Dental Tribune U.S. Edition

Dental Tribune U.S. Edition | April 2012 A23 Aribex NOMAD goes anywhere ... almost Thousands of dental offices in the United States and in countries around the world have experienced the quality, proven safety, and convenience of the Aribex NO- MAD handheld X-ray system (CDA Booth No. 2534). Because it is lightweight and re- chargeable, the device has also been used to diagnose thousands of individuals in remote areas far from a regular dental op- eratory. NOMAD has also helped dental profes- sionals in treating special needs patients such as the elderly, the handicapped, and those under sedation. And, thanks to the loving hearts of countless volunteer pro- fessionals, it has been proven to be of sig- nificant value for dental missions in clinics, orphanages and schools throughout the United States and in isolated villages in de- veloping countries. Even after the FDA clears an X-ray device as safe and effective, each state radiation control section must approve the device for use in its state. While most have approved handheldX-raydevices,somestillhavenot. Unfortunately, the same NOMAD X-ray de- vice used to help a child in Mozambique is not available in states such as New Hamp- shire, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Michigan, Delaware, or in Canada. Then there are a few states that severely restrict the use of handheld X-ray to specific cir- cumstances, or apply burdensome require- ments, which ultimately discourage use. “Dentists in restrictive states and in Canada need to let regulators know that they want to provide the higher level of care available through handheld X-ray,” said Ken Kaufman, president of Aribex. “NOMAD has been tested extensively and found to be as safe as or even safer than the conventional units dentists are using now. State dental associations acknowledge that access to care is a major issue in their state, and the American Dental Association has worked to raise awareness. Still, some state regulators haven’t gotten the message that the NOMAD handheld X-ray is a huge part of the solution. Dentists need to let regula- tors know what they want.” The FDA recently announced an investi- gation into foreign-made handheld X-ray devices being sold into the United States over the Internet. None of these units have been approved for use in any state. “Aribex has spent years in painstakingly obtaining state approvals,” said Kaufman. “We’re concerned that inferior units be- ing sold illegally will muddy the waters for regulators considering our device in their state. And that will mean additional road- blocks for access to care.” (Source: Aribex) Agency restrictions present barriers to care AD iNdustry NEWs A volunteer uses a NOMAD handheld X-ray in a Guatemala clinic. Despite its use around the world, several states still have not approved the safety and convenience of the NO- MAD in providing access to care for their citizens. Photo/Provided by Aribex CDA BOOTH NO. 2534