FAQ
How long does the test take, and does it impact appointment time?
The test takes just 15 minutes, seamlessly integrating into your appointment. For optimal flow, collect the saliva sample early—during intake or before x-rays. Once your regular procedures are complete, you can review the results, factor them into your treatment plan, and provide personalized wellness recommendations, all without extending appointment time.
How accurate is the saliva test and how does it compare to common dental tests?
Very. In clinical testing, there are 2 key factors to determine a tests’ effectiveness: the sensitivity, the specificity. Oral Genome tests were rated 90% for sensitivity, 95% specificity.
For scale, in similar clinical tests, CAMBRA exams average 69% for sensitivity, and 53% for specificity.
How do I know if the test results are accurate and reliable?
Oral Genome has been through extensive clinical testing. You can review our research here.
How does the test cassette work?
The Oral Genome test uses a rapid lateral flow assay to detect MMP-8 and P. gingivalis biomarkers. The test measures antigen levels via a color change, with intensity directly proportional to concentration. Results are interpreted through our app, using proprietary technology and machine learning.
How is the camera on my smartphone accurately detecting test results?
Our cutting-edge image processing software adapts seamlessly to your smartphone’s capabilities, continuously optimizing performance through machine learning. The blue placement card, where you position the test for analysis, is carefully calibrated during production to ensure perfect color matching. Every test batch undergoes precise calibration for consistent RGB values, which our software interprets with high accuracy. Each batch also includes a unique QR code, ensuring that every test is calibrated for maximum precision, delivering highly accurate results every time.
How specific are the results? Is this similar to a lateral flow test for covid, where the results are just yes/no?
While the lateral flow technology in the test cassette is similar to the rapid tests you're familiar with, the real value lies in our proprietary app analysis. Oral Genome doesn’t just detect the presence of biomarkers—it measures their levels. This allows us to provide highly specific results, showing where your patient’s sample falls within the expected range for each marker, offering far more actionable insights than a simple yes/no test.
What CDT codes do I use for billing?
When administering Oral Genome chairside and providing clinical counseling, you can use the following CDT codes:
D0418 – Saliva sample analysis
D0425 – Caries susceptibility test
D0601 – Caries risk assessment (low risk)
D0602 – Caries risk assessment (moderate risk)
D0603 – Caries risk assessment (high risk)
D1330 – Personalized oral hygiene recommendations
Patient experience
How should I explain the Oral Genome saliva test to my patients?
The Oral Genome test is a quick, non-invasive way to gain deep insights into your oral health. By simply collecting a saliva sample, we can analyze key biomarkers that reveal important information about your oral microbiome, inflammation levels, and early signs of issues like cavities, gum disease, or other systemic conditions linked to oral health—long before symptoms appear.
The results allow us to tailor a personalized wellness plan for you, helping optimize both your oral health and overall well-being.
How is patient data being protected?
At Oral Genome, we prioritize healthcare data security and comply with all relevant data protection regulations, including HIPAA, to ensure your information remains safe.
Your health data is securely stored on protected servers and is accessible only to authorized personnel, held to the highest standards of confidentiality.
Rest assured, maintaining your privacy is our top priority.