Cape Argus

Hi-tech Cone Beam unit boosts Tygerberg dentistry

- STAFF REPORTER

THE Tygerberg Oral Health Centre and the University of the Western Cape (UWC) unveiled its state-of-the-art Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) unit, which will be used by the university’s Dentistry Faculty and Tygerberg Oral Health Centre.

The Vatech Green X 18 Cone Beam CT unit was donated by the global X-ray imaging company Vatech, based in South Korea, in partnershi­p with South African-based supplier SciVision Medical, for the handover to UWC and the Department of Health and Wellness.

The official launch took place at the Tygerberg Oral Health Centre in Bellville yesterday.

The CBCT will offer enhanced diagnostic technology and precision in dental treatment.

The unit, additional equipment and training provided by Vatech and SciVision Medical, is valued at over R3 million.

Health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo said:

“In the pursuit of advancing dental care and patient outcomes, we are deeply grateful for the generous donation from Vatech to our Tygerberg Oral Health Centre.

“This contributi­on, including a stateof-the-art Dentofacia­l CBCT unit and comprehens­ive service support training, marks a significan­t step forward in our ability to provide precise treatment planning and enhanced care for our patients.”

The technology will allow dental profession­als to deliver more accurate diagnoses, precise treatments and overall improved patient experience­s, the department said.

The Green X machine is also known for minimal radiation exposure and energy conservati­on.

Head of department Dr Keith Cloete said: “The addition of the CBCT technology to our dental imaging service represents another significan­t milestone in our ongoing efforts to introduce appropriat­e technology to improve our patient care, through enhanced precision of our interventi­ons.”

Dean of Dentistry at UWC, professor Veerasamy Yengopal, said: “The addition of this state-of-theart CBCT unit will enhance our ability to deliver exceptiona­l patient service, facilitate teaching and training, and advance our research capabiliti­es.”

Vatech UK managing director, Franc Jang, added: “We are thrilled to contribute to Tygerberg Oral Health Centre and UWC’s Faculty of Dentistry's mission of excellence in dental care and education.”

THE Directorat­e for Priority Crimes Investigat­ion (Hawks) are closing in on a group of people allegedly linked to the kidnapping of a businessma­n in the Eastern Cape in November.

Another suspect has been arrested in connection with the abduction of the man, who is a foreign national.

The Hawks said the 47-year-old suspect made his first appearance in the East London Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

The victim was accosted by five armed suspects while he was in his car at a warehouse yard on November 17. They demanded his bank cards and PIN numbers. He was later released.

The victim’s employee, a relative and two others are alleged to have planned the kidnapping.

The accused used his cards to fund a R300 000 shopping spree. |

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