported net sales of $695.7 million for the quarter, compared with $619.8 million in the third quarter of 2011.
However, net income for the quarter was $53.4 million, compared with $60.6 million in the third quarter of 2011.
"The global dental market in the third quarter was generally comparable to what we saw in the second quarter," said Bret Wise, CEO of Dentsply, in an earnings call with analysts on October 25. "The U.S. is stable, but not really robust at this point."
Europe continues to be a mix of slow growth in the north and continued contraction in the south, Wise added. "Combined, the European market is probably flat, plus or minus at this point."
The Astra Tech acquisition continues to perform well, he added, "although we would like to be seeing a strong implant market at this point."