DentalEZ Group officially launched Identafi, an oral cancer screening device used to detect oral mucosal abnormalities, at the California Dental Association (CDA) 2011 spring meeting in Anaheim this week.
DentalEZ acquired the Identafi technology from Trimira earlier this year as part of the company's strategy to expand into diagnostic products.
Now marketed under DentalEZ's StarDental brand, Identafi detects biochemical and morphological changes in the cells of the mouth, throat, tongue, and tonsils that may potentially lead to oral cancer. The small, cordless device uses a combination of white, violet, and green-amber multispectral wavelengths to provide the clinician with more visual information, improved results over direct visual exam alone, and increased confidence for recommending subsequent biopsies, according to the company.
"DentalEZ will offer 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 oral cancer in general, which is so important to the successful application of this product," said Rick Gross, senior product manager for DentalEZ.
Identafi also has U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for screening for bacteria, fungus, and plaque, he noted, and it is "a great teaching tool for patients to show them how well they are or aren't caring for their teeth," he said.
It is intended for use by dentists, hygienists, and oral surgeons and sells for about $3,200. An insurance code exists for the screening procedure, Gross added, and about 40% of insurers are currently reimbursing for this procedure.
The Identafi acquisition represents a new direction for the company, Gross told DrBicuspid.com.
"We recognize the traditional markets are important but that we need other areas of growth, and diagnostics and screening is a growing area in dentistry," he said. "This is the first of many new products you can expect to see from us in this area."
The company anticipates making more acquisitions going forward, he added.
