Generated by All in One SEO Pro v5.0.1.1, this is an llms-full.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # CareQuest Innovation Partners Improving overall health through oral health—for all. ## Posts ### [Open Dental Becomes First Electronic Dental Record Technology to Connect to Kno2, Advancing Dental Interoperability Nationwide](https://carequestinnovation.com/news/open-dental-becomes-first-electronic-dental-record-technology-to-connect-to-kno2-advancing-dental-interoperability-nationwide/) **Published:** July 21, 2026 **Author:** Emily Leland **Content:** Kno2®, the company leading the future of healthcare communication and a federally designated Qualified Health Information Network (QHIN) and CMS Aligned Network, today announced that Open Dental will become Kno2 Connected™, making it the first dental practice management system (PMS) to connect thousands of dental providers to the broader medical care continuum through Kno2’s nationwide network. The milestone is announced jointly with [CareQuest Innovation Partners](https://carequestinnovation.com/), whose funding, deep dental experience and insights, and collaboration with Kno2 are accelerating dental interoperability across the industry. The announcement builds on Kno2 and CareQuest Innovation Partners’ [partnership ](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260326889992/en/CareQuest-Innovation-Partners-and-Kno2-Launch-National-Initiative-to-Integrate-Dental-into-Health-Information-Exchange-Infrastructure)announced earlier this year to better integrate dental care into connected healthcare. Open Dental’s joining Kno2’s network is the first tangible result of that initiative, proof that dental interoperability is moving from announcement to action. [Read more](https://kno2.com/resources/blog/open-dental/?_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8-htr07eHGyHGI-vvYzKA7K8e5t-kwFbRTF8EU8-svgk774T-6-QfgOzTiZV4iGmF37ab3Iu52ec12NmzapTUIOHPOig&_hsmi=2/). **Categories:** News --- ### [Oral Health at HLTH: Now, More Than Ever, Is the Time to “Say Ahh!”](https://carequestinnovation.com/insights/oral-health-at-hlth-now-more-than-ever-is-the-time-to-say-ahh/) **Published:** October 22, 2024 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** The “Say Ahh!” panel discussion on Monday at the HLTH Conference in Las Vegas was filled with optimism, passion, and innovative ideas about the link between oral health and overall health — the mouth-body connection. The session did have one regret, though: “I wish I was 20 years younger,” joked Stephen Thorne, founder and CEO of PDS Health. “It is the golden age of oral health care! It really is the best time to be in oral health.” Moderated by Myechia Minter-Jordan, MD, MBA, senior advisor at CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, Thorne and three other panelists — Maria Ryan, DDS, PhD, executive vice president and chief clinical officer at Colgate-Palmolive; Miles Varn, MD, chief medical officer at Sun Life; and Sarah Chavarria, CEO and president of Delta Dental of California and affiliates — discussed the limitless potential for oral health innovation. “Great discussion on investment in oral health from a venture perspective,” wrote Burgess Harrison, MBA, on LinkedIn after the session. “Oral health means better health and it matters.” The panelists talked about how the landscape has changed in the last decade, from one where oral health was siloed — “over there in a jar on a shelf” — to one where it is linked to overall health in myriad ways. “We don’t debate the data and science anymore. The horse has left the barn,” Thorne said, referring to the [growing body of evidence linking oral health to overall health](https://www.carequest.org/resource-library/mouths-matter-more-you-may-know). “Now, we can have real impact. It’s about giving patients opportunity to engage in improving their oral health.” [PDS Health](https://www.pacificdentalservices.com/), formerly Pacific Dental Services, is helping to point the way toward seamless medical-dental integration. “We’re one of the largest dental providers in the world, and we changed to PDS Health to integrate primary care providers,” Thorne said. “Eighty percent of people in the US access care through nurse practitioners, physicians, dentists, or hygienists. These are the gatekeepers, and the best way is under one roof.” PDS Health, [Henry Schein](https://www.henryschein.com/), [Colgate-Palmolive](https://www.colgatepalmolive.com/en-us), and [CareQuest Innovation Partners](https://carequestinnovation.com/) partnered to show what care *without* siloes can look like at the [first-of-its-kind Oral Health Pavilion at HLTH](https://www.hlth.com/2024event/oral-health-pavilion). The interactive pavilion, centered around three unique patient journeys, showcased the ease of collaboration between health care professionals and highlighted the essential role of oral health in overall wellness. It included an integrated oral health visit, the importance of prevention at home, and an impressive collection of startups that are making care more accessible and equitable across the US. “Oral health is essential to overall health and well-being,” said Ryan, echoing the theme of the pavilion. “There is an economic rationale for investing in oral health.” ### **Aligning Stakeholders Across the Oral Health Landscape** Ryan, who spent time as a clinician and an educator before joining Colgate-Palmolive, pointed to the importance of empowering consumers. “As a company that is in 60% of all homes,” she said, “we can educate consumers about the connection between oral health and overall health.” How? She shared three resources that are helping to inform and inspire the industry: 1. [Know your OQ.com](https://www.knowyouroq.com/), a website that helps you understand your oral health quotient. “You take a quiz and find out what you know,” Ryan said. “People can learn, for example, about gum disease and then ask their physicians about it.” 2. [The 100 Million Mouths Campaign](https://cipcoh.hsdm.harvard.edu/one-hundred-million-mouths-campaign), an initiative that is working to create 50 oral health education champions, one in each state, over the next decade. The aim is for health profession schools and programs to integrate oral health into their curricula to bridge gaps in oral health access. 3. “[The Economic Rationale for a Global Commitment to Invest in Oral Health](https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-economic-rationale-for-a-global-commitment-to-invest-in-oral-health/),” a white paper from the World Economic Forum. “That has encouraged employers to look at whether they are covering dental,” she said. “It’s a lot about education.” Patients and employers are two critical pieces of the puzzle. Payers, providers, and policymakers need to see through the same lens, too. “There are opportunities to collaborate more across the health care continuum,” said Chavarria. “How do we create the best journey for patients?” Aligning incentives, the panel agreed, is necessary. “Carriers and employers have to get aligned to help payers save some money,” Thorne said. “It’s about creating awareness. It’s reaching patients and employers about the role oral health plays in preventive health. The more we can invite patients to take part in preventive care, the more we can all save on the back end.” ### **Six Startups Shining in Oral Health Innovation** Saving on the back end, of course, takes innovation. It takes a prevention-first mindset and a focus on underserved populations. “This is a real growing space,” said Ryan. “If you think about prevention — most of the diseases are preventable — new innovations in prevention are extremely important.” Six of those innovations, courtesy of the 2024 SMILE Health startups, were on display at the pavilion: - [DentKits](https://dentkits.com/) provides at-home dentures utilizing digital denture and teledental technologies. - [DifferentKind](https://www.differentkind.com/) is an experience management leader in oral health, producing data and insights from patients and teams that drive improved outcomes for patients, practices, and payers. - [OraLiva](https://www.oraliva.com/) provides non-invasive, clinically validated, AI-assisted diagnostics for screening oral lesions that delivers highly accurate diagnostic information to dental and medical providers. - [ThriveLink](https://www.mythrivelink.com/) deploys AI telephonic enrollment agents to help families enroll verbally in social and health programs, including health insurance, food stamps, utility assistance, and more. - [Umayana](https://murnia.com/) is a biotech company with a range of products, Murnia, that prevents and treats severe cancer and acute wounds with its patented molecular compound and formulations. - [Yumlish](https://yumlish.com/) provides tech-enabled, culturally affirming health education programs for Medicaid enrollees, starting in Spanish-speaking populations. All six companies shined on the Startup Stage on Tuesday, delivering polished pitches about their solutions to a standing-room only crowd. The “Demo Day” event was the culmination of the [2024 Smile Health accelerator program](https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcarequestinnovation.com%2Fsmile-health%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cdedwards%40carequest.org%7C9185e75974724142d4b208dcf36e8465%7C70b8dad5c5e84be1af67ccc78aa80bba%7C0%7C0%7C638652903257113332%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=n%2Fg90XJjSuHa0Whwp0m%2BMImNroKOHleKGVlaOl0nbwA%3D&reserved=0), which featured a unique collection of transformational solutions that are already improving oral health. “Screenings, home testing . . . those are the areas that are ripe for innovation,” Ryan said. “We’re really moving into personalized technology.” Thorne shared the same sentiment. “We’re going from reactive to preventive and predictive — and, ultimately, to precision. It’ll happen in most of our lifetimes,” he said. “Movement is slow, but it’s not easy. If it was easy, it would have been done 10 years ago. We’re still figuring it out. But we’re almost there.” Almost, but there’s still a lot of work to do. “We’re going to have to do some big, bold things,” said Chavarria. “But there’s never been a more exciting time to be in oral health.” **Categories:** Insights --- ### [CareQuest Innovation Partners Announces Investment in Grin, a SMILE Health Alumnus](https://carequestinnovation.com/press-release/carequest-innovation-partners-announces-investment-in-grin-a-smile-health-alumnus/) **Published:** October 28, 2024 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** ## Investment Aims to Make Oral Health Care Convenient and Accessible for Patients BOSTON, MA (October 28, 2024) – [CareQuest Innovation Partners](https://carequestinnovation.com/), a company focused on validating and scaling transformative solutions to improve oral and overall health, today announced its investment in [Grin®](https://www.get-grin.com/), a leading virtual care platform for digital oral health care solutions. This funding was led by CareQuest Innovation Partners with participation from existing investors Triventures and SpringRock Ventures. The Grin experience comprises the Grin App and the first-of-its-kind Grin Scope®—an FDA-listed medical device offering comprehensive views of patients’ mouths. Partnered with doctors’ supervision, these technologies facilitate patient self-scans, allowing virtual check-ins and ongoing connectivity between appointments. Grin has enabled dental care providers to obtain clinical images [five times](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/grin-case-study/) faster than previous solutions. It has captured millions of scans for tens of thousands of patients on the platform with over 2,000 care providers globally. At this year’s HLTH conference, Grin was recognized as the winner of the 2024 Digital Health Award for Emerging Innovation in Dental Health, and additionally won a $50,000 grant from The Digital Health Hub Foundation. The company also showcased their innovation in the conference’s first-ever [Oral Health Pavilion](https://carequestinnovation.com/oral-health-pavilion-set-for-center-stage-at-hlth-2024/), hosted by CareQuest Innovation Partners, Colgate-Palmolive Company, Henry Schein, and PDS Health. “Grin continues to lead the industry through its demonstrated impact in closing oral health access gaps,” said Denise Marks, EVP & Chief Financial Officer at CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. “This investment will further support solutions that reduce economic barriers and increase convenience and expanded access to enable whole-person health care. We are excited to support Grin in its next phase of growth and expansion aimed at streamlining care access for all.” As one of the few teledentistry companies with programs and services accessible through Medicaid, Grin plays a crucial role in closing long-standing oral health equity gaps by using its technology to increase dental care utilization through schools, long-term care facilities, and clinics across the United States. Through innovative technology and a partnership with CareQuest Innovation Partners, Grin leads in digital dental care, addressing the evolving needs of the dental community with scalable solutions that improve patient outcomes. CareQuest Innovation Partners’ continued investments in Grin underscore our shared vision of revolutionizing access to oral health care,” said Adam Schulhof, DMD, CEO and founder of Grin. “At Grin, we are dedicated to bridging gaps in care, especially for underserved populations, and this partnership allows us to expand our reach with cutting-edge teledentistry solutions. Together, we are paving the way for more accessible, high-quality dental care that delivers lasting impact. Grin is an alumnus of CareQuest Innovation Partners’ [SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/), an accelerator for emerging oral health startups, and the first recipient of [ACCELERATE](https://carequestinnovation.com/carequest-innovation-partners-and-matter-announce-accelerate-an-exclusive-funding-opportunity-for-smile-alumni-to-accelerate-impact/) funding. ACCELERATE, just launched in April, is an exclusive non-dilutive funding opportunity that helps SMILE Health graduates advance their impact. “ACCELERATE builds on the momentum from SMILE Health by providing startups funding and other resources to advance projects with leading industry organizations, together shaping the future of health care and positively impacting entire communities,” said Katie D’Amico, VP of Growth & Innovation at CareQuest Innovation Partners. Highlighting the industry’s need for an increase in oral health care investment, a recent report from Rock Health and CareQuest Innovation Partners found that U.S.-based digital dental health startups are underfunded, and account for [less than 2%](https://rockhealth.com/insights/brushing-up-on-oral-health-the-case-for-expanded-oral-health-innovation-and-investment/) of overall digital health funding annually. The historic lack of investment has led to [$710B](https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-economic-rationale-for-a-global-commitment-to-invest-in-oral-health/) in treatment costs and productivity losses worldwide each year. CareQuest Innovation Partners is committed to reversing this trend, by adding this investment to its existing portfolio, it aims to continue to advance the oral health startup ecosystem. **About CareQuest Innovation Partners** CareQuest Innovation Partners® validates and scales transformative solutions to improve overall health through oral health. Together, with our ecosystem of leading industry partners, startups, and investors we make health care more accessible, equitable, and integrated. Joined by the shared mission to improve the oral health of all, CareQuest Innovation Partners is the for-profit subsidiary of CareQuest Institute. To learn more, visit [carequestinnovation.com](http://www.carequestinnovation.com/) and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. **About Grin** Grin is a comprehensive digital platform that provides solutions for all oral health needs. The Grin App and Grin Scope® allow doctors to access a full patient management suite. Patients can access quality professional care from the convenience of their smart devices. Doctors can remotely monitor patients via virtual check-ins for complete visibility—reducing chair time, increasing patient volume, and ensuring safety and beautiful smile results. To learn more about Grin, you can visit [www.get-grin.com](http://www.get-grin.com). **Media Contact:** Sara Ward **Categories:** Press Release --- ### [Investing in the Future of Oral Health: CareQuest Innovation Partners Expands Portfolio and Impact in 2024](https://carequestinnovation.com/insights/investing-in-the-future-of-oral-health-carequest-innovation-partners-expands-portfolio-and-impact-in-2024/) **Published:** December 19, 2024 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** A [recent report](https://rockhealth.com/insights/brushing-up-on-oral-health-the-case-for-expanded-oral-health-innovation-and-investment/) from Rock Health and CareQuest Innovation Partners noted the massive, overlooked opportunity to invest in oral health. US-based digital dental health startups account for less than 2% of overall digital health funding annually, and the historic lack of investment has led to [$710B](https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-economic-rationale-for-a-global-commitment-to-invest-in-oral-health/) in treatment costs and productivity losses worldwide each year. To reverse this trend, CareQuest Innovation Partners took significant steps to expand its investment portfolio in 2024 with new investments in Grin and Wesper and help close the funding gap, supporting companies driving transformation in digital health, preventative care, telehealth and medical-dental integration. “It’s exciting to watch our portfolio grow year over year as we welcome new, mission-aligned companies into our ecosystem and deepen relationships with our existing portfolio companies who we continue to support as they advance their business objectives,” said Denise Marks, chief financial officer and executive vice president. “Our investments are a core part of our overall mission to validate and scale solutions that make oral health more accessible, equitable, and integrated for all.” ### 2024 Investment Highlights [**Enable Dental**](https://enabledental.com/), which offers portable general dentistry and value-added services to seniors, adults with special needs (“I/DD”), and their supporting health care organizations across various facilities, homes, Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) centers, and communities. Investment milestones included expanding operational and technical capabilities for scale and growth in PACE and other key markets. [**Grin**](https://www.get-grin.com/) is a comprehensive digital platform that connects patients to dentists in their community from the convenience of their smart device. Investment supported expansion into the general dental practice and hygiene market. Grin won the 2024 Digital Health Award for Emerging Innovation in Dental Health at HLTH, is an alumni of CareQuest Innovation Partners [SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/) program, and is the first recipient of ACCELERATE funding, which helps SMILE Health graduates advance their impact. Grin’s ACCELERATE focus is on supporting underserved communities. [**Incisive Technologies**](https://www.incisive-technologies.com/), which works to advance oral health care by enabling preventive dentistry. BlueCheck, their first commercial product, is an innovative “paint” that reveals early-stage caries giving clinicians objective evidence in detecting and monitoring activity status. Investment milestones include support for scaling manufacturing capabilities and the commercial launch of BlueCheck in the U.S. [**MouthWatch**](https://www.mouthwatch.com/), a leader in developing digital technology solutions that drive success for dental professionals, improve oral health care, and enhance the overall patient experience. [**Dentistry.One**](https://dentistry.one/) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MouthWatch, launched in 2023 as a virtual-first care network that addresses the expectations of today’s modern health care consumers with on-demand dental consultations, AI wellness