Dentsply International Inc. recently announced record sales and earnings for the year ended December 31, 2002. Sales increased 33.6% to $1,513.7 million compared to $1,133.0 million reported for 2001. The internal sales growth rate was 6.3%, while acquisitions added 26.0% and foreign currency translation added 1.3%. Excluding precious metals, the internal sales growth rate was 6.8% (7.2% dental only) for 2002. Net income for 2002 was $148.0 million, or $1.85 per diluted common share, an increase of 21.8% compared to $121.5 million, or $1.54 per diluted common share, in 2001.

An audio replay of the company's recent conference call will be available for approximately two weeks. To access the replay, call (800) 642-1687 or (706) 645-9291; the access code is 7518809. The company's website is located at http://www.dentsply.com .