The VDDI was founded in Berlin on 24th June 1916. Today the membership of VDDI comprises almost 200 German manufacturers of dental-medical and dental-technical products (DentalPlace). The VDDI is domiciled in Cologne since January 1969.

In the beginning, the main task of VDDI was the organization of the IDS International Dental Show completely on its own (the first Dental Show took place in 1923). Particularly during the last few decades, however, the scope of tasks of VDDI grew more and more and will be further extended in the near future, not least in view of the general and increasing trend toward globalization and the fast development in the area of modern communication technologies.

Just to mention two examples of a global environment in which the VDDI and its members are acting and being challenged. This extension of tasks and services of VDDI applies to both, the representation of the members' interests toward ministries, authorities and other organisations - nationally and internationally - and the services and forums offered to the members, such as special working groups (Aims and Objectives and  Organization/Staff).

The VDDI attributes special importance to the good co-operation with the partner associations of dentists, dental technicians and dental dealers. The same applies to the close contacts to foreign dental manufacturers associations; the VDDI is member of the Federation of the European Dental Industry (FIDE) - where he is responsible for the General Secretariat - and is associated to the International Dental Manufacturers Association (IDM) via FIDE.