Behind the technology: Alberto Borghi on W&H’s sterilization innovations

Before we dive into the world of dental sterilization and innovation, could you share a bit about your background? What inspired you to pursue a career in dental technology and, specifically, sterilization? Welcome, Alberto!

Thank you. I have a degree in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, which I completed in 2010. Fifteen years ago, I started my career with a university research internship, but I quickly realized that research wasn’t the direction I wanted to pursue. I then moved into the pharmaceutical and later transitioned to the medical device sector in 2015 with a French company.

In 2018, I had the opportunity to join W&H in Italy as Global Product Manager for sterilizers. In 2022, I also took on the role for the Assistina portfolio. This allowed me to focus on the entire reprocessing segment. My background in biotechnology, particularly in microbiology, helps me stay aligned with key opinion leaders, dentists, and the market as a whole. The knowledge I gained in my studies is directly applicable to my work, making it all the more meaningful.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked with different product managers from various backgrounds, but my focus has always been on the biological aspects of sterilization. This is the link between my academic background and my current role.

As Product Manager for  Sterilization at W&H, how do you balance your responsibilities in driving innovation while ensuring products like the Lisa Mini align with the needs of modern dental practices?

I believe steam technology is well understood, but its application can vary across different opportunities. This is one of the main reasons I joined the company six years ago, and I’m still truly happy to be here. W&H represents strong values, with people being a priority, and it’s a company where I can leverage my background to develop new solutions for dentists.

We are moving beyond just engineering and focusing more on providing comprehensive solutions. To stay aligned with these solutions, it’s crucial to have a diverse range of expertise. While we certainly have engineering and software development teams, I believe the key is staying attuned to what the market needs. Ultimately, that is my role—ensuring that our innovations are both cutting-edge and meet the real demands of modern dental practices.

The Lisa Mini sterilizer is described as compact yet high-performance. What inspired the creation of a "mini" version of the popular Lisa sterilizer?

We started with the tabletop sterilizer in 1999, offering 17- and 22-liter capacities, which were common in the market at the time. In 2021, we expanded our portfolio with the Lara XL, which offers a 28-liter capacity, and during AEEDC, we are launching our biggest sterilizer yet—the Lara XXL. This new model features a 38-liter chamber, offering high loading flexibility while maintaining a compact design and optimized cycle time.

What I’ve gathered from the market—which is really my role, visiting customers, both dealers and end-users like dentists—is that there is a demand for smaller, faster sterilizers, especially for peak work times or as a backup. Some of these needs are very clear, while others are more subtle, requiring deep insight and careful analysis to address. Developing a smaller device with a reduced chamber size is no small task—it requires significant investment in research and development.

To expand our portfolio effectively, we needed a solid foundation. Now, we are at a stage where we can develop a small-chamber sterilizer, but we’ve also been careful to grow our portfolio beyond just sterilization, incorporating washing and thermal disinfection solutions as well.

How does the Lisa Mini's optimized cycle profile meet the speed and efficiency needs of busy practices, with its 20-minute wrapped and 10-minute unwrapped load cycles?

In a busy practice, it’s crucial to have the necessary instruments ready for the next patient and treatment while maintaining a good stock of sterilized items. Reliability is key, but so is speed. When we visited various customers and clinics, we saw that a device like the Lisa Mini could significantly speed up the sterilization process. However, it’s important to note that it’s not a replacement for a standard sterilizer but rather a complementary device.

We started gathering feedback in 2020, even before COVID, on the need for a faster alternative to standard tabletop sterilizers. Tabletop sterilizers cover daily needs, handling large instruments and general stock, but in some cases, there is a demand for emergency sterilization of smaller items.

We focused on optimizing cycle times, asking users what they would consider ideal. The response was clear: the faster, the better. While speed was a priority, flexibility was just as important. The Lisa Mini needed to meet different user requirements, which is why it offers fast cycle times for smaller loads.

My job was to take this feedback and collaborate with our internal development team to make it feasible. We successfully developed a cycle time of under 10 minutes for unwrapped items and under 20 minutes for wrapped items.

What’s also great is that the Lisa Mini is a class B sterilizer, a category in which W&H is well known. It’s a small-chamber, class B sterilizer that efficiently handles unwrapped items for immediate use and wrapped items for storage, making it ideal for emergency situations or peak work times when you need to sterilize a small load quickly.

The Lisa Mini matches the functionalities of larger type B sterilizers. What challenges did you face in creating a compact design with all these features?

One of the main challenges was the limited space available in dental practices. Standard tabletop sterilizers can take up too much room, which isn’t always ideal. The Lisa Mini addresses this by offering not only speed but also flexibility. It helps during peak work times when a practice needs a faster solution or when there’s a high volume of instruments to reprocess and sterilize.

