Irish dentist licenses flossing device

MULTINATIONAL Johnson & Johnson hopes to take a major bite out of the world dental hygiene market using a novel dental-flossing device invented by an Irish dentist.

Castleknock dental surgeon Paul Sullivan and a number of fellow investors started developing the device in 1994 and within the last year signed major licence deals with Johnson & Johnson and Jordon.

Mr Sullivan said he hopes the licensing agreement, which will see millions of people utilise the Reach Access Daily Flosser, will cover their initial investment and make a tidy return for the group of friends who backed the project.

“We won’t make millions or anything like that but with a bit of luck we could make a tidy sum,” he said last night.

Johnson & Johnson will be making the product available on supermarket shelves from September 2004.

Fergal McGarry, managing director, Johnson & Johnson, said: “The purchase of the flossing concept by Johnson & Johnson is a great success story for Irish innovator Paul Sullivan. Following Reach Access Daily Flosser’s success in the United States, Canada, Australia and Japan, we are delighted to bring this Irish innovation home to the Irish market.

“It will be interesting to see how the Irish market responds to Reach Access, as the product is so effective. Given that four million tooth brushes are sold in Ireland each year, the potential sales are substantial.”

Mr O’Sullivan advises other would-be product developers not to underestimate the time, commitment and cash required to prove a product works and is saleable.

“If I had realised all those years ago it would take me this long to get this far, I’m not sure I’d have persevered. However, it is great to see the concept being launched by an international here in Ireland,” he said.