ASTRA TECH APPOINTS NEW U.S. CEO

Astra Tech, part of the AstraZeneca group that develops and manufactures dental implants and medical devices for surgery and urology, has appointed Scott Root as president and CEO.

He joins Astra Tech as the company increases its presence in the U.S. in 2005, starting with the launch of its OsseoSpeed Dental Implant in the first quarter. OsseoSpeed is the first dental implant with a bone growth catalyst, the company said.

Root will also serve on the company's board of directors.