Over a Century of Storied History and Innovative Leadership
For over than a century, DENTSPLY and Sirona have set a global standard for dental manufacturing, technology development, digital treatment, and clinical education. Throughout our history, we’ve been at the forefront of innovation to improve and advance dentistry.
Dentsply Sirona traces its roots to humble beginnings: DENTSPLY International was founded as Dentists’ Supply Company in 1899 in New York City, and the company that became Sirona Dental Systems was founded in 1877 in Erlangen, Germany. Through our transformative merger in 2016, Dentsply Sirona has grown to become the world’s largest manufacturer of professional dental products and technologies, with approximately 16,000 employees, operations in more than 40 countries worldwide, and a sales presence in more than 120 countries.
Throughout the last century, as separate companies, DENTSPLY and Sirona have each invested significantly in innovation, new product development – from the first dental drill to the first reciprocating root canal file to, of course, the first chairside CAD/CAM system – and the broadest clinical education platform in the industry. Both companies recognized early on that the advantages of digitization are not in the individual device, but in the seamless interaction of hardware, software, and devices, creating an innovative solution for dental practitioners and dental patients.
At the heart of Dentsply Sirona is our unwavering commitment to innovation. As a result, our impact is significant: every year, our products and solutions reach 600,000 dental professionals, who treat over 6,000,000 patients daily, which translates to a billion patients each year! Practitioners rely on the quality and clinical safety of our products and on our more than 100 years of experience. We are committed to continue earning the trust of dental professionals for the next 100 years.
New York Dr. Jacob Frick Franz, John Sheppard and Dean Osborne meet at the offices of Lewis Fawcett, Commissioner of Deeds of New York City, and create a 50-year incorporation of a new company, The Dentists’ Supply Company, with $10,000 in capital.
The Dentists’ Supply Company becomes the first to establish a systematic facial shape and size relationship that accurately applies to denture tooth form.
Introduction of new Trubyte Teeth, beginning one of the most successful and lasting denture brands in the industry.
The Dentists’ Supply Company invents the Airotor, an air-powered turbine operated handpiece that could rotate at 2,500 rpm, which revolutionized the practice of dentistry. The Company is also the first in the U.S. to offer a comprehensive dental plan to associates and their families, and establishes the ADA/Dentsply Student clinician program (SCADA).
DENTSPLY (new name of The Dentists’ Supply Company) assumes the exclusive responsibility for marketing and serving the Cavitron 30-B, a groundbreaking ultrasonic scaling system, and launches the innovative IRM (intermediate restorative material), which is designed for intermediate restorations intended to remain in place for up to one year. IRM is used during the Vietnam War to avoid unnecessary extractions and provide field screenings for troops. Furthermore, in 1963, L.D. Caulk becomes a division of DENTSPLY, providing the opportunity to expand global reach.
Between 1993 and 1998, DENTSPLY acquires and merges with several companies, including conventional and digital X-ray provider Gendex, Tulsa Dental Products LLC and Maillefer Instruments S.A, CeraMed Dental, the leading supplier of bonegrafting materials and hydroxylapatite plasma-feed coating materials for dental implants. Further acquisitions include Ceramco, a subsidiary focused on dental porcelain used in the fabrication of crowns, and GAC International, bringing innovation and clinical support to the orthodontic market. These acquisitions in the 90s further cement DENTSPLY’s market leader position in endodontic technology.
DENTSPLY launches several new products, including Aquasil Ultra, capturing reliability and retaining the finest detail, and ProTaper Universal, which provides an ideal choice for daily practice as a solution for rapid and high quality canal shaping. Moreover, DENTSPLY launches SureFil SDR- progressing composite based dentistry for clinicians. Further new product innovations include GuttaCore obturator that extends the Company’s Thermafil line, the Qmix dual-action irrigant and the LoFric Sense female catheter. Moreover, a further partnership deal is closed in 2008, with DENTSPLY partnering up with Zhermack S.p.A., a leader in impression material and related products.
Erwin Moritz Reiniger, a mechanical engineer at the University of Erlangen, begins manufacturing electromedical and physical apparatus in Erlangen, Germany. With two business partners, Reiniger goes on to found a mechanical engineering firm, "Vereinigte Physikalisch-Mechanische Werkstaetten Reiniger, Gebbert & Schall Erlangen - New York – Stuttgart” or “RGS.”
