Intra-oral scanners support landmark Swiss dental study

Dental Tribune International

Mon. 9. February 2026

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BERN, Switzerland: The first large-scale representative epidemiological study of national oral health is underway in Switzerland, harnessing intra-oral scanning technology for data collection. Led by researchers at the University of Bern, the study—officially the Erste Schweizer Mundgesundheitsstudie—aims to assess the oral health status of 3,450 children and adults by the end of next year to provide key insights into the population’s dental health and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

The university is currently recruiting 1,800 children aged 5–7 and 11–13, as well as 1,650 adults aged 35–44 and 65–74, across the six cantons of Aargau, Bern, Lucerne, Ticino, Vaud and Zurich. After completing an online survey, participants will undergo oral examination and intra-oral scanning in a mobile dental van. The research is being led by Prof. Hendrik Meyer-Lückel, director of the Clinic for Restorative, Preventive and Paediatric Dentistry at the University of Bern, and Align Technology is supporting the study with its iTero Lumina intra-oral scanners and integrated Align Oral Health Suite software.

According to an Align Technology press release, the mobile dental van is equipped with two dental chairs and the latest digital dental technology. It is self-contained for all-day, on-site screenings and will make daily visits to schools and communities throughout the country.

Alongside identifying oral health trends to inform future healthcare strategies and improve patient outcomes, the study will combine clinical examinations with intra-oral scans to enhance diagnostic accuracy and will explore the feasibility of trained dental assistants supporting dental health screenings. Longitudinal follow-up examinations are planned to provide a better understanding of the impact of oral health on overall health and to shape preventive care approaches and public health initiatives.

Prof. Meyer-Lückel said in the press release: “This study represents a major step forward in understanding the oral health of the Swiss population. The support from Align Technology and the use of the iTero Lumina scanner have significantly enhanced our ability to collect high-quality data efficiently and comfortably for participants of all ages, including young children.”

Simon Beard, Align Technology executive vice-president and managing director for the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, commented: “We are honoured to support this pioneering oral health initiative with the University of Bern and look forward to how integration of the iTero Lumina scanner into the study can enhance data quality and support the long-term goal of validating digital diagnostics as a complement to clinical examinations.” Beard said that the study “exemplifies the power of collaboration between academia and industry to drive meaningful innovation”.

Further information about the initiative (in German) is available on the university website.