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VELMENI and Jazz Imaging Announce Strategic Partnership to Bring Advanced AI Dental Findings to Imaging Workflows

Redefining Digital Workflows and Setting New Standards for Intelligent Imaging in Dentistry the Narrative Around Intra-oral Sensors

SUNNYVALE, CA, UNITED STATES, November 19, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — VELMENI, a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for dental care, and Jazz Imaging, an innovative provider of dental imaging systems, today announced a strategic partnership designed to seamlessly integrate VELMENI’s AI-powered platform into Jazz Imaging’s advanced intraoral imaging solutions.

The collaboration will allow dental professionals using Jazz Imaging’s Classic platform to automatically upload dental scans for AI analysis through VELMENI’s cloud-based platform. The AI findings, including pathology detections and other key diagnostic insights, are displayed directly within the Jazz Classic interface—enabling clinicians to make faster, more accurate treatment decisions while improving patient communication.

“Our partnership with Jazz Imaging marks an important milestone in building a seamless experience for the dental professionals,” said Mini Suri, CEO of VELMENI. “By integrating our AI technology directly into Jazz Imaging’s ecosystem, we’re helping clinicians access real-time, data-driven insights right at the point of care—making dentistry more precise, efficient, and patient-centered.”

“At Jazz Imaging, we’re committed to redefining the digital workflow for dental professionals,” said Todd Miller, CEO and Founder of Jazz Imaging. “VELMENI’s cutting-edge AI seamlessly enhances the diagnostic capabilities of Jazz Classic, empowering clinicians with deeper insights without disrupting their existing imaging processes.”

Through this partnership, both companies are setting a new standard for intelligent imaging and diagnostic automation in dental care. The combined solution leverages Jazz Imaging’s trusted imaging hardware and software, combined with VELMENI’s next-generation AI algorithms, bringing unprecedented speed and accuracy to everyday clinical practice.

About VELMENI

VELMENI One is the dental industry’s unified AI platform integrating 2D and 3D capabilities, claims automation, and voice — all in one place.

The company’s AI platform seamlessly integrates with leading dental imaging systems and Practice Management Systems (PMS) to assist with automated pathology detection and patient education. VELMENI partners with dental professionals and enterprises worldwide to make dental diagnostics more accessible, proactive and educational.

About Jazz Imaging

Jazz Imaging is a U.S.-based manufacturer of premium dental x-ray sensors and Classic imaging software, founded in 2015 in San Jose, California by the original creators of DEXIS and Gendex. Its SOLO and MINOR sensors deliver high-resolution images, exceptional patient comfort, and seamless integration with all major imaging software. Through the “Jazz Club” subscription, practices receive lifetime, zero-deductible coverage, fast replacements, and predictable costs and access to Classic software for free. Jazz Imaging empowers dental professionals with tools that elevate patient care and practice productivity.

Media Contact:
For VELMENI
tammy@velmeni.com
For Jazz Imaging
press@jazzimaging.com

Tammy Wyche
VELMENI
tammy@velmeni.com

🎙️ Reinventing Digital Radiography: A Conversation with Jazz Imaging’s Aaron DeCorte

Changing the Narrative Around Intra-oral Sensors

In a recent episode of the Dentaltown podcast, host Howard Farran sat down with Aaron DeCorte, VP of Sales and Marketing at Jazz Imaging, to explore how the company is transforming dental radiography with a radically different approach to cost, support, and sensor ownership.

Aaron shares how Jazz was founded by former sensor engineers who wanted to fix the two biggest frustrations dentists have with digital sensors: high upfront cost and unreliable warranty coverage.

“Doctors love what sensors do. They just don’t like what they cost—or how they’re supported,” said DeCorte.

A Smarter Model: Subscription-Based, Worry-Free

Instead of charging $8,000+ per sensor and locking practices into rigid warranty programs, Jazz Imaging introduced a direct-to-practice subscription model that includes:

$139/month per sensor
$0 deductible damage coverage
No long-term contract
Made-in-USA manufacturing (San Jose, CA)
Factory-direct support with no middlemen

The result? Jazz has become one of the fastest-growing intraoral sensor companies in the U.S., especially among DSOs and multi-location practices seeking scalable, budget-friendly solutions.

