DENTSPLY International Inc. announces expectations for second quarter of 1997.

YORK, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 12, 1997--DENTSPLY International Inc. (Nasdaq:XRAY) Thursday announced that the company expects to report sales of approximately $178.0 million for the quarter ending June 30, 1997, an increase of 8.0% from the quarter ended June 30, 1996 and earnings per share of approximately 66 cents, equal to the year earlier quarter.

The flat earnings per share will result largely from three factors: the relocation of the Preventive Care Division's manufacturing facilities to a new plant in York, Pa.; the recently completed acquisition of New Image Industries; and the negative impact of the strong U.S. dollar on the translation of sales made in European currencies.

Commenting on the company's expectations for the second quarter and the year, John Miles, vice chairman and chief executive officer, said, "Although we expect flat second quarter earnings, we remain optimistic about the remainder of the year. Production at the new Preventive Care facility in York has started, and shipments should be strong as we reduce backlog to normal levels by the end of the third quarter.

"We expect New Image to reduce its losses in the third quarter and to become operationally profitable by year-end. Finally, we continue to gain market share in key product categories in the U.S. and abroad and we believe we are well positioned to achieve record earnings in 1997 and continued growth in the long term."

DENTSPLY designs, develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of products for the dental market.

The company believes that it is the world's leading manufacturer and distributor of artificial teeth, endodontic instruments and materials, impression materials, prophylaxis paste, dental sealants, ultrasonic scalers, and crown and bridge materials; the leading United States manufacturer and distributor of dental x-ray equipment, dental handpieces, intraoral cameras, dental operatory software systems, dental x-ray film holders, film mounts and bone substitute/grafting materials; and a leading United States distributor of dental cutting instruments.

The company distributes its dental products in over 100 countries under some of the most well-established brand names in the industry.

DENTSPLY is committed to the development of innovative, high quality, cost-effective new products for the dental market. -0-

This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning sales and earnings expectations and other matters.

Actual results could differ materially from these expectations as a result, among other risks, of financial accounting adjustments, slower sales than anticipated in the remainder of the second quarter and the year, unanticipated delays in shipments, and foreign currency fluctuations.

For a more detailed description of these and other risk factors, please refer to the company's annual report on form 10K for the year ended Dec. 31, 1996.

CONTACT: DENTSPLY International Inc., York

Edward D. Yates, senior VP & CFO, 717/849-4243