When you are in the dentist's chair, you are probably not thinking about who makes the crowns, alloys, anesthetics and instruments all around you. When you need them, however, you are glad they are there and just might be interested in knowing that one of the world's biggest manufacturers of such products is headquartered in York, Pennsylvania.

Dentsply International (NASDAQ: XRAY) designs, develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of products for the dental market. The firm is a leading provider of consumables (e.g: anesthetics, impression materials, tooth whiteners, topical fluoride and small equipment), laboratory products (e.g: artificial teeth, alloys, ceramics and crown/bridge materials) and specialty products (e.g: endodontic instruments, implants and orthodontic appliances). Dentsply's client list includes dentists, dental labs and dental schools in more than 120 countries.

When you are in the dentist's chair it's sweepstakes odds you are not thinking about who makes the crowns, alloys, anesthetics and instruments all around you. When you need them, however, you are glad they are there and just might be interested in knowing that one of the world's biggest manufacturers of such products is headquartered in York, Pennsylvania.

Dentsply International (NASDAQ: XRAY) designs, develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of products for the dental market. The firm is a leading manufacturer of dental prosthetics, precious metal dental alloys, dental ceramics, dental sealants, and crown and bridge materials. It also provides such instruments as dental handpieces, endodontic devices, ultrasonic scalers and x-ray film holders; plus such consumables as injectable anesthetics, topical fluorides, impression materials, and dental implants. Dentsply distributes its products in over 120 countries.

The company pleased investors last week, when it reported Q1 EPS of 38 cents (ex-items) and revenues of $472.9 million. Analysts had been looking for 36 cents and $454.7 million. The CEO noted particular strength in the firm's specialty products and its European business units. Banc of America Securities and JMP Securities subsequently reiterated "buy" ratings on the issue.