CarieScan's handheld tooth decay device set for US trial

CARIESCAN, the Dundee-based company formed out of the collapse of Idmos, is to see its handheld tooth decay detector trialled at two US dental schools.

The company said the trials were of "key strategic importance" as it works towards a distribution deal for the United States following FDA approval for its device last year.

Nigel Pitts, professor of Dental Health at the University of Dundee, has been appointed chairman of a newly-formed scientific advisory board for the company.

The firm's CarieScan PRO device will undergo research and evaluation trials at the dental schools in New York and Philadelphia as well as the Dundee University Dental School.

Chief executive Graham Lay has been holding talks with potential distributors about a deal and has said he is hopeful on announcing entry to the US market later this year.

CarieScan was formed when investors bought the intellectual property of Idmos, an Aim-listed company that fell into administration in April 2008. Parent company 3D Diagnostic Imaging listed on the Plus Market last year and raised 950,000 in two fundraisings. Shareholders in the company include Scottish Enterprise.

Shares in 3D Diagnostic Imaging rose by 1p to 9p yesterday.