William Niendorff, under the direction of an RGS precision engineer based in Erlangen, builds the first electric-powered dental drill, which soon was produced in industrial quantities. Right from the start, the Company was on the lookout for innovations: Just three days after the discovery of X-rays in 1895, RGS co-founder Max Gebbert makes initial contact with Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, the German physician who made the discovery. A few months later, RGS becomes the first company to start manufacturing X-ray tubes and apparatus. RGS produces the world's first commercial X-ray unit.
Siemens & Halske acquire a majority stake in RGS.
The 1956 launch of the Siemens SIRONA dental treatment unit marks the first use of the "Sirona" brand name. Introduction of the Siemens motorized chair.
Siemens Reiniger Werke AG establishes a production facility at Bensheim, Germany, which until today remains a key production facility and the home of Dentsply Sirona’s Center of Innovation. In 1966, Siemens Reiniger Werke AG incorporates into Siemens AG.
The Company proceeds to launch its innovations, such as the CEREC (CEramic REConstruction) dental CAD/CAM system for single visit chairside production of ceramic inlays, and the ORTHOPHOS Plus DS, the first digital panorama X-ray system, followed by ORTHOPHOS Plus DS Ceph, the first digital X-ray-system for Orthodontists. On October 1, 1997, Sirona Dental Systems GmbH is established as Siemens decides to sell its dental systems division to a consortium of institutional investors coordinated through Schroder Ventures.
New technologies are continually introduced, such as the new 3D X-ray imaging system GALILEOS, XIOS intraoral sensor system, and the development of new features for ORTHOPHOS XG. Furthermore, the TENEO premium line of Treatment Centers is launched, combining industry-leading technology, ergonomics and design for a state-of-the-art dental workflow experience. In 2009, Sirona introduces a new digital impression unit, CEREC AC, powered by its new 3D camera CEREC Bluecam. The Company further expands as it merges with Schick Technologies Inc., and Sirona Dental Systems Inc. (Sirona) common stock is listed on the NASDAQ exchange under the ticker symbol SIRO.
The 2010s are a highly busy period for Sirona, as it successfully launches several new products to the market, such as ORTHOPHOS XG 3D, a complete 2D/3D imaging solution and its SINIUS treatment center line for efficient treatment with maximum quality and comfort, the CEREC Omnicam CAD/CAM system, which is powder-free and provides unique 3D-full jaw acquisitions in color with detail and precision, and Schick 33 (XIOS XG Supreme), the most advanced intraoral sensor in dentistry delivering an unparalleled combination of high-resolution images and dynamic image management. Sirona also launches new products in the inLab segment, including inFire HTC Speed and inEos X5. A new line of chairside mills and a new generation of turbines are also introduced, which feature more power and control and significantly decreased noise levels. The INTEGO treatment center is launched in 2014, offering top quality, flexible configuration and enhanced functionality for dental professionals and patients. Sirona introduces dynamic CAD/CAM systems updates for dentists, and develops new CBCT ORTHOPHOS SL (2D and 3D) and XIOS Scan imaging systems, as well as the multi diode laser SIROLaser Blue.
2016 - A New Chapter
DENTSPLY International and Sirona Dental Systems combine in a merger of equals to create Dentsply Sirona, the world’s largest manufacturer of professional dental products and technologies.
On February 29, 2016, Dentsply Sirona makes history, closing the biggest merger in the dental industry to create the largest manufacturer of professional dental products. Beginning day one, the Company focuses its efforts on uniting under a new mission, vision, values and a unique identity and experienced leadership. Early on, CEREC Zirconia was launched. To assist new CEREC users with the adoption of the technology and materials, Dentsply Sirona sales forces join to offer associated consumables needed for chairside restorations. Dentsply Sirona World, Dentsply Sirona’s one-of-a-kind ultimate dental conference, creates the first-ever dental meeting to showcase industry advancements to address practitioners’ needs across all treatment modalities with more than 4,000 professionals attending.