As with all W&H sterilizers, the Lisa Mini is extremely reliable. The service interval is set to 4,000 cycles or five years. This benefit positions W&H devices as the best choice for a long-term investment.Additionally, maintaining a small stock of essential instruments—such as those used in surgeries or specific treatments—can be crucial. The ability to reprocess these in less than 10 minutes is incredibly valuable for clinics.

Our innovation has been well-received, and it’s exciting to see that other companies are now following suit. It was inevitable that others would adopt this approach, but we’re proud to continue leading the way with the Lisa Mini, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of modern dental practices.

The Lisa Mini integrates with W&H’s ioDent® system. Can you explain how this connectivity enhances the user experience and supports the workflow in practices?

This is an exciting and challenging development because it represents a shift in mindset for dental practices. Until recently, clinics typically purchased standalone products to meet specific needs, such as sterilization. For example, a dentist might buy a standard sterilizer or the Lisa Mini to address the need for faster reprocessing. However, we believe the future is not just about offering a product or a service but a platform—a complete workflow solution.

This is where ioDent® comes in—it provides a connected system that integrates all devices, creating a seamless user experience. Our focus in reprocessing and infection control is to offer a comprehensive solution that covers every step, from pre-cleaning to sterilization and beyond. This includes pre-cleaning to protect the assistant, cleaning and disinfection with thermal washers, lubrication with the Assistina, packaging with our sealing device, and consumables like EliReel for safe storage. With ioDent®, everything is connected, enabling proactive service and maintenance.

Our goal is to simplify the dentist's job. Dentists want to focus on patient safety and providing the best treatment, not troubleshooting equipment issues. With ioDent®, if maintenance is needed, the system can alert both the dentist and the service partner, allowing them to plan ahead before a problem arises. This means that service technicians are notified directly, eliminating the need for dentists to diagnose or explain issues themselves.

The connectivity also allows for remote updates. The device’s software can be updated remotely, ensuring that equipment is always up to date. Additionally, device settings can now be configured remotely, making it easier for the dentist or assistant to manage.

Full traceability is another key benefit. ioDent® securely stores data in the cloud, ensuring error-free documentation while complying with regulatory requirements. The system is flexible and adapts to the dentist’s needs rather than forcing the dentist to adapt to the technology.

Ultimately, our goal is to simplify the user experience. Technology should make life easier, not more complicated. While we continue to explore advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and image recognition, our top priority is to create tools that enhance workflow and daily operations in dental practices.

In the end, technology must serve the user—not the other way around. If it simplifies work and improves patient safety, it will be embraced. If it adds complexity, it becomes a hindrance. That’s why we’re focused on creating solutions that are both innovative and user-friendly.

In terms of ergonomics and usability, what feedback did you receive from practitioners during the design phase of the Lisa Mini?

As I mentioned earlier, we have a great opportunity today compared to the past, especially with the impact of globalization and technological advancements. Despite some challenges, the ability to communicate and collaborate with professionals worldwide has greatly influenced product development. This interconnectedness allows us to design products that truly meet practitioners' needs and improve patient care.

When developing the Lisa Mini, we received valuable feedback from practitioners emphasizing the importance of simplicity and ease of use. Dentists want technology that not only enhances efficiency but also simplifies daily tasks. This was a key focus during the design phase, ensuring that the device would be intuitive and practical for busy practices.

Artificial intelligence has also had a significant impact on dentistry, transforming treatment processes to make them faster and more precise. The focus is now on creating products that seamlessly integrate into a practice’s workflow, enhancing both the practitioner’s and the patient’s experience. Today, technology plays a crucial role in strengthening the dentist-patient relationship, something that wasn’t as feasible in the past.

Overall, the feedback we received underscored the need for devices that simplify the user experience, optimize workflows, and enhance patient outcomes. This is the direction we are committed to moving forward.

How does the Lisa Mini align with W&H’s strategy for sterilization, and what advancements do you see in future products?

In my role, I act as a bridge between the outside world and our internal teams. Much of my time is spent gathering feedback and understanding practitioners’ needs in the field. This is essential because rather than working in isolation, it’s crucial to observe workflows firsthand and identify the pain points dental practices face.

Sterilization is a vital task, yet it’s not something practitioners particularly enjoy. Unlike the more engaging aspects of dental practice, such as patient interaction, sterilization happens behind the scenes. However, its importance becomes immediately clear when a sterilizer malfunctions, disrupting the workflow and emphasizing the need for reliability.

