Joan Austin, the co-founder of A-dec, died unexpectedly June 5 at her Newberg, OR, home. She was 81.
Along with her husband, Ken, Joan was co-owner and co-chairman of the board for A-dec, the largest privately owned dental equipment manufacturing company in the U.S., the company noted in a press release.
She and Ken founded A-dec in 1964. Until her death, Joan was involved in the company's administrative, personnel, philanthropic, financial, and legal operations. In addition, she served as president of Austin Industries and Springbrook Properties. She was also the vision behind Newberg's Allison Inn & Spa, the company said.
A-dec pioneered many of the innovations used in dental treatment rooms, including dental chairs, delivery systems, and dental lights. For clinical handpieces, A-dec also partners with global companies such as W&H in BĂĽrmoos, Austria.
A-dec employs more than 1,000 people, and the company markets its manufactured dental products to dental professionals in more than 100 countries worldwide. CEO Scott Parrish has reassured employees of the family's commitment to remain a family-owned business in Newberg.
