The Alger Company
Timeline
1960's
AlgerLight Design and Development
During his residency in 1963-1965, Dr. David Alger realized that dentists and more particularly orthodontists began doing away with the lighting “unit” containing the “pole” mounted light beside the chair.1960's
AlgerBrush Introduced
Dr. Leon Alger, a practicing ophthalmologist for 40 years, debuts a refined version of the AlgerBrush to assist ophthalmologists and emergency room physicians remove Corneal Rust Rings in the human eye, a common condition caused by industrial accidents such as welding, sanding and grinding.1970's
Increased Demand for the AlgerLight
Alger constructed multiple lights in his garage and sold them to orthodontists. With initial success, the Alger light cabinet was cast from a metal mold from his uncle’s industrial pattern shop and foundry Indianapolis.1970's
AlgerBrush Adopted by Ophthalmologists
Dr. Leon Alger began field testing the original AlgerBrush with increasing numbers of ophthalmologists to determine the optimum burr sizes and instrument configuration.1980's
Increased Demand for the AlgerLight
Wiring and installation of the AlgerLight was at times daunting due to the need to run wires from the light unit in the ceiling and the control switches. Dr. Alger designed a footswitch which was very popular and developed a low voltage option making wiring much easier. He also began experimenting with wireless options.1980's
AlgerBrush Fabrication Advanced
Working with various machining and tooling companies, companies, the fabrication of the aluminum housing, cap and endnut were perfected. Anodizing the housing and cap provided a more durable finished product.1990's
AlgerLight Sales Soar
During the 1990's, the AlgerLight was becoming the standard of excellence for US based Dentists and Orthodontists who wanted a ceiling mounted operating light. Furthering the desire to obtain a totally wireless controller Dr. Alger designed an IR controller giving the option to the dentist of having a “hard wired” or totally wireless control.1990's
AlgerBrush Passed to Son and Grandson
The passing of Dr. Leon Alger left operation and design of the AlgerBrush to his son, Dr. David Alger and grandson John Alger. A new and improved motor was located making operation much smoother and reliable. Hence the AlgerBrush II evolved.2000's
Entry into the Digital Age
The AlgerLight was totally redesigned with the help of aircraft lighting engineers bringing the AlgerLight with LED . The new instrument now features two motors to control it – one for up/down and one for right/left and it is controlled with an RF controller paired for each specific AlgerLight. Now available was a completely new instrument with both the footswitch and handheld controller as well as an attractive molded plastic enclosure.2000's
AlgerBrush Diamond Burr Introduced
The need for and adjunct for pterygium removal brought the addition of the diamond burr to smooth the wound during surgical excision and thereby hasten healing. In addition, the diamond burrs became popular with veterinarians for treating recurrent ulcers of the eyes of canines and equines.
Instruments That Empower Superior Healthcare
with Alger Instruments.
Advanced medical instruments that empower medical practitioners and their staff to provide superior care for their patients.
Doctors for Doctors.
Lighting and precision medical instruments designed, tested and proven by doctors specifically for clinical use.
and Proven Reliability.
Instruments that have become the industry standard for over 50 years, longer than the careers of most doctors.
Meet the Alger Team
David Alger, D.D.S., M.S.D.
Dr. David Alger is CEO of Alger Incorporated serving in that role since 1970. He serves as well as a consultant with the various engineering and fabrications companies involved with the AlgerLight and the AlgerBrush II.
Dr. Alger also serve as chairman of his various professional organizations and many community based entities such as Rotary international where he was a two time president. He, along with John Monroe formed the Conroe, TX YMCA , and organized The University of Texas alumni association in Conroe, TX.
