Each quarter, SDM collects data from more than 80% of dental dealer sales volume throughout the US. The dental dealers' reporting represent a statistically significant sample which is projectable to the entire dental marketplace. The SDM methodology is consistent with other industries that provide accurate market share and sales information. In fact, it is the largest sample of any industry that collects distributor sales data.

The compilation of our reports starts with the acquisition of actual sales tapes each quarter from dental dealers. The sales tapes are then processed to ensure that all sales are correctly categorized by brand and item number. A standard unit of measure is identified for each category and sales are expressed by both units and value (US dollars). Charts are generated reflecting actual dealer sales to dentists for the total country, as well as eight regions. Unit definitions, as well as the product category assignments have been developed with the assistance of many dental industry experts at manufacturers and dental dealers. An average unit price is also calculated for each product reflecting the actual "out-the-door" price to the dentist, including any dealer discounts.

The sales charts and tables produced reflect only sales of dental products generated through dental dealers. Direct sales to dentists by manufacturers are not included in tabulations. The actual sales to dealers participating in the DPMSS sample are then extrapolated to reflect all dental products sold through all dealers for the quarter. Thus, the sales for each brand and category should accurately reflect the total national and regional sales through dealers. All dealer sales are allocated to one of the eight geographic regions with each area identified on the maps in the upper right-hand corner of each data table. We have included a chart identifying regions by state.

Some of the dealers represented in the DPMSS sample sell products under their own label. In order to preserve confidentiality for participating dealers, all such sales have been grouped and categorized under the name "Private Label." These sales have also been extrapolated to reflect Private Label sales for all US dealers in the respective reports.

All sales reported reflect the data provided by the dental dealers participating.

Confidentiality and control procedures are verified each quarter by Arthur Andersen and Co., in order to endure that proprietary sales information from each dealer is treated confidentially.