Apr 10, 2025 5 min read Archive

Launching the McDonald's of dentistry

Medicaid and HHS cuts are top of mind in the dental industry. The ADA warns of the potential impact of scaling back on benefits and the federal workforce. This week, we also talk to a leader with the SMILE Health accelerator and chew on the possibility of a new gum that could combat flu and herpes transmission.

Gum to combat flu and herpes. Researchers with Penn Dental Medicine tested a chewing gum with a novel purpose: reducing the transmission of herpes and the flu.

Cannabis at work? Cannabis is legal in many states, but how should dental practices approach its use in workplace policies? A new episode of "Medical History Mysteries" digs into what to do if you suspect a colleague or employee is using cannabis while on the job.

Teaming up for free pediatric care. The private practice network Smile Source and the nonprofit TeamSmile formed a new partnership to provide dental care to underserved communities while collaborating with professional sports teams.

HHS cuts? The HHS workforce could go from 82,000 to 62,000 employees. The American Dental Association (ADA) is voicing concern that these cuts, as well as cuts to the CDC, will have a negative impact on oral health services.

Hollywood's toothmaster. Ever wonder where Austin Powers got his memorable smile? Meet Gary Archer.

'A passion for supporting innovation in the oral health sector'

CareQuest Innovation Partners, a company dedicated to validating and scaling innovative solutions that enhance oral and overall health, just opened up applications for the SMILE Health 2025 program. The accelerator first got its start back in 2022, and it continues to connect oral health innovators and investors.

Katie D’Amico, vice president of growth and innovation, talked to Dental Bite about the launch of SMILE Health and what it is looking for in its 2025 cohort. -Carrie Pallardy

How did CareQuest Innovation Partners first launch the SMILE Health accelerator?
We first launched the SMILE Health accelerator in 2022 with the mission to identify and accelerate emerging stage startups at the intersection of oral health improvement, health equity advancement and medical-dental integration. These foundational values remain at the core of our accelerator today. As conversations around oral health and overall health continue to evolve, we have expanded the accelerator’s focus to address emerging challenges and opportunities in the industry, ensuring that our efforts are aligned with the changing landscape of oral health care.

How does SMILE Health connect investors and entrepreneurs in the oral health space?
SMILE Health creates an environment where startups can build valuable connections and collaborate on impactful projects with key industry partners, including investors. Throughout the semi-virtual accelerator, startups are given the unique opportunity to engage with industry partners who lead specific SMILE Health tracks and share a passion for supporting innovation in the oral health sector. This collaboration often extends beyond the accelerator leading to ongoing startup-partner relationships that continue to drive growth and success.

Over the course of four months, CareQuest Innovation Partners organizes events, immersive workshops and networking opportunities at major conferences like HLTH (October 19-22), where startups participate in curated, one-on-one conversations with industry stakeholders.

In addition to these networking opportunities, participating startups receive one-on-one mentorship and personalized guidance from industry veterans. This guidance is invaluable for developing data-driven validation studies with our new Startup Data Hub, refining business models and building a strong case for scaling technologies to meet market needs.

Following completion of SMILE, startups will also gain a six-month membership to MATTER—the premier health care incubator and innovation hub—to continue expanding their investor network and building their business.

Can you share some insight into the approach for the 2025 cohort?
CareQuest Innovation Partners and MATTER are seeking startups whose solutions may fit one or more of the following focus areas:

Advancing accessible, equitable and integrated health
Engaging people in their oral health
Connecting chronic care with oral health

Our industry partners serve a key role in reviewing applications and ensuring mission alignment, and this year will be joined by our investors who will play a role in vetting potential startups as well. Participants will be selected based on a specific set of criteria, with all selected startup solutions aimed at improving accessibility, equity and propelling the integration between oral health and overall health.

No more adult Medicaid?

The ADA Health Policy Institute examines the potential impact of the Medicaid cuts being proposed by a number of committees in the House of Representatives. The cuts could limit access to preventative and early intervention dental care for millions of adults, which could have a significant ripple effect. Overall health outcomes would likely suffer and health disparities could grow.

Why it matters: Medicaid dental benefits are a vital resource for millions of people. Cutting those benefits could increase U.S. health care costs by $1.9 billion in a single year, according to the research brief. (ADA News)

AI agents in dentistry

AI agents are becoming increasingly capable of carrying out tasks autonomously. In dentistry, this technology could be deployed to manage various administrative functions, such as scheduling, patient communication, claims management and inventory control. Dentists could also use AI agents to support clinical tasks, like treatment planning and patient education.

Why it matters: The adoption of AI tools is ramping up. Dentists need to understand not only the benefits of this technology but also the risks they pose. (Dental Economics)

Launching the McDonald's of dentistry

In episode #2219 of "The Dentalpreneur Podcast", Mark Costes, DDS, talks about what it takes to build a franchise-level dental practice. Dr. Costes, the founder of the Dental Success Institute and Smile Outreach International, looks to successful franchises like McDonald's and Chick-fil-A for principles that dentists can apply as they scale their practices.

Why it matters: Dentists who have entrepreneurial ambitions can learn valuable lessons from other industries. (The Dentalpreneur Podcast)