scans, personalized care coordination, and oral health coaching for prioritizing oral and systemic health. Investment milestones included expansion in technology and market establishment in several states. [**Wesper**](https://wesper.co/)**,** a comprehensive sleep diagnosis, monitoring, and management platform that empowers patients and providers with personalized at-home care. Backed by strategic investments, Wesper has optimized its product design and achieved strong adoption among medical providers, with significant opportunities to expand into the general dental practitioner market. [Learn more](https://carequestinnovation.com/portfolio/) about our investment portfolio, [get connected](https://carequestinnovation.com/partner-with-us/) and stay tuned for more investment updates in 2025. **Categories:** Insights --- ### [Authority Magazine: Denise Marks Of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health On How We Should Increase Female Representation in Investment Decision-Making](https://carequestinnovation.com/news/authority-magazine-denise-marks-of-carequest-institute-for-oral-health-on-how-we-should-increase-female-representation-in-investment-decision-making/) **Published:** December 30, 2024 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** Women remain significantly underrepresented in investment decisions in both the Venture Capital and Private Equity markets. And a change is needed: lack of gender diversity can lead to missed opportunities and less inclusive financial strategies. Denise Marks, chief financial officer and executive vice president of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, recently sat down with Authority Magazine to share her perspective on the barriers women face in finance, strategies to increase female representation in investment decision-making roles, and what she’s learned during her career journey. [Read the full article on Medium](https://medium.com/authority-magazine/denise-marks-of-carequest-institute-for-oral-health-on-how-we-should-increase-female-representation-4713cb0e7e62). **Categories:** News --- ### [Healthcare IT Today: Wearable Devices and Mobile Applications - 2025 Health IT Predictions](https://carequestinnovation.com/news/healthcare-it-today-2025-health-it-predictions/) **Published:** January 15, 2025 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** Healthcare IT Today shared notable predictions for where health IT is headed this year, including perspectives from Denise Marks, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. Denise shared her thoughts on advancements in AI startup solutions that aid in disease diagnosis, treatment, and care planning, and the future of VC investment in oral health. [Read the full article](https://www.healthcareittoday.com/2025/01/15/wearable-devices-and-mobile-applications-2025-health-it-predictions/). **Categories:** News --- ### [Forecasting Oral Health Trends: Our Predictions for 2025](https://carequestinnovation.com/insights/forecasting-oral-health-trends-our-predictions-for-2025/) **Published:** January 17, 2025 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** **By Denise Marks, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health** January is all about planning. Our calendars are filled with kickoff meetings and strategy sessions that set the tone for the rest of the year and determine where we’ll focus our dollars and our hard work. It’s exciting and energizing, especially in the oral health space, where the potential for growth is huge: As our [recent Rock Health report](https://rockhealth.com/insights/brushing-up-on-oral-health-the-case-for-expanded-oral-health-innovation-and-investment/) found, 25% of all deals and 20% of all investment dollars for digital dental health startups occurred between 2023 and H1 2024, suggesting investment momentum in the category. Early market leaders are integrating oral and medical health services, and new technologies are improving patient workflows and care coordination — together reducing cost and improving clinical outcomes. Below are our predictions for the trends that will dominate the oral health space this year and beyond. #### **1. AI startup solutions that aid in oral health–linked disease diagnosis, treatment, and care planning will be critical areas of investment for digital health venture capital in 2025.** It’s clear that VC interest in oral health investments is increasing, [reaching over $400M in 2024 alone](https://carequestinnovation.com/new-pitchbook-report-oral-health-sees-resilient-vc-financing-levels-amid-sectoral-innovation/). With that number expected to increase, one key area will be in AI — specifically, AI technologies that address the demand for more personalized care for diseases linked to oral health. This will come from solutions that integrate data from sources such as dental scans and wearable health devices to predict oral health issues and empower prevention before they escalate into costly, life-threatening illnesses. #### **2. Interoperability technology that streamlines dental data sharing between health systems will be essential to advancing medical-dental integration.** Successful startup solutions will enhance interoperability to provide not only dentists but also primary care physicians, specialists, and even pharmacists with a more holistic view of patient health. And the desire is there: According to a [2023 study](https://www.carequest.org/resource-library/medical-and-dental-integration-need-improved-electronic-health-records), 100% of dental providers would like the ability to view their patients’ medical information. By 2030, we may see the development of a unified digital infrastructure where dental records are automatically shared between electronic health record (EHR) systems, dental software, and wearables, with a special focus on predictive technology. #### **3. Over the next few years, the industry will see a surge in education and awareness campaigns, aimed at both patients and health care providers, about the role that oral health plays in maternal health.** More investors and digital health startups are starting to realize that oral health is more than just a dental issue — it’s a systemic concern. This shift is creating an opportunity for cross-industry collaboration, where companies specializing in maternal health will partner with oral health innovators to integrate oral care into comprehensive care practices — specifically, for assessing maternal health risks, driving earlier interventions, and improving pregnancy outcomes. #### **4. The growing recognition of oral health’s impact on a business’s bottom line will prompt employers to push for expanded dental coverage that offers more comprehensive care.** [Reports](https://www.carequest.org/resource-library/hour-need-productivity-time-lost-due-urgent-oral-health-needs) increasingly show that oral health is directly linked to productivity, absenteeism, and employee well-being. The productivity losses tied to oral health problems — whether from missed work due to dental pain or the time employees spend caring for family members’ dental issues — represent a massive hidden cost to businesses, often overlooked in traditional health insurance models. This will lead more employers to start treating dental care as a core component of wellness programs, and not just a fringe benefit. The shift will also put pressure on the broader insurance industry to rethink the way dental insurance is structured, moving from a subsidy model to a more robust coverage option. #### **5. As teledentistry becomes more widely used, advocacy around telehealth will be key to ensuring these services receive fair reimbursement and are integrated into the broader health system.** The shift toward virtual care has proven its value — offering convenience, expanding access, and reducing costs — but without continued advocacy, reimbursement models could lag, leaving many providers underpaid. In the coming years, a policy push will be necessary to secure reimbursement for teledentistry, especially as more patients turn to virtual consultations for routine dental care and follow-up visits. Advocates will need to fight to ensure that third-party payers such as Medicaid recognize teledentistry not as a temporary fix but as a long-term solution for improving access to care, particularly for low-income and/or underserved populations. #### **6. Reimbursement and policy will be the drivers for integrating oral health screenings into routine health checkups.** As the link between oral health and chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and even pregnancy complications becomes evident through research, policymakers and insurers alike will recognize the cost-saving potential of addressing oral health at the same time as overall health. This will push insurers to expand coverage for oral health screenings, making them as routine as any other health checkup. For clinicians, reimbursement models will evolve to reward preventive care, encouraging providers to view oral health as integral to overall health — not a separate, secondary concern. #### **7. Incentives will be a game changer for advancing whole-person health through oral health.** We’re at a crucial inflection point where awareness of the oral-systemic connection — the impact oral health has on chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease — is finally gaining traction. However, awareness alone won’t be enough. Investors will need to see the potential for ROI in oral health integration, while health care payers will increasingly recognize that addressing oral health early and proactively can drastically reduce the total cost of care. Want to learn more? [Connect with us](https://carequestinnovation.com/connect/) for the latest news and insights from CareQuest Innovation Partners. **Categories:** Insights --- ### [Slice of Healthcare Podcast: Oral Cancer Diagnostics and Oral Health Innovation](https://carequestinnovation.com/news/slice-of-healthcare-podcast-oral-cancer-diagnostics-and-oral-health-innovation/) **Published:** February 11, 2025 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** Oral cavity cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers to treat, largely due to late-stage diagnosis. On the latest Slice of Healthcare, John T. McDevitt and Denise Marks sit down with host Jared S. Taylor to discuss how OraLiva, Inc. uses breakthrough point-of-care technology and AI to identify precancerous conditions earlier than ever before – potentially saving lives. We’re proud that OraLiva is a 2024 alum of our [SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/) accelerator, where we support innovators driving the integration between oral health and overall health. [Listen now](https://sliceofhealthcare.com/13-denise-marks-carequest-institute-of-oral-health-john-t-mcdevitt-oraliva/). **Categories:** News --- ### [Medium: ViVE 2025 - 7 Unforgettable Moments and Announcements from the Frontlines](https://carequestinnovation.com/news/vive-2025-7-unforgettable-moments-and-announcements-from-the-frontlines/) **Published:** March 1, 2025 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** CareQuest Innovation Partners was at ViVE 2025 in Nashville, spreading the word that oral health IS health. Our work was included in Medium and The AI Entrepreneurs roundup of impactful moments, highlighting how AI can predict and prevent dental issues and how mobile dentistry brings much-needed care to underserved communities. [Read the full article on Medium](https://medium.com/the-ai-entrepreneurs/vive-2025-7-unforgettable-moments-announcements-from-the-frontlines-3c61b12518f8). **Categories:** News --- ### [CareQuest Innovation Partners and MATTER Open Applications for SMILE Health, Igniting Mission-Driven Innovation with Global Startups, Industry Leaders, and Investors](https://carequestinnovation.com/press-release/carequest-innovation-partners-and-matter-open-applications-for-smile-health-igniting-mission-driven-innovation-with-global-startups-industry-leaders-and-investors/) **Published:** March 24, 2025 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** ## SMILE Health Enters its Fourth Year with Expanded Support, Including a New Startup Data Hub for Startups Improving Health Through Oral Health BOSTON, MA and CHICAGO, IL (March 24, 2025) — [CareQuest Innovation Partners](https://carequestinnovation.com/), a company focused on validating and scaling solutions that improve the oral health of all, in partnership with [MATTER](https://matter.health/), the premier health care incubator and innovation hub, today announced that applications are open for the [SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/) accelerator. Now in its fourth year, the program fosters collaboration between health care entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and investors to advance innovation, expand access, and improve care delivery. With [over $400M](https://carequestinnovation.com/new-pitchbook-report-oral-health-sees-resilient-vc-financing-levels-amid-sectoral-innovation/) allocated to oral health innovation in 2024, investors see the value and are increasingly prioritizing oral and integrated health investments. SMILE Health elevates oral health as a fundamental pillar of overall health, serves as a powerful catalyst for innovation, and fosters key connections within the health care venture capital community. This year’s program builds on SMILE Health’s success with increased investment and industry partner involvement and enhanced data insights for the selected cohort of companies. The 2025 cohort will participate in a unique accelerator that provides: - Non-Dilutive Cash Stipend: a $15,000 stipend — up from $10,000 last year — without giving up any equity - Expert-Led Validation Studies: access to curated industry data to help strengthen business cases, including CareQuest’s new Startup Data Hub with self-service capabilities - One-to-One Mentorship: access to industry veterans who provide personalized guidance - Custom Curriculum: immersive workshops tailored to health innovators “Now more than ever, advancing innovation requires challenging norms, strategic investment, and deep collaboration,” said Katie D’Amico, Vice President of Growth & Innovation at CareQuest Innovation Partners. “By running SMILE Health for the fourth year, we reaffirm our commitment to convening startups, industry leaders, and investors around a shared mission to drive meaningful change in oral and overall health.” A key enhancement to this year’s program is the deeper involvement of industry partners from Colgate-Palmolive Company, Henry Schein, Sun Life Dental, including DentaQuest, and Cigna Healthcare. They will continue their involvement as track leads, working with startups to drive validation studies and provide strategic guidance. We are also excited to have the participation of investor partners that will play an expanded role in the application review process, serve as mentors, and help startups refine their pitches. Applications are accepted through May 4. Selected cohorts will engage in the four-month, semivirtual accelerator, culminating with a Reveal Day at MATTER headquarters (October 7–8) and the inaugural SMILE Connect at [HLTH](https://www.hlth.com/) (October 19–22), featuring a series of curated, one-on-one conversations between cohort members and industry stakeholders. “As SMILE Health continues to grow, we’re focused on creating lasting connections that propel innovation forward,” said Steven Collens, CEO of MATTER. “This year’s program will provide even more opportunities for startups to validate, scale, and implement solutions that improve access and equity in oral health.” Last year, six startups were chosen from a group of applicants from 11 countries and 27 U.S. states. To date, SMILE Health has 16 graduates, with hundreds of emerging startups in the CareQuest Innovation Partners pipeline. Five alumni reached significant milestones in 2024. Additionally, one 2023 alum, Grin, received an [investment from CareQuest Innovation Partners.](https://carequestinnovation.com/carequest-innovation-partners-announces-investment-in-grin-a-smile-health-alumnus/) SMILE startups and partners alike report 90%+ satisfaction with the program, and 100% of industry partners from 2024 are participating again this year, underscoring a culture and commitment to innovation. Selected 2025 startups will be matched with industry partners such as Apple Tree Dental, Cigna Healthcare, Colgate-Palmolive, Delta Dental of Massachusetts, Delta Dental of Washington, Dental Network of America, Glidewell, Henry Schein, PDS Health, Sun Life Dental, and Young Innovations, as well as investor partners including 7wire Ventures, Dental Innovation Alliance, Gilde Health Partners, Revere Partners, Seae Ventures, and SpringRock Ventures. Leading up to the application deadline on **May 4, 2025**, SMILE Health will host two virtual events in April, offering applicants multiple opportunities to engage with industry and investment leaders: - [Connecting Chronic Care with Oral Health](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/connecting-chronic-care-with-oral-health-registration-1285643266619?aff=oddtdtcreator) features leaders from Cigna Healthcare and Henry Schein, plus 7wire Ventures, on April 23, 2–3 p.m. ET. - [Engaging People in their Oral Health](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/engaging-people-in-their-oral-health-registration-1285632875539?aff=oddtdtcreator) features leaders from Colgate-Palmolive and Sun Life Dental, plus Dental Innovation Alliance, on April 28, from 12–1 p.m. ET. Startups interested in applying can learn more, register for the virtual events, and submit their applications at . **About CareQuest Innovation Partners** CareQuest Innovation Partners® validates and scales transformative solutions to improve overall health through oral health. Together, with our ecosystem of leading industry partners, startups, and investors, we make health care more accessible, equitable, and integrated. CareQuest Innovation Partners is the for-profit subsidiary of CareQuest Institute, and they are joined by the shared mission to improve the oral health of all. To learn more, visit [carequestinnovation.com](http://carequestinnovation.com/) and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. **About MATTER** MATTER, the premier health care incubator and innovation hub, includes more than 1,000 current and alumni startups from around the world, working together with dozens of hospitals and health systems, universities, and industry-leading companies to build the future of health care. Together, the MATTER community is accelerating innovation, advancing care, and improving lives. For more information, visit [matter.health](http://matter.health/) and follow @MATTERhealth. **Media Contact** Sara Ward **Categories:** Press Release --- ### [Dental Bite: Katie D’Amico on “A Passion for Supporting Innovation in Oral Health”](https://carequestinnovation.com/news/dental-bite-katie-damico-on-a-passion-for-supporting-innovation-in-oral-health/) **Published:** April 10, 2025 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** As our [SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/) accelerator enters its fourth year, Katie D’Amico, vice president of growth and innovation at CareQuest Innovation Partners, talked to Dental Bite about what the team is looking for in its 2025 cohort. [Read the full interview](https://www.dentalbite.co/a-passion-for-supporting-innovation-in-the-oral-health-sector/). **Categories:** News --- ### [Fierce Healthcare: Managing Diabetes with Cultural Foods](https://carequestinnovation.com/news/fierce-healthcare-managing-diabetes-with-cultural-foods/) **Published:** April 23, 2025 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** Yumlish, a 2024 [SMILE Health alum](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/cohorts/), provides culturally affirming nutrition literacy to Medicaid and Medicare populations. On Fierce Healthcare’s “Podnosis,” senior writer Anastassia Gliadkovskaya speaks with Yumlish founder and CEO Shireen Abdullah about the outcomes Yumlish is seeing and how they’re working to reach underserved populations. [Listen to the full interview](https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/providers/managing-diabetes-cultural-foods). **Categories:** News --- ### [CareQuest Innovation Partners to Showcase Interactive Pitch Event for Oral Health Innovators at 2025 THRIVELIVE