The Company leverages the instruments manufacturing expertise in Bensheim, Germany for the reputable Midwest brand to introduce a new electric handpiece to the U.S. market. With 3-D Endo, the Company develops the first CBCT-based software, enabling safer and more efficient planning and delivery of root canal treatments. More than 25 significant products and technologies are introduced, including Celtra Duo, CEREC Zirconia and CEREC Speedfire. The Healthcare business enters into the bowel management line, introducing the Navina system.
In September 2016, Dentsply Sirona acquires MIS Implants, a leading player in the value implant market. MIS represents Dentsply Sirona’s first venture into the value implant market and also offers a significant growth opportunity. Along with our premium implant offering, MIS fortifies our position as a leading dental implant provider and is a key part of growing our worldwide position in this market.
At the IDS 2017, Dentsply Sirona demonstrates its innovation prowess with 50 new innovations. The Company presents an efficient combination of enabling technologies and consumables into successful, safe treatment workflows. This includes innovative products as well as processes that fulfill the individual needs and requirements of dental practices. For example, Dentsply Sirona developed R2CTM ("Root to Crown“) – an integrated solution from the root to the crown including innovative file concepts as well as both direct and indirect restoration concepts. Furthermore, Dentsply Sirona announces that the CEREC system will be open and will now enable the export of scan data in STL format. That means that digital impressions data can also be used with software produced by other manufacturers.
In 2017 alone, almost 11,000 clinical education courses were offered, providing education and training to 410,460 dental professionals in 87 countries. The Dentsply Sirona Academies address the continuing educational needs of all dental professionals, providing worldwide access to evidence-based, scientifically sound, theoretical and practical content. In 2017, the Company opened a new venue at Dentsply Sirona’s UK Headquarters in Weybridge. In the same year, Dentsply Sirona celebrated the opening of the new Dentsply Sirona Asia Academy Center in Hong Kong which puts Dentsply Sirona’s commitment to clinical education and innovation directly on display. Additionally, diverse locations including Dubai (UAE), Istanbul (TUR), Moscow (RUS), Warsaw (POL) and South Korea opened new settings, reflecting both the future at Dentsply Sirona and in dentistry.
In September, Dentsply Sirona announces its acquisition of Healthdent Technologies International, a manufacturer of gutta-percha material. In March, Dentsply Sirona acquires all of the outstanding shares of RTD (Recherche Techniques Dentaires), a privately owned French company and worldwide leader in endodontic posts which perfectly complements Dentsply Sirona’s endodontics and restorative portfolio.
In February 2018, Dentsply Sirona’s Board of Directors appoints Donald M. Casey, Jr. as Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors. Additionally, the Company increases the size of its Board appointing two new directors: Betsy D. Holden, Leslie F. Varon. In spring 2018, the Company continues to invest in the highly regarded Midwest brand by executing a robust long-term product pipeline. Dentsply Sirona transfers its dental handpieces and instrument products that took place at the Midwest division in Des Plaines, Chicago, USA, to other manufacturing plants in Bensheim, Germany and York, Pennsylvania, USA. The relocation of the instruments production to Bensheim allows the Midwest brand to benefit from the industry-leading know-how and capacity of the Bensheim plant which enables to deliver highest quality instruments “Made in Germany”.
To build on an already strong Clinical Education outreach, the Company invested in new Dentsply Sirona Academy facilities around the world that further enable the hosting of experts and guests. In 2018, openings of new facilities in Charlotte (North America), Shanghai (Asia), Verona (Italy), Vienna (Austria) as well as an expansion in Bensheim (Germany) are broadening the Company’s reach to dental professionals, helping them provide the best care for their patients.
In January 2018, Dentsply Sirona announces its acquisition of Cleverdent Ltd., manufacturer of the ClasenUNO®, a product that combines the dental mirror and high volume evacuation into one tool. In March, Dentsply Sirona signs an agreement to acquire OraMetrix, an industry provider of 3-D technology solutions for orthodontic care. The acquisition of OraMetrix adds complementary products and technology to Dentsply Sirona’s orthodontics business unit, including a full arch clear aligner solution. The combination gives Dentsply Sirona the ability to provide an end-to-end digital workflow in this area of dentistry. Also in March, Dental Solutions and North American Dental Group (NADG) announce a comprehensive partnership, whereby NADG selects Dentsply Sirona as the preferred manufacturing partner for their supported offices. Additionally, the relationship includes unique educational and training programs developed collaboratively and delivered through the North American Dental Group Clinical Accelerator Program.