Seamless Integration Without TWAIN

Another standout point from the podcast: Jazz sensors natively integrate with most major imaging software platforms—without relying on TWAIN drivers, which are often responsible for slowdowns, compatibility issues, and poor image quality.

DeCorte explains that this focus on open integration is especially important for modern practices and DSOs managing multiple locations and software environments.

Dental Sensors – CapEx vs OpEx

Jazz Imaging has become synonymous with its unique subscription model option for its dental sensors. This offers unprecedented value for practices who need to add more sensors or replace broken sensors with minimal upfront costs. At the same time, and perhaps more importantly, the Jazz subscription plan provides the security of a lifetime warranty and predictable cash flow.

But does a subscription model for sensors make sense for DSO’s who prioritize EBITDA driven valuation? Hundreds of DSO’s have decided ‘YES’, and here’s why.

CFOs typically treat equipment purchases as a capital expense out of necessity (leases generally aren’t an option). But even when leasing is possible, they prefer to add capital to the balance sheet to depreciate the asset over time. This is with the objective of maximizing EBITDA. This makes sense for most assets, but not for sensors. In the end, the real answer lies in the total cost of ownership (aka, life cycle cost).

Acquisition Cost

In today’s environment, when the cost of capital is close to 10%, borrowing money or allocating valuable cash to an asset might not make sense. Purchasing a premium sensor typically costs $5-6k; using “borrowed” cash, this has a roughly $500/yr drag on earnings. If you need both Size 1 and 2 sensors to perform the same task as a Jazz Solo sensor, this cost doubles to $1000/yr. Yes, there are cheaper options from brands that resell overseas sensors, but DSOs won’t get the premium sensors, warranty and support their practices need.

Cost of Warranty and Support

Sensors typically are depreciated over 5 years, which equates to roughly a $1200 annual depreciation expense. Large DSOs with the Jazz Club have the same $1200 annual operating expense. But sensors are different from large CapEx purchases because of the shorter practical life of a sensor. They also have limited repairability, and heavy use of sensors in the office environment. Sensors typically can’t be repaired and don’t come with a 5-year free replacement warranty. Unfortunately, sensors often break within 5 years because of poor care, particularly with DSOs since the staff is generally unaware of the high cost of replacing a damaged sensor. Unlike Jazz Imaging, other sensor companies don’t cover sensors that are damaged.

Forecasting the cost of a warranty is fraught with uncertainty and risk. Most suppliers won’t provide ongoing tech support after the standard 1 or 2 year warranty expires. Some even ask for a credit card when office staff call with questions. Many DSOs opt for an extended-warranty plan…which is an expense. These warranties often have a deductible that is can be 50% of the original purchase price…another expense. Of course, DSOs can choose to self-insure at their own risk, but this makes forecasting warranty expenses unpredictable and highly dependent on staff training.

Bottom line, there will be significant, unpredictable warranty expenses for purchased sensors.

Loss of Revenue

When a sensor breaks, clinic throughput decreases because hygienists need to share sensors or reschedule patients. Purchased sensors have confusing, limited warranties. As a result, the back and forth with typical sensor companies, particularly those that don’t make their own sensors, can take days or weeks. Jazz Imaging ships replacement sensors the same day.

The impact of delays on a high-paced DSO is unmeasurable and decision makers for equipment purchases should avoid the risk of practice downtime and lost revenue.

Is the Jazz Club a lease?

Leases have a fixed term. The Jazz Club is a month-to-month program, so DSO’s can cancel anytime…but they don’t! Jazz Imaging has a retention rate of >99.5% because customers value the product, support, lifetime warranty and continue to see long-term value and benefits.

The Bottom Line

The Jazz Imaging subscription plan minimizes upfront costs and ensures predictable cash flow with a lifetime warranty and support. Both tangible and intangible benefits are the reasons so many DSOs have joined the Jazz Club.

Still not sure?

Jazz Imaging also offers the traditional purchase route so offices have the choice between CapEx or OpEx.

Join The Group Dentistry Now Show as they discuss the challenges and solutions for digital imaging across multiple offices with Dr. Tony Molina, Partner with Guardian Dental Partners and Bob Edwards, National Accounts Director at Jazz Imaging.

