Investigating the Dental Space
I wanted to examine the products dentists use on a daily basis and see if there were any opportunities for improvement. My research partner Elaine Messerly and I started by interviewing three dental hygienists and observing how they used their tools.
Why?
90% of adults in the United States have had a cavity and 1 in 4 adults have cavities that are untreated. Advanced cavity detection helps maintain healthy teeth.
Diagnodent Cavity Pen.
The pen uses laser fluorescence to disperse light into the teeth. Decaying teeth will exhibit fluorescence proportionate to the degree of decay, resulting in scale readings. There are two generations of the Diagnodent and I planned to re-design the first generation.
Kavo is the only brand that produces the Diagnodent.
Readings
0-10 no tooth decay
10-20 tooth is susceptible to decay
30+ tooth decay is prevalent
Analyzing the existing market
"This tip right here, this will break if the patient’s mouth is not staying open, so we normally don’t use this on someone who can’t sit still for fear they may aspirate the broken piece."
Natalie, Sea of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry
“I like the first generation, but I have to let the patient hold it so they can see the readings."
Becky, Applegate Dentistry
Design Objectives
Sketch Ideation
Sketching on concepts before moving into physical modeling
Physical prototyping and user testing helped inform the final model. Through this prototyping, I learned that moving the button touchpoint back aided in comfortability. Making the monitor round helped the user hold it and aided in cord storage.
Kavo Diagnodent Generation 3
Using research and user input, the Diagnodent was designed to incorporate the patient into the experience. Straying away from a stereotypical medical feel, the monitor allows for patients to hold during cleanings and understand the reading they are receiving.
calibration touch point
cord wraps to protect fiber optics
white plastic for hygienic feel
internals of pen
Internals of monitor
Physical Model
Going to the dentist doesn’t have to be uncomfortable.
With the third generation of DIagnodent, Kavo has created an engaging experience that puts the patient first. Laser fluorescence and an interactive screen let you know if your teeth are in danger of decay
.