2008The Next Generation in Handpiece Technology

For the first time in dental history air and electric have fused into a single handpiece system to deliver the power and efficiency of an electric without sacrificing the superior access, lightweight, and familiar comfort of air handpieces.

June of 2008 marks the birth of Adaptive Torque Control technology, exclusively available from Midwest, which overcomes the limitations of current air and electric technology to deliver the performance benefits of both.

DENTSPLY Professional presents the Midwest Caries I.D.™ Detection Handpiece, a portable, handheld device designed to aid in the detection of caries in non-restored occlusal pits and fissures and interproximal areas on adult posterior teeth. The Midwest Caries I.D.™ Detection Handpiece uses a specific optic signature to detect the difference between healthy and decalcified teeth.

At the start of 2008, Midwest launched its cutting instrument line of Esthetic Finishing Burs. Midwest Esthetic Finishing Burs deliver an unparalleled surface finish, offering a variety of clinically relevant shapes and features, such as a safe-end tip for soft tissue protection.

2007In January 2007, DENTSPLY Professional introduced the NEW MultiPrep™ family of premium quality fine cross-cut carbide burs for superior cutting performance. With up to 80% more cross cuts than their standard Midwest® counterparts, Midwest® MultiPrep™ burs actually reduce undesirable chatter delivering efficient smooth cutting performance for the most demanding applications.

2006The Midwest® Stylus™ Mini 540 and Midwest® Stylus™ Mini 541 were introduced in 2006. They package all the power, performance and reliability you expect from Midwest Stylus into a mini head for superior intra-oral access, visibility and power - 15 watts. Stylus™ Mini accepts both Short Shank and Regular Shank burs.

2005In 2005, DENTSPLY Professional extended its line of Midwest® Stylus(TM) handpieces making the line more versatile. In February, a Stylus version offering a special back end allowing it to easily integrate into offices currently using MULTIflex® LUX Couplers. In August, the Stylus Lite was introduced as an option weighing 17 grams less than the original Stylus and is also offered with the MULTIflex®* LUX Coupler compatible back end.

2004In September 2004, Dentsply Professional announced the launch of its new line of Midwest Diamond burs for restorative, operative and esthetic dentistry. The expanded Midwest Diamond line allows dental professionals to get the same reliable quality, service, performance, and 100% guarantee from their diamonds that they have come to expect from Midwest Carbide Burs.

2003Midwest eStylus was introduced in December 2003 at the Chicago Midwinter Dental Convention. The state-of-the-art electric handpiece system offers smooth, constant, powerful cutting torque that doesn't vary with bur speed.

2002 In May 2002, Dentsply Professional launched the Midwest Stylus, the complete handpiece solution featuring never before seen power, durability, and a breakthrough ergonomic design.

2001 An advance in anesthetic inhection is developed and the Midwest Comfort™ control syringe is introduced at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting Convention.

DENTSPLY International forms a new division, DENTSPLY Professional. Former DENTSPLY divisions Midwest Dental Products, the most trusted name in dental handpieces, and Preventive Care Division, the manufacturer of the trusted Cavitron Ultrasonic Scalers and Inserts, join to create DENTSPLY Professional.

1999 The Midwest XGT™ with swivel, quiet disconnect and sterilization impervious Fusion Optics™ is introduced.

1998 Midwest introduced several key products in 1998, including:

• AirTouch™ Cavity Detection & Treatment System, our award-winning air abrasion system. more info!
• A 23:1 reduction angle, our first handpiece specifically designed for endodontic procedures. more info!
• Tradition•PB High Speed Handpiece with push button auto chuck that allows you to change burs with the push of a button. more info!
• Low Speed Push Button heads that fit with Midwest's popular low speed modular angle system. Available in both latch type and friction grip. more info!
• Value-saving Clinic Packs for Midwest High Speed Replacement Cartridges that give you 12 cartridges for the price of 10!

1997 Midwest introduces the Quixonic™ Sonic Scaler, which provides quick, effective and comfortable removal of calculus.

1996 Midwest introduces its Midwest RDH™ handpieces designed specifically for use by hygienists. The RDH handpieces receive overwhelming acceptance due to its lightweight and ergonomic design that helps to alleviate hand and wrist fatigue.

1995 Midwest introduces its Midwest Plus™ Handpiece Maintenance System. This product provides many benefits which allows dentists to experience enhanced performance and increased turbine life.

1994 Midwest launches its Air Repair™ Service Program, which provides 2-business day turnaround to dentists on Midwest handpiece repairs through their Factory Repair department. Guaranteed quick turnaround, free shipping and delivery, and use of Genuine Midwest parts makes the program a valuable and cost-effective service for dentists.

1988 Midwest introduces its exclusive Power Lever® automatic chucking system, which provides ease of use with maximum safety.

1985 Midwest introduces the Tradition® line of high speed handpieces, which has become Midwest's best-selling high speed model.

1982 Midwest becomes the market leader in burs.

1980 Midwest introduces integrated fiber optic system providing intra-oral handpiece lighting.

1974Midwest further enhances its low speed product line with its Shorty® and Rhino™ handpieces. More Tru-Torc and Shorty low speed handpieces have been sold in the U.S. than any other low speed handpiece.

1967Midwest introduces its Quiet-air® high speed handpiece, which quickly becomes the country's most popular high speed handpiece. An average of 100 Quiet-air handpieces have been sold per day during the past 30 years! Midwest also enters the bur market, and becomes the bur market leader in the early 1980's. Some key bur developments include:

• the design of the #245 and #330 burs, now among the most frequently used burs in the country.
• 12-bladed Trimming & Finishing burs
• 30-bladed Fine Finishing burs for use with composites
• Fine Crosscut bur design used for cutting gold, amalgam, nickel chrome, and other metal alloys.

1965 Midwest develops the Tru-Torc® low speed handpiece, which quickly becomes a top-selling handpiece.

1948Midwest manufactures its first high speed handpiece, which has a free speed of 300,000 rpm, and the world-famous four-tube connector that reduced the level of noise and air contamination in the work area.

1947 Midwest invents the first air-driven contra angle.

1942-45Midwest contributes heavily to the war effort, reducing production for civilian use to about 10% during these years. It was during this time that carbide burs and diamonds became commercially available, which drove the need for high speed handpieces.

1938 Midwest manufactures a belt-driven handpiece.

1936The semi-stainless contra angle is the earliest product manufactured by Midwest. The company also services products made by other companies.