Aribex, IDENS Japan kits

OREM, Utah—Aribex, a leader in handheld X-ray technologies, has joined with IDENS, a leading maker of Japan’s practice-management system for dental clinics, to contribute up to 15 X-ray kits for forensic victim identification use following the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

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The first two kits have already been sent by IDENS to Iwate Prefecture, one of the most damaged areas.

Each kit will include the NOMAD Handheld X-ray System manufactured by Aribex. The system is lightweight, rechargeable, and easily transportable to disaster sites. NOMAD devices will be coupled with digital sensors, software, and laptop computers provided by IDENS to create radiographic imaging kits that will improve the speed and efficiency of victim identification.

“In this difficult time, it is appropriate that we join with our friends and business partners in Japan to help bring a level of closure to the countless families that have been affected by this tragedy,” said D. Clark Turner, PhD, president and CEO of Aribex. “We’re gratified that our product can assist the hardworking forensic scientists who provide this invaluable service.”

NOMAD has proven itself as a valuable tool for forensic odontologists in past disasters, such as the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and last year’s earthquake in Haiti. Forensic odontologists are specially trained dentists who use dental X-rays to help identify unknown human remains.

“We appreciate the immediate support by Aribex, our business partner across the Pacific, in working with IDENS,” commented Takashi Nakata, president and CEO of IDENS.

"All of us at IDENS are committed to do our best in fulfilling our social responsibility to relieve the difficulties Japan is facing. In Japanese culture, the remains of family members are not considered distasteful in any way, rather are thought of as remains of those who have been enlightened. Many disaster victims have demonstrated great respect and help for others. School children are reported to have voluntarily undertaken cleaning jobs and have cared for the elderly. Additionally, good public order has been maintained, another expression of Japanese culture.”

For more information, visit www.aribex.com, www.idens.com, and www.hanonet.co.jp.

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