The Shils Fund Great Oral Health Pitch Event returned to the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting, bringing together entrepreneurial minds in oral healthcare. With an atmosphere filled with collaboration, forward-thinking ideas, and groundbreaking solutions, this competition provided a dynamic platform for oral health entrepreneurs to showcase innovative solutions that can revolutionize the dental industry.
“As we witnessed today, the future of oral healthcare is being built by bold innovators willing to challenge the status quo,” said Keith Drayer, Shils Fund President and event moderator. “The Shils Great Oral Health Pitch Event is all about championing these innovators and giving them the platform and resources they need to bring their game-changing entrepreneurial ideas to life.”
The presentations featured a lineup of innovators tackling some of the biggest oral health challenges:
- Adrian Fin – KiDDY CAPS: Groundbreaking approach to mass-producing quality ceramic crowns at lower costs while improving performance and accessibility.
- Bill Breitenbach – Oral Biolife Inc.: A biotech-driven oral health innovation utilizing Ambrilux Dental Gel to regenerate bone in periodontal treatments, improving patient outcomes with non-surgical intervention.
- Dr. Jean Simon Fortin – Paperplane Therapeutics: Innovative therapeutic company utilizing digital solutions to improve patient management and optimize care experiences.
- Dr. Julia Perederiy – OmBiome: Algae-based oral care solution using Spirulina to promote gum health, balance the oral microbiome, and provide a preservative-free alternative to traditional oral care products.
- Dr. Latifa McQuiggen – VizualEyes: A Smart 3D Vision System designed to enhance heads-up dentistry, improving procedural efficiency and reducing clinician fatigue through an AI-assisted 3D4K video camera system.
- Dr. Mark G. Thoreson – Inflatrix: A patented, single-use inflatable dental device streamlining the placement of fillings while improving patient comfort and efficiency and minimizing fear in dental procedures.
- Dr. Nourah Abdul Kader – OrthoBerry: A revolutionary orthodontic software integrating advanced CRM tools and insurance management to enhance patient experience and streamline practice efficiency.
- Dr. Roya Khosravi-Far – InnoTech Precision Medicine: A cutting-edge, non-invasive diagnostic platform for early detection of HPV-driven oropharyngeal cancer, leveraging AI-driven analysis for enhanced clinical precision.
- Dr. Scott Keadle – Balanced Pharma Inc.: Developing Enduracaine, a next-generation injectable analgesic to reduce opioid reliance in post-surgical pain management.
- Dr. Todd Davis – Davis Innovations, LLC: A needle safety device featuring an innovative pivoting head designed to enhance clinician safety, improve efficiency, and maintain a clean operatory workspace.
- Patrick Conniff – OrisDx: Saliva-based diagnostic tool for early detection of oral cancer, offering a non-invasive and cost-effective solution for improved early intervention and patient outcomes.
“Thank you for organizing such a fantastic event. The entire experience was incredibly rewarding, and I truly appreciated the clear and seamless communication throughout. Meghan was an exceptional mentor, and my participation proved to be both valuable and enriching. The panelists were outstanding, offering insightful questions and demonstrating a deep understanding of the topics discussed,” said presenter Dr. Latifa McQuiggen, VizualEyes.
“We were impressed by the professionalism and preparedness of the entrepreneurs at this year’s Pitch competition. As it was my second year on the panel, it was tremendous to see the event’s overall growth and improvement. Kudos to the founders who are working and sacrificing to bring these innovations to market,” stated Megan Lohman, Panelist and Shils Board Member.
These entrepreneurs pitched their ideas before a distinguished panel of industry experts who provided valuable feedback, including Heather Trombley of DentalEZ, Dr. Margaret Scarlett of Scarlett Consulting, and Megan Lohman, Co-Founder of Plan Forward. The panelists engaged in insightful discussions about the role of digital dentistry, AI-driven solutions, biotechnology advancements, and patient-centered care in shaping the future of oral health.
As the event reached its inspirational conclusion, one outstanding innovator was awarded the $2,500 top prize. KiDDY CAPS was named winner for its innovative approach to reducing pediatric dental anxiety through a playful and engaging cap system that helps children feel more comfortable in the dental chair. Their technology integrates child-friendly storytelling and sensory adaptation to create a more positive experience for young patients, ultimately improving patient compliance and reducing fear associated with dental visits.
In addition to the top prize, two runners-up have been selected to advance to the final round, where they will compete for a grand sponsorship package worth over $50,000. OrisDx secured a runner-up position for its groundbreaking saliva-based diagnostic tool. VizualEyes also advanced to the finals for its Smart 3D Vision System, which enhances precision in heads-up dentistry, improving workflow efficiency and reducing physical strain on clinicians.
The excitement builds as we head to the final live pitch event in California on May 17, 2025! Join us for the next round of innovative pitches and stay tuned as finalists compete for the grand sponsorship package worth more than $50,000!
The Shils Fund empowers the next generation of entrepreneurs and advancing oral healthcare. The Great Oral Health Pitch event not only provides funding and exposure but also opens doors for mentorship, industry connections, and real-world impact. As the final round approaches, one thing is clear—these innovators are shaping the future of oral health.
For more information on upcoming events and how to get involved, visit shilsfund.org.
Paperplane Therapeutics
Davis Innovations
The Shils Fund Concludes Second Annual Great Oral Health Pitch at Greater New York Dental Meeting