The Dr. Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Fund, Inc. Becomes the Official Founding Sponsor of Dental Innovators, Creators, Entrepreneurs (DICE) to Drive Dental Student Entrepreneurship
NEW YORK, September, 2020 – The Dr. Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Fund, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to innovation in health care, announced today it is now the Official Founding Sponsor of Dental Innovators, Creators & Entrepreneurs (DICE), an oral health incubator founded in 2017 by former dental students of University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, to cultivate innovation and entrepreneurship. The formalization of the Shils Fund and DICE two-year association enables DICE to expand its reach and provide new and increased opportunities for aspiring dental student entrepreneurs in dental schools around the country.
The Shils Fund/DICE collaboration will provide an important bridge between emerging dental leaders who are DICE members and Shils Fund’s powerful network of oral health professionals and industry members. The Shils Fund will be recognized for at least five years as a founding sponsor of DICE in recognition of its $25,000 donation to date. A nine-week mentorship program between dental students seeking guidance and mentorship for their oral health focused start-up/career development is being established.
“The sponsorship of DICE represents an unique opportunity to enhance the Shils Fund brand’s long standing commitment of recognizing outstanding initiatives that perpetuate the Dr. Shils legacy of entrepreneurship”, said “Anthony Montemurro, Co-chair, Development Committee of the Shils Fund’s Board of Directors. “Through this sponsorship and formalized partnership, the Shils Fund entrusts DICE with the development and nurturing of dental student leaders, as they advance new oral health initiatives that further contribute to the Shils mission. The Shils Fund board members look forward to providing expertise in overseeing and augmenting DICE’s endeavors.”
“Since DICE’s inception, the Shils Fund has shown unparalleled support of our efforts and in many ways is responsible for our growth and development” said Alyse M. O’Kelly, DMD, CEO, CoFounder of Dental Innovators, Creators & Entrepreneurs. “DICE aims to cultivate the next generation of oral health professionals and will be an extension of the legacy of Dr. Edward Shils.”
In support of its current mission to become recognized as the leading organization that empowers entrepreneurial and innovative dental professionals, DICE will work with the Shils Fund in expanding DICE’s student membership and enhancing its mentorship program, a career development initiative that introduces students to non-traditional paths in dentistry, and teaches students critical business competencies.
About The Dr. Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Fund, Inc.
Friends and colleagues of Dr. Shils, who are also prominent leaders in the dental industry, founded the Dr. Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Education Fund in 2002 because they knew that Dr. Shils, an extraordinary innovator, educator and business leader, wanted to leave a legacy of entrepreneurship. In 2012, the Fund was renamed The Dr. Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Fund, Inc. and became a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Through partnerships, annual awards, and other branded events, the Fund honors the pioneering vision of Dr. Shils and helps foster initiative in current and future healthcare entrepreneurs. For more information, please visit: www.ShilsFund.org.
About Dental Innovators, Creators & Entrepreneurs, Inc. (DICE)
Dental Innovators, Creators & Entrepreneurs, Inc. (DICE) is a membership organization founded in 2017 by former dental students of University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Membership in the organization is open to any dental student or dental resident in the United States and Canada. Through partnerships and collaborations with dental industry professionals, DICE educates dental students on the fundamentals of business, innovation strategy and entrepreneurship in an effort to support their career development as oral healthcare providers and innovators. DICE’s mission is to educate and develop the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders in the dental industry. To learn more, please visit dentalinnovators.com.
Media Contacts: Jamie Pirowskin
Dr. Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Fund, Inc.
ExecutiveDirector.ShilsFund@gmail.com
646.620.4774
2019 Shils Fund Annual Dental Student Competition Winners