Aligarh: A research team from the Department of Periodontia and Community Dentistry at Dr. Ziauddin Ahmad Dental College, Aligarh Muslim University, has been granted a patent for an innovative “Oral Cancer Screening Thermal Scanner.”
The device, developed under the leadership of Dr. Syed Amaan Ali, Assistant Professor of Public Health Dentistry, combines a high-resolution infrared thermal sensor, a microcontroller, and a real-time data processing system. It works by detecting abnormal temperature changes in the oral cavity, which may indicate precancerous or malignant lesions. Early detection is crucial, as oral cancer remains a major public health challenge in India.
The team includes Prof. N. D. Gupta from Periodontology, Prof. Neha Agrawal from Public Health Dentistry, and Dr. Ahmad Shoeb Hashmi, a junior resident in Periodontology. Researchers highlighted that the scanner’s portability makes it useful in both hospitals and community-based screenings, offering opportunities for timely diagnosis and improved outcomes.
Prof. Neha Agrawal, Chairperson of the Department, praised the achievement as a step forward in preventive oral healthcare and an example of socially relevant research. Prof. R. K. Tewari, Principal of the college, congratulated the team, adding that the patent demonstrates the institution’s commitment to translational research addressing pressing national health needs.
