Our Story

HuFriedyGroup is a global leader in dental instrument manufacturing, infection prevention, and instrument reprocessing workflows, with over 200 years of collective experience in the dental industry.

HuFriedyGroup is the combination of Accutron, Crosstex International, Hu-Friedy, and Palmero Healthcare, united under one roof to deliver the products, services, and solutions that dental professionals need to be the Best in Practice.

Together, we bring world-class products, services, education, and communities, resulting in superior clinician performance, clinical outcomes, and safety for clinicians and patients. Headquartered in Chicago, HuFriedyGroup distributes products in more than 100 countries, and the dental division maintains offices in Germany, Italy, China, and Japan.


A Proud Legacy and a Focus on the Future

Our story dates back to 1908. For over a century, we have been shaping dentistry with innovative products and services designed to help practitioners be The Best in Practice. Join us in looking back at our storied history to see every step that has led to our current offering of more than 40,000 products.

From a simple beginning in 1953, as a disposable towel/bib manufacturer, Crosstex has steadily grown to become one of the world's leading providers of infection prevention and control (IP&C) and compliance solutions. Crosstex is a recognized leader for its portfolio of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), Dental Water Management, Chemistries, Sterilization, Preventives, Nitrous-Oxide Equipment, and Single-Use Disposable products.

As one of the world’s leading dental instrument and product companies, we continue our commitment to advance dental performance by supporting these products with world-class service, education and peer communities.

1908

Hu‑Friedy founded by Hugo Friedman

1945

Introduced Gracey Line of Instruments

1953

Crosstex founded as disposable towel/bib manufacturer

1959

Hu‑Friedy Acquired by Saslow Family; Richard Saslow named Hu‑Friedy Chairman

1970

Former EVP and CEO Howard Wax joins Hu‑Friedy

1975

Developed Wilkins/Tufts explorer

1978

Launched first restorative line of immunity steel instruments

1981

Began Japanese distribution partnership

1985

Introduced IMS™ Cassettes

1991

Established European office in Germany

1996

Entered ultrasonic scaling marketing with insert line

1999

Launched orthodontic product line

2002

Established Japan office to support growth in Asia Pacific market

2004

Ron Saslow Named Hu‑Friedy President

2005

Introduced EverEdge™ Scalers

2007

Expanded global presence in China

Initiated Friends of Hu‑Friedy online community

2008

Launched Nevi™ Scalers, named after legendary Hu-Fredy artisan Neville Hammond

2009

Established European office in the Netherlands

2010

Launched magnetostrictive ultrasonic scaler

Introduced full line of hand care products

2011

Entered new category with pediatric crowns

Ron Saslow Named Hu‑Friedy Chairman

Ken Serota Named Hu‑Friedy President

2013

Introduced Clear Collection™ for Clear Aligners Instrument Set

2014

Introduced Black Line Collection

2015

Launched Hu-Care Service Programs

2016

Accutron Inc. acquired by Crosstex 

Introduced EverEdge™ 2.0 Scalers

2017

J. Palmero Sales Company and subsidiaries acquired by Hu‑Friedy 

2018

Launched GreenLight Dental Compliance Center™ by Hu‑Friedy

Launched EverCare Sharpening Service

2020

Introduced Harmony™ Ergonomic Scalers and Curettes

2021

Andy Xilas Named President of HuFriedyGroup