Scientists from the University of Liverpool have won praise for a new clinical digital camera with the potential to revolutionise emergency dentistry in future.
The team of researchers has won a Medical Futures Award for its work on iDENTifi, a device that uses qualitative light-induced fluorescence technology to create images of the mouth with blue lights and special filters.
This technique can show up cavities, plaque and signs of tooth decay before they are visible to the human eye, with images that can easily be transferred to any standard electronic device for ease of assessment.
Eliminating the need for dyes or disclosing agents, iDENTifi could lead to the creation of new preventive dental strategies and could change the way dental care and dietary behaviour are managed.
Professor Sue Higham from the Department of Health Services Research and School of Dentistry said: “Winning this award will give us access to business expertise and networks which will help iDENTifi secure the recognition and investment needed to become a viable dental healthcare product.”
Newcastle University was also presented with a Medical Futures Award for its work on syringe technology designed to remove the pain from emergency dentistry procedures.