FKG Dentaire is considered a leader in innovation, cultivating a company culture defined by creativity and ingenuity. Situated in the heart of the Swiss Microtech Valley, and renowned for its precision engineering and inventive spirit, the company draws inspiration from the region’s rich tradition of technical excellence and intricate natural designs. In this article, FKG’s general manager, Didier Devaud, shares his personal vision and reveals how the wondrous landscape surrounding La Chaux-de-Fonds fuels the innovative approach at FKG.

At FKG, innovation is deeply embedded in the company culture. “In innovation, we know the rate of success is one in four. Whatever we do, we know that we may fail. But when we don’t fail, we actually really get rewarded,” said Devaud. He compares the innovation process to running an ultra-marathon: “The terrain changes; we go up, we go down, but everything we do follows a certain pace. The better we pace ourselves, the more likely we are to finish it.”

According to Devaud, success stems from persistence and learning from failures. He commented: “It’s all about creating something that not only meets expectations but exceeds them.” This endurance-driven mindset motivates FKG to continually advance the field of endodontics, consistently pushing boundaries while honouring the natural complexity of root canal anatomy.

Inspired by the raw beauty of Swiss mountains

Didier Devaud has been the general manager of FKG Dentaire since 2022. (Image: FKG Dentaire)

Just 500 m from FKG’s headquarters, the picturesque landscapes surrounding La Chaux-de-Fonds—characterised by rolling pastures, misty forests and mountain views—offers a setting that Devaud sees as a source of inspiration. “Everything here is curved, everything is complex, everything is unpredictable,” he noted. The organic shapes and unpredictable beauty of these surroundings inspire FKG’s team to innovate with adaptability, drawing on and reflecting the intricate and variable structures found in root canal anatomy.

Redefining the standards of endodontics

This harmony between nature and technology is reflected in FKG’s product development—where innovation is not only inspired by complexity but also engineered to meet it. RACE EVO, XP-endo Rise and Finisher are endodontic files that are transforming clinical practice with flexibility and precision. Complementing these innovations, FKG offers the Rooter X3000, the industry’s fastest motor, and TotalFill, a bioceramic backed by over 15 years of clinical data. “Changing the game is not a one-time thing. It’s something that happens continuously,” Devaud emphasised.

Each of these five product lines has set new industry standards, reinforcing FKG’s reputation as an industry innovator. Devaud emphasised the importance of continual progress: “It’s not just about offering solutions, but about making those solutions more effective over time.” This commitment to ongoing refinement and innovation firmly positions FKG at the forefront of endodontic care.

The spirit of innovation

Devaud is a challenger, driven by a passion for pushing boundaries and committed to establishing FKG as a global leader in endodontics. Adopted from South Korea by a Swiss family, he reflected: “I was always different. There was no way I could be like anybody else because I look different from everybody else.” His commitment to innovation and nonconformity has found a perfect match in FKG, where he continues to inspire advancements.

“Being different taught me to approach challenges from angles others might not consider,” he explained. This distinctive outlook propels FKG’s culture of innovation and excellence, enabling continuous progression in the dynamic field of endodontics.

More information can be found at fkg.ch/didier.