Geistlich takes on stoma instruments

Geistlich Biomaterials, a world leader in regenerative dentistry, has specialised in regenerative medicine for over 30 years. Geistlich Bio-Oss® and Geistlich Bio-Gide®, the company's pioneer products, have contributed to the company being the global market leader in regenerative dentistry for many years. Introducing high-end instruments that complement Geistlich's biomaterials portfolio was a logical next step.

Spirited by the same philosophy and fuelled by "passion for perfection", Geistlich has partnered with stoma® to become the exclusive distributor for Australia and New Zealand. From their HQ in Liptingen, Germany, stoma has manufactured dental instruments of the highest quality since 1895.

Stoma can look back on a 100-year history with pride. Walter Storz' pioneering work, which began in 1919, runs like a golden thread through the epochs and generations. Despite the continuously increasing requirements for medical devices, the company is well-positioned for the future. With the untiring pioneer spirit of its founder, the company aspires to carry on the company's legacy.

The first patent-pending trapping device was a tooth forceps. A pioneering entrepreneur, Walter Storz was granted his first patent in 1934, which would lead to a succession of other patents. Tooth forceps fitted with a trapping device solved the problem of many dentists. Due to the special shape, the extracted tooth and root fragments were "trapped" and could not make their way into the patient's throat cavity. These types of patents were crucial to the young entrepreneur's success. As a result, Jetter & Scheerer's own products were being developed, manufactured and sold in addition to those they purchased and an independent fabrication division was created.

In 1956, stoma began manufacturing autoclaves, which completed the product range with an elemental component. Shortly after, stoma was able to successfully file its first patent for autoclaves. A small-scale series produced quickly led to success, but it also opened up the door to an understanding that, 45 years later, would trigger a much-broader decision.

Stoma developed a first-class understanding for the market requirements as well as potential product improvements through the contact with dentists, specialists and users throughout the world. Between 1997 and 1999, strategic innovations and product development culminated in a veritable firework, which has also today contributed to stoma's success.

The stoma color-stick^® program was introduced to the market in 1997 and through its colour coding, offers a significant benefit to the user. One year later, the market enthusiastically embraced the protective organisation concept stoma p.i.c.^® with trays, containers and accessories. Twelve months later, hygienic grip systems were introduced with the stoma Hy-Grip^®, which was impressive through ergonomics, haptics and surface design.