Following its acquisition of Norwich Union’s dental division, CIGNA has announced a deal to provide discounted sundries to its dentists.
The deal with Wright Dental will enable dentists to receive either 5% or 10% discount off dental materials. Wright Dental is one of the largest manufactures of dentures in the UK as well as supplying dental equipment and laboratory products and day-today consumables.
CIGNA now has 3,500 dentists throughout the UK, the second largest network in the country. Steve Bull, business manager of CIGNA’s dental division said: “This deal is an important addition to the benefits provided for CIGNA network dentists, and is evidence to our commitment to providing them with valuable additional services and benefits as part of our support package.”
He added: “We will work closely with Wright Dental to develop this partnership further for the benefit of our network dentists.”
Norwich Union sold its dental network to CIGNA for an initial sum of Elm in November last year. Following a six month handover period, it is expected that an additional sum of up to £460,000 will be paid subject to the performance of the business in 1998.
Currently the dental business is being run by Norwich Union staff in Southampton. In May this year, when the hand over period is completed, staff will offered relocation packages to move to Greenock, Scotland, where CIGNA is based.
Elaine Collins, a spokeswoman for CIGNA said it was hoped that staff not choosing this option would be able to find alternative employment with NU Healthcare.