With Azento, the Company introduces a single tooth replacement solution, highly customized to the needs and timeframe of dentists and patients, which revolutionizes the digital implant workflow by streamlining implant planning service, purchasing and delivery. A diverse range of market-leading products are introduced in 2018 including the CEREC Guide 3, SureSmile aligners and various Imaging software updates like Sidexis 4 and the software of extraoral flagship, Orthophos SL.
Azento, the latest digital implant workflow solution from Dentsply Sirona, streamlines the implant planning, purchasing and delivery of products. For the clinician, this custom implant solution increases convenience, seamlessly and efficiently connects with qualified laboratories, and enables consistent, excellent results for patients.
The new SureSmile Aligners from Dentsply Sirona are planned and produced based on a digital impression and an X-ray image. The newly developed, cloud-based SureSmile Aligner software is used for this, also incorporating a patient photo. This allows the ideal smile to be created as part of the digital treatment plan. Unlike with conventional concepts, dental practitioners keep control of the treatment process at all times. In the SureSmile Aligner software, practitioners can make changes to the plan and thus adapt the systems to the needs of the individual patient.
The new surgical guide for the chairside digital implant workflow, CEREC Guide 3, supports both the surgical preparation of the implant site as well as the insertion of all Dentsply Sirona implant systems. Production of the CEREC Guide 3 can be done in the practice easily, quickly, and cost efficiently, based on a digital impression made with the CEREC Omnicam or CEREC Primescan and a 3D X-ray image.
DentsplySirona introduces new Calibra®Bio Bioceramic luting cement. Calibra® Bio cement’s new bioactive chemistry works naturally withthe tooth structure to form a self-repairing layer of hydroxyapatite (HA) for improved marginal integrity. Andits unique Calcium Aluminate Ionomer (CAIO) chemistry delivers seamless adaptation towards the tooth structureat the cement-tooth interface.Ithas been shown that Calibra Bio Cement reduces microleakage.
The new Purevac High Volume Evacuation Mirror Tip enables a one-handed approach to evacuating fluid and debris while facilitating retraction, visibility, and illumination during dental procedures. The Purevac HVE Mirror Tip System provides many ergonomic benefits and converts a standard 11mm HVE valve to a 16mm valve to securely fit the mirror tip.
Dentsply Sirona opened a new chapter in digital dentistry with the introduction of Primescan, the intraoral scanner with a new digital impressioning technology enabling high-precision scans of the entire jaw. These scans present numerous possibilities for users. Primescan was designed for various digital workflows – with the laboratory directly in the practice, with CEREC or in cooperation with external partners. Validated interfaces noticeably simplify the process, offering dentists the flexibility they desire.
In 2019, Dentsply Sirona also introduced a new generation of tailormade X-ray units to better suit the needs of practitioners: Orthophos E, Orthophos S, and the prized Orthophos SL – each providing a different range of features that allow the practitioner to image, diagnose, and treat for higher case acceptance. Due to this diversification, the ideal solution is available to everyone, from new 3D users to experienced practitioners ready to maximize on all of the possibilities with 3D technology.
Lucitone Digital Print 3D Denture Resin is the first FDA-cleared, high impact, printable denture base that has come to market. The printing workflow includes five core material system products: Lucitone Digital Print 3D Denture Resin, IPN 3D Digital Denture Teeth, Lucitone Digital Try-In 3D Trial Placement Resin, Lucitone Digital Fuse 3-Step 3D Denture Bonding system, and inLab Speedcure Processing Unit. We partner with a company called Carbon out of San Francisco, California who are leaders in printing technology. The materials and Carbon M-series printer are designed, tested and validated to work together.
In response to fast-growing demand as well to address specific handling needs of customers, Dentsply Sirona launched the Astra Tech Implant EV. The Astra Tech Implant EV is an updated implant with deeper threads in the apical (direction toward the root tip) part - a small change with very positive effects.
