Feasibility of Fluorescence Technology for Cancer Detection in Dental Schools

Objectives: To test fluorescence technology devices (n=4) for use in a dental school clinic setting.
Methods: The fluorescence devices, VELscope VX, Identafi, OralID and Bio/Screen were provided by the respective manufactures and operated according to user manuals. The four devices were independently graded as to user-friendliness in a dental school environment by four experienced faculty.
Results: All four faculty scored OralID as first for use in a teaching situation. The Identafi and OralID use two pairs of filtered glasses which allow simultaneous examination by student and faculty. In fact with multiple glasses, several members of the faculty can view a suspicious lesion with a student at the same time. The VELscope VX and Bio/Screen performed similarly with a single filtered eyepiece. They were more conducive to a solo office where dual examination is not employed. The OralID was the only device that did not required barrier protection. The entire OralID device can be disinfected easily with CaviWipes^TM or an equivalent, without added per use cost associated with disposable barrier sleeves. It is compact and uses batteries that are easily and inexpensively replaced.

Conclusions: All devices are considered acceptable as an aid for detecting abnormalities of the oral mucosa. For the University of Texas School of Dentistry and most likely for the majority of large teaching facilities, the OralID is the best choice as an adjunctive tool for detection of oral lesions. Barrier protection is not required which may become a prohibitive additional cost for a large teaching institution. OralID can be used without turning off the lights; avoiding any possible disruption at a large school clinic.