Toothbrush pioneer Ueli Breitschmid dies at the age of 79

Toothbrush pioneer Ueli Breitschmid dies at the age of 79

Ueli Breitschmid, the founder of the dental care company Curaden, has died at the age of 79 after a long illness. His death marks the end of an era that was characterized by innovation and commitment in oral health. Breitschmid was born on August 30, 1943 and would have been 80 years old at the end of August. His life's work, the toothbrush brand Curaprox, has made him a pioneer in the dental industry.

Growing up in the Wesemlin district of Lucerne, Breitschmid was influenced by the dental industry from an early age. His father, Hans Breitschmid, was a dental technician and founded a trading company for dental products in 1954. Ueli Breitschmid, who initially had difficulties at school and was considered a "disruptive factor", ultimately completed business school and joined his father's company at the age of 21.

Short career, big visions

In 1972, Breitschmid began developing the Curaprox toothbrush brand, which was only available in pharmacies or dentists. Under his leadership, Curaden became a global pioneer in oral health. The company produces in 94 countries and has been operating a factory in the canton of St. Gallen for ten years. Breitschmid understood the importance of prophylaxis and pursued the credo: “Prevention before treatment”.

Breitschmid was not only a successful entrepreneur, but also politically active. In 2017 he campaigned against the tax rate increase in the canton of Lucerne and could be found in the office every morning until shortly before his death. In addition to his entrepreneurial activities, he was also a winery owner and investor, including in Kreditfabrik.

Sustainable commitment to oral health

Since its founding in 1954, Curaden's mission has always been to support dentists through specialized training and innovative solutions. They place particular emphasis on developing skills that are often overlooked in traditional dental education, such as patient communication, coaching and marketing. The goal remains constant: lifelong dental health for everyone through the professional growth and motivation of dental care workers.

Breitschmid's belief that the mouth is the gateway to overall health was manifested not only in his products, but also in the values ​​that Curaden embodies today. Its motto, “Better Health for You,” remains a promise that the company intends to continue to fulfill.

Ueli Breitschmid leaves behind his wife Erika and four daughters: Christine, Laura, Nora and Carla. Christine Breitschmid, who has been leading the company as CEO for about a year, plans to continue the company's values ​​in the future and thus preserve her father's legacy.

His impact on dentistry and the healthcare industry will continue to be felt for years to come as we look toward Curaden's ongoing mission to connect individual health and happiness.