Intra Oral Scanners for Scarborough and York Hospitals

14 JANUARY 2025

York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity has successfully funded advanced intraoral scanners for both York and Scarborough hospitals and a 3D printer for the Orthodontic Lab at York Hospital. This state-of-the-art equipment is revolutionising dental care for patients across both hospitals, improving treatment outcomes and patient experiences.

Dr Tarun Mittal, Consultant Orthodontist explained: "The intraoral scanner can scan a digital impression of the mouth instead of taking ‘moulds’ with impression material. It can be sent to anywhere in the world for any purpose. It also produces 3D images and 3D models and will be used to facilitate the move to using digital models of teeth instead of physical models made of plaster of Paris/Gypsum.  

Moving to a digital media vastly reduces the storage and environmental impact.

There is large body of research that suggests patients of all ages have a better experience with intraoral scanning compared to conventional impressions and that digital scanning is more accurate".

Mark Collinson, Maxillofacial/Orthodontic Laboratory Manager added ‘‘The benefits of the printer are that we are now able to print Orthodontic and restorative working models and mandible and maxilla maxillofacial models for diagnostic purposes.

The first smaller machine washes the model and removes any excess resin.

The second smaller machine is the final cure and hardens the model surface.

Orthodontic and restorative appliances and medical devices are then constructed for patients using the working models.

These appliances or devices are then sent to clinicians to be fitted in clinic’.

York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity’s investment in this equipment demonstrates the charity’s commitment to improving healthcare services. Thanks to the support of donors and fundraisers, the hospitals are now at the forefront of modern dental care.