At W&H, our approach to sterilization prioritizes dependability, efficiency, and ease of use. The Lisa Mini is designed to meet the demands of modern practices while maintaining high performance and reliability. Looking ahead, I see continued advancements in sterilization technology, with a focus on faster cycle times, enhanced usability, and even greater reliability—all to ensure that dental professionals can focus more on patient care and less on equipment concerns.

Sustainability is increasingly important in healthcare and particularly at W&H. How does the Lisa Mini contribute to sustainability initiatives?

Sustainability is a key focus for W&H, and it’s more than just a theoretical goal—it’s about implementing practical, actionable solutions. At the WHFSS Congress, it was shown that global emissions directly connected to the reprocessing of medical devices are incredibly high and continue to increase. This insight reinforced the urgent need to improve sustainability, particularly in infection control.

At W&H, we are actively working to reduce the environmental impact of our products. One major initiative is the optimization of cycle times, which not only makes sterilization faster but also reduces energy and water consumption. For example, our Eco Dry technology enhances efficiency while minimizing resource use.

We have also made significant strides in sustainable packaging. Since 2021, 99% of our sterilizer packaging has been made from FSC-certified cardboard and paper, reducing plastic use to less than 1%. Unlike plastic, which persists in the environment if not properly recycled, cardboard breaks down naturally, significantly lowering our environmental footprint. While plastic can be recycled, our shift to cardboard aligns with our commitment to long-term sustainability by reducing waste at its source.

By extending the lifespan of our devices, enhancing their durability, and reducing packaging waste, we are ensuring that sustainability remains at the core of how we design, produce, and distribute our products.

How do you stay informed about evolving practitioner needs and technological advancements to guide product innovation?

Staying connected with our customers is essential. To truly understand evolving needs, it’s not enough to rely on social media or online platforms—direct engagement with practitioners is key. That’s why I prioritize visiting dental clinics, speaking with dentists, and collaborating with our partners. This hands-on approach keeps us grounded in reality and ensures we develop products that genuinely address real-world challenges.

For instance, alongside the Lisa Mini, we’ve introduced innovations like the thermal washer disinfectors Thed & Thed+, which will be officially presented at IDS. Another exciting development is the Lara XXL 38-liter sterilizer, the largest device in our portfolio. Our goal is always to apply technology in ways that bring direct value to our customers, rather than implementing technology for its own sake.

By staying close to the people who use our products, we ensure that we’re delivering practical, impactful solutions that truly make a difference in daily dental workflows.

If you could share one piece of advice with practitioners considering the Lisa Mini, what would it be?

My advice would be to focus on your clinic’s specific needs. The Lisa Mini is designed to complement tabletop sterilizers, particularly for smaller loads or peak work periods, making it an excellent choice for smaller practices or as a supplementary device in larger clinics. However, every clinic is different, and it’s important to choose equipment that aligns with your workflow.

At W&H, we don’t develop products based on assumptions. We engage directly with practitioners, visit clinics, and learn from real-world experiences. While instinct and expertise play a role, the key is to combine them with practitioner feedback to ensure we deliver the right solutions. Trusting both experience and customer input is essential for success.

How does W&H plan to expand its product offerings beyond sterilization, and what role do connectivity and digitalization play in shaping the future of your infection control and reprocessing solutions?

As I mentioned, our goal is to become the leading player in reprocessing and infection control. To achieve this, we need to expand our product range while also optimizing workflows and advancing digitalization in these processes.

We started with sterilizers, alongside the Assistina lubricating device, for handpiece maintenance. Over the years, we have introduced sterilizers in various dimensions and are now launching our thermal washer disinfector. Our portfolio has also expanded to include sealing devices, water treatment systems, and consumables, such as sterilization reels, which have been key developments in recent years—essential for providing a complete infection control solution. Additionally, we introduced the BePro line two years ago, offering chemical products for cleaning, disinfection, and protection.

Step by step, we are building a comprehensive ecosystem of products. Connectivity is the next major step, already initiated through our ioDent® platform. However, we are working to fully develop this ecosystem, ensuring that we can offer a complete, seamless solution for reprocessing and infection control.

Lastly, what do you think sets W&H apart in the sterilization market, particularly with the launch of products like the Lisa Mini?

Our goal is to simplify sterilization for dental practices by integrating digitalization and connectivity across our devices, ensuring seamless operation and easy maintenance.

The Lisa Mini is more than just a sterilizer—it’s part of a broader vision for reprocessing and infection control. Designed with the end user in mind, it offers ease of use, high reliability, and a compact size. We are continuously evolving our portfolio to meet the changing needs of modern dental practices. For example, the Lara XXL was developed to fulfill larger clinics that require higher capacity sterilization solutions.

With our focus on digital solutions, proactive maintenance, and comprehensive customer support, we aim to provide peace of mind while enhancing the safety and efficiency of dental practices.