XRD 70 vs NOMAD Pro 2: Which Portable Dental X-Ray Is Right for Your Practice?

Buyers searching for a "NOMAD dental X-ray" run into three brand names — and they all point to the same product family. The NOMAD was created in 2004 by Aribex, the company that brought the first handheld dental X-ray to market.⁹ Aribex was later acquired by the KaVo Group,⁹ and the line sold for years as the KaVo NOMAD. Today it is marketed under the DEXIS brand as the DEXIS NOMAD Pro 2.¹

Practically, that means: an "Aribex NOMAD" listing is an earlier generation of the same lineage, a "KaVo NOMAD Pro 2" and a "DEXIS NOMAD Pro 2" are the same current unit, and support for all of them now routes through DEXIS.⁶ Everything in this comparison applies to the current DEXIS NOMAD Pro 2, whichever name appears on the quote.

Before getting into the differences, it's worth noting what these two systems have in common — because the fundamentals are solid on both sides:

Both use high-frequency DC X-ray generation for consistent output and reduced patient dose. Both feature a 0.4 mm focal spot — the primary factor in image sharpness. Both are cordless and battery-powered, designed for chairside use in any operatory or in the field. Both include internal shielding and backscatter protection meeting FDA requirements. And both are compatible with any standard digital sensor, phosphor plate, or film — no proprietary lock-in on either side.

Canon D-045 X-Ray Tube

The X-ray tube is the heart of any portable unit — it's the component that directly produces your image. The XRD 70 uses the Canon D-045, a precision tube manufactured in Japan by one of the world's most established imaging technology companies. Canon X-ray tubes are recognized across the medical imaging industry for their consistent output and long operational life.

70 kV for Greater Diagnostic Range

The XRD 70 operates at 70 kV — higher than the NOMAD Pro 2's 60 kV.⁴ This isn't just a number on a spec sheet. Higher kV means better penetration through denser structures, which translates to greater versatility across clinical situations. For endodontic applications — visualization of canals, detection of root fractures, periapical diagnostics — that additional kV makes a measurable difference in image contrast and clarity.

User-Replaceable Battery — Simple and Affordable

When the battery in an XRD 70 needs replacement, the clinician can purchase a new one at accessible cost and swap it in minutes — no sending the unit away, no downtime.

Flexible Warranty Protection — Two Options

The XRD 70 comes with a 2-year standard warranty, and beyond that, XRD Dental offers two paths for continued protection:

5-Year Extended Warranty — available for purchase within 30 days of your equipment purchase. Extends full parts and labor coverage to 5 years with in-house US repair service.

Ultra Coverage — Ultra Silver and Ultra Gold — annual protection plans with full parts and labor and priority turnaround. Ultra Gold ($1,295/year) also includes accidental damage coverage and a loaner unit provided during repair so your practice never stops; Ultra Silver is $995/year. Renewable every year.

By comparison, the NOMAD Pro 2 includes 1 year of coverage through the NOMAD Protection Plan.⁶ After the first year, continued coverage is available through the DEXIS Complete program as a yearly subscription.⁷ Pricing for the DEXIS Complete plans is not publicly listed.⁷

XRD Care Club — An Alternative to Purchasing

For practices in Florida that prefer not to make a capital purchase, XRD Dental also offers the XRD Care Club — an Equipment-as-a-Service program where you get a fully maintained XRD 70 for a monthly fee, with equipment refresh and ongoing support built in. It's a flexible option that eliminates upfront cost and keeps your practice equipped without the commitment of ownership.

Direct Service and Support

When you need service on an XRD 70, you contact XRD Dental Equipment directly. Your unit is serviced at our facility in Clermont, Florida by a team with decades of hands-on experience with dental X-ray systems. Communication is direct, turnaround is fast, and you're never passed between intermediaries.

This matters more than most buyers realize until they actually need a repair. With products sold through distributor networks, a service request can involve multiple handoffs — from your dealer rep, to the service department, to a repair center, and back. Each step adds time.

Price That Reflects Value, Not Markup

At $3,990, the XRD 70 is priced to reflect the cost of quality components and direct-to-customer service — without the distributor markup that comes with products sold through multi-tier dealer networks. For practices purchasing more than one unit, or for organizations equipping multiple locations, the per-unit savings become significant.

The NOMAD Pro 2 has earned its place as a recognized product in portable dental radiography. It was the first handheld X-ray to reach the market,¹ and its availability through major distributors like Henry Schein, Patterson, and Benco has given it wide visibility.⁸

A few things worth noting for buyers doing their due diligence:

Weight in practice. Total system weight is 6.0 lbs (2.7 kg) for the NOMAD Pro 2³ against 5.1 lbs (2.3 kg) for the XRD 70 — a difference that adds up across a full day of use.

Service model. The NOMAD Pro 2 is purchased through a dealer but serviced through DEXIS.⁶ The NOMAD Protection Plan includes coverage and a complimentary loaner unit during the first year of ownership.⁶ After year one, continued coverage is available through the DEXIS Complete program as a yearly subscription.⁷

How does image quality compare?

Image quality in portable dental X-ray is determined by the X-ray tube, the kV and mA settings, and the focal spot size — not by the housing or brand label. Both units share the same 0.4 mm focal spot. The XRD 70's Canon D-045 tube and 70 kV output provide a combination of penetration and image clarity that performs across routine and complex diagnostic situations, including endodontics.

Is the XRD 70 safe for the operator?

Yes. The XRD 70 features internal radiation shielding and a backscatter protection shield, meeting all FDA safety requirements. Both the XRD 70 and NOMAD Pro 2 are designed for the operator to remain safely with the patient during exposure.

Can I use my existing sensors?

Yes. The XRD 70 works with all standard intraoral digital sensors, phosphor storage plates, and conventional film. No proprietary sensor is required.

Is the XRD 70 available for veterinary use?

Yes. The XRD 70 is used in both dental and veterinary practices across the country for companion animal dental radiography.

What if my unit needs repair?

XRD Dental Equipment provides direct service from its facility in Clermont, Florida. You communicate directly with our team — no intermediaries. Practices enrolled in Ultra Gold receive a loaner unit during repair, so patient care is never interrupted.

How can I purchase the XRD 70?

The XRD 70 is available direct from XRD Dental Equipment. Visit our web store for pricing and ordering.

How much does a NOMAD dental X-ray cost in 2026?

DEXIS does not publish NOMAD Pro 2 pricing. The reference figure used here is $9,910, as published by Clinicians Report (July 2024); actual dealer quotes vary.² The XRD 70 is $3,990, published openly, with a 2-year warranty included.

Are the KaVo NOMAD, Aribex NOMAD, and DEXIS NOMAD the same?

Same product family. The NOMAD was created by Aribex, later acquired by the KaVo Group, and is sold today as the DEXIS NOMAD Pro 2.^{1 9} Support for the line routes through DEXIS.

Is the XRD 70 FDA cleared?

Yes. The XRD 70 holds FDA 510(k) clearance K231449 and complies with 21 CFR Part 1020 for intraoral radiographic imaging in the United States.

Comparing more than one brand? See how the XRD 70 stacks up against the Vatech EzRay Air — or start with the full market view in our Best Portable Dental X-Ray Machines 2026 guide. Full specs are on the XRD 70 product page.