Oragenics works with Patterson

TAMPA — Oragenics Inc. initiated a distribution partnership with St. Paul, Minn.-based Patterson Dental. Patterson's parent, Patterson Companies Inc., did $3.3 billion worth of business in its 2010 fiscal year.

Oragenics develops oral health products and antibiotics from its facility in Tampa. Peter Maroon, a director with the company, said the new relationship with Patterson would “vastly expand the distribution of our oral care probiotics to dental practices throughout North America.”

Earlier this month, David Hirsch resigned from his role as president and CEO of Oragenics. The company said chief financial officer Brian Bohunicky would assume the responsibilities of the chief executive office until a replacement is identified.