Learn about the painpoints of integrating sensors across multiple offices, supporting offices through change and transition, how Guardian evaluates vendors, and how Jazz Imaging’s unique subscription model is an ideal solution for DSO sensor needs.

We’re getting a plug and play sensor with really good cost and really great quality. We have to satisfy 170 plus doctors in terms of image quality. That’s hard to do, but we’ve been able to solve that with Jazz.
Dr. Tony Molina Tweet

The makers of Jazz Imaging intraoral sensors want to help dental practices save money by getting their sensors directly into users’ hands. Aaron DeCorte explains how Jazz Imaging’s products are different, and how they could provide benefits for your team and patients. The company recently added new product lines, including a small sensor that works well for pediatric patients.

The company hosted a booth at RDH Under One Roof in July because they sought input from dental hygienists and value their opinions. They enjoyed the interaction with attendees and hearing their feedback about Jazz products.

Tune in for more interesting information that Aaron shares in our discussion. Jazz Imaging offers warranties for their products, and they now also offer a subscription program.

Learn more about how Jazz Imaging can benefit your practice.

Get your free trial here.

Learn more about the Minor Sensor, a pediatric option.

Using intra-oral sensors to take radiographs in your offices? There are two things you don’t want to hear: 1) a sensor is down or 2) we need more sensors.

Why do intra-oral sensors fail?

Intra-oral sensors are like cell phones. They are the single most handled piece of technology in any dental office. It’s generally the same story when they stop working; manufacturing defects, software issues, and general wear and tear can all make a sensor usable. Regardless of why they stop working, the DSO pays the price. Left without a vital clinical tool, there is a ripple effect in patient flow until that sensor is replaced. This can make the cost of downtime as much of a consideration as the cost of replacing a sensor.

Read more here

Greg Essenmacher host of the renowned podcast The Tooth Sleuth: I sat down with Bob Edwards who was born and raised in Sacramento, CA. Went to Oregon State to play basketball for the Beavers for 5 years (redshirted, his first year). Graduated in 1997, and was fortunate to get a Medical Sales Job right out of OSU, which got him into x-ray for 11 years on the Hospital side. Then in 2008, transitioned into Dental X-Ray. And have never looked back! Married for 20 years to a Dentist!!

Listen to the podcast here

How is it going.

Since the dawn of the digital intra-oral sensor age in the late 1990’s, how sensors are consumed by practices hasn’t changed all that much. Offices write a big check up front and then have to decide if paying for an annual warranty is worth it after the initial term expires. There is a lot to consider when weighing the ROI of annual tech support and warranty coverage as deductibles vary widely depending on the brand and what levels of warranty are offered, not to mention the co-pay for a damaged sensor. Twenty years later, not much has changed. The larger brands sell the exact same way they first debuted their sensors decades ago, leading to the age old observation “why are sensors basically the same price as they were 20 years ago, shouldn’t prices have come down by now?” One seldom recognized fact about the intra-oral sensor industry is there are globally, only a small handful of manufacturing facilities that produce these sensors so supply is tightly controlled, which is one reason prices have not fallen over the years. Even smaller is the number of sensor companies that actually manufacture their own offering. Many well-known brands are often all made at the same foundry with different housings, leading to multiple price mark-ups along the supply chain journey from Asia to a dental practice in the U.S. Since the vast majority of sensor companies in the space don’t make their own sensor, this also leads to increased warranty cost and headaches when trying to resolve a technical issue since they are really just marketing company in between a dental practice and the company that actually made the sensor.

How’s it going

Change is inevitable. Netflix vanquished Blockbuster, Barnes and Noble gave way to Amazon, record stores succumbed to streaming services like iTunes, Spotify etc. What those companies have in common is the product is the same, but the way the consumer acquires it was different. The dental world didn’t need another intra-oral sensor, it needed one that was affordable to acquire, seamlessly integrated with all major imaging software and came with a warranty that actually worked for the practice.

A group of engineers in San Jose, CA who developed the DEXIS and Gendex sensors recognized this trend. They saw that doctors loved the sensor, but hated the initial cost in addition to the ongoing support costs. They wondered “what if we built a great sensor and let offices subscribe on a monthly basis without additional costs for warranty & support?”