Conference](https://carequestinnovation.com/press-release/carequest-innovation-partners-to-showcase-interactive-pitch-event-for-oral-health-innovators-at-2025-thrivelive-conference/) **Published:** April 29, 2025 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** ## Oral Health Entrepreneurs to Pitch Solutions That Drive Medical-Dental Integration, Featuring Companies from CareQuest Innovation Partners’ Portfolio and SMILE Health Accelerator BOSTON, MA (April 29, 2025) — [CareQuest Innovation Partners](https://carequestinnovation.com/), a company focused on validating and scaling solutions to improve overall health through oral health, will be showcasing a premier dental innovation event at [THRIVELIVE](https://thrivelive2025.com/)®, hosted by [Henry Schein](https://www.henryschein.com/). Taking place in Las Vegas on May 3 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., the event serves as a pitch-style format for oral health where entrepreneurial innovators showcase their groundbreaking products, services, and inventions designed to benefit the world of oral health and health care. CareQuest Innovation’s portfolio companies — [Grin](https://www.get-grin.com/) (SMILE Health alumni 2023), [Incisive Technologies](https://www.incisive-technologies.com/) (SMILE Health alumni 2023), and [Wesper](https://wesper.co/) — will participate in the event, alongside 2024 [SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/) alumni, [DifferentKind](https://www.differentkind.com/), [OraLiva](https://www.oraliva.com/), and [Umayana](https://murnia.com/). Oral health issues affect 3.5 billion people each year and produce an annual economic burden of [$710 billion](https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-economic-rationale-for-a-global-commitment-to-invest-in-oral-health/), and yet oral health innovation in 2024 received [less than 1%](https://carequestinnovation.com/new-pitchbook-report-oral-health-sees-resilient-vc-financing-levels-amid-sectoral-innovation/) of all venture capital investments in overall health worldwide. CareQuest Innovation is addressing this issue by spotlighting new solutions at events like THRIVELIVE and building a community dedicated to improving oral health outcomes of all. “Convening a network of innovators, experts, and stakeholders is essential to driving meaningful progress in oral health, and our event at THRIVELIVE serves as a powerful platform to showcase the groundbreaking products and services shaping the future of patient care,” said Katie D’Amico, VP of Growth and Innovation at CareQuest Innovation. “We’re excited to connect dental leaders with startups to spark new ideas and collaborations — with direct paths to patients — that can expand access, accelerate medical-dental integration, and most importantly help those who need it most. These solutions are more critical now than ever.” During the event, each 10-minute pitch will provide a unique opportunity for the audience — composed of dental professionals and experts — to engage directly with solutions advancing the future of medical-dental integration and patient care. This dynamic session will give attendees the chance to explore innovations in oral health, shape new products and services transforming the industry, and walk away with tangible solutions to bring to their practices and patients. “CareQuest Innovation Partners has curated a dynamic session for this year’s event that unites voices from across the oral health landscape, spotlighting startups that are shaping the future of the profession,” said David Kochman, chief corporate affairs officer at Henry Schein. “Driving meaningful progress for entrepreneurs in health care takes more than just great ideas — it requires connection, collaboration, and investment. This session highlights emerging leaders and increases awareness of the innovative technologies poised to transform oral health care.” CareQuest Innovation aims to validate and scale transformative solutions that improve overall health through oral health of all. Joining forces with the company’s network of leading industry partners, startups, and investors, the company is on a mission to make health care more accessible, equitable, and integrated through its [SMILE Health accelerator](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/) in collaboration with [MATTER](https://matter.health/), its investments, and its innovation services. More information on CareQuest Innovation’s participating portfolio and SMILE Health alumni companies can be found below: [**DifferentKind**](https://www.differentkind.com/) | Buena Vista, CO DifferentKind is an experienced management leader in oral health, producing data and insights from patients and teams that drive improved outcomes for patients, practices, and payers. The company enables dental practitioners to turn personalized insights into targeted improvement, redefining measurement in dental care to ensure practitioners are clear on individual needs when communicating with patients. [**Grin**](https://www.get-grin.com/) | Airmont, NY Grin is a comprehensive digital platform that connects patients to dentists in their community from the convenience of their smart device, including a medical device that offers comprehensive views of patients’ mouths. Its technology has enabled dental care providers to obtain clinical images five times faster than previous solutions. Additionally, it has captured millions of scans for tens of thousands of patients on the platform, with over 2,000 care providers globally. [**Incisive Technologies**](https://www.incisive-technologies.com/) | Melbourne, Australia Incisive Technologies is advancing oral health care by enabling preventive dentistry. BlueCheck, their first commercial product, is an innovative “paint” that reveals early-stage caries, giving clinicians objective evidence in detecting and monitoring activity status. BlueCheck empowers oral health care professionals to adopt a prevention approach and help patients protect and heal the tooth before cavities develop. [**OraLiva**](https://www.oraliva.com/) | Durham, NC OraLiva provides noninvasive, clinically validated, AI-assisted diagnostics for screening oral lesions. This innovative solution delivers highly accurate diagnostic information to dental and medical providers. OraLiva’s proprietary Oral ONC-InCyt technology allows for a broad range of clinicians to identify early signs of oral cancer using clinically validated cyto-signatures — saving lives and relieving health systems and patients of the financial burden that comes with cancer treatment. [**Umayana**](https://murnia.com/) | Istanbul, Turkey Umayana is a biotech company with a range of products, [Murnia](https://murnia.com/), which prevent and treat severe cancer and acute wounds with its patented molecular compound and formulations. Its members have 35 years of biotechnology, R&D, and consumer experience, and its mission is to provide effective and safe supportive care. [**Wesper**](https://wesper.co/) | New York, NY Wesper is a physician-guided sleep management platform that offers patients personalized treatment plans, all from the comfort of their own homes. The company empowers individuals and health care providers with reliable, high-resolution data to improve sleep health, streamline workflows, and enhance outcomes. Its mission is to advance sleep science through innovation, simplicity, and trust — creating a future where better sleep transforms lives. All companies will be present at this year’s event. THRIVELIVE is an annual three-day conference designed to empower oral health professionals through immersive, expert-led education sessions, networking opportunities, and insights from industry leaders. The event will occur from April 30 to May 3, and it will feature more than 100 courses and speakers sharing insights on oral health technology, the business of dentistry, and the latest in dental solutions. To register for THRIVELIVE and attend CareQuest Innovation’s in-person event, Dental Innovation Showcase: Shark Tank for Oral Health, please visit . **About CareQuest Innovation Partners** CareQuest Innovation Partners® validates and scales transformative solutions to improve overall health through oral health. Together, with our ecosystem of leading industry partners, startups, and investors, we make health care more accessible, equitable, and integrated. CareQuest Innovation Partners is the for-profit subsidiary of CareQuest Institute, and they are joined by the shared mission to improve the oral health of all. To learn more, visit [carequestinnovation.com](https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarequestinnovation.com&esheet=54227349&newsitemid=20250324608497&lan=en-US&anchor=carequestinnovation.com&index=10&md5=354f938a51409d19de35533d76ddf354) and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. **Media Contact** Sara Ward **Categories:** Press Release --- ### [OraLiva and the Future of Oral Cancer Diagnostics](https://carequestinnovation.com/case-study/oraliva/) **Published:** May 20, 2025 **Author:** Darren Edwards **Content:** Case Study: OraLiva # OraLiva and the Future of Oral Cancer Diagnostics ## CareQuest Innovation Partners supports OraLiva’s innovative solutions, enabling early oral cancer diagnosis and potentially life-saving interventions Oral cancer remains one of the deadliest and most costly cancers, largely due to late-stage diagnosis. Unlike other cancers, progress in early detection and treatment has stagnated for a generation. In the US, over 58,000 people are diagnosed annually, with global cases exceeding 450,000—and incidence rates have risen steadily over the past 25 years. Early detection, especially at the precancerous stage, leads to excellent outcomes, yet most cases are diagnosed late. Unlike cervical cancer, where the HPV/Pap test saves 85% of lives, oral cancer lacks an effective early screening tool. Often symptomless in early stages, it frequently goes unnoticed by patients and providers until it has spread. OraLiva aims to change this – and potentially save lives – through rapid, non-invasive, Al-driven diagnostics, closing a critical gap and helping dental and medical providers diagnose and treat underserved patients earlier. For co-founder John T. McDevitt, PhD, driving innovation in oral cancer diagnostics is deeply personal. He lost his father to lung cancer and his mother to a rare form of oral cavity cancer. This personal experience, combined with his expertise in bioengineering, smart sensors, microfluidic devices, and biomarker discovery, inspired McDevitt and his team to develop an AI-powered cytology tool. This diagnostic enables dentists to detect early signs of oral cancer—often before they are visible to the human eye. Together, these technologies empower non-expert primary care providers to deliver expert-level care through AI-enhanced clinical decision support. “What we’ve developed at OraLiva is essentially a thermometer for oral cancer,” explains McDevitt. “Samples are taken via a non-invasive brush biopsy, then our technology reads cells and uses artificial intelligence to find cyto-signatures that tell us about the earliest signs of oral cavity lesion disease including precancer and cancer.”  CareQuest Innovation Partners has been instrumental in opening up opportunities for OraLiva, helping us to solidify our value proposition and market strategy through our validation studies with CareQuest and Henry Schein. The insights we gained have accelerated our ability to deliver life-saving technology for people who need it most, and the relationships we’ve formed are long lasting and impactful.” John T. McDevitt, Founder and Chief Scientist, OraLiva ![boy patient profile-tate](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/McDevitt-Headshot-sq-reduced.png "McDevitt-Headshot-sq-reduced – CareQuest Innovation Partners") OraLiva was selected for CareQuest Innovation Partners’ and MATTER’s 2024 SMILE Health accelerator. SMILE Health supports innovators who challenge norms and are ready to advance solutions that improve accessibility, equity, and the integration between oral health and overall health. As part of SMILE, OraLiva was paired with Henry Schein as their industry partner to help refine their go-to-market strategy and reach as many patients as possible. Together they analyzed data from more than 4,700 dental practices, looking at the financial burden of oral cancer and how OraLiva’s solution could make a positive impact. OraLiva also worked with [CareQuest Institute for Oral Health](https://www.carequest.org/), analyzing data from 80,000 medical patients. Through this analysis, OraLiva estimates that their solution could reduce late–stage cancers by 85% and reduce the total cost of oral cancer care by more than 50%, a win-win-win solution for patients, providers, and insurance payers. They also found that their solution is key to supporting underserved communities: Incidence rates of oral cavity cancer are four times higher in elderly populations, and two times higher among Black Americans. ## 85% estimated reduction in late-stage cancers OraLiva and Henry Schein also interviewed key stakeholders in the healthcare industry, including periodontists, hygienists, dental support organizations, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and physicians. Key insights included finding that more than 90% of clinicians wanted a reliable diagnostic like OraLiva, and that hygienists could act as crucial patient advocates and educators in the oral cancer space, proving that success lies in engaging all members of the care team. ![boy patient profile-tate](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Sara-Dillon-Headshot-topaz-enhance-4x-faceai-sharpen-480x480-1.jpeg "Sara-Dillon-Headshot-topaz-enhance-4x-faceai-sharpen-480x480 – CareQuest Innovation Partners")  At Henry Schein, we are committed to reducing health risks through innovative solutions that support the profession’s adoption of products, technologies, and services. Our goal is to improve patient care while strengthening the connection between oral health and overall health. Participating in SMILE Health and working with companies like OraLiva is a key part of this mission, aligning with our dedication to partnering with the profession to drive meaningful change and drive better outcomes for patients.” Sara Dillon, Chief Data Officer, Henry Schein ## Analyzing the needs of underserved populations with ACCELERATE Following the success of SMILE Health, OraLiva applied for [ACCELERATE](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/accelerate/), an exclusive funding opportunity for SMILE alumni. ACCELERATE builds on SMILE’s momentum, providing startups and industry partners the opportunity to work together to validate solutions that fulfill unmet needs in oral health and explore partnerships in a resource-supported environment. Enable Dental is collaborating with OraLiva on a multi-phase pilot to integrate AI-powered oral cancer screening into Enable Dental’s mobile dental units, which largely serve seniors and adults with special needs. The first phase involves training clinical teams and developing provider materials. Later in 2025 the pilot conducted dozens of adjunctive tests to gather key data on outcomes, workflows, and revenue performance. This phased approach lays the groundwork for a scalable value-based care model, and the project overall aims to yield key insights into OraLiva’s capability to improve early detection and care for a population at high baseline risk for oral cancer. ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/OraLiva-at-HLTH-475.png "OraLiva-at-HLTH-475 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") “We’re excited about this next step in our journey as we continue working with CareQuest Innovation Partners and building on the momentum that was created during SMILE,” said McDevitt. “Enable Dental’s mission to reach underserved populations is closely aligned with our own, and we look forward to creating a new standard of care leveraging the expertise that we both bring to the table.” OraLiva continues to gain traction, completing the equity financing for their seed round in early 2025 and also receiving $1.9 million in funding for their Direct to Phase II SBIR grant for Oral Lichenoid Lesions from the NIDCR Division of the NIH. Learn more at [oraliva.com](https://www.oraliva.com/). \*Source: Together we can empower innovation that helps the world SMILE. [Learn more](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/) **Categories:** Case Study --- ### [Healthcare Brew: Dentists Hope Technology, Private Industry Can Fill Care Gaps](https://carequestinnovation.com/news/healthcare-brew-dentists-hope-technology-private-industry-can-fill-care-gaps/) **Published:** May 23, 2025 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** As federal regulation shifts threaten dental benefits and oral care access, Healthcare Brew explores how dental tech startups like our portfolio company Grin® work to fill the gaps. Grin, which provides virtual scans, is especially vital in communities with limited access to dental care providers. [Read the full article](https://www.healthcare-brew.com/stories/2025/05/23/dentists-technology-private-industry-care-gaps). **Categories:** News --- ### [Teens Talk Teeth Brings Oral Health Awareness to the Next Generation](https://carequestinnovation.com/insights/teens-talk-teeth-brings-oral-health-awareness-to-the-next-generation/) **Published:** June 16, 2025 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** Parents know that establishing good oral hygiene with kids is tough. According to Delta Dental’s [2025 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report](https://www.deltadental.com/us/en/state-of-americas-oral-health-report.html), 67% of parents said getting their children to brush their teeth was a challenge, and 51% said their kids weren’t flossing enough. Cavities are the most common chronic disease in children — and one of the most preventable through simple, daily habits. Enter [Teens Talk Teeth](https://oralhealth.club/), a high school volunteer organization in Chicago with a mission to help school-aged children, especially those in underserved communities, understand the importance of oral health. Teens Talk Teeth meets kids where they are — in schools, during the school day — providing education that’s approachable and fun. By reaching children before oral health issues take hold, Teens Talk Teeth supports lifelong physical, mental, social, and financial well-being and meets a critical need in communities where access to care and education are limited. Below, Teens Talk Teeth founder and high school student Adriana Nestorova shares what motivates her, why working with kids is important, and what’s next. ### **Can you explain how Teens Talk Teeth works?** We present to elementary school kids and make brushing, flossing, and healthy eating fun with games and hands-on demos. As teenagers, the kids look up to us, and we’re able to really engage and be relatable, so the lessons we share stick with them. We’re partnered with several key organizations, including the Chicago Public Schools Office of Student Health and Wellness to connect us to schools; faculty at the UIC School of Dentistry for academic mentorship and curriculum review; and CareQuest Innovation Partners, Henry Schein, and the National Dental Association to support our expansion into high schools nationwide. Together, we’ve created a scalable model of youth empowerment that fills a critical gap in health education. ### **You’ve done so much impressive work! What inspired you to start Teens Talk Teeth?** After having a tooth pulled right before high school, I realized how important oral health is and how little we’re taught about it. As a public school student, I never received any oral health education, despite oral health’s vital role in whole health. I realized I could do something about this gap in health education and founded Teens Talk Teeth. My school provides dedicated time during the school week for student-led initiatives, which helped me establish and grow Teens Talk Teeth. ### **What does a typical session look like, and how do the kids react?