The colour code on all files has its roots at VDW. It was introduced by our company in 1950, was called "Munich Colour Code" and later became the ISO standard worldwide.

With VDW, you get a system which is more than the sum of single products – namely a system of devices and services linked one to another.

Welcome to our headquarters and production site. After decades of producing in different sites randomly spread all over Munich, in 1995 VDW moved into today's headquarters in the south of Munich.

In 1972, the three Munich-based companies ZIPPERER, BEUTELROCK and ANTAEOS joined forces and merged into Vereinigte Dentalwerke – known today as VDW.

"If you compare the activation of irrigants with EDDY to other activation techniques, it is evident that EDDY triggers a cyclone."

Dr Mauro Amato, Basel, Switzerland

For 150 years, VDW products have combined cutting-edge technology and usability. Being recognised for that, is what we call a best case scenario – like 2016 when we received the renowned iF Design Award for VDW.CONNECT Drive for outstanding product design. The innovative concept of a cordless endo motor controlled via app was a big leap forward in terms of usability and ergonomics.

Back in 1869, Carl Wilhelm Zipperer from the Bohemian Forest founded ZIPPERER, a company for watchmaking and dental instruments in Munich – and one of the founding companies of VDW. This made him the first producer of root canal instruments in Europe and the one who we call the founding father of VDW.

The 2011 scientific review "Effectiveness of music interventions on dental anxiety in pediatric and adult patients: a systematic review." published by Moola S., Pearson A., Hagger C. indicates that music reduces dental anxiety during treatment. Well then: How about some music for your patients?

More than two years in everyday practice and study results have proven that the EDDY sonic-activated irrigation tip cleans even severely curved root canals safely and effectively. Being a single-use tip of universal size, EDDY can be integrated easily and efficiently into everyday practice.

"I am extremely satisfied with the performance of CONNECT Drive. Replacing the files is only a matter of seconds due to the specifically designed button at the end of the ergonomic handpiece. The motor is flexible in terms of movement thanks to the absence of wires."
Dr Alexander Schryvers from Belgium

This is what packaging looked like in the first half of the 20th century. Later, VDW was one of the pioneers to adopt blister packs for instrument packaging. Even though being slowly accepted by customers, they mark a giant leap forward in terms of hygiene.

Have a look at our Mobile Endo Training Centre. This spacious airstream trailer, equipped with modern conference technology and VDW devices, tours around BeNeLux and provides endo training at the doorstep for up to fifteen delegates.

"Reciprocating movement" – sounds abstract and very complicated but it is actually quite simple: The instrument alternates between clockwise and counterclockwise rotation. Since the rotation in the cutting direction is larger than in the reverse rotation, the instrument advances towards the apex. The reciprocation ensures that the instrument stays centered in the canal. The reverse rotation releases the instrument and reliefs stress.

Back in the 60s, 70s and 80s, it was popular in Germany to have a bar room in the basement equipped for all kinds of private festivities, the so-called "Partykeller". Quite a number of myths have been spun around the "Partykeller" – and they looked like the legendary ZIPPERER trade fair booth used from the early 60s until the 80s.

Meet our unofficial mascot, Mr. Root. He has repeatedly appeared in VDW communication and advertisements in the past. Why does he look like a mushroom? Who knows...

VDW instruments may be small in size, but are packed with 150 years of endodontic know-how. And can you believe it: This know-how is put into over 60 million endo instruments manufactured by the Munich site every year!

Ever wonder how these tiny shiny files and other endo products are being produced? Here is your chance to find out.

Turning 150 is something really special and not many companys can look back on such a long history. Many people all over the world are celebrating with us, one of them being Valerie Baschet, our Group Vice-President Global Endodontics.