The American President George Washington suffered from intense toothache throughout his whole life. This is one of his dentures that was constructed to replace his lost teeth. Poor George. If only he would have been born 100 years later, he might have been treated with one of our endodontic devices and could have kept his natural teeth a lot longer.

Beate Waizmann started her career at VDW as assistent to the management. Today she works as CRM Project Manager and Database Administrator managing over 86.000 data sets! Not even the birth of her triplets could stop her from working for VDW. VDW offers its employees flexible working conditions and free time management. That’s why combining career and kids works out really well at VDW.

According to the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Endodontologie und zahnärztliche Traumatologie e.V. (DGET) the average success rate of root canal treatments in an observation period of one to five years lies between 85% and 95%. We at VDW are proud that our products contribute to a successful and smooth root canal treatment for both dentist and patient.

In 1919 Alfons Ehrler, the manager of a steal producer in the Saar region in Germany, started the production of dental instruments in Munich. He named his company after a giant from the greek mythology: ANTÆOS. The Æ stands for Ehrler’s initials. In 1972 ANTÆOS merged with BEUTELROCK and ZIPPERER to create the Vereinigte Dentalwerke (United Dental Works), short VDW.

This device from the second half of the 19th century was used to »steam sterilize« root canals. Today disinfection and irrigation are a lot easier. For example EDDY, VDW's sonic powered irrigation tip, activates the irrigant and prepares a thorough cleaning of the root canal to perform a successful root canal treatment.

Rotation and spinnig have always been used for a lot of things. Rotation also plays an important role for endodontics – and for VDW. Based on our success with rotating file systems we combined our existing knowledge with new file design and the latest material technology to develop a brand new rotating root canal file and bring it onto the market: VDW.ROTATE.

A few impressions from the various trade fairs and events VDW attended in China in 2018. From Dental South China to Sino Dental. From our very own VDW workshop to the RECIPROC blue launch event.

Markus Borgschulte, Head of Research & Development at VDW about future trends in endodontics: »Of course VDW offers new digital solutions. Such as the VDW.CONNECT product platform. But digitalisation has to make sense! Our most important task still is to provide simple and efficient endodontic applications to keep the natural tooth fully functional for as long as possible.«

With the VDW.CONNECT endo series: Definitely. The cordless motor VDW.CONNECT Drive and the apex locator VDW.CONNECT Locate, networked via Bluetooth and controlled via iPad app puts you in an optimal position for a smooth and safe preparation. The VDW.CONNECT series is ergonomic, flexible, precise smart and intuitive. See for yourself!

In the 1950s two puppets, Karius and Baktus, helped parents all over Europe to encourage their children to brush their teeth regularly in a very playful and entertaining way. In the same period Zipperer (VDW founding company) developed the Munich colour code for endodontic files to help dentists to determine the right size of the file.

In the early 70s, Beutelrock, one of the three VDW founding companies, chose an artistic way of advertising: ads with ambitious water-colour illustrations. Here are some examples. Find out more about VDW’s current products by clicking »read more«.

Happy Birthday, Joyeux anniversaire, عيد مولد سعيد, χαρούμενα γενέθλια, с Днем рожденья, Alles Gute zum Geburtstag! 150 years isn’t a milestone you celebrate every day. That’s why we are really looking forward to receiving birthday wishes from around the world.

After joining VDW, it’s easy to stay for the long haul. Get to know some of our colleagues and delve into 150 years of VDW as an employer. First up is Christine Radlbeck, who looks back at 27 years here. First working in marketing, she then switched to course management where she helped to build up the courses program at VDW. Today she runs the program for Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Every dentist works differently. Each has their preferred workflows and instruments. Here, endodontists worldwide explain what they especially enjoy about working with the RECIPROC.

Heard of the VDW Endo Wheel? The handy guide explains our products and categorizes them within the VDW universe. Go ahead – give it whirl!

Up to 6,000 Hz power EDDY, our sonic powered irrigation tip. The sound is rarely audible, so we’re visualizing 6,000 Hz for you instead.

