A new camera for better detection of dental issues.
Official title: Multimodal intraoral camera
Funded at Light Research, INC. · NIH-10760182 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, small camera that uses different imaging techniques to help dentists find tooth decay and cracks more accurately, so patients can get better diagnoses and personalized treatment plans for their dental health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Light Research, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $619,347 |
| NIH project number | 1R44DE033307-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10760182 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children and adults experiencing dental issues such as caries or cracked teeth.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no dental issues or those who do not require diagnostic imaging may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a compact multimodal intraoral camera that combines several advanced imaging techniques to improve the detection of dental caries and cracks. By integrating polarized white light imaging, autofluorescence imaging, optical coherence tomography, and near-infrared transillumination, the camera aims to provide more accurate and quantitative information about tooth health. This innovative approach seeks to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of dental diagnostics, allowing for earlier detection and better monitoring of treatment progress. Patients may benefit from improved dental care through more precise diagnoses and tailored treatment plans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of dental issues, resulting in better treatment outcomes and improved oral health for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for dental diagnostics, suggesting that this multimodal approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Light Research, INC.
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilder-Smith, Petra E — Light Research, INC.
- Study coordinator: Wilder-Smith, Petra E
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Multimodal intraoral camera to help detect tooth decay and cracks
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.