New collaboration covers non-invasive cytology and AI risk-stratification to dentists across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and North Carolina
Durham, NC — January 15th, 2026 — Delta Dental Plan of Michigan, Inc. Delta Dental Plan of Ohio, Inc., Delta Dental Plan of Indiana, Inc., (collectively “DDMI”) and Delta Dental of North Carolina(“DDNC”)[1] have reaffirmed their commitment to preventive oral health with the announcement of a sponsored commercial launch of OraLiva’s new oral cancer test. OraLiva’s AI-powered cytology platform equips dental providers across specialties with a non-invasive tool to help identify and monitor lesions of concern early, when outcomes are most favorable. Built on one of the largest studies of oral potentially malignant disorders ever completed with 999 patients and more than 13 million analyzed cells, OraLiva has developed and validated one of the most accurate models for early detection and monitoring of oral cancer ever created[2].
Despite being visible in routine dental examinations, oral cancer is one of the most difficult cancers to detect early because many benign oral lesions share features with oral epithelial dysplasia (precancer), a critical diagnostic challenge that is currently worsened by the lack of effective, readily available tools to guide front-line clinicians. In 2025, an estimated 59,660 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer, and approximately 12,770 will die from it.[3] In addition, incidence has risen nearly 1% every year over the past decade underscoring the urgency for trusted early-identification tools.[4]
Unfortunately, only 1-in-4 cases are identified at early-stage cancer where 5-year survival is approximately 88% while the vast majority of oral cancer is caught at a late stage when survival rates drop to just 37%.[5]
OraLiva’s test is designed not only to support the proactive detection of cancerous lesions, but also to intercept the disease much earlier, at the stage of precancer (dysplasia) when survival prospects are highest and treatment costs substantially lower.
To address this clinical and public health need, DDMI and DDNC, today announced the commercial launch of OraLiva’s oral lesion test across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and North Carolina. The test, covered by existing CDT D7288 (brush biopsy—transepithelial sample collection), provides a non-invasive, AI-enabled cytology risk score that assists dentists in determining when lesions may require referral, monitoring, or routine follow-up.
DDMI and DDNC will reimburse dental providers under CDT D7288 (brush biopsy—transepithelial sample collection). Providers can also elect to complete a continuing education module on oral lesion recognition and AI-cytology through DDMI’s learning platforms.
The multi-state rollout in year one includes Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio and Indiana with additional states to be announced soon.
About OraLiva, Inc.
OraLiva develops AI-powered cytology diagnostics for early detection across epithelial tissues. Its oral lesion test combines microfluidic cytology collection, digital imaging, and artificial intelligence to generate clinically validated risk-stratified reports and actionable recommendations that support clinical decision-making.
About Delta Dental of Michigan, Delta Dental of Ohio, Delta Dental of Indiana, and Delta Dental of North Carolina
Delta Dental of Michigan, Delta Dental of Ohio, Delta Dental of Indiana and Delta Dental of North Carolina, together with their affiliates in Arkansas, Kentucky, New Mexico, , and Tennessee make up one of the largest dental plan administrators in the nation. The Delta Dental plans are members of the Delta Dental Plans Association, a nationwide system of independently operated dental health service plans. Together, the Delta Dental system provides coverage to more than 78 million Americans and operate two of the nation’s largest networks of participating dentists.
[1] Delta Dental is a trademark of the Delta Dental Plans Association. The Delta Dental Plans Association does not make any representations, warranties or endorsements with respect to OraLiva or its products
[2]McRae, McDevitt, Journal of Dental Research, 2021, 100, 479-486.
[3]https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
[4]https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/oralcav.html
[5]https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html
