“Shark Tank”-style competition at the California Dental Association Meeting showcases cutting-edge startups advancing patient care and practice technology.
ANAHEIM, CA — May 21, 2026 — The Shils Fund successfully hosted its latest Great Oral Health Pitch event on May 16, 2026, during the California Dental Association (CDA) Meeting. The premier event brought together a dynamic mix of entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and industry leaders dedicated to driving the future of oral healthcare forward.
The “Shark Tank”-style competition provides a high-profile platform for oral health trailblazers to present transformative ideas and technologies designed to improve patient care, leverage automation, and advance the dental profession through entrepreneurship.
“I was profoundly impressed by the caliber of oral health innovation on display. Each presentation demonstrated exceptional visionary thinking and commercial viability, offering an inspiring glimpse into the future of dental care,” said Keith Drayer, Shils Fund President and Co-Founder of Kaye Drayer Advisors, who moderated the event. “We are incredibly grateful to the California Dental Association for once again partnering with us to help create another successful, impactful event that champions innovation within our profession.”
An esteemed panel of dental industry leaders judged this year’s pitches, including:
- Dr. Michael Florman, Orthodontist, Entrepreneur, and Founder of EverSmile
- Arthur Mateen, Executive Vice President & General Manager, Bien-Air USA
- Ethan Mandelup, CEO, VCS Medical
- Dr. Clinton Timmerman, Founder, Blu Dental & Wellness
“It was inspiring to see so many talented entrepreneurs and inventors present innovative ideas that can help advance dentistry and improve patient care,” noted judge Arthur Mateen. “Thank you to the Shils Foundation for the opportunity to serve as a panelist and witness these breakthroughs firsthand.”
The Anaheim event showcased a diverse lineup of presentations spanning artificial intelligence, biotechnology, wellness, practice automation, and TMJ therapy. This year’s California regional winner, Zack Rome, presented CajuDent™: A New Paradigm for Oral Health, a novel natural ingredient designed to disrupt harmful oral biofilms.
“We are honored to be recognized by the Shils Fund and excited to bring more innovation to oral health”, said Zach Rome. “CajuDent™ was developed to support a new generation of natural, science-driven oral care solutions focused on the biology of disease.”
Runners-up included Brock Predovich, founder of BiteZen (a smart night guard technology platform for monitoring clenching and grinding), and Tasnim Chowdhury, founder of Planteet (a portable, waterless oral wellness brand featuring a modernized miswak stick).
By securing the regional win, Rome will advance to the live, virtual Grand Finale Pitch Event to compete against other regional finalists. The grand prize winner will receive the Shils Fund Grand Sponsorship Package, valued at more than $50,000, which includes critical mentorship, marketing support, business development resources, and national industry exposure.
The upcoming virtual Grand Finale will be open to the public. Friends, mentors, colleagues, and oral health professionals are encouraged to attend and support these outstanding innovators as they pitch the future of dentistry.
For more information and to sign up for event updates, CLICK HERE.
About The Shils Fund
The Shils Fund supports innovation, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and leadership development throughout oral healthcare. Through educational initiatives, networking opportunities, and programs that cultivate the next generation of oral health innovators, the Shils Fund celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of the dental community.
Shils Fund Highlights Industry-Driven Innovation at IADR 2026