DENTSPLY International Inc. recently announced record sales and earnings for the year ended December 31, 2004. Sales in 2004 increased 8.1% to $1.69 billion, compared to $1.57 billion reported for 2003. Sales excluding precious metals increased 8.6% in 2004. Sales growth in 2004 was enhanced by currency translation, as the U.S. dollar continued to weaken against most foreign currencies throughout the year. Net income for 2004 was $253.2 million, or $3.09 per diluted share, which includes a $.53 per diluted share net gain primarily from the sale of the company's Gendex equipment business, completed in February 2004. Income from continuing operations for 2004 was $210.3 million ($2.56 per diluted share), a 21.3% increase in diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the year, compared to $169.9 million ($2.11 per diluted share) for 2003. The 2004 period includes pretax charges of $7.1 million ($.06 per diluted share) relating to restructuring activities.

Additional details can be found at http://www.dentsply.com.