The Shils Fund is proud to announce the grand prize winner of the 2024 Great Oral Health Pitch: Dr. Ashley Lerman, founder of Firstgrin. Dr. Lerman, a board-certified pediatric dentist, was recognized for her innovative approach to enhancing oral health access and preventive care, particularly for pregnant women and caregivers. Her initiative, First Grin, distributes personalized oral care kits through OBGYNs and pediatricians, and is supported by a companion app that provides parents with critical early oral health education and helps connect them to providers.
In her acceptance speech, Dr. Lerman expressed her excitement and commitment to this cause, stating, “This award doesn’t just honor the work we’ve done, it speaks of the vision and values of the late Dr. Edward B. Shils, whose legacy continues to shape the landscape of oral health innovation. We are making preventive dental care accessible for families, starting with mothers during pregnancy, because we know the long-term benefits this has for both oral and overall health.”
Dr. Lerman’s innovative product not only supports early intervention but also aims to bridge gaps in oral health awareness, helping families take control of their dental health from the very beginning. The Shils Fund is honored to support such a visionary project that has the potential to make a lasting impact on oral health.