** We present to kindergarten through fifth grade students, and our presentations fit into a single class period. We provide: - A pre-quiz with six questions to establish baseline oral health knowledge. - A presentation developed in partnership with pediatric dentists at the UIC College of Dentistry, which includes a slide where we get the kids to stand up and do the “floss” dance — they always love it! - Games at stations with brushing, flossing, and trivia. In our brushing and flossing demos, we bring our “flossoraptor,” a dinosaur puppet that the kids have fun naming. Some of my favorites have been Mr. Bob Snickers and Ted Spaghetti. Finally, we do a post-quiz to measure improvement from the beginning of the session and pass out dental kits with toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss to every student. After one of our presentations, a little girl came up to me and told me, “Wow, you guys are really the best.” Seeing how excited kids are is always the most rewarding part. Every time a kid laughs at our jokes or gets really into the presentation and starts grilling us with questions, it makes Teens Talk Teeth so worth it. ### **What’s next for Teens Talk Teeth?** We are working toward two goals: 1) help more kids in Chicago, particularly in underserved areas, and 2) share our playbook to help like-minded students set up chapters to reach more kids across the US. We have received grants from CareQuest’s Community Grants Program and the Henry Schein Cares Foundation, and we just received confirmation that we have been incorporated as a nonprofit organization! With the help of CareQuest Innovation Partners, we have developed a playbook that outlines how to set up a chapter of Teens Talk Teeth at a high school anywhere in the US. We are also working with Henry Schein and the National Dental Association’s S.M.I.L.E Program to give their S.M.I.L.E ambassadors the option to open a chapter of Teens Talk Teeth. ### **What is your advice to other young leaders who want to start their own organizations?** 1. Find people who are passionate about your mission! 2. Seek support from your school, teachers, and other educational institutions, like universities. At Teens Talk Teeth, I invited health leaders to share their experience and give us advice — for example, later this year, we are going to the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine to hear from the Dean of Medical Education. 3. Search and apply for grants. 4. Reach out to organizations that are aligned with your mission. **Categories:** Insights --- ### [Second Opinion: Investors Are All In on Digital Health, but Are Missing Oral Health Care](https://carequestinnovation.com/news/second-opinion-investors-are-all-in-on-digital-health-but-are-missing-oral-health-care/) **Published:** June 18, 2025 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** Preventive oral healthcare is a $54 billion market inside of a $500 billion dental industry, and yet attracts less than 1% of total investment. We teamed up with Christina Farr of Second Opinion on a new article and market map highlighting the opportunity for investors, innovators and impact in oral health. [Read the full article](https://secondopinion.media/p/investors-are-all-in-on-digital-health-but-are-missing-oral-health-care). **Categories:** Insights, News --- ### [HIT Consultant: Smokeless Tobacco and Oral Cancer: A Health System Unprepared](https://carequestinnovation.com/news/hit-consultant-smokeless-tobacco-and-oral-cancer-a-health-system-unprepared/) **Published:** June 19, 2025 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** John T. McDevitt, PhD, Founder and Chief Scientist of OraLiva, Inc and Denise Marks, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, sat down with HIT Consultant to emphasize the detrimental risks of smokeless tobacco on our oral and overall health, and outline actionable steps for health and dental systems to take to prepare and protect lives. [Read the full piece](https://hitconsultant.net/2025/06/19/smokeless-tobacco-and-oral-cancer-a-health-system-unprepared/). **Categories:** News --- ### [CareQuest Innovation Partners and MATTER Unveil 2025 SMILE Health Cohort to Improve Overall Health Through Oral Health Innovation](https://carequestinnovation.com/press-release/carequest-innovation-partners-and-matter-unveil-2025-smile-health-cohort-to-improve-overall-health-through-oral-health-innovation/) **Published:** July 1, 2025 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** ## The 8 Startups Will Work Alongside 20+ Industry and Investor Partners to Accelerate Innovation and Improve Health Outcomes BOSTON, MA and CHICAGO, IL (July 1, 2025) — [CareQuest Innovation Partners](https://carequestinnovation.com/), a company focused on validating and scaling solutions to improve overall health through oral health, in partnership with [MATTER](https://matter.health/), the premier health care incubator and innovation hub, today announced the eight emerging startups selected to participate in the fourth year of the [SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/) program, marking the largest cohort to date. These startups were selected from an impressive group of applicants from 15 countries and 42 US states. The cohort was selected based on alignment with the SMILE Health focus areas: advancing accessible, equitable, and/or integrated health; engaging people in their oral health; and connecting chronic care with oral health. Selected companies are Feno, Firstgrin, KiDDY CAPS, Social Cascade, Times Health, Toothapps, Willo, and Xploro. With fluoride bans across multiple states [raising concerns for ](https://www.carequest.org/about/blog-post/new-study-shows-costly-consequences-states-banning-fluoride)[providers](https://www.carequest.org/about/blog-post/new-study-shows-costly-consequences-states-banning-fluoride)[ and experts](https://www.carequest.org/about/blog-post/new-study-shows-costly-consequences-states-banning-fluoride), preventive oral health care has never been more critical, particularly for children and low-income families. This urgency was reflected in this year’s cohort, with many companies focusing on pediatric oral health care innovation and access. While venture capital funding for oral health reached more than [$400 million](https://carequestinnovation.com/new-pitchbook-report-oral-health-sees-resilient-vc-financing-levels-amid-sectoral-innovation/) in 2024, it still represents only a small share of overall health care investment. This underfunding is especially concerning given that oral diseases affect 3.5 billion people globally each year, and annual dental care spending is expected to exceed $430 billion by 2030. CareQuest Innovation Partners’ SMILE Health program aims to close this gap by connecting innovative startups with a growing network of partners and investors to accelerate solutions that improve access, equity, and medical-dental integration and reduce the societal and economic burdens of poor oral health. “With federal policies for oral health care under threat, there’s an urgent need to support innovation that expands access and equity,” said Katie D’Amico, vice president of growth and innovation at CareQuest Innovation Partners. “Backing startups at the forefront of this work is one of the most effective ways to ensure communities get the care they need. This year’s cohort brings forward solutions — from kits, toothbrushes, and education engaging moms, kids, and people with special needs in their health to tools that close care gaps by meeting patients where they are and connecting medical and dental care. These innovations are advancing a more integrated, whole-person future of health — for all.” The startups will take part in a four-month, semi-virtual accelerator to validate their solutions, where they will be matched with mission-aligned industry partners. The growing list of partners includes Apple Tree Dental, Cigna Healthcare, Colgate–Palmolive Company, Delta Dental of Massachusetts, Delta Dental of Washington, Dental Network of America, Glidewell, Heartland Dental, Henry Schein, PDS Health, and Sun Life Dental (including DentaQuest), as well as investor partners that include 7wire Ventures, Aphelion Capital, Dental Innovation Alliance, Gilde Healthcare Partners, Revere Partners, Seae Ventures, SpringRock Ventures, and Waterline Ventures. Each startup will receive a stipend, access to multidisciplinary experts in health care, dedicated mentors, a curated curriculum, and key business insights. New this year, the startups will also have access to CareQuest’s new Startup Data Hub, which has self-service capabilities to empower innovators to validate and scale their solutions faster. No equity is required from the startups to participate. SMILE Health culminates with “Reveal Day” at MATTER headquarters (October 7–8, 2025) and at the global HLTH conference (October 19–22, 2025), featuring a series of curated, one-on-one conversations between cohort members and industry leaders. Following the accelerator’s completion, startups from the cohort will have access to resources from both MATTER and CareQuest Innovation Partners. They will also have the opportunity to apply for CareQuest Innovation Partners’ [ACCELERATE program](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/accelerate/), which provides incremental funding to further collaboration with partners on industry-advancing projects. “One of the most important — but often underrated — areas of health care is oral health, with a massive opportunity to harness innovation to improve both oral health and overall health,” said Steven Collens, CEO of MATTER. “We’re proud to have launched the first oral health accelerator together with CareQuest Innovation Partners and look forward to working with this year’s cohort to bring real innovation and change to the industry.” Learn more about the 2025 cohort: **Feno | Culver City, California –** [Feno](https://feno.co/) is a connected oral health platform that combines smart brushing technology with personalized insights, empowering people to understand, track, and improve their oral health as part of their overall wellness journey. **Firstgrin | New York, New York –** [Firstgrin](https://yourfirstgrin.com/) provides pediatric oral care kits and targeted, evidence-based education via a companion app for families to help prevent oral disease starting in pregnancy and infancy and establish healthy, lifelong oral hygiene habits. **KiDDY CAPS | Wilsdorf, Germany –** [KiDDY CAPS](https://kiddy-caps.com/en) is transforming pediatric dentistry via affordable, minimally invasive zirconia crowns for children, making high-quality caries treatment accessible for every child. **Social Cascade | Raleigh, North Carolina –** [Social Cascade](https://www.socialcascade.co/) enables providers to engage with patients between office visits with timely and relevant information designed to meet patients where they are, promote equitable access through education, and drive community health outcomes. **Times Health | Knoxville, Tennessee –** [Times Health](https://www.times.health/) is an AI-powered virtual health assistant that delivers 24/7 dental guidance, symptom support, and preventive care education, empowering people to take control of their oral health, anytime, anywhere. **Toothapps | Wayzata, Minnesota –** [Toothapps](https://www.toothapps.com/) advances health data access, interoperability, and real-time patient engagement across the medical and dental care continuum. Its keystone solution, Cair, helps patients access, understand, and act on their complete health history. **Willo | New York, New York –** [Willo](https://willo.com/) provides automatic toothbrushes designed for children and anyone who struggles with brushing — whether they need extra support or simply a more effective, hassle-free way to maintain daily oral hygiene. **Xploro | Cleveland, Ohio –** [Xploro](https://xploro.health/) is a pediatric patient education platform that uses augmented reality, gamification, and other interactive content to empower kids to become active participants in their health journey, reducing anxiety and improving outcomes. **About CareQuest Innovation Partners** CareQuest Innovation Partners® validates and scales transformative solutions to improve overall health through oral health. Together, with our ecosystem of leading industry partners, startups, and investors, we make health care more accessible, equitable, and integrated. CareQuest Innovation Partners is the for-profit subsidiary of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, and they are joined by the shared mission to improve the oral health of all. To learn more, visit [carequestinnovation.com](https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarequestinnovation.com&esheet=54227349&newsitemid=20250324608497&lan=en-US&anchor=carequestinnovation.com&index=10&md5=354f938a51409d19de35533d76ddf354) and follow us on X/Twitter and LinkedIn. **About MATTER** MATTER, the premier health care incubator and innovation hub, includes more than 1,000 current and alumni startups from around the world, working together with dozens of hospitals and health systems, universities, and industry-leading companies to build the future of health care. Together, the MATTER community is accelerating innovation, advancing care, and improving lives. For more information, visit [matter.health](http://matter.health) and follow @MATTERhealth. **Media Contact** Sara Ward **Categories:** Press Release --- ### [“The Power of an Incredible Team”: Reflections from Our Summer Impact Fellows](https://carequestinnovation.com/insights/the-power-of-an-incredible-team-reflections-from-our-summer-impact-fellows/) **Published:** August 26, 2025 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** This summer, we were incredibly lucky to have two Impact Fellows join our CareQuest Innovation Partners team, jumping in headfirst to help drive projects integral to our strategy and success. As they prepare to move to their next adventures, we asked Bethel and Mike to reflect on what they learned, what surprised them, and what they’ll take away from their experience. ### What attracted you to CareQuest Innovation Partners? Why did you originally apply for this role? Bethel: I applied to this role because of my background in digital health in East Africa and because I was looking to work in health care innovation. As a founder, I wanted to work with global innovators in health care, and I knew that CareQuest was going to be the right place for me. Mike: I was drawn to CareQuest’s unique positioning in the market. They’re filling a noble gap by genuinely focusing on impact over pure returns. As someone passionate about product strategy, I saw an opportunity to help shape how innovative startups are positioned and brought to market. The chance to work at the intersection of innovation, venture strategy, and thought leadership was exactly the kind of challenge I was hoping for. ### What did most of your work focus on? Bethel: I spent most of my time focusing on our SMILE Health alumni engagement strategy and community support. I also assisted in medical-dental integration thought leadership. Mike: My work centered on market intelligence and thought leadership positioning. I helped conduct research with VCs and enterprise leaders to understand oral health market gaps and their perspectives, analyzing 600+ funding deals and translating those insights into compelling content that continues to position us as a leading voice in oral health innovation. ### What surprised you most about working with the CareQuest team, or the oral health industry in general? Bethel: I was surprised by how well-rounded the CareQuest team is. It was such a collaborative environment where my mentors and supervisors cared about my professional growth. On the oral health industry front, I was surprised by the complexity of the system, including reimbursement for services. I was happy to see the potential impact for oral health care, and as an African founder, it opened my eyes to the possibilities and opportunities of innovating in this space. Mike: I was surprised by how hungry the market was for fresh perspectives on oral health innovation. When we published our initial [market map and article](https://secondopinion.media/p/investors-are-all-in-on-digital-health-but-are-missing-oral-health-care) with Second Opinion, VCs and startups reached out to collaborate. It revealed that everyone was building in this space, but no one was telling the story or connecting the dots. That taught me how powerful positioning and market narrative can be. ### What are the top one or two takeaways from your experience? Bethel: I learned that feedback is a gift. The feedback I received from the team has been incredible for my growth both professionally and personally. Also, I learned how important team building is. You can tell the team is happy to work together and tackle challenges as a strong front. Mike: First, the power of having an incredible team around you. Working with folks like Matt, Katie, Jenn, Julia, and Nandita taught me how much faster you can move when everyone brings their unique expertise to the table. The collaborative approach — from strategy alignment to stakeholder feedback — showed me how the best work happens when you have smart people who genuinely want to see the project (and you) succeed. Second, the importance of timing and market readiness. Sometimes the biggest opportunity isn’t in building something new, but in being the first to articulate what everyone is already thinking. **Bethel Bayu** is a physician and entrepreneur from Ethiopia with seven years of experience in digital health, startup leadership, and global health consulting. She has led projects ranging from femtech innovation to Google-funded AI research in African health care systems, and she is currently pursuing an MPH/MBA at Johns Hopkins, specializing in health technology and innovation. In her spare time, Bethel is an aspiring content creator and amateur vegan baker. **Mike King** has 6+ years of experience in health care consulting and strategy, previously serving as chief of staff at a digital health startup and leading go-to-market strategy at a boutique strategy consulting firm. He’s pursuing his MBA at the University of Edinburgh, focusing on product strategy and commercialization. Outside of work, Mike enjoys travel and golf, and one of his favorite recent adventures was driving Scotland’s North Coast 500 with his wife and their two golden retrievers. **Categories:** Insights --- ### [CareQuest Names Wade Rakes as New CEO](https://carequestinnovation.com/news/carequest-names-wade-rakes-as-new-ceo/) **Published:** September 15, 2025 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** CareQuest has named longtime health care executive Wade Rakes its new CEO. Rakes previously served as Chief Growth Officer at the Fortune 25 health care company Centene Corporation and as President and CEO of its Georgia-based subsidiary, Peach State Health Plan. As CEO, Rakes will oversee the strategic direction and operations of CareQuest Institute, including the management of its endowment; its philanthropic investments and advocacy efforts; its dental insurance and benefits administrator; and its innovation arm, which is dedicated to transforming oral health access and outcomes for underserved populations across the United States. [Read more](https://www.carequest.org/about/press-release/carequest-institute-names-wade-rakes-new-ceo). **Categories:** News --- ### [CareQuest Innovation Partners and MATTER Launch SMILE Health to Advance Innovation for Accessible, Equitable, and Integrated Oral Care](https://carequestinnovation.com/press-release/carequest-innovation-partners-and-matter-launch-smile-health-to-advance-innovation-for-accessible-equitable-and-integrated-oral-care/) **Published:** March 14, 2022 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** ## First-of-Its-Kind Program Seeks Early-Stage Startups That Deliver Transformative, Disruptive Solutions to Improve Overall Health BOSTON, MA and CHICAGO, IL (March 14, 2022) — CareQuest Innovation Partners, a company focused on validating and scaling solutions that improve the oral health of all, in partnership with [MATTER](http://matter.health), the premier health care incubator and innovation hub, today launched SMILE Health — a first-of-its-kind program designed to identify and accelerate early-stage startups at the intersection of oral health improvement and health equity advancement. SMILE is an acronym that underscores the innovations the program seeks: ***S****imple, **M**inimally Invasive, **I**ntegrated, **L**ow-barrier, and **E**quitable.