DentalEZ® Group, Malvern, Pa, has purchased Identafi®, an oral cancer screening device used for the detection of oral mucosal abnormalities.
According to the company, the device, now marketed under the StarDental® brand, detects biochemical and morphological changes in the cells of the mouth, throat, tongue, and tonsils that may potentially lead to oral cancer. The cordless, handheld device uses a three-wavelength optical illumination and visualization system that allows dental professionals to identify oral mucosal abnormalities that may not be visible to the naked eye.
Identafi is intended for use by dentists, hygienists, and oral surgeons. The handheld device uses white, patented 405-nm violet, and green-amber wavelengths of light to monitor biochemical changes with fluorescence, while morphological changes are monitored with reflectance. The combined system of fluorescence and reflectance uses the body’s natural tissue properties as an adjunctive tool for oral mucosal examination.
Using Identafi in the highly concentrated “White Light” mode, the dental professional can first perform a conventional tissue examination of the entire oral cavity, then switch to the patented 405-nanometer “Fluorescent Violet Light” to help identify any areas of abnormal tissue growth.
The violet light enhances normal tissue’s natural fluorescence so suspicious tissue will appear dark in color due to its loss of fluorescence. When suspect abnormalities are present, users can switch to the “Green-Amber Reflectance Light,” which enhances normal tissue’s reflectance properties so the clinician may directly observe the difference between normal and abnormal tissue’s vasculature.
DentalEZ will be offering a number of continuing education courses, educational seminars, and online resources geared toward educating dental professionals on the specific use of the Identafi technology and about oral cancer in general.
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