The VALO Grand is a source of illumination for curing photo-activated dental restorative materials and adhesives.
Device Story
VALO Grand is a battery-operated, handheld, LED-based dental curing light used by dentists or dental professionals in clinical settings. It emits blue and violet light (395–480 nm) to polymerize photo-initiated dental resins and adhesives. The device features three power output modes (Standard, High Power Plus, Xtra Power) ranging from 800–2300 mW/cm². Input consists of user-selected power and time settings via buttons on the wand; output is a focused light beam delivered through a 12mm diameter head. The device is powered by rechargeable Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries. Compared to the predicate, it features an increased light head diameter, an additional activation button for improved ergonomics, and an adjusted middle power mode. The device aids in the restoration of teeth by hardening dental materials, directly impacting the efficiency and success of restorative dental procedures.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Verification activities included curing hardness, depth of cure per ADA Specification No. 48, maximum light intensity measurements at 2 mm for all power modes, spectral irradiance plots, and representative user testing. No clinical data was required or provided.
Technological Characteristics
Handheld LED curing light. Materials: anodized aluminum, rubber, silicone adhesive, plastic. Energy: 3.2VDC LiFePO4 battery, 12VDC/500mA AC power supply. Wavelength: 395–480 nm. Light head diameter: 12mm. Connectivity: None. Sterilization: Chemical disinfection (Cavicide, isopropyl/ethyl alcohol, Lysol). Compliance: ADA Specification No. 48.
Indications for Use
Indicated for curing photo-activated dental restorative materials and adhesives in dental patients.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An ultraviolet activator for polymerization is a device that produces ultraviolet radiation intended to polymerize (set) resinous dental pit and fissure sealants or restorative materials by transmission of light through a rod.
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Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular border with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" arranged around the top half of the circle. Inside the circle is an abstract symbol that resembles an eagle or a bird in flight, composed of three human profiles facing to the right.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
July 13, 2016
Ultradent Products, Inc. Mr. Corey Jaseph Regulatory Affairs Manager 505 West 10200 South South Jordan, Utah 84095
Re: K160551
Trade/Device Name: Valo® Grand Regulation Number: 21 CFR 872.6070 Regulation Name: Ultraviolet Activator for Polymerization Regulatory Class: II Product Code: EBZ Dated: Mav 25, 2016 Received: June 14, 2016
Dear Ms. Jaseph:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food. Drug. and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
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Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807): labeling (21 CFR Part 801): medical device reporting of medical devicerelated adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours, Tina Kiang -
for Erin I. Keith, M.S. Director Division of Anesthesiology. General Hospital, Respiratory, Infection Control, and Dental Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration
# Indications for Use
Form Approved:50MB Not.700910-0120 Expiration Date: January 31, 2017 See PRA Statement below.
510(k) Number (if known)
K160551
Device Name VALO Grand
Indications for Use (Describe)
The VALO Grand is a source of illumination for curing photo-activated dental restorative materials and adhesives.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
| Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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# Special 510(k) Summary for VALO® Grand
This summary of the Special 510(k) substantial equivalence information is being submitted in accordance with the requirements of 21 CFR 807.92 for VALO® Grand.
#### l. Applicant's Name and Address
Ultradent Products, Inc. 505 West 10200 South South Jordan, UT 84095
| Contact Person: | Ms. Marie Hess |
|-----------------|----------------------------------|
| Title: | Sr. Regulatory Affairs Associate |
| Telephone: | 801-553-4610 |
| FAX: | 801-553-4609 |
Date Summary Prepared: 12 July 2016
#### II. Name of the Device
| Trade Name: | VALO® Grand |
|------------------------------|------------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Dental Curing Light |
| Device Classification: | Class II |
| Classification Product Code: | EBZ |
| Classification Name: | Ultraviolet Activator for Polymerization |
| Regulation No. | 21 CFR 872.6070 |
- lll. Device Description: VALO® Grand is a battery operated, visible light activator for polymerization of dental resins of all photo-initiated dental materials. The VALO® Grand version functions the same as the predicate, VALO® Cordless, K110582, as a professional hand-held, LED-based, visible light curing device. The modified device, VALO® Grand, is manufactured from the same materials (anodized aluminum, rubber buttons, LED light source, printed circuit board, silicone adhesive, plastic), is used for the same indications, and has the same intended use as the predicate device. Both devices have three power output modes ranging from 800 – 2300 mW/cm². Both the new device and predicate cure dental composite materials in the 395 – 480 nm range using an LED light source. Differences from the predicate include an increased light head diameter to provide a larger curing area over a tooth, an additional LED activation ('power') button for better ergonomics, and the middle power mode setting has been changed from 1400 to 1600 mW/cm², which makes it more central between the Standard and Xtra Power modes.
- IV. Indications for Use: The VALO® Grand is a source of illumination for curing photo-activated dental restorative materials and adhesives.
- V. Predicate Device: The predicate device is VALO® Cordless, cleared under 510(k) K110582.
Image /page/3/Picture/12 description: The image shows the logo for Ultradent Products, Inc. The logo is in a sans-serif font and is a dark orange color. The background is a lighter orange color with a geometric pattern. The logo is enclosed in a white rounded rectangle.
