
Jong Won Kim, Managing Director of Osstem Bangladesh Ltd. Photo : Messenger
Osstem Implant, a pioneering dental implant company in Korea, has become the world's third-largest implant company due to its quality and global reach. Osstem achieved the top rank in dental implant sales worldwide from 2017 to 2022, making it the preferred choice for dentists globally. Jong Won Kim, Managing Director of Osstem Bangladesh Ltd., shared about the journey, achievement and services of the company in a recent interview with Saifunnahar Sumi of The Daily Messenger.
The Daily Messenger: Osstem Implant has gained recognition as a leading implant company in Korea. Could you share the company’s journey in Bangladesh?
Jong Won: Osstem Implant started its journey in Bangladesh in 2011. The business growth was initially slow due to the economic conditions not being favourable in Bangladesh at that time. Dental implants are costly items, and their adoption is closely related to the economic condition of patients.
Messenger: Why did you choose Bangladesh, a low-income country in 2011, given that the cost of its items is high?
Jong Won: We chose Bangladesh because of its large population. Osstem Implant remains committed to dental innovation, collaborative learning, and sharing knowledge with the global dental community. Our commitment is to advance dental solutions and enhance the quality of dental care for the people of Bangladesh.
Messenger: What are the key achievements that have led to success in the dental implant industry?
Jong Won: Osstem provides comprehensive solutions for dental treatment, including a range of dental equipment such as unit chairs, CT scanners, panorama imaging devices, materials, and education and training for dentists. Our products may be more expensive than those of our competitors, like China, but they are known for their high quality. Dental implants cost around Tk 80,000 to Tk 1,00,000 per tooth, and only high-income individuals can afford them.
Messenger: High-income individuals don't represent Bangladesh. Why should people consider the service when it is expensive?
Jong Won: People are not well-informed about our dental implants, and our duty is to introduce the product. As people's living standards are increasing amid economic growth, and they are becoming more conscious of healthcare, especially after COVID-19, we expect greater adoption.
Messenger: What are the benefits of Dental Implants equipment compared to others?
Jong Won: Dental implants can save up to 80 percent of the adjacent teeth on both sides. They come with a lifetime guarantee. By using the CBCT machine, we can provide 3D images and data with a low risk of damage. There are only five of these machines available in Bangladesh. Junior doctors can easily perform surgery using this machine. Osstem Implant is deeply committed to innovation and introducing advanced dental implant technology.
Messenger/Disha