A-dec proud to mark 60 years of innovation and success

A-dec, one of the world's largest manufacturers of dental equipment is celebrating its 60th Anniversary.

The Newberg, Oregon based company in USA was founded by engineer, inventor and innovator, Ken Austin and his wife Joan, who left her insurance job to manage the administrative side of the business as co-director while also raising their two children. Ken understood customers need to feel valued and heard by suppliers, if this is achieved repeat orders are more likely to occur and the growth of the business would be secured. Ken set out on a lifelong quest to design better equipment to improve the practice of dentistry and with the business-minded Joan by his side, he soon released the opportunities for the business.

To this day, A-dec staff refer to 6 key questions which Ken repeatedly asked himself when creating new inventions.

1. Is there a need?

2. Is this the simplest and best way to do it?

3. Am I using time and materials effectively?

4. Am I helping make A-dec better for everyone?

5. Can I be proud of what we are doing?

6. Have a communicated?

As a self-described “imagineer”, Ken was adamant that the equipment should solve a problem, be robust, simple and effective and sold at a fair price. He also felt that not only should the equipment last a long time, but it should also prolong the working life of the operator.

Over the years the business has grown, now selling a wide range of dental units, delivery systems and dental lighting too – though dental chairs remain a hero product. The company’s roots remain in Newberg, albeit the present fifty-acre “campus” incorporating offices, a factory and the A-dec Education Centre is slightly more spacious compared to the humble set-up the company once had in 1965 in a twenty-four-by-forty Army surplus tin Quonset hut.

The company has expanded globally with offices in the UK and Australia, supplying dental products to dental professionals in more than 100 countries through a network of distributors & retailers. Despite the impressive growth of the company, the core ethos has remained the same: “doing things better” which was something Ken Austin was passionate about, with a focus on ergonomics, productivity and unbeatable reliability, which are today hallmarks of the A-dec brand.

A-dec - an acronym for the Austin Dental Equipment Company has a philosophy and culture known as “The A-dec Way” which outlines A-dec’s corporate values and mutual respect for employees, co-workers, suppliers and customers. These 15 guiding principles remain at the heart of the business today.

So what’s next for A-dec?

Although the heroic founder Ken Austin passed away in May 2019 he had a clear vision for the business’s future. When the company reaches the milestone of celebrating its 100th anniversary, the founder specified his wishes for the company’s headquarters to remain in Newberg. Ken and Joan witnessed many Oregon companies being acquired and moving out of the states, taking away many local jobs. A-dec is proud to remain loyal to the local community and play a part in the economic growth of the area.

Secondly, any new A-dec employee hired in 2065 will still be immersed in the A-dec way and uphold the philosophy outlined in the fifteen principles.

Finally, A-dec is formed based on unity and Ken would champion having the A-dec brand remain a family-run business for generations to come. Decades after the business started, the children and grandchildren of A- dec's first employee are still employed at the business today!

It is indeed a matter of immense pride for A-dec to mark this momentous milestone for the company, in reflecting on its history, culture and tremendous achievements in its enduring pursuit of improving the practice of dentistry for its customers all around the world.