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#### VI. Indication of Risk Analysis Method:
Risk Analysis was performed on VALO® Grand utilizing processes based on ISO 14971:2012. Risks associated to patient safety and product efficacy for VALO® Grand have been identified, assessed, and controlled to level that is as low as currently feasible. Any remaining residual risks are not considered to be hazardous to patients, customers, and/or end users. Ultradent considers VALO® Grand to be substantially equivalent in its intended use as compared to the predicate device.
#### VII. Comparison of Technological Characteristics
VALO® Grand and VALO® Cordless have similar technological characteristics as described in Table 5.1.
| Descriptive Information | Device: VALO® Grand<br>dental curing light | Predicate: VALO® Cordless dental<br>curing light (K110582) |
|-------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Intended Use | The source of illumination for curing<br>photo-activated dental restorative<br>materials and adhesives. | The source of illumination for curing<br>photo-activated dental restorative<br>materials and adhesives. |
| Intended User | Dentist or dental professional | Dentist or dental professional |
| Power source | Batteries: Lithium Iron Phosphate<br>(LiFePO4) RCR123A with a working<br>voltage of: 3.2VDC. Their safety ratings:<br>CE, RoHS, WEEE<br><br>Power Charger: 3.6VDC Lithium Ion<br>Phosphate smart battery charger<br><br>AC Power Supply: Connects to charger,<br>wall powered. Output; 12VDC, 500mA.<br>Input: 100VAC - 240VAC with adapters<br>for international capability. Ratings:<br>Medical Grade, (UL, CE, RoHS, WEEE)<br>Cord: 6 ft (1.8m), 2.5mm DC connector | Batteries: Lithium Iron Phosphate<br>(LiFePO4) RCR123A with a working<br>voltage of: 3.2VDC. Their safety ratings:<br>CE, RoHS, WEEE<br><br>Power Charger: 3.6VDC Lithium Ion<br>Phosphate smart battery charger<br><br>AC Power Supply: Connects to charger,<br>wall powered. Output; 12VDC, 500mA.<br>Input: 100VAC - 240VAC with adapters<br>for international capability. Ratings:<br>Medical Grade, (UL, CE, RoHS, WEEE)<br>Cord: 6 ft (1.8m), 2.5mm DC connector |
| | Power On Button: Located on the<br>handle of the wand, front and back side | Power On Button: Located on the handle<br>of the wand, back side only |
| Operational modes | Standard Power Mode: 1000 mW/cm2<br>High Power Plus Mode: 1600mW/cm2<br>Xtra Power Mode: 3200mW/cm2<br>Device indicates illumination time<br>selection<br>Device indicates time and time selection | Standard Power Mode: 1000 mW/cm2<br>High Power Mode: 1400mW/cm2<br>Xtra Power Mode: 3200mW/cm2<br>Device indicates illumination time<br>selection<br>Device indicates time and time selection |
## Substantial equivalence comparison table:
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| Descriptive Information | Device: VALO® Grand | Predicate: VALO® Cordless dental |
|-------------------------|-------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|
| | dental curing light | curing light (K110582) |
| | | |
| Light source | LED light, blue and violet | LED light, blue and violet |
| | wavelengths | wavelengths |
| | 12mm light head diameter | 10 mm light head diameter |
| Accessories | Barrier Sleeve VALO®, | Barrier Sleeve VALO®, |
| | VALO® Grand Light Shield | VALO® Cordless Light Shield |
| Composition of | Aluminum, anodized black | Aluminum, anodized various colors |
| Materials | | |
| | | |
| Parameters of | Chemical disinfection with approved | Chemical disinfection with approved |
| Disinfection | cleaning/sanitizing agents: | cleaning/sanitizing agents: |
| | | |
| | Cavicide products | Cavicide products |
| | lsopropyl alcohol | lsopropyl alcohol |
| | Ethyl alcohol based cleaners | Ethyl alcohol based cleaners |
| | Lysol disinfectant (alcohol-based | Lysol disinfectant (alcohol-based |
| | only) | only) |
| | | |
| Usability/Ergonomics | 3 buttons – 2 power, 1 mode select | 2 buttons – 1 power, 1 mode select |
| | | |
VALO® Grand is a similar device to the predicate, manufactured with identical materials and using the same energy source. VALO® Grand is used and cleaned in the same type of users. The differences between VALO® Grand and the predicate are the light head diameter (12 mm vs. 10 mm), the middle power mode (1600 mW/cm² vs. 1400 mW/cm²), and the addition of a second power button. These differences do not impact safety or performance as described below, and therefore do not render the device not substantially equivalent.
VALO® Grand has been designed and tested according to the FDA Guidance Document Dental Curing Lights – Premarket Notification [510(k)]. Verification activities included curing hardness, depth of cure per ADA Specification No. 48, maximum light intensity measurements at 2 mm for all power modes, spectral irradiance plots of all power modes, and representative user testing. Biocompatibility and electrical safety/EMI testing were not performed on the new device, as there were no changes from the predicate that impacted conformance to these standards.
Based on the results of verification testing, the differences in technological characteristics did not raise different questions of safety or performance of the new device when tested against the predicate according to the FDA Guidance Document, Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff: Dental Curing Lights – Premarket Notification [510(k)] Submissions. The VALO Grand is substantially equivalent to the predicate.
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.