The Shils Fund Concludes Second Annual Great Oral Health Pitch at Greater New York Dental Meeting
(New York, New York) – The Shils Entrepreneurial Fund proudly concluded its second annual Great Oral Health Pitch on December 2, 2024, at the Greater New York Dental Meeting, showcasing cutting-edge ideas designed to advance oral health innovation. The event brought together 16 passionate oral health entrepreneurs, each presenting groundbreaking business concepts and competing for a grand sponsorship package worth over $50,000.
The event highlighted a diverse range of ideas, including virtual reality applications for patient education, enamel-hardening laser treatments, advanced dental simulations, innovative solutions for preserving dental implants, and gamified platforms designed to teach oral health habits. A packed audience was captivated by the creativity and ingenuity driving the future of oral health entrepreneurship.
‘Partnering again with the Shils Entrepreneurial Fund in our 100th year was a pleasure. The Great Oral Health Pitch program is a testament to our commitment to fostering innovation and driving the future of dentistry. The Shils Fund’s involvement brings fresh perspectives and groundbreaking ideas, enriching our meeting and inspiring the dental community. We look forward to witnessing the next wave of dental advancements and celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit that defines our industry”, remarked Tom Loughran, General Manager of the Greater New York Dental Meeting.
Mr. Keith Drayer, Shils Fund President, moderated the event, whose guidance ensured a constructive and engaging experience for the entrepreneurs.
“Each presentation demonstrated how entrepreneurial spirit and creativity can solve critical challenges in oral health. This event embodies Dr. Ed Shils’ vision of fostering innovation and advancing the industry through collaboration and ingenuity,” remarked Mr. Drayer.
A distinguished panel of industry leaders provided invaluable feedback and mentorship to all participants. This year’s panel included:
- Dr. Karson Carpenter, President, Compliance Training Partners
- Ms. Jane Levy, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Plan Forward
- Dr. Ashley Lerman, Founder and CEO, Firstgrin, Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
- Mr. George Wolfe, President, DMG America LLC
Panelist Reflections on the Event:
- Ms. Jane Levy: “The Shils Fund Oral Health Pitch is emerging as the go-to platform for dental entrepreneurs seeking visibility and mentorship from industry professionals. Hearing the entrepreneurs’ pitches firsthand was an incredible experience.”
- Dr. Ashley Lerman: “It was an honor to engage in discussions challenging the status quo and pushing the boundaries of oral health innovation. The Shils Fund creates a unique space for collaboration and meaningful change in our field.”
- Dr. Karson Carpenter: “This event provides a pathway for dental entrepreneurs to elevate their ideas. As a practicing dentist and industry professional, I was proud to participate as a judge in such an important initiative.”
From the 16 talented presenters, Dr. João Guilherme Medeiros was named the $2,500 winner for his innovative project, The Bright Smile Adventure—a gamified solution designed to encourage children to brush their teeth effectively. Leveraging electric toothbrushes equipped with advanced 3D technology, the game maps a child’s brushing in real-time, providing feedback on areas needing more attention and highlighting spots already brushed thoroughly.
Two honorable mentions were also recognized for their exceptional contributions:
- Dr. Winifred Booker, for her groundbreaking project Mouth Almighty—a caregiver-centered, medical-dental healthcare device referred to by many as the “Swiss Army Knife of healthcare devices.”
- Mr. Marcin Malicki, for his innovation Referral Ease—a cloud-based HIPAA-compliant platform for trilateral communication and PHI exchange, designed to enhance clinical referral coordination, patient safety, and care outcomes.
A list of all presenters can be viewed here: List of presenters at the GNYYDM.
These winners will advance to the next round, competing at the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting in February and the California Dental Association Meeting in May. The ultimate prize is a grand sponsorship package valued at over $50,000, including $10,000 in cash, marketing support, networking opportunities, and more.
Stay tuned as the Great Oral Health Pitch continues its journey nationwide, inspiring and empowering dental entrepreneurs to create innovative solutions that advance oral health.
Learn more and RSVP for future events: The Great Oral Health Pitch Program – Shils Entrepreneurial Fund.
2024 Great Oral Health Pitch – Greater New York Dental Meeting Presenters