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You Should Know: Aribex by Thomas Giacobbi, DDS, FAGD, Editorial Director, Dentaltown Magazine

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You Should Know: Aribex
by Thomas Giacobbi, DDS, FAGD
Editorial Director, Dentaltown Magazine

Ken Kaufman is president and CFO of Aribex, Inc., the company that developed the NOMAD family of handheld X-ray devices. Herein, Dr. Giacobbi learns about the X-ray system.

What are some of the reasons offices will use your technology?
Kaufman: NOMAD systems are cost effective. One NOMAD often takes the place of two or three traditional wall mounts. The unit increases efficiency. Many hygienists report a 50 percent decrease in the time required to complete an FMX. The unit improves provider ability to deliver quality diagnostic care, and tests have repeatedly shown that when used properly, the NOMAD is just as safe, if not safer, for operators to use and can actually reduce the radiation dose to patients.

Can you provide any unfamiliar examples of a dental office using your handheld units?
Kaufman: Although the NOMAD has become quite popular in professional dental offices, it is also ideal for mobile, humanitarian and other outreach initiatives. As just one of hundreds of examples, we recently received photos of the NOMAD on a jungle expedition, which included a fourhour ride in a handmade dugout canoe, to an isolated tribe of people who have never seen a dentist. The most discouraging part of this is that the children in that small village were receiving better care than children in states where reluctant regulators have not approved our device for handheld use.

NOMAD handheld X-ray systems were not part of the FDA investigation into illegal X-ray devices. What made those devices illegal?
Kaufman: The devices (which were not Aribex) that were of concern don’t have FDA clearance or approval from any state’s radiation control board. Some of these devices also violate prior settlement agreements regarding Aribex intellectual property.

How would a dentist know if they have purchased an illegal system?
Kaufman: These illegal devices are all made by foreign manufacturers and mostly sold online from outside the U.S. Some of the illegal units show an FDA logo on their label, which is against regulations. Our NOMAD handheld X-ray is made in Utah, sold only through reputable dealers and labeled according to FDA guidelines.

Do you have any legitimate (FDA approved) competitors in the handheld/portable X-ray space?
Kaufman: To the best of our knowledge, the FDA has cleared nine foreign devices for sale. However, many fall short with operator and patient protection. There are also issues of state regulatory approvals and patent infringements.

Is your product approved for use in all 50 states?
Kaufman: Unfortunately handheld use is not approved in Delaware or New Hampshire. The NOMAD has significantly restricted-use approval in Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan and Minnesota, which severely limits anyone who purchases a unit from realizing the device’s full potential inconvenience, cost-effectiveness and access to care.

How is your product used in security applications?
Kaufman: The NOMAD eXaminer has been used in small parcel inspection and other security applications.

Tell me about Aribex’s investment in H2O Tech. When can we expect the water drill to be available to dentists?
Kaufman: We are very excited about this company. Aribex found its success in bringing a disruptive technology, the NOMAD, to market. H2O Tech could possibly represent a similarly disruptive technology. The potential of a painless, nearly silent, anesthetic-free drilling experience is compelling. I cannot definitively state when it will be available, but we’ll be sure to let you know.

Have you considered selling corded or cordless X-ray sensors?
Kaufman: Keeping up with the double-digit, year-overyear growth of the NOMAD has kept us pretty busy so far. Our device works with all sensors and X-ray receptors in the dental industry.
Company Contact
For more information about the Aribex systems, please visit www.aribex.com.
Dentaltown Magazine
September 2025
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