Building it themselves was the key. Only a manufacturer of a sensor could afford to offer it directly to offices via a subscription model and provide direct support.

Since launching the sensor and the subscription model in 2017, thousands of offices have come to rely on the subscription offering as their preferred way to add or replace current sensors.

“The subscription option has allowed us to fully equip two offices. Sensors from other manufacturers were too expensive for us to do that. Our clinical teams are very happy with Jazz and we plan to add at least one or two more in the future” said Robert Knox, Practice Manager for Otego Family Dentistry.

What it means

The common refrain from offices and staff is they don’t have enough sensors. Due to historical cost, practices have been reluctant to have enough sensors.

The arrival of a subscription option not only allows offices to add the much needed sensors, and to have the sensors always under a $0 deductible warranty.

Nothing sends an office into chaos like a dead sensor. Not only dealing with the immediate delayed treatment, but also the hassle of interacting with tech support to find out what coverage is currently on that sensor and when can it be replaced.

No longer do offices have gamble on extending their warranties or having to choose what level of warranty they want to pay for. With a subscription the sensor is coupled with the best coverage at a low monthly fee.

The arrival of a subscription offering finally shifts the power back to the practice. With a minimum monthly commitment, they can quit any time and since they didn’t write a large check upfront, there is little risk.

Dr. Lawrence Brent commented “Converted from phosphor plates to sensors with Jazz subscription. Love everything about it. Price point can’t be beat, love lifetime warranty and support at a comfortable monthly price. Set up was quick and easy support clear, understandable and little to no on hold time. Images are fantastic and comparable to what I receive from colleagues with much more expensive sensors.”

In a significant change from long-standing practice, the American Dental Association (ADA), in conjunction with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has updated its guidelines on the safe use of radiography in dentistry. Journal of the American Dental Association recommendations advise against routinely using lead abdominal aprons or thyroid collars on patients during dental X-rays.

Lead aprons have been a common sight in dental offices and radiology departments for nearly a century, providing a protective barrier against ionizing radiation risks. A better understanding of radiation safety and advancements in X-ray technology have led to a reevaluation of their necessity, however.

According to the expert panel established by the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs, modern digital X-ray equipment reduces the risk of radiation exposure to other parts of the body significantly by restricting the beam size to the region of interest. Together with the minimal radiation dose emitted by contemporary machines, this focused approach, known as “rectangular collimation,” renders the need for additional shielding by lead aprons unnecessary.

Additionally, lead aprons and thyroid collars may unintentionally interfere with the imaging process. In the event that these shields are positioned incorrectly, they may obstruct the primary X-ray beam, requiring the patient to take additional radiographs and exposing him to more unnecessary radiation1.

According to the ADA, its recommendations are in line with those of other medical organizations. As of 2019, the American Association of Physicists in Medicine recommended the discontinuation of patient lead aprons, and as of 2021, the American College of Radiology also expressed this opinion. The groups agree that lead aprons are not as protective as they appear on the surface and their potential for compromising image quality outweighs any psychological comfort they may provide.

To minimize radiation exposure, the ADA emphasizes the importance of judicious use of radiographs. Dentists are encouraged to order X-rays sparingly in order to provide patients with the diagnostic information they require in order to enhance their care and improve their clinical outcomes. In situations where X-rays are deemed necessary, it is recommended that digital imaging be used over conventional X-ray film and that patient positioning be optimized to ensure the greatest possible image quality.

Among the changes in this update are a departure from traditional practices and a reminder of the significance of staying current with technological advancements and safety data. ADA’s decision to remove lead aprons from dentistry may require some adjustment and education for both dentists and patients, but it is based on a commitment to patient safety and the effective use of radiography in dentistry.

With the implementation of these new guidelines, practices will be able to optimize diagnostic outcomes while maintaining the highest standards of patient safety. As a result of the advancement in radiographic technology and the ongoing efforts to refine safety protocols within healthcare settings, lead aprons have been discontinued. As a result of these updated recommendations, the ADA reminds us that evidence-based practice is at the forefront of modern dentistry, ensuring that patient care evolves along with scientific advancements.