OraLiva was recently featured in Becker’s Dental + DSO Review in an article by Cameron Cortigiano. The piece highlights the urgent need for improved oral cancer screening technology and how OraLiva is working to close that gap.
The challenge of oral cancer
Oral cancer remains a significant concern in the U.S., with around 10% of the 250 million adults experiencing an oral lesion at any given time. For many who eventually develop oral cavity cancer, an oral lesion was present earlier in their lives. Yet, until now, the market has lacked an effective screening device to support early detection.
OraLiva’s solution
Founded by John McDevitt, PhD, OraLiva is introducing a diagnostic platform powered by a microfluidic engine capable of processing cells to deliver a reliable diagnosis. The system is designed to fit seamlessly into dental practice workflows, bridging the gap between medical and dental care.
“Oral cavity cancer often starts as a dental problem, as an oral lesion in someone’s mouth, but once it begins to convert into something that looks like an oral cavity cancer, it becomes a medical problem,” Dr. McDevitt explained. “There is more focus on oral and systemic health now, but the lack of integration between dental and medical systems is one of the major gaps in this space.”
AI-powered diagnostics
AI has played a central role in OraLiva’s progress. Early studies began with over 200 variables, which were refined through AI into the most accurate diagnostic model. The technology has since evolved to focus on five cell phenotypes, presented as intuitive gauges in OraLiva’s reports. These generate a single numerical index, offering providers a “thermometer for cancer” that tracks lesion disease severity.
Looking to 2026 and beyond
OraLiva is preparing to launch in 2025. Dr. McDevitt projects that within five years, OraLiva’s technology will become a dominant tool for oral lesion management—empowering dental and medical providers alike to detect disease earlier and support preventative care for benign lesions.
“The focus is on early disease detection, and if we’re super successful, we’re saving 85% of lives in this area,” Dr. McDevitt said.
