THE DENTAL MARKET IN UKRAINE.

Ukraine is the state in the Eastern Europe with the population of about 48 million persons, bounded on the north by Belarus, on the north and east by the Russian Federation, on the west by Poland, Slovakia, on the south-west by Hungary, Rumania, and Moldova, and on the south by the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
The capital of Ukraine is Kyiv. Kyiv is the biggest and densely populated city of the country – about 2,8 million of residents. Other cities, in which the population exceeds one million, are Kharkiv (1,5 million), Dnipropetrovsk (1,15 mln.), Odessa (1,13 mln.), Donetsk (1,1 mln.).

From the moment of declaration by Ukraine of its independence on August 24, 1991, and the subsequent disintegration of the USSR, the market economy begins to develop in Ukraine, however the essential economy growth begins only since 2001. In the country processes of privatization, creation of favourable conditions for foreign investment, liberalization of market relations, and standardization of the Ukrainian laws up to laws of the European Union actively proceed, there are reforms in sphere of taxes, education, medicine etc. The basic trade partners of Ukraine are the CIS and Baltic States, Russia, USA Germany, China, Italy, France, Poland, Turkey etc.

The development of the dental market of Ukraine is integrally related with the development of the national economy, improvement of the financial condition of citizens, creation by the state of favorable conditions for development of stomatology in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian dental market is quite large and the import of the dental equipment, was estimated in 2001 at about 80 million dollars USA, the Ukrainian manufacturers at about 4-5 million dollars USA, and the home market of dental services was evaluated at about 40 million dollars USA. Unfortunately, there are no exact statistical data on the sizes of the market as the most part of the market belongs to the sector of shadow economy and the essential part of a financial turnover is made by cash. (Figures are based on the data of publishers of dental press and the information given by the heads of dental firms).

Needs of the market are extensive, because the majority of dental equipment currently used in public dental clinics is outdated, worn out and should be replaced. The fast development of a private sector also increases the demand in the high-quality equipment, tools, account materials, medicines, preventive and hygienic means.
Ukraine’s demand for dental equipment is mainly covered by import. However, there are up to 20 local manufacturers.

The majority of the Ukrainian health care system still belongs to the state and is financed from the state budget. A long-awaited health insurance reform is expected in the near future. Dentistry is one of the medical sectors, experiencing a faster privatization process.
Successful results of sale in Ukraine of the dental equipment, account materials, hygienic means may be achieved only by penetrating the market through the Ukrainian dealers who already have an extensive network for sale and ability to identify buyers. Over 150 representations of foreign firms are registered in Ukraine.
The main buyers of the dental equipment are private distributors and private dental clinics. However, the state clinics are also potential clients.
Today Ukraine has 19 000 dentists of various profiles, 4 600 state clinics, 5 000 private clinics.
Each year 1 500 young dentists are educated at 12 faculties of medical universities of Ukraine and dental academy.
There is a strong market demand for the introduction of new technologies in dentistry. Impressive opportunities exist for establishing training centers where doctors and dental technicians can get acquainted with new technologies and materials.
Receptivity of the market for used dental equipment is average; as the price difference between the local and imported used equipment has narrowed, the motivation to purchase used equipment has also decreased. However, a potential market for used dental equipment exists.
Joint ventures and new projects may be considered the most viable options for foreign companies, seeking investment opportunities in Ukraine.
Among professional associations of Ukrainian dentists the most influential and numerous is the Ukrainian Dental Association.
The Ukrainian Dental Association was organized in 1958 and today its members are over 9000 dentists, dental technicians, who are united in 27 regional associations. In structure of the UDA there are 73 collective members, which are state and private clinics, firms, joint ventures.
Since 1998 the Ukrainian Dental Association is a constant member of the World Dental Federation (FDI).

The address:
1, Zoologychna Street, 03057, Kyiv, Ukraine,
The dental building of National medical University.

Phone/fax: + 380 44 213 83 38, + 380 44 213 95 58