In Brief: First dental MRI cleared by FDA, ADA announces new legislation to protect patient privacy and more

FDA approves first dental-dedicated MRI system 

Dentsply Sirona and Siemens Healthineers have developed the first dental-dedicated MRI system that has received FDA clearance for use in the United States. 

Prior to its approval, this technology was tested and validated in a clinical trial testing its efficacy across multiple dental specialties. In its testing, it was able to differentiate active inflammation from healthy tissue and scar tissue, noninvasively assess tooth pulp vitality, and enable the visualization of teeth positioning as well as the nerves. 

According to Dentsply Sirona, their MRI can be applied in endodontics, periodontics, TMJ, tooth extraction, and orthodontics. The non‑ionizing imaging capabilities of the MRI are meant to enhance diagnosis and treatment planning. 

Additionally, Dentsply and Siemens note that the ddMRI can “complement intraoral, panoramic, and CBCT imaging by addressing diagnostic questions where soft tissue characterization is critical.”¹

Andreas Schneck, head of magnetic resonance at Siemens Healthineers, said: “We are dedicated to expanding the clinical impact and reach of MRI. We are excited to see the potential of ddMRI being validated through clinical trials, which will pave the way for a new clinical field that will benefit dental practitioners and patients alike.”¹

Their MRI system may be incorporated in hospitals, large clinics, and universities. 

ADA backs representatives’ push for patient insurance protection 

The ADA recently commended two US state representatives on their decision to introduce the Improving Dental Administration (IDA) Act to allow for over an equal application of dental insurance patient protection laws that have been enacted over the last 10 years. 

Per the ADA’s press release, The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) has created a grey area by the way it regulates “self-funded” dental plans; some dental carriers believe ERISA lets them ignore state insurance laws meant to protect patients. Additionally, the proliferation of “self-funded plans” over “fully insured plans” has exacerbated the confusion has arisen over what type of plans lawmakers must abide by.²

 To combat this, the ADA aims to restore the power to regulate healthcare back to individual states. ADA president Richard Rosato said in a press release: “The growing number of ‘self-funded’ plans regulated by ERISA has emboldened carriers to assert they are not subject to state oversight, claiming that the ERISA preemption gives them a free pass to ignore insurance laws ... ERISA’s original intent was to protect retirement plan assets like 401k, 403b or pensions. It wasn’t meant to let carriers ignore state laws and weaken consumer protections.”²

Rosato also noted that patients and providers should not feel unprotected based on the way their dental benefits are purchased. The ADA wants insurance carriers to stop using ERISA as a reason to ignore state-level insurance reform efforts. 

EPIPEN partners with Elevate Oral Care for new debridement system 

Oral health solutions company Elevate Oral Care has just announced a partnership with EPIPEN for a new debridement model that will be distributed through Elevate starting April 2026. 

The HYBENX Advanced Dental Debridement is an antibiotic-free dental cleanser that removes contaminated biofilm through desiccation. Elevate notes it may be best used on patients with bleeding upon probing and plaque present, periodontal pockets, and those who have calculus or tartar. 

Elevate will act as the exclusive US distributor of this product. The company stated this may allow for “a more streamlined, education-driven, and clinically supported experience for dental practices.”³

Elevates cofounder Kevin Thomas said in a press release: “By transitioning to direct distribution, we can provide deeper education, stronger clinical resources, and a more hands-on partnership with dental professionals, something that simply isn’t possible through traditional distribution models.”³

ADA elects new executive director 

The ADA has elected its current SVP of education and professional affairs, Dr. Nader A. Nadershahi, to be the organization’s new executive director effective March 23. 

This announcement follows an ongoing search for a candidate that began in 2025 with the help of global leadership advisory firm Russel Reynold & Associates. The ADA’s executive director search committee, comprised of diverse ADA members nationwide, also contributed. 

According to ADA president Rosato, Nadershahi was chosen for his “profound commitment to mutual respect, attentive listening, and collaborative decision-making.”⁴ 

Nadershahi has previously held esteemed dental leadership roles and has extensive dental practice operational experience. He served as Chair of the Board for the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), and is a fellow of the American College of Dentists, Academy of Dentistry International, and the International College of Dentists and Pierre Fauchard Academy. 

The ADA’s interim executive director Elizabeth Shapiro, will gradually shift responsibilities to Nadershahi before returning to her position as the organization’s chief of governance and strategy management. She became the interim director in February 2025. 

In the ADA’s press release, Dr. Nadershahi commented on his new role, saying: “I am honored and humbled to serve as the ADA’s next executive director. The greatest institutions thrive not by the isolated brilliance of one mind, but by the unified heartbeat of its people moving forward together. Together, we will be good ancestors for future generations in our profession.”⁴ 

References 

1. First-ever dental dedicated MRI validated in clinical trial and cleared by FDA for advanced soft‑tissue diagnostics. Press release. March 9, 2026.  

2. Insurance reform bill upholds state regulations. American Dental Association. March 12, 2026. Press release. 

3. EPIEN Medical® and Elevate Oral Care® are pleased to announce the exclusive direct distribution of HYBENX® to dental professionals. Elevate Oral Care. March 9, 2026. Press release. 

4. ADA names Nader A. Nadershahi, D.D.S., M.B.A., Ed.D. as new executive director. American Dental Association. March 10, 2026.