Apr 3, 2025 5 min read Archive

Fluoride bans continue

From fluoride policy debates to financial pressure on practices, today’s dental headlines carry real operational impact. This week, we spotlight a virtual care platform built by an orthodontist who designed a new way to close care gaps and improve efficiency. But first: Check out the rare twin donkeys added to this dental practice's animal rescue farm.

'I saw firsthand the inefficiencies in traditional care models'

Adam Schulhof, DMD, is a practicing orthodontist and the creator of Grin, a virtual care solution for dentistry and orthodontics. Patients can attach a scope to their phones and send scans to their oral health care providers. Those scans can help doctors create personalized care plans while giving patients greater access to care.

Last week, we interviewed a dentist in Georgia who has implemented Grin to create a virtual patient monitoring program. This week, the inventor of that technology, Dr. Schulhof, talks to Dental Bite about the launch of Grin and what he sees for the future of remote patient monitoring. -Carrie Pallardy

What first sparked the idea behind Grin?
As an orthodontist, I saw firsthand the inefficiencies in traditional care models: patients traveling for routine checkups that could easily be handled remotely, delays in treatment adjustments, patients seeking DIY treatment methods that were doing more harm than good and a general lack of digital integration in oral health care. I wanted to create a solution that streamlined patient management while maintaining high-quality, doctor-led
care.

We started by developing a remote monitoring system that leveraged AI-driven scanning technology. This system allowed patients to take high-quality scans from anywhere while their doctor remained in control of treatment decisions. From there, we built Grin into a comprehensive platform that improves providers' efficiency and enhances patient engagement.

How does Grin work? How does the company work with doctors?
The process is simple for patients: they use the Grin Scope™ and our app to take high-quality intraoral scans from home. These scans are securely sent to their provider, who can review them, monitor progress and make treatment decisions—all without needing an in-office visit unless necessary.

For doctors, Grin functions as an extension of their practice. It allows them to stay connected with patients, track progress and intervene at the right moments. Our Grin Doctor Portal provides AI-enhanced insights, automates routine check-ins and seamlessly integrates into existing workflows.

Grin works with several partners to reach underserved areas. Can you share some insight into how those partnerships work?
We at Grin believe access to high-quality dental and orthodontic care shouldn’t be limited by geography or socioeconomic barriers. To that end, we partner with health care organizations, non-profits and corporate partners to expand access to care in underserved communities.

Through these partnerships, we provide remote oral health assessments, monitoring solutions and digital consultations, allowing patients to connect with a doctor without traveling long distances.

How do you balance your roles as an entrepreneur and as an orthodontist?
Balancing both roles comes down to prioritization and a strong team. I still treat patients because it keeps me grounded in the realities of orthodontic care, but I also have an incredible team at Grin that helps execute our vision. Surrounding myself with great people who share the same passion makes it possible to push Grin forward while maintaining a connection to the clinical world.

Dental embezzlement red flags. Most dentists will experience some kind of theft at their practices at some point in their careers, according to a new episode of "Dentistry Unmasked." Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, and David R. Rice, DDS, talk about some of the early warning signs of embezzlement and how dentists can protect their practices.

Pediatric patient dies. A nine-year-old girl died at home following a dental procedure performed while she was under anesthesia. The cause of death is being investigated.

Early-career dentists and student loans. Dentists just starting to practice often have sizeable student loan debt to think about. An American Dental Association (ADA) New Dentist News article offers practical tips for navigating the financial challenges of your early years in practice.

Eyes on peri-implantitis. What are the risk factors for peri-implant disease? A recent Dentaltown article digs into common causes of peri-implantitis and the current approaches to treatment.

Climate change and oral health? Climate change can worsen socioeconomic disparities and make it more difficult for people to access dental care. In a new study, researchers call for more attention and action to address this ongoing challenge.

The fight against fluoride and its potential fallout

Utah made headlines with its ban on fluoride in public water. Despite evidence that fluoride plays an important role in oral health, the push to remove the mineral from drinking water is alive and well. Experts are concerned about how fluoride bans coupled with dental care shortages could impact oral health, particularly in rural areas.

Why it matters: Changes in fluoride recommendations or public perception can influence patient behaviors, treatment plans, and even community water fluoridation policies, affecting overall oral health outcomes. (CNN)

How is your practice managing inflation?

Consumers and businesses are feeling the pinch of inflation. What does that impact look like in dental practices? Sully Sullivan, DDS, tackles the challenge of navigating inflation and leading a dental team in an episode of the "Millennial Dentist Podcast."

Why it matters: Costs are rising, creating challenges for dentists and their staff members. Practice leaders need strategies to help both their business and their people thrive. (Millennial Dentist)

Salivary screenings and the dentist's role in preventative care

Salivary screening can reveal a lot about a patient's health. Dentists could discover information about not only periodontal disease but other health conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer as well. Delta Dental of Massachusetts and PDS Health launched a pilot program for salivary screening, the Healthy Body Initiative, to improve oral health care delivery.

Why it matters: Oral health is a crucial part of overall health. Dentists could potentially leverage salivary screening as a tool for preventative care, ultimately identifying health issues earlier and helping patients get care sooner. (Dentistry IQ)