Ray: "3D Facial Scanning Will Change the Paradigm of Dental Diagnosis and Treatment"

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyungsoo Park] The 19th International Dental Equipment Exhibition (SIDEX) will be held from the 27th to the 29th at COEX in Seoul. This large-scale event is attracting attention from the dental industry as it is the first major event held after the complete lifting of COVID-19 quarantine rules such as capacity limits and social distancing. This year, more than 10,000 dentists and industry professionals are expected to visit SIDEX. Ray will launch new products at SIDEX. Lee Yong-gyu, Executive Director of Ray's Sales and Marketing Headquarters, said, "We will showcase our complete product portfolio for the first time at SIDEX" and expressed confidence, saying, "We will expand globally through IDEM, AEEDC, and next year's IDS."

He continued, "Ray does not insist on its own solutions," emphasizing, "We are actively proposing an alliance program that partners with excellent dental equipment and service companies from other overseas regions." He added, "We plan to present competitive products and solutions in overseas markets through a platform ecosystem created by actively promoting alliances and connections," and "It will be networked through Ray's MyLab service."

Director Lee explained, "SIDEX is the starting point to show the changed image of Ray," and "At next year's IDS, you will be able to confirm Ray's status as a leader."

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Below is the Q&A with Director Lee.

- Please introduce Ray, which claims to be a 'digital dentistry, comprehensive digital solution company.'

▲ From the beginning, Ray has conducted research and development with the idea of linking dental cone beam CT (CBCT) for impression acquisition with computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). The result is the 5 in 1 CBCT, RAYScan Studio. Even during the period when Ray was gaining recognition as a CBCT manufacturer, it continued to invest in R&D for digitalization in all areas of dental treatment. Dental treatment involves scanning oral structures and designing and manufacturing prosthetics. Ray completed this with its own technology and will unveil it for the first time at SIDEX. Ray positions itself not as an X-ray diagnostic equipment company but as a digital dentistry company.

- You will introduce the new product 'RAYFace' at the exhibition. What kind of product is it?

▲ RAYFace is a product that captures a patient in one shot to create a 3D facial image. It automatically analyzes CT (X-ray) and intraoral scanner images to easily identify the mid-sagittal and occlusal planes in the 3D facial model. Based on this, it can be used in various ways in dental clinics such as accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, patient consultation, and pre- and post-operative comparison.

- What is the difference from existing cameras or facial scanning equipment used in dentistry?

▲ Existing 2D cameras and apps that convert these into 3D have many variables. Due to angles, posture, shaking, sensor performance, etc., consistent images cannot be produced. Such images are difficult to use clinically. Some facial 3D scanning devices exist, but existing equipment does not provide registration functions with X-ray images or intraoral scanner images. Because registration must be done manually using complex and difficult software, they are practically rarely used clinically and are only used for simple patient consultations.

The 3D facial scan provided by RAYFace automatically registers with CT and intraoral scanner images, so it can influence all aspects of dental diagnosis and treatment as well as consultations. This is the true value of face-driven diagnosis and treatment.

- Another new product, the intraoral scanner RAYiOS, will also be introduced. What are your expectations?

▲ By adding the 3D facial scanner RAYFace and the intraoral scanner RAYiOS to the existing X-ray diagnostic equipment Ray possesses, we have completed a portfolio covering all areas of dental diagnosis. Few global dental companies own a portfolio covering all diagnostic areas with proprietary technology.

The intraoral scanner market is already a huge diagnostic equipment market exceeding $1 billion annually with double-digit annual growth rates. It is considered to be entering the full popularization stage after the initial adoption phase. Ray will compete as a full-fledged market participant by launching its own product, RAYiOS. The intraoral scanner is the beginning of digital dental treatment. This is why global companies are competing to lead with intraoral scanners. At the SIDEX exhibition, we will launch an intraoral scanner starter kit package that includes software capable of designing temporary prosthetic bridges and generating models. We present 'My First Digital Package.'

RAYiOS is expected to be one pillar expanding Ray's emphasized face-driven diagnosis and treatment through automatic registration functions with the aforementioned 3D facial images and CBCT images.

- Please briefly explain the design and manufacturing areas as well.

▲ Design and manufacturing are commonly explained as CAD and CAM. Ray also presents them in a package combining CAD and CAM. In particular, the 4-axis and 5-axis milling machine, RAYdent Mill, offers competitive prices for products of quality and size usable not only in dental labs but also in clinics. We also showcase the in-house 3D printer (RAYDENT Studio), curing units, and resin.

Ray is not just an equipment manufacturer but a company providing solutions. We offer packages that allow clinics to easily and simply produce dental treatment solutions such as splints, laminates, surgical guides, models, and (temporary) prosthetics.

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