Industry Close-up

Quality and Service

Dimensions of Dental Hygiene speaks with Brenda McCarson, RDH, BS, national sales specialist in dental hygiene for Brasseler USA, about the company’s commitment to dental hygiene.

Q: In 1976, Brasseler USA was founded on the principles of quality and service. Describe the corporate heritage.

A: Brasseler USA, headquartered in Savannah,Ga, has a rich history rooted in the dental industry that began in Germany in 1923. Our founder, Peter Brasseler, worked with his father to develop, manufacture, and distribute high quality dental rotary instruments throughout the world. Peter’s father sold his products through a direct sales force. Peter instituted this same philosophy when he founded Brasseler USA in 1976. The direct sales philosophy is strictly followed today. In cooperation with leading professionals, our company develops innovative products that meet the needs of the profession. We bring together our heritage of German precision and craftsmanship with direct sales to the dental profession, resulting in a high level of service to our customers.

Q: When did Brasseler diversify to develop and distribute manual instruments for the dental hygienist?

A: Brasseler USA has provided quality hand instruments for dental professionals since 1983. For 21 years, the company has maintained its strict manufacturing practices to deliver quality products to dental hygienists. In 2003, Brasseler USA elevated its commitment to the dental hygiene profession by hiring hygiene sales specialists. These individuals represent the company at the national and regional levels and cumulatively have more than 200 years of experience in dental hygiene and dental sales. Brasseler USA , has responded to the demands of the industry. As the handle designs changed in diameter and weight, Brasseler USA answered the market demands.

Q: Describe the process used to manufacture the line of curettes with diamond coating.

A: Brasseler USA introduced the diamond tip curettes to the dental profession in the early 1990s and they have become increasingly popular among dental hygienists over the past few years for final finishing instrumentation. The curettes are used to gently remove burnished calculus and small fragments of residual calculus on root surfaces and furcation areas. Brasseler has been using diamonds in its products for more than 80 years. There are currently six curettes available. Each color-coded curette is designed to adapt to a specific root surface or furcation area. The basic process for coating the diamond tip curettes is to use the same patented bonding procedure that is utilized to manufacture our diamond rotary instruments. This bonding process ensures uniform distribution and embedding of diamond particles on the working surface. The diamond particles are graded to ensure that the particle size is consistent and will deliver a smooth, even surface during procedures. They also wear evenly and never require sharpening.

Q: Describe Brasseler’s corporate commitment to dental hygiene education.

A: Don Waters, the president and CEO, as well as the company as a whole, truly believes in supporting dental hygiene as a field. Brasseler USA contributes to evidence-based continuing education programs and the numerous dental hygiene schools in the United States and Canada through product grants and educational materials. Brasseler also provides support grants to key thought leaders who are committed to dental hygiene education. We are committed to recognizing the hygiene professional as a dedicated member of the patient’s oral health care team—one who deserves the full support of the dental industry. While our broader-based entry into the hygiene profession is recent, our product offerings will grow as we continue to deliver high quality products that help dental hygienists better serve their patients.