The DIAGNODENT is a laser-probe handpiece  for the detection of caries. The device, which is intended as an adjunct to the clinical and radiographic detection of caries, works by shining pulsed light of a known wavelength onto the tooth surface via specially-designed tips. After a baseline measurement of the patient's healthy tooth structure is made, the tip is placed on questionable areas of the tooth and slowly rotated or rocked with a pendulum-like motion. The unit's internal processor interprets changes in the level of fluorescence of the light emitted back by the tooth as indicative of caries. A numerical reading is displayed on the front of the DIAGNODENT and an audible signal is sounded.

Clinical evaluators reported that the DIAGNODENT had a short learning curve and was accurate. They appreciated having a non-invasive method for diagnosing questionable carious lesions. The small diagnostic tips even permitted assessment of small lesions. Although the DIAGNOdent requires additional time to use, most users felt that this is justified because it ensured an accurate clinical diagnosis. The unit was also compactly designed and the instructions were complete and easy to read. Evaluators