California Pitch Event Completes Regional Series, Completing Lineup for $50,000 Grand Pitch Finale

California Pitch Event Completes Regional Series, Completing Lineup for $50,000 Grand Pitch Finale

Anaheim, CA – May 17, 2025 — The Shils Fund spotlighted bold innovation in oral health during the 2025 Great Oral Health Pitch at the California Dental Association (CDA) Meeting, held at the Anaheim Convention Center. This high-energy event put a spotlight on a dynamic lineup of entrepreneurs whose cutting-edge ventures are poised to reshape the future of oral healthcare.

The visionary innovators took the stage to present transformative, tech-forward solutions:

• Evan Schlossberg, The Gleamery – A modern, hygienist-led dental studio focused exclusively on preventive and cosmetic care for younger generations.
• Dr. Les Kalman, SmileShade – A mobile app offering objective, precise dental shade and color diagnostics for teeth, tissues, and materials.
• Peman Montazemi, Finally Quiet! – An AI-powered wireless communication and noise-canceling system designed to improve communication and reduce auditory strain in dental offices.
• Alvin Utai, Elite Dental Force – A streamlined, AI-based communication platform built to improve workflow and staff coordination within dental offices.
• Dr. Arash Hakhamian, Greenmark Biomedical, Inc. – Focused on early diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment technologies to help preserve natural teeth.
• Wes Read, Practice Orbit – A centralized digital marketplace that simplifies the buying, selling, and transitioning of dental practices for providers and advisors.

“Success lies in showcasing dentistry’s future, where innovation meets care, transforming smiles and inspiring professionals to push boundaries, elevate standards, and redefine what’s possible,” said Keith Drayer, Shils Fund President.

These entrepreneurs pitched their ideas before an esteemed panel of judges who offered feedback, encouragement, and insight: Dr. Michael Florman, Orthodontist and Entrepreneur at Florman Orthodontics; Nandita Kapadia, Clinical Pilots Manager at CareQuest Innovation Partners; Dr. Tina Saw, Founder and CEO of Oral Genome; and Dr. Clinton Timmerman, Founder of Blu Dental & Wellness. The event was moderated by Keith Drayer, President of the Shils Fund.

“It was an honor to join the Shils Fund panel at the California Dental Association Presents meeting and see firsthand the creativity and grit in every pitch—dental innovation is where real impact starts, and supporting it is how we move the industry forward,” said Nadita Kapadia.

Dr. Tina Saw added, “Judging the Great Oral Health Pitch reminded me how much untapped potential exists in dentistry. These entrepreneurs are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in prevention, access, and care.”

After an exciting round of presentations, Evan Schlossberg, CEO & Co-Founder of The Gleamery, was named the California event winner, receiving a $2,500 prize and securing a spot in the national finals of the Great Oral Health Pitch.

“It was an honor to present alongside so many entrepreneurs innovating in the oral health space,” said Evan Schlossberg. “Winning the Shils Great Oral Health Pitch affirms the future we’re building at The Gleamery, where preventive care and modern consumer experience intersect. It’s exciting to be recognized for reimagining how people engage with oral health, and we’re just getting started.”

Two additional entrepreneurs were honored as runners-up: Peman Montazemi of, Finally Quiet!, and Wes Read of Practice Orbit.

Schlossberg advances to the final round alongside Adrian Fin, KiDDY CAPS (Chicago event winner), and Dr. João Guilherme Medeiros, The Bright Smile Adventure (New York event winner).

These three visionary finalists will compete this September in a live, public virtual pitch event, where one will be awarded the Shils Fund Great Oral Health Pitch Grand Sponsorship Package, valued at more than $50,000. The grand prize includes a cash award, strategic mentorship, product and service sponsorships, startup marketing support, and high-visibility opportunities with leading oral health stakeholders

This final pitch event will take place virtually in September 2025 and be open to the public. All Shils Fund friends, family, mentors, and colleagues are strongly encouraged to attend and support these outstanding innovators as they pitch the future of dentistry.

Be the first to get exclusive access! Sign up now to receive the event link. You won’t want to miss this thrilling finale where the next generation of dental innovation takes center stage!