* The global open call is focused on addressing critical needs in oral health. One in five Americans do not have adequate access to oral health care. And for many who do, the cost of care is insurmountable. Dental expenses account for a quarter of all health care out-of-pocket spending — that means, in aggregate, patients are personally paying $55 billion annually for dental care. Whether due to a lack of providers, high cost, social barriers, or infrastructure challenges, getting to and paying for dental care is difficult for too many people. SMILE Health wants to change that. It is looking for innovators that are: - developing preventive or minimally invasive care solutions delivered both inside and outside of the dental offices - advancing racial, socioeconomic, and geographical equity in oral health care - bridging the gap between medical care and dental care to improve health outcomes “Oral health is often seen as separate from overall health, when, in reality, oral health is a critical component of whole-person care,” said Mariya Filipova, chief innovation officer at CareQuest Innovation Partners. “Now more than ever, patients, providers, and communities need integrated solutions that make oral care an integral part of the overall health care experience. We designed SMILE Health in response to that need.” Filipova continued, “our imperative at CareQuest Innovation Partners is to seek out and accelerate to market the next generation of transformative solutions that will make oral health more accessible, equitable, and integrated, SMILE Health offers a handful of entrepreneurs the opportunity to build that future.” Applications are open from March 14 through April 22. Up to 10 early-stage startups will be selected to participate in the 12-week program that features access to dedicated mentors; a curated curriculum incorporating subject matter experts in the oral health, innovation, and venture capital; and bespoke validation studies with potential customers that will help participants refine key offerings. Participants will receive a $10,000 stipend to support their participation. Selected startup teams will be matched with SMILE Health impact partners. These partners will help to validate solutions by providing resources, access to data, subject matter experts, and feedback. “The dental industry is ripe for disruption. We see unparalleled opportunities, especially in early-stage companies,” said Jeremy Krell, DMD, MBA, managing partner at Revere Partners, the first independent venture fund for oral health. “By partnering with SMILE Health, we are joining forces with one of the most respected thought leaders in the industry to identify and scale transformative and disruptive solutions that can improve overall health.” “Closing the equity gap in oral health care requires new solutions created by and for historically overlooked communities,” said Tuoyo Louis, co-founder and managing partner of Seae Ventures, a leading health care service and technology fund. “That is why Seae Ventures is thrilled to be a SMILE Health partner, staying true to our commitment to support diverse entrepreneurs and industry shaping solutions.” The program culminates in a Demo Day in September, during which the cohort will present their solutions to a group of industry leaders, including potential investors, partners, and clients. “Innovations focused on improving oral health have lagged the tremendous advances focused on medicine,” said Steven Collens, CEO of MATTER. “SMILE Health is the beginning of the end of that unfortunate dynamic and we couldn’t be more enthusiastic about partnering with CareQuest Innovation Partners on this work.” For more information, visit the challenge page at [carequestinnovation.com/smile.](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile) **About CareQuest Innovation Partners** CareQuest Innovation Partners propels solutions that transform oral health. Together with investors, innovators, entrepreneurs, care providers, and community partners, we validate and scale new ways to improve overall health through oral health. Joined by the shared mission to improve the oral health of all, CareQuest Innovation Partners is the for-profit subsidiary of CareQuest Institute. **About MATTER** At MATTER, we believe collaboration is the best way to improve healthcare. The MATTER collaborative includes more than 275 cutting-edge startups from around the world, working together with dozens of hospitals and health systems, universities and industry-leading companies to build the future of healthcare. Together we are accelerating innovation, advancing care, and improving lives. For more information, visit [matter.health](http://matter.health) and follow @MATTERhealth. **Media Contact** Sara Ward **Categories:** Press Release --- ### [SMILE Health Adds Leading Industry Partners; $1M in Available Capital for Early-Stage Oral Health Startups](https://carequestinnovation.com/press-release/smile-health-adds-leading-industry-partners-1m-in-available-capital-for-early-stage-oral-health-startups/) **Published:** April 21, 2022 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** ## Premier Oral Health Accelerator Attracts Industry Leaders to Validate and Scale Solutions for Oral Health Transformation and Health Equity BOSTON, MA and CHICAGO, IL (April 21, 2022 ) — CareQuest Innovation Partners and [MATTER](http://matter.health/) today announce the addition of leading industry partners and more than $1 million in available investment capital to SMILE Health, a first-of-its-kind program to identify and accelerate early-stage startups at the intersection of oral health improvement and health equity advancement. Since its launch in mid-March, SMILE Health has already attracted 14 leading industry organizations spanning the medical, dental, consumer goods, venture capital, and insurance industries as well as academia to serve as key partners. Recognizing the unique focus of SMILE Health, this diverse group of organizations and leaders will support the first cohort of startups looking to accelerate new solutions to provide accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health in a manner that is ***S****imple, **M**inimally Invasive, **I**ntegrated, **L**ow-barrier, and **E**quitable — or SMILE. “The unprecedented response to SMILE Health speaks to both the importance of our challenge — creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system for everyone — and the very real innovation gap that currently exists in oral health,” said Mariya Filipova, chief innovation officer of CareQuest Innovation Partners. “Partners are joining us from all corners of the health care ecosystem. Their participation creates an unparalleled platform to scale validated solutions that will transform oral health for those who need them the most.” Organizations can join SMILE Health as Impact and/or Scale Partners to help validate participating startups’ solutions to make them market-ready and provide capital and access to customers. The growing list of partners includes (in alphabetical order): - 42 North Dental - Colgate-Palmolive Company - Columbia University College of Dental Medicine - Demos Capital LLC - DentalMarketIQ - DentaQuest - Enable Dental - MouthWatch - P&R Dental Strategies - Procter & Gamble/Crest Oral-B - Revere Partners - Seae Ventures - USAble Life - Washington Dental Service “The dental entrepreneur and investment community is eager to rally behind SMILE Health because the opportunities to advance innovation in oral health systems change have been so few and far between,” said Jeremy Krell, DMD, MBA, managing partner at Revere Partners. “There is high adoption of oral technology within the high-growth DSO sector in an effort to achieve true growth and optimize patient outcomes.” Impact Partners will provide SMILE Health startups with the opportunity to test and refine solutions, business models, and product market fit in real-world settings by designing and steering 4–6-week validation studies. They’ll also have early access to the full pipeline of SMILE Health solutions and the opportunity to deploy them first. “As a dental benefits administrator serving more than 33 million people nationwide, the majority of whom are low-income children and families enrolled in Medicaid, we see firsthand – and at scale – the obstacles people face in accessing high quality preventive dental care,” said Steve Pollock, president and CEO of DentaQuest. “SMILE Health is unique in its approach to rapidly validate and deploy solutions designed to address these obstacles. Given DentaQuest’s mission to improve the oral health of all, we are eager to support entrepreneurs working toward a more equitable, healthier future.” Scale Partners will serve as go-to-market partners, providing participating startups with access to potential customers. Importantly, Scale Partners commit to making capital available to SMILE Health startups that meet their individual investment criteria. To date, Scale Partners and CareQuest Innovation Partners have collectively earmarked $1M in available funding for participating startups that meet specific funding criteria. “Colgate-Palmolive is excited to join SMILE Health as both an Impact and Scale Partner,” said Maria Ryan, DDS, PhD, Chief Clinical Officer. “Access to affordable preventive oral health care remains out of reach for far too many. As a result, rampant oral disease has become a national and global health crisis disproportionately impacting underserved and under-resourced communities. SMILE Health presents a unique opportunity to support novel ideas and solutions to address oral health inequity and help us fulfill our company’s purpose to reimagine a healthier future for all.” In addition to Impact and Scale Partners, SMILE Health has also added more than 100 reviewers, mentors, and faculty to support startups throughout the 13-week program. “With this announcement, we now have the strongest group of partners arrayed to support startups who are building novel solutions to improve oral health and advance health equity,” said Steven Collens, CEO of MATTER. “Startups need capital as well as non-monetary support, and with this group we have what we need to change the trajectory of oral health innovation to benefit all.” The SMILE Health global call for early-stage startups remains open through April 22. Interested entrepreneurs can visit [carequestinnovation.com/smile/](http://carequestinnovation.com/smile/) to learn more and apply. Organizations or individuals interested in joining SMILE Health as a partner can register at [carequestinnovation.com/smile](http://carequestinnovation.com/smile). **About CareQuest Innovation Partners** CareQuest Innovation Partners propels solutions that transform oral health. Together with investors, innovators, entrepreneurs, care providers, and community partners, we validate and scale new ways to improve overall health through oral health. Joined by the shared mission to improve the oral health of all, CareQuest Innovation Partners is the for-profit subsidiary of CareQuest Institute. **About MATTER** At MATTER, we believe collaboration is the best way to improve healthcare. The MATTER collaborative includes more than 275 cutting-edge startups from around the world, working together with dozens of hospitals and health systems, universities and industry-leading companies to build the future of healthcare. Together we are accelerating innovation, advancing care, and improving lives. For more information, visit [matter.health](http://matter.health) and follow @MATTERhealth. **Media Contact** Sara Ward **Categories:** Press Release --- ### [CareQuest Innovation Partners and MATTER Announce Inaugural Cohort for SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/press-release/carequest-innovation-partners-and-matter-announce-inaugural-cohort-for-smile-health/) **Published:** May 10, 2022 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** ## Five Startups Selected to Participate in Accelerator at the Intersection of Oral Health Improvement and Health Equity Advancement BOSTON, MA and CHICAGO, IL (May 10, 2022) — CareQuest Innovation Partners, a company focused on validating and scaling solutions that improve the oral health of all, in partnership with MATTER, the premier health care incubator and innovation hub, today announced the inaugural cohort of early-stage startups selected to participate in SMILE Health, an accelerator for solutions that make oral health more accessible, equitable, and integrated with overall health. Through its first global call, SMILE Health received more than 100 applications from startup companies spanning 11 countries and 28 US states. Ten applicants with the most promising early-stage solutions for simple, minimally invasive, integrated, low-barrier, and equitable oral health care were invited to interview and, after careful consideration, the first SMILE Health cohort of five startup companies was selected. The cohort teams embody the overall program’s goals for equity and integration: 80% of the cohort have female leadership, all teams are comprised of diverse stakeholders, and 20% of the solutions come from outside the dental industry. Each [SMILE Health](http://carequestinnovation.com/smile/) startup will have direct access to renowned mentors, an in-depth curriculum on scaling solutions, and access to data and clinical validation studies designed to anticipate barriers to adoption and ready solutions for scale. Additionally, each startup will receive a $10,000 stipend and be matched with [Impact and Scale Partners](http://carequestinnovation.com/partnerships) during an intensive 12-week process. SMILE Health startups will pressure test their solutions through validation studies with Impact Partners such as, Cigna, Colgate-Palmolive Company, MouthWatch, [and more](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health-adds-leading-industry-partners-1m-in-available-capital-for-early-stage-oral-health-startups/). Validated solutions meeting certain investment criteria of Scale Partners will have the opportunity to access more than $1.3M in available capital from Scale Partners, including Revere Partners, Demos Capital, and Seae Ventures, to accelerate go-to-market strategies, and scale solutions. The program culminates in a demo day for potential investors and customers in mid-September. ### Learn more about the 2022 startup cohort: #### Denture Care Shop – Charleston, South Carolina [Denture Care Shop](http://www.denturecareshop.com/) is disrupting a long overlooked and underserved segment of dentistry — dentures. Leveraging digital and 3D technology along with their proprietary telehealth platform, they aim to close a large accessibility gap and oral health crisis by offering a better, quicker, and more affordable service. #### OrisDX — Chicago, Illinois [OrisDX](https://www.orisdx.com/) provides patients better clarity on their health through novel saliva-based diagnostics to identify pre-cancer and cancer. Based on innovative research from the University of Chicago, their first product detects oral cavity cancer through non-invasive genetic testing of patients’ saliva. #### SleepArchitects — Newport Beach, California [SleepArchitects](https://sleeparchitx.com/) is democratizing access to obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment for dental professionals and consumers using a simple, convenient, turnkey digital experience. They offer automated text communication, fun patient education videos, full-service MD-guided home sleep testing, and highly trained dentists using oral appliance therapy supported by experts, making for happy and healthy patients and doctors. #### Novel White Plastic Preformed Crown — Dunedin, New Zealand A research team out of [Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Otago](https://www.otago.ac.nz/dentistry/research/) develops innovative dental products that will transform the international dental products market. Currently, they’re developing a novel, tooth-colored, preformed tooth crown for treating decayed teeth in children using the minimally invasive Hall Technique. They are academic researchers with extensive experience in dental biomaterials development, dental crown design, mechanical testing and clinical trials, working in collaboration with a polymer manufacturing company in New Zealand. #### Wide Awake VR — Ann Arbor, Michigan [WAVR](https://www.wideawakevr.com/) is a better and safer way for people to experience medical procedures without the need for sedatives. When patients use virtual reality (VR) to mitigate against anxiety, providers can use immersive media content instead of narcotics in the comfort and safety of their offices. **About CareQuest Innovation Partners** CareQuest Innovation Partners propels solutions that transform oral health. Together with investors, innovators, entrepreneurs, care providers, and community partners, we validate and scale new ways to improve overall health through oral health. Joined by the shared mission to improve the oral health of all, CareQuest Innovation Partners is the for-profit subsidiary of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. **About MATTER** At MATTER, we believe collaboration is the best way to improve healthcare. The MATTER collaborative includes more than 700 current and alumni startups from around the world, working together with dozens of hospitals and health systems, universities and industry-leading companies to build the future of healthcare. Together we are accelerating innovation, advancing care and improving lives. For more information, visit [matter.health](https://matter.health/) and follow @MATTERhealth. **Media Contact** Sara Ward **Categories:** Press Release --- ### [CareQuest Innovation Partners with MATTER Launched the Second Edition of SMILE Health — A Program for Startups Working in Systemic Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/press-release/carequest-innovation-partners-with-matter-launched-the-second-edition-of-smile-health-a-program-for-startups-working-in-systemic-health/) **Published:** March 13, 2023 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** ## The Program Seeks Early-Stage Startups for a 12-Week Program Driving Business Development BOSTON, MA and CHICAGO, IL (March 13, 2023) — CareQuest Innovation Partners, a company focused on validating and scaling solutions that improve the oral health of all, in partnership with MATTER, the premier health care incubator and innovation hub, today launched the second edition of SMILE Health — a unique program designed to identify and accelerate early-stage startups working in systemic health. SMILE is an acronym that underscores the innovations the program seeks: Simple, Minimally Invasive, Integrated, Low-barrier, and Equitable. “SMILE Health is a highly effective accelerator that provides a tremendous opportunity for innovators to rapidly scope and validate their solutions” Nationally, 77 million adults do not have dental coverage and 56 million people live in an area with no access to a dentist. Additionally, oral health remains largely separate from the traditional health care delivery system resulting in significant barriers to care. And for those with access, there continue to be deep inequities. Black and Hispanic patients disproportionately experience poor oral health outcomes. There is also interest in having dentistry more integrated with traditional health delivery, such as disease screening, vaccine distribution and more. The SMILE Health global open call for startups is focused on novel solutions to address these critical needs in oral health. The program seeks solutions that are: - developing preventive or minimally invasive care solutions delivered both inside and outside of the dental offices - advancing racial, socioeconomic, or geographical equity in oral health care - bridging the gap between medical care and dental care to improve health outcomes “Mind, body and mouth — these are essential components of systemic, whole body health,” said Mariya Filipova, chief innovation officer at CareQuest Innovation Partners. “We are seeking innovators with solutions that fill the gaps in traditional oral health care delivery. The goal of SMILE Health is to catalyze change by identifying, selecting, and supporting startups seeking to make oral health care delivery more accessible, equitable, and integrated for all.” Filipova continued, “our imperative at CareQuest Innovation Partners is to validate and scale next-generation transformative solutions that improve systemic health through oral health. We are excited to once again provide a unique 12-week program for select participants