Dentsply Sirona History
More than a century of storied history and innovative leadership
For more 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 have 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 the 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 the company's more than 100 years of experience. We are committed to continue to earn the trust of dental professionals for the next 100 years.
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1899 - Dentsply - New York
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.
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1914
The Dentists’ Supply Company becomes the first to establish a systematic facial shape and size relationship that accurately applies to denture tooth form.
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1931
Introduction of new Trubyte Teeth, beginning one of the most successful and lasting denture brands in the industry.
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1950s
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).
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1960s
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.
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1990s
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.
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2000s
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.
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2010s
DENTSPLY continues to introduce new products to the market, including WaveOne, e3, Reciproc motor and file system and RDH Freedom. The Company also launches Celtra Duo and LoFric Origo. In 2015, DENTSPLY introduces more than 30 products, such as Cavitron Touch with Sterimate 360 preventative products, Cercon HT: 16 Vita Shades & Concepts prosthetics offering, XSmart iQ, ceram.x Universal. Innovations drive growth: As DENTSPLY’s largest acquisition in its 115-year history, AstraTech, is acquired and successfully integrated to build the Company’s Implants and HealthCare business units and create an extensive new implant platform. Soon thereafter, DENTSPLY Implants launches the Astra Tech Implant System EV, the next step in the continuous evolution of the Astra Tech Implant System.
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1877 - Sirona - Erlangen
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.”
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1880s & 1890s
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.
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1925
Siemens & Halske acquire a majority stake in RGS.
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1956
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.
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1960s
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.
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1980s & 1990s
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.
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2000s
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.
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2010s
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.
-
1899 - Dentsply - New York
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.
-
1877 - Sirona - Erlangen
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.”
-
1880s & 1890s
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.
-
1914
The Dentists’ Supply Company becomes the first to establish a systematic facial shape and size relationship that accurately applies to denture tooth form.
-
1925
Siemens & Halske acquire a majority stake in RGS.
-
1931
Introduction of new Trubyte Teeth, beginning one of the most successful and lasting denture brands in the industry.
-
1956
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.
-
1950s
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).
-
1960s
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.
-
1960s
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.
-
1990s
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.
-
1980s & 1990s
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.
-
2000s
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.
-
2000s
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.
-
2010s
DENTSPLY continues to introduce new products to the market, including WaveOne, e3, Reciproc motor and file system and RDH Freedom. The Company also launches Celtra Duo and LoFric Origo. In 2015, DENTSPLY introduces more than 30 products, such as Cavitron Touch with Sterimate 360 preventative products, Cercon HT: 16 Vita Shades & Concepts prosthetics offering, XSmart iQ, ceram.x Universal. Innovations drive growth: As DENTSPLY’s largest acquisition in its 115-year history, AstraTech, is acquired and successfully integrated to build the Company’s Implants and HealthCare business units and create an extensive new implant platform. Soon thereafter, DENTSPLY Implants launches the Astra Tech Implant System EV, the next step in the continuous evolution of the Astra Tech Implant System.
-
2010s
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
Dentsply Sirona - A new chapter begins
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.
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2016 - Merger of Equals
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.
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2016 - Product Innovations
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.
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2016 - Acquisitions and Partnerships
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.
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2017 - Corporate Milestones
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.
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2017 - Dentsply Sirona Academies and Showrooms
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.
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2017 - Acquisitions and Partnerships
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.
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2018 - Corporate Milestones
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”.
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2018 - Dentsply Sirona Academies and Showrooms
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.
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2018 - Acquisitions and Partnerships
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.
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2018 - Product Innovations and Events
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.