Cercon xt Multilayer (ML) is the latest innovative material in Dentsply Sirona’s range of zirconium oxide disks. With its natural color gradient from incisal to dentin, this new and exciting product provides life-like esthetics, reliable color accuracy and faster production processing.
A further innovation in restorative dentistry, the new SmartLite Pro curing light combines elegant design and maximum efficiency. Featuring newly engineered optics to provide a homogenous LED beam profile for cutting edge performance, a lightweight and finely balanced pen-style design, and a forward-thinking modular concept with quick-connect tips for future upgrades, the unique curing light sets new standards for dentists.
Acuris is a game-changer in fixed retention. Instead of cement or screws, it uses friction retention. This saves time, simplifies the procedure and all it takes to secure the final crown is a single click using our unique and newly-designed Fixation Tool. With Acuris, the implant treatment is just like any other, apart from the final restoration. That is when it all becomes easier, quicker—and still delivers the final result that dentists and patients demand and deserve. The Acuris assortment includes abutments with different angulations for all implant systems from Dentsply Sirona Implants and a full set of caps and instruments.
Developed in collaboration with skilled endodontic practitioners, the TruNatomy root canal treatment solution enables clinicians to provide a smooth, predictable treatment even in cases with curved root canals or limited straight-line access. It also addresses the need to maximize the preservation of dentin thanks to its slim, highly flexible alloy wire and regressive taper. Combining Swiss precision and advanced engineering, TruNatomy capitalizes on Dentsply Sirona’s 130 years of experience in manufacturing files like ProTaper and WaveOne Gold families.
The Palodent V3 system is an innovative sectional matrix system with Nickel-Titanium rings, anatomically shaped matrix bands and adaptive self-guiding wedges that provides predictable, tight contacts and restorations that accurately replicate the natural tooth anatomy.
Spectra ST1 is the latest innovation in universal hybrid composites from Dentsply Sirona for anterior and posterior restorations available in three different viscosities: high viscosity (HV), low viscosity (LV), and flowable.
CEREC takes another big step forward with the introduction of CEREC Primemill, the new grinding and milling unit from Dentsply Sirona. Fabricating chairside restorations is about to get easier and significantly faster. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology, a wide range of restorations can now be manufactured with more speed and outstanding results.
The Axeos 3D/2D imaging system offers enhanced clinical confidence, smart connectivity, and an exceptional experience, with the largest field of view of any Dentsply Sirona 3D/2D system. Axeos uses intelligent low dose exposure to capture high-quality images while providing easy-to-use features to enhance patient comfort, such as smart height adjustment and quick scan times, that lead to exceptional patient experiences with high infection prevention standards.
The Schick AE intraoral sensor combines the exceptional resolution of 33 lp/mm theoretical resolution with optimized data read-out and innovative filtering functions to enhance diagnostic capabilities. Through new enhancements, relevant anatomical structures are highlighted to support an accurate and detailed diagnosis. Increased sensor sensitivity and an enhanced low-dose optimized exposure spectrum allow for optimal visibility and diagnostics at reduced exposure.
The new addition to the DAC Universal family allows dental professionals to process instruments automatically in just one cycle and comes with a complete sterilisation function. With two programs to choose from, the DAC Universal S is able to deliver maximum process reliability when it comes to instrument cleaning and sterilisation.
Surefil one, an innovative filling concept for the posterior tooth region, also attracted a high level of interest at IDS. Surefil one allows dentists to treat a cavity without any etching, bonding or retentive preparation in just one layer. After the material is placed into the cavity and briefly sculpted with an instrument, it can be light-cured for immediate finishing and polishing. With Surefil one filling procedures have been significantly improved and simplified.
In January 2021, Dentsply Sirona announces its acquisition of Byte, a leading direct-to-consumer, doctor-directed clear aligner company. As a result of the transaction, Dentsply Sirona adds scale in the important clear aligner category and strengthens its connection with dental professionals. Dentsply Sirona’s R&D capabilities and commercial expertise offer significant potential to drive additional growth of the Byte clear aligner solutions. The combination with Dentsply Sirona will focus on expanding the market for orthodontic care by connecting additional patients with dental professionals and helping them access quality oral healthcare.
