Last updated: October 16, 2026. Independent reference. Preventio Hub has not bench-tested either unit.
Short answer
The GBT Machine (FT-300A) is EMS's current combined scaler and air polisher for its Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) protocol. EMS presents it as the successor to the AIRFLOW Prophylaxis Master (FT-229). FDA cleared it as a separate 510(k) (K253254, January 2026) using the Prophylaxis Master (K190124) as predicate, described as a modified version of that device.
- The GBT Machine is the newer clearance and licence, with AIRFLOW MAX and PERIOFLOW MAX handpieces, PIEZON NO PAIN Max, a single water bottle for AIRFLOW and PIEZON, a wireless pedal and a MYGBT Insights dashboard (all EMS statements).
- The Prophylaxis Master is the earlier model with the most complete published technical data (IFU values) and heating settings; ask whether it is still orderable.
Whether the differences matter for your practice is for you and your supplier to decide: EMS's own comparative claims are not independently verified here. Prices: price on request.
Regulatory records (checked October 16, 2026)
| EMS GBT Machine | EMS AIRFLOW Prophylaxis Master | |
|---|---|---|
| FDA 510(k) | K253254 "GBT Machine Airflow Prophylaxis Master", decision date 2026-01-28, ELC (21 CFR 872.4850), class II | K190124 "EMS AIRFLOW Prophylaxis Master, EMS AIRFLOW One", decision date 2019-10-20, ELC, class II |
| Predicate | AIRFLOW Prophylaxis Master (K190124) | AIR-FLOW MASTER PIEZON (K110173) |
| Health Canada | 114177 "GBT MACHINE AIRFLOW PROPHYLAXIS MASTER", class II, first licensed 2025-10-21, issued | 102646 "AIRFLOW PROPHYLAXIS MASTER", class II, first licensed 2019-03-28, issued |
| Scaling (FDA summary) | Piezoelectric, 24-32 kHz | Piezoelectric, 24-32 kHz |
| Powders (FDA summary) | AIR-FLOW CLASSIC, PERIO, PLUS (K171189) | AIR-FLOW CLASSIC, SOFT, PERIO, PLUS (K171189) |
| Pedal | Wireless (Bluetooth) | Wireless (Bluetooth 2.4 GHz) |
A 510(k) is a finding of substantial equivalence, not an FDA approval. Ask the supplier to confirm the clearance and licence cover the exact kit.
Side-by-side (as published)
| EMS GBT Machine | EMS AIRFLOW Prophylaxis Master | |
|---|---|---|
| EMS code | FT-300A | FT-229 |
| Handpieces | AIRFLOW MAX, PERIOFLOW MAX, PIEZON (LED) with PS instruments | AIRFLOW, PERIOFLOW, PIEZON |
| Scaling technology | PIEZON NO PAIN Max (EMS: automatically adjusts power during treatment) | PIEZON, up to 8 W (IFU FB-618) |
| Water supply | One water bottle feeds AIRFLOW and PIEZON (EMS U.S. page) | PIEZON bottle in the kit; mains inlet 2-5 bar (29-73 psi) (IFU) |
| Water heating | Not stated on EMS U.S. page | Unheated, 77, 86, 95, 104 °F (25-40 °C) |
| Air inlet | confirm with supplier (FT-300A IFU) | 4.5-7 bar (65-102 psi), dry |
| Power | Confirm with supplier | 100-240 V, up to 700 VA |
| Size / weight | Confirm with supplier | 245 x 260 x 290 mm (9.6 x 10.2 x 11.4 in); up to 5 kg (11 lb) |
| Pedal | Wireless stainless steel; boost mode; 360° activation; 2 AA lithium batteries in kit | Wireless; boost mode; 360° activation; about 0.35 kg |
| Extras (EMS) | Night cleaning; GBT Machine station; MYGBT Insights dashboard; tempered glass and aluminum case | Night Cleaner and biofilm discloser "if available in your country" |
| Powder chambers | CLASSIC and PLUS | PLUS and CLASSIC |
| Service life | Not found | Device 7 years with annual preventive maintenance; handpieces 1,000 sterilization cycles (IFU) |
| Warranty | Not found: confirm | Not found: confirm |
| Price | Price on request | Price on request |
"confirm with supplier" cells are not published on EMS's U.S. page for the GBT Machine; do not assume the Prophylaxis Master's values apply.
What this means in practice
- If you are buying new: ask about both: availability, parts and support for the earlier model, and delivery times for the current one.
- If you already use the Prophylaxis Master: the FDA summary describes the GBT Machine as modified from it and compatible with the same scaling instruments and powders cleared under K190124 and K171189 (FDA summary); ask EMS or your supplier which handpieces and accessories carry over.
- Installation: the Prophylaxis Master's published inlets are 2-5 bar water and 4.5-7 bar dry air. Have the GBT Machine's FT-300A IFU values before your installer plans the connections.
- Powders: EMS builds the GBT protocol around its own powders. Ask whether other powders affect the warranty.
- PIEZON NO PAIN: EMS uses the name for the piezo technology in both ranges (our U.S. and Canada pages treat it as part of these units, not a separate product).
Questions to ask suppliers
- Is the earlier model still orderable and supported, and what is the delivery time for the GBT Machine?
- What power, air and water pressures (psi) and flow does the GBT Machine need?
- Which handpieces, powders and options are in each quote?
- What is the warranty and service turnaround in my state or province?
- Does the clearance and licence cover this exact kit?
Frequently asked questions
Is the GBT Machine the same as the AIRFLOW Prophylaxis Master?
No. FDA lists them as separate 510(k)s; the GBT Machine is a modified version of the Prophylaxis Master per the FDA summary.
Are both licensed in Canada?
Yes: Health Canada 114177 (GBT Machine) and 102646 (Prophylaxis Master).
What does it cost?
Price on request for both. We request quotes from several suppliers and aim to get you the best price.
Related pages
- EMS GBT Machine: device sheet
- EMS AIRFLOW Prophylaxis Master: device sheet
- EMS AIRFLOW Prophylaxis Master: our editorial review
- EMS PIEZON NO PAIN (scaler technology in both)
- Combined tabletop systems compared
- Best air polisher for a hygiene practice
Sources (checked October 16, 2026)
- EMS U.S., GBT Machine: www.ems-dental.com/en-us/products/gbt-machine
- EMS instructions for use FB-618 (AIRFLOW Prophylaxis Master), as carried in our device sheet
- FDA 510(k) K253254: www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf25/K253254.pdf ; K190124: www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf19/K190124.pdf ; K171189: www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf17/K171189.pdf ; openFDA api.fda.gov/device/510k.json
- Health Canada MDALL licences 114177 and 102646: health-products.canada.ca/api/medical-devices/
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