ST. PAUL‚ Minn. – Dentists who use the 3M™ True Definition Scanner already know it has game-changing capabilities for a practice. Now, the breakthrough digital scanning device has been recognized by the larger community of inventors. The system was honored with a silver medal Edison Award at a ceremony held April 23 in New York City.

The Edison Awards—named for Thomas Alva Edison, whose inventions earned 1,093 U.S. patents—honor excellence in new product and service development, marketing, human-centered design, and innovation. Award winners represent “game changing” products and services with innovation centered around four criteria: Concept, Value, Delivery and Impact.

The 3M True Definition Scanner earned the silver medal Edison Award based on its strength in each of the criteria. Judges recognized its marriage of cutting-edge 3D imaging, advanced optics and data analysis algorithms, and its potential to revolutionize the patient’s experience at the dentist's office. The system’s consistent accuracy with fast scan times, open architecture system with secure cloud-based data, 3D-in-motion technology, small wand, and the system’s affordability were also cited by the panel.

More than 3,000 senior business executives, scientists and academics from across the nation judge Edison Awards nominees, and their votes acknowledge the Finalists’ success in meeting the award’s stringent criteria of quality.

“The 3M True Definition Scanner is bringing advanced digital oral care and truly accurate results to patients and dentists across the globe,” said David Frazee, vice president of Digital, at 3M ESPE Dental. “Recognition from the prestigious Edison Awards is an honor and validates the commitment to research, development, and science that is so important at 3M.”