Discover Didier Devaud’s Swiss Tech Idea
Discover how FKG became a leader in innovation. Our General Manager, Didier Devaud, shares his vision and explains how the Swiss microtech valley is an inspiration.
At FKG, innovation is rooted deeply in the company’s 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,” says Didier Devaud, General Manager of FKG. He compares the innovation process to running an ultramarathon. “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.” Didier emphasizes that success comes from persistence and learning from failures. He adds, “It’s all about creating something that not only meets expectations but exceeds them.” This endurance mentality drives FKG to push the boundaries of endodontics while respecting the natural complexity of root canal anatomy, continuously aiming for advancements that redefine clinical practices.
Amidst nature, just 500 meters from FKG’s headquarters, Didier invites us to admire the rolling pastures, misty forests, and the wild beauty of the mountains around La Chaux-de-Fonds. “Everything here is curved, everything is complex, everything is unpredictable,” he says. He draws a parallel to the intricate shapes of root canals that FKG strives to respect through its innovations. Didier points out that these natural surroundings teach the company to be innovative while staying true to organic forms. “Being surrounded by such unpredictable beauty keeps our minds open,” he reflects. The surrounding nature inspires the complexity and harmony that FKG integrates into its solutions, reminding the team to always respect the organic structures of the tooth and adapt to its unique characteristics.
RACE EVO, XP-endo Rise, and Finisher are not just tools; they are endodontic files that revolutionize clinical practice with their flexibility and precision. Alongside these, FKG offers the Rooter X3000, the fastest motor in the industry, and TotalFill, a bio-ceramic with over 15 years of clinical data. “Changing the game is not a one-time thing. It’s something that happens continuously,” Didier emphasizes. Each of these five product lines has set a new standard, establishing FKG as a game changer in the field. Didier believes in continuous improvement, stating, “It’s not just about offering solutions, but about making those solutions more effective over time.” This mindset of evolving products to meet and surpass clinical needs positions FKG as a leader in endodontic care.
Didier is a challenger, with a passion for pushing boundaries, he aims to transform FKG into a global leader in endodontics. Adopted from South Korea to a Swiss family, he says: “I was always different. There was no way I could be like anybody else because I look different from everybody else.” His passion for innovation and refusal to conform have led him to collaborate with FKG, where he continues to inspire and push the company towards setting new standards in the industry. Didier believes that embracing differences can lead to unexpected insights, explaining, “Being different taught me to approach challenges from angles others might not consider.” This unique perspective drives FKG’s culture of change and excellence, allowing the company to continually advance in the evolving field of endodontics.
Patent pending.
Based on internal laboratory results compared with equivalent competitors’ instruments.
Based on internal laboratory results ; time to fracture at recommended speed.
Based on internal laboratory results, using RACE EVO 4%.
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Internal testing. Data on file.
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Al Omari T, Mustafa R, Al-Fodeh R, El-Farraj H, Khaled W, Jamleh A. Debris Extrusion Using Reciproc Blue and XP Endo Shaper Systems in Root Canal Retreatment.Int J Dent. 2021;2021:6697587. Published 2021 Mar 24. doi:10.1155/2021/6697587
De-Deus G, Belladonna FG, Zuolo AS, et al. XP-endo Finisher R instrument optimizes the removal of root filling remnants in oval-shaped canals. Int Endod J. 2019;52(6):899-907. doi:10.1111/iej.13077
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Raman V, Camilleri J, Characterization and assessment of physical properties of three single syringe hydraulic cement-based sealers, Journal of Endodontics (2024), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2024.01.001