Biolase Technology, Inc. has announced today that it has received approval to sell its Waterlase(R) dental laser systems in the People's Republic of China, one of the world's fastest growing dental markets. The official medical device registration certificate granted by the Chinese State Food and Drug Agency comes to positive closure after many years of testing and analysis of the product.

The Waterlase dental laser system uses a patented combination of water and laser light to perform most procedures currently performed using dental drills and scalpels resulting in enhanced clinical benefits and a more comfortable experience for patients.

"Our expansion into mainland China is a very important milestone for BIOLASE's international development and an initiative we and our partners have been working on for a considerable time," Chief Executive Officer David M. Mulder said, adding that he and the BIOLASE regional head will be traveling overseas this weekend for discussions on distribution launch plans. "This opens up an exciting new market for us. Dentistry in China is changing very rapidly with the establishment of many new private clinics and we have already found that Chinese patients are increasingly spending more on modern dental care with innovative dental devices like our Waterlase systems."

Mulder noted that BIOLASE has already developed a strong market presence in Taiwan and Hong Kong through the Company's distribution partners there. BIOLASE's experience in these existing markets will be important to help the Company maximize the market opportunity in China and of course there are practical benefits which flow from the common languages, he added.

(Edited by Daniel Zimmermann, DTI)