Ion Laser Technology Receives Patent Claims Allowance Notification from the U.S. Patent Office.

SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 18, 1996--Ion Laser Technology Inc. (AMEX:ILT) announced that it has received notification from the United States Patent Office that its patent pending claims for a dental device delivering substantially collimated light for composite curing will be allowed.

Composite materials are used by dentists in place of metal fillings or amalgams to fill cavities and match the color of the tooth.

"The issuance of the patent for the application of collimated light in the performance of dental procedures is significant," stated Anthony J. Cipolla, DDS, president, Dental Laser Research, and clinical advisor to the company for the past five years.

Dr. Cipolla explained, "Lasers have the ability to deliver specific wavelengths of colors in a straight, consistent laser beam mode called collimation which, in turn, adds to the uniqueness and usefulness of lasers. Other systems use older techniques of divergence or convergence to deliver energy.

"In the field of use for composite curing, as well as for tooth whitening, collimated energy delivery ensures the safety and improves on the efficacy of the procedure by providing consistent energy precisely where the dentist aims it.

"This also provides for optimal results. Whether the laser technician places the beam a foot away from the tooth or directly above the tooth, as with composite curing, the energy level emitted by the beam -- at the point of contact -- is the same as the energy level at the laser handpiece."

"In order to get fast, consistent, long-term results in the application of tooth whitening, it takes significant power and an enhanced chemical bleaching concentration. The Ion Laser Technology collimated delivery method coupled with the high-powered Argon Laser ensures the proper amount of energy delivery to optimally activate the photo-thermal reaction while minimizing under-activation," added Cipolla.

Cipolla received his BS in chemistry and biology from Boston College, and his DDS from Temple University, School of Dentistry. Cipolla is currently directing several clinical research projects for Dental Laser Research, an affiliate of ILT.

Lynn B. Barney, president and CEO, stated: "The issuance of this patent emphasizes the long-term commitment of ILT to safety and efficacy and helps to position the company as the Industry Leader in Cosmetic Laser Dentistry. It appears that at least one company may be in violation of the patent when it issues."

It is important to note that although the collimated beam is useful in the company's laser tooth whitening process, this is not the company's patent for laser tooth whitening. The company expects to receive communication regarding its laser whitening claims within the next few months.

ILT manufactures and markets precision laser instruments and chemical products for sale in the dental market. The company also manufactures and sells precision laser instruments for use in industrial and scientific applications. The company's products are used for non-invasive applications including tooth whitening, dental composite curing as well as for surgical applications, industrial measurement and scientific experimentation.

This release, other than historical financial information, may consist of forward-looking statements that involve risk and uncertainties. These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results. Readers are referred to the documents filed by the company with the S.E.C., specifically the most recent reports on Form 10-KSB and 10-QSB that identify important risk factors which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in this release.

CONTACT: Ion Laser Technology, Salt Lake City

Lynn Barney/Dean Hutchings/Gloria Lund, 801/262-5555