Proud Mary

Every two months, our poodle visits his hairdresser. When he is back home, all washed, combed and powdered, he is as proud as a peacock and so am I. (I do not like bold peacocks, so I ask for a conservative instead of a Crufts haircut.)



Professor Nigel Pitts and Dr Chris Longbottom at Dundee and Professor John Girkin and Dr Simon Poland at Strathclyde also have every reason to be proud. They have developed a new technology, which will probably replace x-rays in dentistry.

In 2008, the Infrared Imaging system won the Dental and Health Innovations Award, the Best Diagnostic in Dental and Oral Health Award, and the NHS Technology Innovation Award.

The prototype consists of a miniature camera and tiny mirrors. It takes away the risks associated that are linked to X-rays. The system works by using infrared light to produce images of teeth, bones and gums. After further development, it may have wider applications, e.g. measuring bone density.

In the meantime, Dentaprime's 3D scan equipment is simply the best (very reliable and less radiation than a CT-scan).