that delivers business value through mentorship, education, and, most importantly, validation studies with industry leaders that accelerate products and solutions to market.” Applications are open from March 13 through May 5. Up to five early-stage startups will be selected to participate in the 12-week program that features access to dedicated mentors; a curated curriculum incorporating subject matter experts in oral health, innovation, and venture capital; and customized validation studies with access to potential customers that will help participants refine key offerings. Participants will receive a $10,000 stipend to support their participation. “SMILE Health is a highly effective accelerator that provides a tremendous opportunity for innovators to rapidly scope and validate their solutions,” said Steven Collens, CEO of MATTER. “The second year of the program will again focus on cutting-edge solutions in oral health that pair to whole person health. We are delighted to continue to collaborate with CareQuest Innovation Partners on this work.” Dr. Amreesh Khanna, CEO and founder of OraQ, an AI and machine learning technology company that enables precision patient care customized to dentists, participated in last year’s program and commented on the impactful nature of the program and the powerful network of partners it provided him and his team. “I was surrounded by industry leaders, innovators, collaborators, and mentors from dental groups, payors, dental service organizations, and venture capitalists, all interested in supporting and fostering innovations that will drive more equitable and integrative dental care, improving patient outcomes, and growing business. SMILE Health created an environment allowing health care providers like myself to step out of the normal day-to-day clinical care and take a risk to build something bigger.” Selected 2023 startup teams will be matched with SMILE Health impact partners. These partners will help to validate solutions by providing resources, access to data, subject matter experts, and feedback. A number of impact partners returning for the 2023 program shared their experiences. “DentaQuest is dedicated to improving the oral health of all, and one of the most significant ways we can do that is to foster new ideas,” said Kamila Chytil, chief operating officer at DentaQuest, part of Sun Life U.S. “We know that startups benefit from working with established organizations like DentaQuest to help validate solutions — and we benefit from getting a preview of new solutions that maximize access to the care members need. We are proud to again support the SMILE Health program this year.” The program culminates in a Demo Day in October during which the startups will present their solutions to a group of industry leaders, including potential investors, partners, and clients. **About CareQuest Innovation Partners** CareQuest Innovation Partners propels solutions that transform oral health. Together with investors, innovators, entrepreneurs, care providers, and community partners, we validate and scale new ways to improve overall health through oral health. Joined by the shared mission to improve the oral health of all, CareQuest Innovation Partners is the for-profit subsidiary of CareQuest Institute. **About MATTER** MATTER, the premier healthcare incubator and innovation hub, includes more than 800 current and alumni startups from around the world, working together with dozens of hospitals and health systems, universities and industry-leading companies to build the future of healthcare. Together, the MATTER community is accelerating innovation, advancing care and improving lives. For more information, visit [matter.health](http://matter.health) and follow @MATTERhealth. **Media Contact** Sara Ward **Categories:** Press Release --- ### [CareQuest Innovation Partners and MATTER Announce Second Cohort for Smile Health and Extensive Roster of Industry-Leading Partners](https://carequestinnovation.com/press-release/carequest-innovation-partners-and-matter-announce-second-cohort-for-smile-health-and-extensive-roster-of-industry-leading-partners-premier-oral-health-accelerator-selects-5-startups-and-announces-21-p/) **Published:** August 8, 2023 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** ## Premier Oral Health Accelerator Selects 5 Startups and Announces 21 Participating Partners to Validate and Scale Solutions BOSTON, MA and CHICAGO, IL (August 8, 2023) — CareQuest Innovation Partners, a company focused on validating and scaling solutions to improve the oral health of all, in partnership with MATTER, the premier healthcare incubator and innovation hub, today announced the second cohort of startups selected to participate in SMILE Health, a program for solutions that make oral health more accessible, equitable, and integrated with overall health. In addition, they announced a robust roster of industry-leading partners that will support the program. In the second year of the program, SMILE Health put out a global call to innovators and received 100 applications from startup companies spanning 11 countries and 24 states across the U.S. Twelve companies were tapped to complete interviews and, after a rigorous review process, five startup companies have been selected. The cohort includes wearables, AI tools, remote care, and early detection solutions. “The volume of high-quality solutions submitted to the program demonstrates the high unmet need and opportunity for innovation in oral health and its integration into overall health,” said Mariya Filipova, chief innovation officer of CareQuest Innovation Partners. “SMILE Health has phenomenal momentum; we’ve grown the footprint of market-leading organizations supporting this best-in-class program to propel validated solutions and transform oral health.” Since its [launch](https://carequestinnovation.com/carequest-innovation-partners-and-matter-launch-smile-health-to-advance-innovation-for-accessible-equitable-and-integrated-oral-care/?fb-edit=1) in mid-March, SMILE Health has attracted 21 industry-leading organizations spanning the medical, dental, consumer goods, venture capital and insurance industries as well as academia to serve as key partners. These partners will provide SMILE Health startups with the opportunity to test and refine solutions, business models and product-market fit in real-world settings by designing and steering data-driven validation studies over 6-8-weeks. The growing list of partners includes (in alphabetical order): - 42 North Dental - Apple Tree Dental - Colgate-Palmolive Company - Columbia University College of Dental Medicine - Delta Dental of Massachusetts - Delta Dental of Washington - Demos Funds, LLC - Dental Network of America - DentaQuest, a Sun Life Company - Enable Dental - Fluent - Glidewell - Henry Schein, Inc. - MouthWatch - Pacific Dental Services - Point32Health - Reveal Health Tech - Revere Partners - W Health Ventures - Young Innovations “SMILE Health is taking a unique approach to rapidly validate and deploy solutions designed to address dental access, equity and integration,” said Steve Pollock, president of DentaQuest, part of Sun Life U.S. “Supporting this program aligns directly with our mission to improve the oral health of all, and we are excited to support the development of these novel innovations as they become viable opportunities to fill critical gaps in the market.” “At Pacific Dental Services, our passion lies in creating healthier, happier patients,” said Stephen E. Thorne IV, Founder and CEO of Pacific Dental Services. “Joining hands with like-minded partners in SMILE Health enables us to leverage our collective strengths, drive innovation, and tackle crucial challenges within the dental industry. Together, we empower startups to flourish and make meaningful contributions to the advancement of dental care, driving innovative solutions for better oral health that benefit everyone.” “We are excited to participate in the SMILE Health program, joining many premier organizations aligned to advancing innovation and supporting novel start-ups,” said Stanley Bergman, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Henry Schein. “Henry Schein has a heritage of growth through innovation and a history of support for health care professionals and the patients they serve. Our participation in the SMILE Health program reflects our commitment to advancing oral health.” In addition to Impact Partners, SMILE Health has also added more than 100 reviewers, mentors, and faculty to support startups throughout the 10-week program. “The success of last year’s SMILE Health accelerator proved the need for this program and the enormous value that can be created by facilitating validation studies for promising startups,” said Steven Collens, CEO of MATTER. “We are honored to work with CareQuest Innovation Partners this year to continue the program and support CareQuest’s vision for the future of oral health.” The program culminates on October 8, 2023 in a demo day as part of a dedicated systemic health program at [HLTH](https://www.hlth.com/). ### Learn more about the 2023 startup cohort: [Biolectrics](https://www.biolectrics.com/) — Cleveland, Ohio Biolectrics is commercializing OraFlow, a prescription oral care device that uses microcurrent stimulation to treat periodontitis, the sixth most prevalent health condition in the world. OraFlow overcomes barriers of treatment acceptance by providing a painless, cost-effective take-home treatment for patients who would otherwise avoid care. [Grin](https://www.get-grin.com/) — New York, New York Grin is reinventing oral care, for everyone. With Grin’s imaging and remote diagnostic solution, patients are connected to doctors remotely, bringing patient convenience, reduction in overhead and access to responsible care. Grin strives to empower consumers to take control of their own oral health by seeing for the first time what is happening within their mouths and connecting them to accessible resources and diagnostics encouraging preventive care. [Kare Mobile](https://karemobile.com/) — Louisville, Kentucky Kare Mobile helps dentists solve for increased productivity and enhanced patient experience. Operating as a mobile dental services organization, Kare Mobile is poised to close the access gap to oral healthcare through their proprietary single operator vans that they manufacture. Their technology division provides an enterprise solution through proprietary software that assists in automating the scheduling process for both mobile and stationary scheduling. Kare Mobile utilizes teledentistry as a tool to better streamline scheduling and increase productivity for the provider and improve outcomes for the patients. [Incisive Technologies](https://www.incisive-technologies.com/) — Melbourne, Australia Incisive’s mission is to advance oral healthcare with innovative tools that will accelerate solutions to the global challenge of tooth decay. Incisive has developed BlueCheck, a highly sensitive, easy-to-use, objective measure of early stage caries to support the paradigm of minimally invasive care. Intellectual property protection extends across all the major global jurisdictions, and they expect BlueCheck to disrupt the current standard of care. CareQuest Innovation Partners is an investor in Incisive Technologies. [Lura](https://www.lurahealth.com/) — Boston, Massachusetts Wearable blood/interstitial fluid-based monitors disrupted blood-based monitoring from ex vivo (outside the body) lab tests to continual in-body measurements. The same will be true with saliva. Lura Health is leading the way with a first-in-class salivary diagnostic in-mouth wearable for continual health and disease measurements. ### About CareQuest Innovation Partners CareQuest Innovation Partners propels solutions that transform oral health. Together with investors, innovators, entrepreneurs, care providers, and community partners, we validate and scale new ways to improve overall health through oral health. Joined by the shared mission to improve the oral health of all, CareQuest Innovation Partners is the for-profit subsidiary of CareQuest Institute. ### About MATTER At MATTER, we believe collaboration is the best way to improve healthcare. The MATTER collaborative includes more than 800 current and alumni startups from around the world, working together with dozens of hospitals and health systems, universities and industry-leading companies to build the future of healthcare. Together we are accelerating innovation, advancing care, and improving lives. For more information, visit[ matter.health](http://matter.health) and follow @MATTERhealth. **Media Contact** Sara Ward **Categories:** Press Release --- ### [CareQuest Innovation Partners and MATTER Open Applications for SMILE Health, Seeking Innovators Bridging the Medical-Dental Divide](https://carequestinnovation.com/press-release/carequest-innovation-partners-and-matter-open-applications-for-smile-health-seeking-innovators-bridging-the-medical-dental-divide/) **Published:** March 27, 2024 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** ## In Its Third Year, SMILE Health Advances Innovations Designed to Achieve Greater Equity and Access and Reduce the Total Cost of Care BOSTON, MA and CHICAGO, IL (March 27, 2024) — [CareQuest Innovation Partners](https://carequestinnovation.com/), a company focused on validating and scaling transformative solutions to improve overall health through oral health for all, in partnership with [MATTER](https://matter.health/), the premier health care incubator and innovation hub, today announced applications are open for SMILE Health. Now in its third year, SMILE Health is an accelerator program for emerging startups designed to identify, validate, and advance solutions that increase equity and accessibility and propel the integration between oral health and overall health. Despite [growing evidence](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8757764/) proving that oral health is connected to overall health,[ only 37% of Americans saw both a physician and a dentist ](https://meps.ahrq.gov/data_files/publications/st544/stat544.shtml#:~:text=About%2037%20percent%20of%20individuals,had%20a%20dental%2Donly%20visit.)in the same year. SMILE Health advances solutions to help address this gap by bringing together innovators with industry partners and investors. The 12-week program combines validation studies, industry expert-led curriculum and mentorship, and networking opportunities tailored to emerging health startups. “Integrating dental and medical care is crucial to expanding access, advancing health equity, and improving health outcomes, and requires intentional collaboration between key stakeholders to make it a reality,” said Katie D’Amico, VP of Growth & Innovation at CareQuest Innovation Partners. “Through our SMILE Health community, we are proud to bring together leaders shaping the health care industry with mission-aligned innovators to advance new solutions that address long-standing challenges and transform health care.” For the first time this year, the global call for innovators will center around three tracks created and led by CareQuest Innovation Partners and industry partners who will take an increased role in the program. Each track is linked to a pressing need for oral and overall health innovation: **1. Advancing Accessible, Equitable, and Integrated Health:** How can we make health care, including oral health, more accessible, equitable, and/or integrated? **2. Reducing Disparities through Oral Health:** How can we leverage innovative oral health solutions to better identify and/or address health disparities? **3. Connecting Chronic Care with Oral Health:** How can we help people at risk or living with chronic conditions better manage their overall health through oral health? “Chronic conditions are a leading driver of health care spending in the U.S., and uncovering ways to tackle these conditions in an effective and equitable way is critically important for Cigna Healthcare,” said Dr. Cary Sun, chief dental officer at Cigna Healthcare. “As part of SMILE Health, we look forward to collaborating with innovators in the space to prove how a more integrated health care system could improve outcomes while managing costs.” “We are excited to participate in the SMILE Health program, joining many premier organizations aligned to advancing innovation and supporting novel start-ups,” said Stanley Bergman, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Henry Schein. “Henry Schein has a heritage of growth through innovation and a history of support for health care professionals and the patients they serve. Our participation in the SMILE Health program reflects our commitment to advancing oral health.” “Collaborating for almost two years on SMILE Health with CareQuest Innovation Partners has helped Colgate-Palmolive drive awareness around the connection between oral health and overall health and wellbeing, all of which are critically important to our company’s purpose to reimagine a healthier future for all,” said Maria Ryan, Chief Clinical Officer at Colgate-Palmolive, “We are proud to partner on this important initiative to make oral health more accessible and equitable.” A minimum of five startups will be selected to join the 2024 cohort and receive a $10,000 non-dilutive stipend to support their participation in the program. The program will culminate in a Demo Day at the HTLH Conference in Las Vegas, during which startups will present their solutions to a group of industry leaders, including potential investors, partners, and clients. “SMILE Health highlights the importance of oral health care innovation, which is often overlooked in considering the “whole” health of a person,” said Lee Shapiro, Managing Partner of 7wireVentures. “Programs like SMILE Health de-risk investment in health care startups by validating solutions in a real-world environment, opening the door to investors eager to drive meaningful change in the health care industry.” Selected 2024 startups will be matched with SMILE Health industry partners. Partners include, but are not limited to, Cigna Healthcare; Colgate-Palmolive Company; Delta Dental of Massachusetts; Delta Dental of Washington; DentaQuest, part of Sun Life U.S.; Henry Schein; Pacific Dental Services; and Young Innovations. These partners will help advance solutions by providing resources, access to data, subject matter experts, and feedback. “The SMILE Health program is one of the most high-value, high-touch accelerators in the marketplace, helping innovators rapidly substantiate core areas of their business. We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with CareQuest Innovation Partners to build this year’s program,” said Steven Collens, CEO of MATTER*.* The application period is open today through May 8, 2024. For more information and to apply for SMILE Health, visit . **About CareQuest Innovation Partners** CareQuest Innovation Partners propels solutions that transform oral health. Together with investors, innovators, entrepreneurs, care providers, and community partners, we validate and scale new ways to improve overall health through oral health. Joined by the shared mission to improve the oral health of all, CareQuest Innovation Partners is the for-profit subsidiary of CareQuest Institute. **About MATTER** MATTER, the premier healthcare incubator and innovation hub, includes more than 900 current and alumni startups from around the world, working together with dozens of hospitals and health systems, universities and industry-leading companies to build the future of healthcare. Together, the MATTER community is accelerating innovation, advancing care and improving lives. For more information, visit [matter.health](http://matter.health/) and follow @MATTERhealth. **Media Contact** Sara Ward **Categories:** Press Release --- ### [SMILE Health & The Grin Solution](https://carequestinnovation.com/case-study/grin/) **Published:** April 23, 2024 **Author:** Darren Edwards **Content:** Case Study: Grin # SMILE Health & The Grin Solution ## The Solution Through the first-of-its-kind accelerator program, SMILE Health, the [Grin](https://www.get-grin.com/) solution was identified and connected to the dental provider, where, together, they expanded the solution’s application from orthodontics to preventative care for underserved children and elderly populations. Powered by Smart Computer Vision technology, the startup’s platform and intraoral Grin Scopes® enable patients (or patients’ guardians) and Dental Professionals chairside to easily capture full-mouth video and images and share them with an offsite dentist or dental hygienist. Providers receive immersive views of the patient’s entire mouth, with clear, high-quality images that can help diagnose key intraoral conditions, all in minutes. ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Solution3.png "Solution3 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") The solution’s technology will also highlight key areas of concern related to the patients’ oral hygiene and gum health – creating an interactive experience for providers and patients to communicate about diagnoses and treatment options. Because people with gum disease are [2-3 times more likely](https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/gum-disease-and-heart-disease-the-common-thread) to experience a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular events, this innovation impacts long-term, overall health outcomes. Through its collaboration with Grin via SMILE Health, the dental provider identified a need for smaller intraoral Grin Scopes® for children. The startup successfully created the scopes, which were used to facilitate local Head Start programs. These programs run nationally and have reached an estimated [37 million](https://nhsa.org/happy-birthday-head-start/) low-income children and families enrolled in Medicaid. Following SMILE Health, Grin received [additional funding](https://carequestinnovation.com/carequest-innovation-partners-announces-investment-in-grin-a-smile-health-alumnus/) through CareQuest Innovation Partners’ [ACCELERATE](https://carequestinnovation.com/carequest-innovation-partners-and-matter-announce-accelerate-an-exclusive-funding-opportunity-for-smile-alumni-to-accelerate-impact/) program to continue to scale their solution. ACCELERATE, which launched in 2024, is an exclusive non-dilutive funding opportunity that helps SMILE Health graduates advance their impact. CareQuest Innovation Partners also invested in Grin in October 2024, making them part of a [portfolio of companies](https://carequestinnovation.com/impact-investing/) aligned with our mission to improve overall health through oral health – for all. “Grin continues to lead the industry through its demonstrated impact in closing oral health access gaps,” said Denise Marks, EVP & Chief Financial Officer at CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. “This investment will further support solutions that reduce economic barriers and increase convenience and expanded access to enable whole-person health care. We are excited to support Grin in its next phase of growth and expansion aimed at streamlining care access for all.”  SMILE Health opened the door to market opportunities we always knew would be a great fit for our technology but hadn’t yet proven. Our industry partner provided insights to help us focus our strategy and care for chronically underserved patient populations. We are now able to operationalize this new market focus, deepen our relationships with industry partners, and quickly advance our business priorities.” Dr. Adam Schulhof, CEO and Founder of Grin ![boy patient profile-tate](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-26-144933.png "Screenshot 2026-03-26 144933 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ## The Results By partnering with a mission-aligned startup, the dental provider was able to significantly increase teledentistry utilization for children, families, and elderly and overall access to care in its rural community. Leveraging the innovative startup’s solution, the dental provider continues to strengthen and scale its leading teledentistry platform, which has been used for more than 20 years. Additionally, through the SMILE Health accelerator program, Grin helped the provider achieve significant results, including: ## 8 minutes on average were saved per patient examination ## 5x faster speeds to obtain clinical images compared with existing solution ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Grin-Scope-with-mobile-device-scaled.png "Grin-Scope-with-mobile-device – CareQuest Innovation Partners")  We can’t expect the population to come to care; we have to bring care to the population . . . I’ve been doing this for 40 years, and this is the first time that I’ve actually felt hope that we are going to make an impact.” A dental hygienist and senior faculty member impacted by the solution ## About SMILE Health SMILE Health is the program where transformational solutions to improve oral health take center stage. We support innovators who challenge norms and are ready to advance solutions that improve accessibility, equity, and propel the integration between oral health and overall health. [Visit SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/) ## About Grin Grin is a comprehensive digital platform that provides solutions for all oral health needs. The Grin App and Grin Scope® allow doctors to access a full patient management suite. Patients can access quality professional care from the convenience of their smart devices. Doctors can remotely monitor patients via virtual check-ins for complete visibility—reducing chair time, increasing patient volume, and ensuring safety and beautiful smile results. To learn more about Grin, you can visit us at [www.get-grin.com](https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.get-grin.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cdedwards%40carequest.org%7Cdb4834c7234e47516fd308dc6563f4a8%7C70b8dad5c5e84be1af67ccc78aa80bba%7C0%7C0%7C638496728812275045%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Ikh7LAWDBmro4%2Bo8pOmkeCry%2FS5s1DEWDDtwzcMPLbk%3D&reserved=0) ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Grin1.png "Grin1 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") Together we can empower innovation that helps the world SMILE. [Learn more](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/) **Categories:** Case Study --- ### [Slice of Healthcare Podcast: Integrating Dental and General Health: A Conversation with CareQuest Leaders](https://carequestinnovation.com/news/carequest-innovation-partners-discuss-modern-dental-on-slice-of-healthcare-podcast/) **Published:** April 25, 2024 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** Denise Marks, EVP & CFO at CareQuest Institute for Oral Health and Katie D’Amico, VP of Growth & Innovation at CareQuest Innovation Partners, were recent guests on the Slice of Healthcare podcast. They discussed the urgent need for modernizing dental education and integrating dental care with general health systems, and shared how CareQuest Innovation Partners invests in startups like Mouthwatch and Enable Dental, which are set to transform patient care. **[Listen to the podcast now.](https://sliceofhealthcare.com/2-8211-integrating-dental-and-general-health-a-conversation-with-carequest-leaders/)** **Categories:** News --- ### [How Innovation is Bridging the Medical-Dental Divide](https://carequestinnovation.com/insights/how-innovation-is-bridging-the-medical-dental-divide/) **Published:** May 7, 2024 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** CareQuest Innovation Partners recently led a two-part conversation with industry-leading experts who discussed connecting chronic care with oral health and how we can reduce health disparities through oral health. Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, CEO of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, introduced the SMILE Health program and kicked off the two panels: Connecting Chronic Care with Oral Health, featuring leaders from Cigna Healthcare and Henry Schein Inc., and Reducing Disparities Through Oral Health, featuring leaders from DentaQuest, a Sun Life Company, and Colgate-Palmolive. [**Watch the discussion**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCs3eX_qrws&t=1s) **Categories:** Insights --- ### [How SMILE Health is Accelerating Oral Health Accessibility, Equity, and Medical-Dental Integration](https://carequestinnovation.com/insights/how-smile-health-is-accelerating-oral-health-accessibility-equity-and-medical-dental-integration/) **Published:** May 8, 2024 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** **By Katie D’Amico, VP of Growth & Innovation at CareQuest Innovation Partners** The science is clear: Oral health has a significant impact on overall health. Multi-disciplinary experts continue to publish on the strong link between oral health and life-altering conditions like heart disease and diabetes. And yet, the way we access, deliver, and pay for oral health care is largely separate from the rest of the health care system. Far too many people do not get the care they need and experience worse overall health outcomes. So, what do we need to do differently to fix this “[wicked problem](https://www.carequest.org/resource-library/wicked-problem-oral-health-care-system) ”? We need innovation to bridge the gap between what we know — poor oral hygiene is the “root” of many costly health challenges — and what we do, which is often neglecting oral health within the broader healthcare landscape. Increased investment and support for innovative solutions that advance oral care access not only unlocks the potential to transform preventative care pathways, but also enables health systems to consider the “whole” health of a person. This is core to why CareQuest Innovation Partners launched the SMILE Health program: to accelerate solutions that transform health care, inclusive of oral health, to become more accessible, equitable, and integrated. As the SMILE Health program enters its third year, this mission continues to be the backbone of our program. ### Increasing Access to Care Improving access to care can take many forms — from bringing forward new treatments to rethinking how care is delivered. Making preventative care more accessible not only improves health outcomes but also dramatically reduces costs. Recent data shows that we spend more than [$3 billion annually](https://www.carequest.org/resource-library/recent-trends-hospital-emergency-department-visits-non-traumatic-dental-conditions) on emergency department visits for non-traumatic dental conditions — costs that could be avoided with more innovative ways to connect people with routine oral health care. Solutions like [Kare Mobile](https://karemobile.com/)’s same-day scheduling and [Biolectrics](https://www.biolectrics.com/) at-home periodontal disease treatment offer novel, low-cost ways to get people the care they need. Technologies like these hold the potential to significantly reduce the burden of disease and keep people out of emergency rooms. When it comes to care delivery, companies like [MouthWatch](https://www.mouthwatch.com/) and [Grin](https://www.get-grin.com/) are prime examples of how oral health innovation is helping to increase access to care through teledentistry, bringing care to patients vs. patients needing to be brought to care. Emerging technologies and solutions like these naturally face certain challenges around market and consumer adoption. The SMILE Health program helps startups with similar obstacles tackle them and advance their roadmaps through studies with industry partners. The findings also provide third-party validation that can help to de-risk investments for potential funders, while also enabling startups to identify new potential markets, customer segments, and applications of their solution. ### Creating a More Equitable Health System Everyone deserves access to quality health care, and as the for-profit subsidiary of the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, CareQuest Innovation Partners is deeply committed to elevating health care solutions that will impact those who have been historically left behind by our health care system. There is plenty of research that reveals the inequities that exist today, often correlated to income or race. [41%](https://rockhealth.com/insights/diversity-in-digital-health-2020-annual-report/) of Black health care startup founders said they bootstrapped their company, while less than 25% of white and Asian founders said the same. It is critical to foster inclusivity across the startup community to effectively address and meet the needs of an increasingly diverse patient population – research [shows](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30765101/) that diversity in health organizations significantly improves the care experience for patients. Therefore, engaging a deeper sense of representation among the SMILE Health program, and the larger healthcare system, is a top priority. ### Integrating Medical and Dental Care to Improve Outcomes Breaking down siloes in health care as a means to improve outcomes isn’t a new concept, but one that takes time and coordination across many stakeholders to make happen. Given the significant systemic health linkages to oral health, the potential impacts of closing the medical and dental divide are massive from an economic and public health perspective. Advancing novel solutions to enable a more integrated health care system is key to SMILE Health’s mission. For example, wearable diagnostics like Effective data sharing increases integration between medical and dental care and enhances patient well-being and empowerment. ### Elevating Emerging Players and Transforming Overall Health With reach and access to hundreds of innovative startups globally, the SMILE Health program opens doors for meaningful collaborations across health care to advance integrated health and de-risk investments in emerging innovation through validation studies and small pilots in real-world settings. SMILE Health empowers emerging startups and partners with the data, network, and resources to test and validate core areas of their businesses, while also helping build capital as an early-stage company. With a robust ecosystem of SMILE Health industry partners and investors, startups can accelerate true impact with a shared vision to improve health outcomes through a more accessible, equitable, integrated health care system. As CareQuest Innovation Partners considers applications for this year’s cohort, we are excited to bolster our community with innovators committed to making health care better for all. Join us! **Categories:** Insights --- ### [Reducing Health Disparities and Connecting Chronic Care: Industry Leaders Reveal How Startups Can Make an Impact](https://carequestinnovation.com/insights/reducing-health-disparities-and-connecting-chronic-care-industry-leaders-reveal-how-startups-can-make-an-impact/) **Published:** June 18, 2024 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** Our health care system falls short of meeting everyone’s needs. CareQuest Innovation Partners’ SMILE Health program wants to change that by bringing together a network of mission-aligned industry partners to identify, validate, and accelerate innovation across the industry. This year’s program is centered around three focus areas, the first being our core mission: to foster a more accessible, equitable system for all, which we covered in a [recent blog post](https://carequestinnovation.com/how-smile-health-is-accelerating-oral-health-accessibility-equity-and-medical-dental-integration/). To go deeper on our other areas of focus – connecting chronic conditions with oral health and reducing disparities through oral health – we spoke with industry partners from Henry Schein, Cigna Healthcare, DentaQuest and Colgate-Palmolive to understand how they are taking action to drive impact and what opportunities they see for innovators. Here’s what stood out from our conversation: ### Enhancing chronic condition management through oral-systemic care It’s projected that [170 million Americans](https://www.aha.org/system/files/content/00-10/071204_H4L_FocusonWellness.pdf) will live with at least one chronic condition by 2030. At the same time, we’re seeing mounting evidence that chronic conditions are linked to oral health – over [90%](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6755758/) of systemic diseases have oral health manifestations, including heart disease, maternal health, and diabetes. Improving access and adherence to preventive oral health interventions can improve overall health management and help prevent and mitigate the impact of chronic disease. To better address this, David Kochman, chief corporate affairs officer at Henry Schein, shared how the company is approaching the development of more deeply integrated care model in four key ways: 1. Driving regulation: Lobbying campaigns and partnering with various coalitions to create awareness around the need to advance regulatory and reimbursement models for oral health care. 2. Improving infrastructure: Investing in oral health solutions that expand point-of-care testing, ultimately reducing costs, and improving efficiencies and patient comprehension. 3. Advancing workflows: Leveraging integrated health care workflows to educate patients on their holistic health and providing practitioners across the medical and oral health continuum the same visibility into patient health records through health care record interoperability. 4. Changing clinician behavior: Industrializing the process for physicians and dentists to partner closely to get better care for their patients. On the payer side, Dr. Cary Sun, chief dental officer of Cigna Healthcare, points to improvements in health benefits as another way to reduce barriers to chronic condition care: - Reducing barriers to care: Cost is a major obstacle to oral health care for those managing chronic disease. Cigna created programs to remove certain cost barriers for these patients to help improve access and outcomes. - Integrating health data: Working with medical partners and pharmacies to identify members with chronic conditions and engaging them in programs to address chronic condition management. - Targeted engagement: Leveraging integrated health information to identify members who are not receiving regular dental care and reaching out to them to educate them on the importance of routine oral health care. As Dr. Sun and Kochman express, there’s much potential across the health care, entrepreneurial, and investment landscape when it comes to bridging the medical-dental divide to better treat chronic conditions. Here is what they say entrepreneurs and investors can do to address the market need at the intersection of oral health and chronic disease: 1. Empower the patient: Taking a patient perspective enables innovators to better understand patient attitudes and behaviors – ultimately creating new personalized care models. 2. Leverage AI: Embracing the ability to compare patient data against large data pools will give us more information so we can make more informed decisions. 3. Invest in home health care: Connecting home health habits – like how often someone brushes their teeth – back to the individual care team allows them to track adherence post-dental or medical appointments, and maps back to insights that empower the patient to take control of their health. 4. Break down silos: Integrating care across the health care continuum will ensure dentists, providers, patients, and insurers are considered as solutions are created. 5. Considering health care barriers: Hurdles to care, from clinical issues to social determinants of health, impact the way solutions are developed and delivered. ### Fueling patient action through education to address health disparities Across the health care system, gaps in care access and oral health awareness have led to high costs for patients and providers alike. Not only does this worsen disparities in underserved populations, but it also weakens other critical areas of a person’s health. For example, in maternal health, care inequities have posed major barriers to improving outcomes on a national scale. When it comes to oral health, poor oral hygiene has proven to exacerbate underlying medical conditions like [heart disease](https://www.heart.org/en/news/2018/11/07/bad-tooth-brushing-habits-tied-to-higher-heart-risk) – the leading cause of pregnancy complications in the United States. Lessening complications through access to oral health interventions like regular dental cleanings can make all the difference, especially among people of color – [fewer than half](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9722532/) of pregnant women nationally have their teeth cleaned, and Black women are 14% less likely to get their teeth cleaned than white women. Kamila Chytil, chief operating officer at DentaQuest, pointed to how critical collaboration with providers is to address this problem. According to a [BMC ](https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-023-05654-x#:~:text=Women%20who%20were%20informed%20about,those%20who%20were%20never%20informed.)