40 years of transformation into one of the world's leading dental companies

The Finnish dental company, Planmeca Oy was founded by Mr. Heikki Kyöstilä in 1971. Mr Kyöstilä is the President and owner of Planmeca.

 

Planmeca started as a small-scale business manufacturing dental stools and instrument cabinets. Very early on the company, however, expanded its product range into patient chairs and dental units. Market penetration occurred as Planmeca adopted a global approach and a global vision. The first foreign subsidiary was established in Germany as early as in 1979.

 

The company has gradually evolved into one of world leading companies in dental industry. Throughout the years, Planmeca has determinedly and successfully strived to become a global player. Innovative R&D and its results – Planmeca’s advanced products – have been the cornerstones of Planmeca’s international success.

 

The 1970’s was the era of settling in at the dental markets and establishing the core product range. In 1971, the company started with dental stool and cabinetry production. The first patient chair was developed in 1975, and the first dental unit in 1979.

 

 

 

 

 

During the 1980’s, the international expansion was rapid, as subsidiaries were established in the U.S., Italy and Sweden. Product-wise, the decade yielded several breakthroughs, all based on microprocessor technology. In 1983, Planmeca pioneered in microprocessor technology introducing the first microprocessor-controlled dental chair. In 1986, the product range was expanded to X-ray units with the launch of a microprocessor-controlled panoramic X-ray device, a revolutionary innovation in dental radiology at the time. Additionally, the microprocessor technology was incorporated in dental units starting from 1986. 

 

In 1990’s, the most revolutionary development was digital imaging system, first introduced at International Dental Show (IDS) in 1995. Planmeca’s digital imaging system was a significant step towards integrated information concept of the dental practices.

 

In 1999 Planmeca introduced an integrated information technology system for a digital dental practice – all in one-concept –allowing instant access to all digital clinical patient information at chairside from a flat panel display mounted on the dental unit.

 

The 2000’s was a decade of great expansion in digitalisation for both dental imaging equipment and software. In 2005, Planmeca introduced a Cone Beam Volumetric Tomography (CBTV) system for 3D dental imaging. All in all, at the era of digital imaging, Planmeca’s imaging software and digital solutions have been the ones to lead the way.

 

The decade was also successful within technology innovations. An innovative SCARA technology was introduced in Planmeca X-ray units: it features free formation of imaging geometry and thus enables endless possibilities for new imaging programmes and upgradeability. The latest high-tech solutions are also being employed in dental unit design from 2007 onwards, as Planmeca introduced dental unit with symmetrical motorised movements enabling fully adaptable unit suitable for all users and every environment.

 

From the marketing point of view, Planmeca gained considerable market shares in the 2000’s within dental education and training. Cooperative work between Planmeca and universities in product and software development is widespread. Thus, due to Planmeca’s state-of-the-art products and flexible service, delivery agreements with universities have been established as a fundamental part of Planmeca business operations.

 

In 2011, the concept of Digital perfection was launched.