Great Oral Health Pitch Successfully Debuted at
Chicago Dental Society’s Midwinter Meeting
Showcasing Innovations Set to Transform the Oral Healthcare Landscape!
[New York, NY, February 27, 2024] – The Dr. Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Fund (The Shils Fund) committed to honoring and cultivating innovative and entrepreneurial leaders in oral healthcare, presented its Great Oral Health Pitch: Innovate, Elevate and Generate Your Idea to Advance Oral Health! The event took place on February 24, 2024, during the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting.
The Great Oral Health Pitch: Innovate, Elevate, and Generate Your Idea to Advance Oral Health! inspires entrepreneurs to spearhead innovation within the oral healthcare community. Through a series of in-person pitch events, this program offers a platform to guide entrepreneurs toward delivering compelling pitches with the aspiration of securing a grand prize valued at more than $50,000.
At this ‘Shark Tank’ inspired event 16 entrepreneurs showcased groundbreaking oral health concepts before a panel of esteemed industry experts. The panel was composed of Katie D’Amico, Vice President of Growth & Innovation at CareQuest Innovation Partners, Dr. Margaret Scarlett, Chief Science and Technology Officer for Dental Transformation Partners, and Megan Lohman, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Plan Forward. Each panelist offered specific feedback to help participating entrepreneurs focus their innovative ideas into successful pitches. The panel was moderated by Keith Drayer, President of The Shils Fund.
“The caliber of applicants and diversity of solutions presented—ranging from AI technology to supply chain innovations, software solutions, and nonprofit services—continues to astound us. This instills optimism for the future of oral health,” said Keith Drayer. “The array of showcased innovations included a patented anesthetic technology, an interactive technology-driven dental education platform, a novel peptide for the regeneration of dentin and periodontal ligament, a smart-gum to improve overall mouth cleanliness, a digital dentistry AI-driven marketplace, an on-the-go orthodontic solution, healthy candies, and more! These entrepreneurial presenters underscore the enduring legacy of Dr. Ed Shils, propelling his vision forward through innovation and creativity. Indeed, The Shils Fund has advanced oral health entrepreneurship, and we would have made Dr. Ed Shils smile,” continued Mr. Drayer.
“It was an outstanding experience watching entrepreneurs immerse themselves in presenting their innovative ideas. Witnessing the energy, passion, and creativity unfold as the day progressed was genuinely remarkable. It’s an opportunity to listen, learn, and draw inspiration from their thriving spirit,” said Dr. Matilde Hernandez, Director of Clinical Research Innovation at Colgate-Palmolive and The Shils Fund Board Member.
Panelist Dr. Margaret Scarlett remarked, “The future of dentistry is bright, as I was inspired by the quality of innovation and entrepreneurship from the presenters. It will indeed be difficult to pick one winner! I believe all presenters were winners in presenting their creativity and market disruption ideas”.
Panelist Megan Lohman added, “The visionary solutions presented by these entrepreneurs offer a glimpse into the future of oral care, addressing current challenges with ingenuity and foresight.”
In addition to the in-person pitch events held at major conferences such as The Greater New York Dental Meeting, Chicago Midwinter, and California Dental Association, the program includes a series of educational webinars. These sessions are designed to equip entrepreneurs with invaluable insights gleaned from leaders in the oral healthcare space.
The Shils Fund eagerly anticipates its upcoming in-person pitch event scheduled during the California Dental Association Meeting in Anaheim, California, on May 18, 2024. Entrepreneurs and students interested in participating are invited to visit www.ShilsFund.org for further information.
About The Shils Fund:
Established in 2002 The Shils Fund was conceived to perpetuate his entrepreneurial legacy. Through annual awards, strategic partnerships, and signature events, The Shils Fund upholds Dr. Shils’ pioneering vision, nurturing inspiration and initiative among current and future oral health entrepreneurs. For further information, please visit www.ShilsFund.org.
Press Contact: Jamie Pirowskin, Executive Director at info@shilsfund.org or 646.620.4774.