[Anaheim, CA, May 23, 2024] – The Dr. Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Fund, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and fostering innovative leaders in oral healthcare, launched its third live pitch event for the Great Oral Health Pitch: Innovate, Elevate, and Generate Your Idea to Advance Oral Health! Program on May 18, 2024. The event took place at the Anaheim Convention Center during the California Dental Association Presents Meeting.
The Great Oral Health Pitch: Innovate, Elevate, and Generate Your Idea to Advance Oral Health! Program encourages entrepreneurs to lead innovation in the oral healthcare community. Through a series of in-person “practice pitch” events, the program provides a platform for education, guiding entrepreneurs to deliver compelling pitches with the goal of securing a grand prize valued at over $50,000.
During this “Shark Tank”-inspired event, entrepreneurs presented their groundbreaking oral health concepts to a panel of esteemed judges from various industry sectors. Notable panelists included Dr. Michael Florman of Florman Orthodontics; Naomi Cooper Hochman, President & CEO of Minoa Marketing and Co-Founder of Genly; Dr. Tina Saw, Founder and CEO of Oral Genome; and Arthur Mateen, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director at Bien Air, USA. The panel, moderated by Keith Drayer, President of the Shils Fund, offered tailored feedback to help presenters refine their innovative ideas.
“Our panelists, representing over 100 years of combined dental industry experience, were inspired by the oral health pitches that highlighted disruptive technologies and services benefiting patients and practitioners. We are honored to recognize, develop, and connect innovative healthcare entrepreneurs,” said Keith Drayer.
Dr. Tina Saw added, “It’s always inspiring to witness the innovations on the horizon. I firmly believe that innovation is the key to advancing our healthcare system, making it stronger and more effective. Participating as a panelist, I’ve seen firsthand how the Shils Fund’s mission to support entrepreneurial spirit and innovative ideas is crucial. This platform not only nurtures creativity but also propels the healthcare industry forward, ensuring a brighter, more efficient future for both patients and dentists.”
Arthur Mateen stated, “Participating as a panelist at the CDA Shils Award for ‘The Great Oral Health Pitch was an inspiring and rewarding experience. The presenters showcased remarkable innovation and dedication. The event was impeccably organized, culminating in the ‘shark tank’ style competition. I was particularly impressed with the level of mentorship and support offered to the entrepreneurs, ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed to turn their innovative ideas into reality. Overall, the event was a testament to the incredible potential within the oral healthcare industry and a great platform for fostering future leaders and innovators.”
Following the success of the inaugural Great Oral Health Pitch event at the Greater New York Dental Meeting in November 2023 and the Chicago MidWinter meeting in February 2024, the California event was a great success with eleven diverse presenters.
“The caliber of applicants and the diversity of solutions presented—ranging from AI technology and smartphone apps to mobile software and non-clinical solutions—continue to astound us, instilling optimism for the future of oral health. Innovations included making Dental Assisting School more affordable with better job placement, AI-driven aligner therapy to reduce chair time, and a smartphone app to diagnose dental diseases and provide relevant treatment plans. These entrepreneurial presentations highlight the lasting impact of Dr. Ed Shils’ legacy, driving his vision forward through innovation and creativity. The Shils Fund has indeed fostered oral health entrepreneurship, embodying a spirit that would have made Ed Shils proud,” said Keith Drayer, President of the Shils Fund.
The Shils Fund is gearing up for its annual awards event, which will take place on October 9th at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton Business School. The grand prize winner of our Great Oral Health Pitch Program will be announced. Entrepreneurs, students, and industry stakeholders are invited to attend.
Additionally, entrepreneurs who were unable to attend an in-person pitch event still have the opportunity to win the Shils Partnership Award. This award grants four winners a $5,000 cash prize, an exclusive sponsorship package, and mentorship from a leading healthcare industry professional to advance their project research and development. Learn more and apply here: Shils Partnership Awards.
About The Dr. Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Fund, Inc.:
Established in 2002 by friends and colleagues of Dr. Shils, prominent leaders in the dental industry, The Dr. Edward D. Shils Entrepreneurial Education Fund was conceived to perpetuate his entrepreneurial legacy. Through annual awards, strategic partnerships, and signature events, the Fund upholds Dr. Shils’ pioneering vision, nurturing inspiration and initiative among current and future healthcare entrepreneurs. For further information, please visit www.ShilsFund.org.