This price list from the early 19th century shows what a great deal drilling down to the root was. By no means a bargain considering the pain and complications associated with such procedures back then. Today, things are different. Especially at VDW: with the VDW Endo-System peace of mind is included for both dentist and patient.

A team of researchers discovered evidence that endodontic procedures are older than previously thought. In nearly 13,000-year-old incisors, it found traces of extensive root canal treatments involving drilling, scraping, and fillings made of bitumen. The scientists assume both the treatment and its outcome were very painful. Thankfully, that’s not at all the case today.

In many corners of the globe, people lack access to dental care. VDW supports humanitarian aid projects by donating endodontic materials. Beneficiaries include Marlen Luckow and the Diospi Suyana Hospital in Peru, Claudia Brizuela of Universidad de Los Andes in Chile and Prof. Dr. David Sonntag’s work for the Misheel Kids Foundation in Mongolia. VDW helps relieve pain and preserve teeth.

In 1885, reputable dentist J. Beutelrock – son of an horologist in Simbach am Inn, a village a few hours east of Munich – founded his own "factory for inventions", focussing mainly on instruments for excavation of root canals. In 1972, BEUTELROCK, ZIPPERER and ANTAEOS fused together to create the Vereinigte Dentalwerke (United Dental Works), short VDW.

In the 90s, VDW was quite daring in its ads. Would we do it again today? Maybe, maybe not. But back then it worked – making us well known not only in Germany but also worldwide.

Remember this song from the 80s? Did you know that this one-hit-wonder never became a hit in Japan itself? Well, at least VDW products are and have always been quite a warhorse in Japan, like this early 1980s sales advertisement shows.

This little fellow in a past advertisement holding a file and a stein is our interpretation of the so-called "Münchner Kindl", the symbol on the coat of arms of the city of Munich. The original "Münchner Kindl" holds a book in its hand, but we think a file and a stein suit it as well.

Who can best decide the best dental products? The dentists using it. In 2012, German dentists chose VDW.SILVER RECIPROC to be the most innovative dental device recognising VDW with the "Innovation Award".

• 2,871,600 steps
• 973 cups of coffee
• 1,395 hours consulting at the booth
• 6 kg M&Ms eaten
• 72 km distance covered in the trade fair halls with our sought-after VDW scooters
• 192 training participants and we could not even meet the demand
• 108 hands involved
• 3,500 VDW promotion bags found a new owner

One instrument only to prepare a root canal – that is the idea behind RECIPROC blue. They are made from NiTi that has undergone an innovative heat treatment giving them increased resistance to cyclic fatigue and additional flexibility as well as the characteristic blue color.

VDW products prepare dentists worldwide for challenges in root canal therapy. And we are proud to say that VDW as a company is prepared for challenges, too. In 2018, the VDW plant in Munich was one out of only two plants in Europe to receive the "FM Global Award" acknowledging the company's commitment to and achievements in property loss and risk management during the last years.

"At VDW, we would like to set standards: Endo Easy Efficient is our promise, motto and commitment to dentists. With the VDW Endo-System, we are covering the whole endodontic process and offer a concept to perform root canal treatments easily and efficiently in order to save more and more teeth."

A red-hot iron needle – that's what dentists used back in the 1890s to desinfect and dry the root canal. You can imagine that root canal treatment was anything but fun. Luckily a lot has changed since then.

VDW is the pacesetter in endodontic therapy: Being satisfied is not our DNA. Why? Because there is always room for improvement – and that is what we do every single day. You will feel that when using VDW products and see it when having a look at some of our patents all over the world.

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.

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

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!

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... Please write your guess to our service team. Contact us.

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.

"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.

Have a look at our EndoStream. 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.

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.

"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

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.

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?

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.

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.

"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

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

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.

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.

Oral health is the higher purpose we are seeking. And we are glad to be making our contribution to that for 150 years – literally at the roots.

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.