Dr. Alger had a busy Orthodontic practice in Conroe, TX from 1965 to 1983 at which time he opted to accept an assignment with the King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh , Saudi Arabia for six years. Since his return from Saudi Arabia in 1989 the has been involved with locum tenens for many different orthodontists and keeping busy with operation on Alger, Inc.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
HONORS AND AWARDS
PATENTS
EDUCATION
John Alger, MBA
John Alger is President of Alger Incorporated and has served in this role since 1996. During this Alger Incorporated has continued its strong global presence across all regions and practices with its instruments being sold and used throughout the world. John oversaw certification of the AlgerBrush CE Mark which allowed the instrument to expand throughout the European Community. Maintaining and building upon the long time supplier and distributor relations originally established by his grandfather, Dr. Leon Alger and his dad, Dr. David Alger, John has ensured the instruments provided by Alger Incorporated remain of highest quality.
Prior to joining Alger Incorporated, John worked for nine years as a consultant with Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) primarily in the oil and gas industry. He focused on utilizing available technology to effectively streamline business process improvement for both small and international oil and gas companies.
John serves with multiple charitable organizations that benefit people in need both locally and nationally.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
EDUCATION
Board of Advisors
Mike Mayeux
Mike Mayeux (MYU!), Executive Recruiter and Owner of Excutio an executive search and coaching firm based in Austin.
Mike has been an early technology innovator for about 30 years. He has been exposed to many of the early stage technologies that shape business today. His work in sales, product management, implementation and systems architecture have helped shape many modern recruiting technologies. As CEO of Novotus, Mike engineered a technology platform that powered the creation of a new industry.
Mike uses over 25 years' experience in the talent acquisition industry to advise C level and other executives towards high performance in human capital management strategies. With his unique understanding of technology, consulting, and recruiting, MYU led the Novotus team to accomplish the goal of reinventing talent acquisition that led to the hiring of over 25,000 people over 14 years.
Mayeux's passions stretch far beyond building leadership teams. He also enjoys spending time with his wife, children and grandson, attending church, playing golf, and grilling massive amounts of barbecue for large charity groups. Additionally he is passionate about bringing Christmas joy to children of all ages as Santa Mike.
Joyce Matlack RDH, M.Ed, ASID
Principal Matlack Van Every Design, Inc.
Matlack/VanEvery Design offers start-to-finish orthodontic office design: optimization and innovation, expert project management and outstanding customer service with over 550 orthodontic office projects across the US and internationally.
As a licensed interior designer, and dental hygienist, Joyce brings a unique depth of expertise to your project. Joyce’s portfolio speaks to the value she places on flow, function and aesthetics as well as the individuality of each doctor. Her focus is on creating the perfect match of facility to practitioner and practice. Speaking at conferences and dental graduate programs throughout the country, and contributing to newsletters, design manuals, articles and online resources, Joyce keeps her finger on the pulse of today’s doctor and practice needs while putting great value on educating and assisting doctors who will be industry leaders for years to come.
Mark Sweeney, D.D.S
Austin Dental Spa
Born in Wharton, Texas and a native Texan through and through, Dr. Mark Sweeney is one tall drink of water who is committed to making a difference in people’s lives. Own-er and chief dentist of Austin Dental Spa and a University of Texas alum, Dr. Sweeney, or “Dr. Mark” to his patients, opened his first dental practice in Austin 42 years ago. And he’s been on the cutting edge of dentistry and dental technology ever since.
A cosmetic dentistry pioneer, Dr. Mark has won numerous national awards for his Smile Makeovers. Known for his calm, easygoing manner and trademark sense of humor, Dr. Mark helps patients relax and experience the best dentistry has to offer. With his associate Dr. Jordan Slagter (known for her expertise in dental implants, grafting, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry), he’s created a nurturing, spa-like setting for his team to care for their patients.
“Safety and the health, wellness, and comfort of our patients is always our top priority,” says Dr. Mark, “and even more so during these challenging times.” Come experience what everyone is talking about! “Change Your Smile, Change Your Life” with Dr. Mark Sweeney and Austin Dental Spa.
"I have been a long-time fan of the AlgerLight with LED, a valuable addition to the operatory," said Dr. Sweeney.