DENTAL PROFILE
As VITA celebrates its centenary anniversary, Bernd recounted the company’s breakthoughs in material innovations for dentistry
users as a key factor that has enabled VITA to compete over the past 100 years in an ever- changing global market. “As the dental industry evolves rapidly, VITA’s ability to adapt to new technologies, materials, and workflows has been crucial. Close collaboration with dental technicians and dentists ensures practical, effective solutions,” Bernd explained. Bernd recounted the breakthroughs made by VITA in material science stemming from this desire to drive progress through the welding of craftmanship with innovative technology. The VITA metal ceramic (VMK) and its corresponding VMK technique launched in 1962 enabled the veneering of metal framework which produced natural-looking dental restorations made of ceramic. Its portfolio of veneering materials has since expanded to offer a variety of applications for substructure materials like metal ceramics, veneering composites, and its wider system components, making restorations with natural and lifelike colours and lightings possibles for dental technicians and patients. Similarly, the development of monochromatic feldspar ceramic blocks with VITABLOCS in 1985 enabled CAD/CAM-supported fabrication in dentistry spurring the CAD/ CAM material for use in CEREC milling units throughout the world. The portfolio gradually expanded offering polychromatic variants with VITABLOCS TriLuxe forte and subsequent milestones with
the first hybrid ceramic in the market with VITA ENAMIC.
in more than 150 countries around the world relying on the company’s solutions.
The need to constantly improve its offerings, Bernd highlighted, was a reminder of the fine line that each company needs to tow against the impetus of the global market. “Competing in a global market demands agility. VITA faces challenges from emerging competitors, changing regulations, and shifting preferences. As a century-old company, VITA must honour its legacy while embracing new technologies. Striking this balance is both a challenge and an opportunity,” he said. Underpinning the activities of the VITA PERFECT MATCH experience are the users, who comprise dental technicians and dentists
Integrated into the company’s user, customer and employee experience throughout the anniversary year, VITA strives to be “close to users” as it sets upon another 100 years of innovative solutions. Through a year-long raffle, users are invited to share their feedback and experiences with VITA through patient cases where its solutions are utilised. Monthly winners are awarded a prize in addition to a grand raffle for a chance to win a sponsored trip to IDS Cologne 2025. The raffle runs alongside the annual VITA EXCELLENCE AWARD 2025, where a six- member jury will evaluate submitted patient cases with the leucite-reinforced glass ceramic veneer VITA LUMEX AC, where the winner also receives a sponsored trip to IDS Cologne 2025, with the additional honor of presenting the winning patient case live to the IDS audience. Bernd explained that this ethos has influenced VITA’s business strategies by prioritising user feedback, driving innovation, and ensuring product quality. This is especially important for product development, where constant engagement leads to user-driven R&D and continuous improvement. “Being ‘close to users’ means that VITA is committed to supporting users and customers in providing the best possible care for their patients. This means actively engaging with dental technicians and dentists, understanding their needs, and tailoring products and services accordingly,” he said.
Guests from across the world visiting VITA’s headquarters at Bad Säckingen for training courses. VITA's philosopy of user engagement fuels its innovation and developments
26 DENTAL ASIA SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2024
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