[Pregnancy and Childbirth study](https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-023-05654-x#:~:text=Women%20who%20were%20informed%20about,those%20who%20were%20never%20informed.), pregnant women whose medical provider promotes oral health are twice as likely to report having had a dental visit. Strengthening this collaboration can take many forms, including: - Working with managed care organizations and other health plans to expand reach. - Bringing mobile dental services to high-volume medical days or clinics. - Providing education on oral health competencies for primary care providers (PCPs) including prevention, assessment and risk factor identification. - Formalizing dental care referral processes with referral forms and regular referral treatment forms, including providing mock prescription pads that encourage providers to make referrals to patients for dental care. Formal programs can also help to reduce these disparities. DentaQuest’s [Smiling Stork Program](https://www.dentaquest.com/en/news-and-resources/oral-health-tips/general-oral-health/how-gum-disease-can-hurt-your-pregnancy) works with physicians, dentists, and community organizations to provide pregnant individuals with education about dental benefits, screenings for gum disease, and setting babies up for good oral health. Chytil noted, “We found implementing that program with members in Colorado led to a 24% increase in dental utilization among our pregnant members. So there’s a lot of opportunity here to get better.” For Colgate-Palmolive – whose products are in 60% of homes – health advocacy and increasing oral health literacy is key to addressing health disparities. The company’s [Know Your ](https://www.colgatepalmolive.com/en-us/who-we-are/stories/know-your-oq)[OQ ](https://www.colgatepalmolive.com/en-us/who-we-are/stories/know-your-oq)online tool helps inform people about their oral health, the risks they face, and preventative measures they can take to improve their health. Looking at the results of the program, Dr. Maria Ryan, EVP and chief clinical officer at Colgate-Palmolive said, “We found in populations that take the quiz, it changes their knowledge, attitudes, and practices…It helps, and it makes them advocate for better health.” Both Dr. Ryan and Chytil suggest the following for innovators looking to collaborate with industry partners: 1. Focus on data-driven solutions: Startups are often equipped to bring such solutions to market at an accelerated rate. 2. Emphasize convenient care technology: Solutions, like oral health applications and telehealth, are top-of-mind to help optimize communication and enable people to participate in their care. As CareQuest Innovation Partners’ SMILE Health program looks to accelerate oral health solutions that bring mission-aligned innovation to market faster, startups are uniquely positioned to drive impact, especially for underserved populations and those with chronic conditions. Shaping innovation to advance patient empowerment, make oral care more convenient, and streamline connections between clinicians, payers, and patients will be essential for startups to transform the care ecosystem and improve health outcomes across the globe. Interested in hearing CareQuest Innovation Partners’ discussion on how innovation is bridging the gap between oral and overall health? Watch the recording [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCs3eX_qrws) and learn more about the 2024 [SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/) accelerator program today. **Categories:** Insights --- ### [SMILE Health 2024: CareQuest Innovation Partners and MATTER Announce Largest Cohort of Startups to Date for Oral Health Accelerator Program](https://carequestinnovation.com/press-release/smile-health-2024-carequest-innovation-partners-and-matter-announce-largest-cohort-of-startups-to-date-for-oral-health-accelerator-program/) **Published:** June 21, 2024 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** ## Meet the Top Innovators Poised to Accelerate Medical-Dental Integration and Spark Innovation Alongside Industry and Investor Partners BOSTON, MA and CHICAGO, IL (June 21, 2024) – [CareQuest Innovation Partners](https://carequestinnovation.com/), a company focused on validating and scaling transformative solutions to improve overall health through oral health for all, in partnership with [MATTER](https://matter.health/), the premier health care incubator and innovation hub, today announced their selection of emerging startups to participate in the third year of the [SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/) program. The oral health care crisis in the US is exacerbated by a historic lack of investment in the industry. Oral diseases lead to [$710 billion](https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-economic-rationale-for-a-global-commitment-to-invest-in-oral-health/) in treatment costs and productivity losses worldwide each year. Yet, in the US, dental startups poised to address these challenges raised less than $200 million in funding in 2023, compared to the nearly $17 billion raised by US health care startups in the same year according to a Crunchbase analysis. Through SMILE Health, CareQuest Innovation Partners is activating a growing ecosystem of partners to accelerate investment and innovation, advance health equity, and propel solutions that integrate dental and medical health care. Six startups were selected from an impressive group of applicants from 11 countries and 27 US states, with more than 50 percent of founders representing ethnic or racial minority groups. Spanning a range of technologies that address the program’s key focus areas, selected startup solutions deepen connections between oral health and the broader health care system – from novel, preventive therapies to telehealth and integrated health services meeting consumers where they are, including at home, in clinics, and online. Selected companies are DentKits, DifferentKind, Oraliva, ThriveLink, Umayana, and Yumlish. “We are thrilled with the high caliber of startups participating in this year’s SMILE Health program, furthering the momentum towards integrated health,” said Katie D’Amico, vice president of growth & innovation at CareQuest Innovation Partners. “As our largest and most diverse cohort in the history of SMILE Health, this year’s innovative startups, together with our industry-leading partners, are redefining how we care for the whole person, inclusive of their oral health, and igniting the health innovation ecosystem to drive better health outcomes for all.” Throughout the 12-week program, startups will be matched with mission-aligned industry partners, including Cigna Healthcare; Colgate-Palmolive Company; DentaQuest, part of Sun Life U.S.; and Henry Schein, [among others](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/#our-industry-partners), to validate their solutions in line with specific program tracks, as previously [announced](https://carequestinnovation.com/carequest-innovation-partners-and-matter-open-applications-for-smile-health-seeking-innovators-bridging-the-medical-dental-divide/). The selected startups receive a stipend, access to multi-disciplinary experts across health care, dedicated mentors, curated curriculum, and key business insights. No equity is required from the startups. The program culminates on October 22, 2024 with a demo day at the HLTH conference in Las Vegas. SMILE Health startups will pitch their solutions on the Startup Stage to an assortment of health care leaders, including potential investors, partners, and clients. Following the program’s completion, startups from the cohort will have access to resources from both MATTER and CareQuest Innovation Partners, including the opportunity to apply for CareQuest Innovation Partners’ [ACCELERATE ](https://carequestinnovation.com/carequest-innovation-partners-and-matter-announce-accelerate-an-exclusive-funding-opportunity-for-smile-alumni-to-accelerate-impact/)program, which provides incremental funding to further collaboration with partners on industry-advancing projects. “SMILE Health creates unique opportunities for startups to accelerate their development and for large, institutional players to explore and test emerging solutions,” said Steven Collens, CEO of MATTER. “We appreciate the opportunity to work with CareQuest Innovation Partners and this cohort of outstanding entrepreneurs to help shape a brighter, more connected health care future.” Learn more about the 2024 cohort: **DentKits | Las Vegas, NV** [DentKits](https://dentkits.com/) provides at-home dentures utilizing digital denture and teledental technologies. DentKits is improving access to dental care for underserved and vulnerable populations by offering dentist-prescribed dentures that are both convenient and affordable. **DifferentKind | Buena Vista, CO** [DifferentKind](https://www.differentkind.com/) is an experience management leader in oral health, producing data and insights from patients and teams that drive improved outcomes for patients, practices, and payers. **Oraliva | Durham, NC** [Oraliva](https://www.oraliva.com/) provides non-invasive, clinically validated, AI-assisted diagnostics for screening oral lesions. This innovative solution delivers highly accurate diagnostic information to dental and medical providers. **ThriveLink | St. Louis, MO** [ThriveLink](https://www.mythrivelink.com/) deploys AI telephonic enrollment agents to help families verbally enroll in social and health programs including health insurance, food stamps, utility assistance, and more. The solution does not require the internet, a smartphone, or the ability to read. **Umayana | Istanbul, Turkey** Umayana is a biotech company with a range of products, [Murnia](https://murnia.com/), which prevent and treat severe cancer and acute wounds with its patented molecular compound and formulations. Umayana helps cancer patients suffering from wounds like oral mucositis. **Yumlish | Dallas, TX** [Yumlish](https://yumlish.com/) provides tech-enabled, culturally affirming health education programs for Medicaid enrollees, starting in Spanish-speaking populations. Through YumVivo!, Yumlish will provide access to reliable oral health education in these communities. **About CareQuest Innovation Partners** CareQuest Innovation Partners® validates and scales transformative solutions to improve overall health through oral health. Together, with our ecosystem of leading industry partners, startups, and investors we make health care more accessible, equitable, and integrated. Joined by the shared mission to improve the oral health of all, CareQuest Innovation Partners is the for-profit subsidiary of CareQuest Institute. To learn more, visit [carequestinnovation.com](http://www.carequestinnovation.com/) and follow us on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/CareQuestInno) and [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/carequest-innovation-partners/). **About MATTER** MATTER, the premier healthcare incubator and innovation hub, includes more than 1,000 current and alumni startups from around the world, working together with dozens of hospitals and health systems, universities and industry-leading companies to build the future of healthcare. Together, the MATTER community is accelerating innovation, advancing care and improving lives. For more information, visit [matter.health](http://matter.health/) and follow @MATTERhealth. **Direct Media Inquiries to:** Sara Ward **Categories:** Press Release --- ### [Healthcare Business Today: Why Now Is The Time For Digital Health Investors To Advance Whole-Person Care](https://carequestinnovation.com/news/healthcare-business-today-why-now-is-the-time-for-digital-health-investors-to-advance-whole-person-care/) **Published:** August 29, 2024 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** “As the next generation of founders leans into innovation that unifies medical care, it is the prime time for digital health investors to embrace oral health as integral to overall health.” CareQuest Institute for Oral Health’s CFO and EVP, Denise Marks and Lee Shapiro, Managing Partner of 7wireVentures, recently teamed up to write about why the time is now for digital health investors to look toward medical and oral health integration. [Read the full article in Healthcare Business Today](https://www.healthcarebusinesstoday.com/digital-health-investors-advance-whole-person-care/) **Categories:** News --- ### [Authority Magazine: Startup Revolution: Katie D’Amico of CareQuest Innovation Partners On How Their Emerging Company is Changing the Game](https://carequestinnovation.com/news/authority-magazine-startup-revolution-katie-damico-of-carequest-innovation-partners-on-how-their-emerging-company-is-changing-the-game/) **Published:** September 3, 2024 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** CareQuest Innovation Partners VP of Growth & Innovation, Katie D’Amico, recently participated in a Q&A interview with Dina Aletras, where she shared lessons learned from working with the top oral health startups advancing medical-dental integration across the health care ecosystem. As a leader of this year’s SMILE Health accelerator program – the largest SMILE Health cohort of startups to date – Katie discusses how oral health is key to making our health care system more inclusive, driving real change for patients, providers, innovators, insurers, and investors alike. [Read Katie’s full interview in Authority Magazine](https://medium.com/authority-magazine/startup-revolution-katie-damico-of-carequest-innovation-partners-on-how-their-emerging-company-6ad138b81982) **Categories:** News --- ### [MedCity News: Our Next Generations’ Health Depends on the Oral Health of Moms](https://carequestinnovation.com/news/medcity-news-our-next-generations-health-depends-on-the-oral-health-of-moms/) **Published:** September 12, 2024 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** Did you know that a mom’s oral health can significantly impact the health of future generations? Our VP of Growth and Innovation Kate D’Amico and our industry partner Carolyn Brown shared their insights with MedCity News to highlight the critical connection between maternal oral health and overall health outcomes. Learn more about the importance of investing in dental care and education to improve the health of moms and babies [Read the full op-ed on MedCity News](https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedcitynews.com%2F2024%2F09%2Four-next-generations-health-depends-on-the-oral-health-of-moms%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cdedwards%40carequest.org%7C9ee30e0e94154b7c178408dcd40348c9%7C70b8dad5c5e84be1af67ccc78aa80bba%7C0%7C0%7C638618357804558672%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=7M3hlgEIxHmY2oq9l38W%2F0DYRfumf92lek3gIH9jixU%3D&reserved=0) **Categories:** News --- ### [Brushing Up On Oral Health: The Case for Expanded Oral Health Innovation and Investment](https://carequestinnovation.com/insights/brushing-up-on-oral-health-the-case-for-expanded-oral-health-innovation-and-investment/) **Published:** September 23, 2024 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** CareQuest Innovation Vice President of Growth and Innovation Katie D’Amico, collaborated with Rock Health Advisory to explore the connection between oral and general health, the evolving landscape of dental innovation, and opportunities for entry. [Read the full piece at Rock Health](https://rockhealth.com/insights/brushing-up-on-oral-health-the-case-for-expanded-oral-health-innovation-and-investment/). **Categories:** Insights --- ### [Oral Health Pavilion Set for Center Stage at HLTH 2024](https://carequestinnovation.com/press-release/oral-health-pavilion-set-for-center-stage-at-hlth-2024/) **Published:** September 24, 2024 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** ## CareQuest Innovation Partners, Colgate-Palmolive Company, Henry Schein, and PDS Health Partner to Spotlight Oral Health’s Connection to Overall Health at the Leading Health Industry Event LAS VEGAS, NV (September 24, 2024) – Showcasing the growing importance of the connection between oral health and overall health, four industry-leading companies are premiering a first-of-its-kind [Oral Health Pavilion](https://www.hlth.com/2024event/oral-health-pavilion) at HLTH 2024. [CareQuest Innovation Partners](https://carequestinnovation.com/), [Colgate-Palmolive Company](https://www.colgatepalmolive.com/en-us), [Henry Schein](https://www.henryschein.com/), and [PDS Health](http://pdshealth.com/) are partnering to create an experience that spotlights innovation in clinical practice and the importance of preventive self-care. HLTH attendees will experience the dental practice of the future that includes critical components of medical-dental integration, illustrating how medical and dental professionals can collaborate to improve patient care. “Introducing the first Oral Health Pavilion at HLTH is a significant step toward integrating dental and medical care, which can enhance both health equity and patient outcomes,” said Denise Marks, chief financial officer and executive vice president at CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. “Addressing the gap in oral health innovation presents a crucial opportunity for health innovators to develop comprehensive solutions, making them more attractive to investors. We can drive meaningful progress in the health care industry by recognizing the proven link between oral health and overall health.” Research increasingly highlights the [benefits of integrated care](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7561551/), showing that it can help reduce costs and improve patient outcomes. Ensuring oral health is part of that care is critical, as [90% of all systemic diseases have oral manifestations.](https://www.ifm.org/news-insights/cardio-mouth-physical-exam-cardiac-health/) The Oral Health Pavilion will take attendees through various stages of a patient’s oral health journey, which can include minimally invasive treatment options and simple at-home solutions. Health care professionals from multiple specialties can discover new ways to integrate oral health into general health care practices, improving overall patient wellness and care efficiency. Leaders from all organizations are looking forward to showcasing unique solutions that drive medical-dental integration and show the connection between oral health and overall health: - “At Colgate-Palmolive, we are committed to our purpose as a caring, innovative growth company that is reimagining a healthier future for all,” said Dr. Maria E. Ryan, executive vice president and chief clinical officer, Colgate-Palmolive. “And with the Colgate brand in more homes than any other, we continue to inform consumers through educational programs about the importance of oral health to overall health and well-being. Improvements in oral health literacy can change knowledge, attitudes and oral health practices. We are thrilled to be part of HLTH’s first-ever Oral Health Pavilion, along with our partners, to lead the way in advancing oral health education, self-care, medical-dental integration and innovation.” - “Henry Schein has long believed that integrated care models focusing on prevention and wellness are essential to improving population health, making care more accessible, and reducing health care expenses,” said Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman and CEO of Henry Schein. “To advance this vision, our existing oral health workforce is fully capable of performing regular screenings within the existing standard hygiene workflow — including blood pressure monitoring, basic point of care diagnostics, and vaccinations — and then helping patients to coordinate care with other members of the primary health care community. By reimagining the patient services offered during a dental visit, we can relieve access barriers and create a more efficient health care system.” - “Integrating dental and medical care is essential to improving patient outcomes and reducing overall health care costs,” said Stephen E. Thorne IV, founder and CEO of PDS Health. “Too many people still lack access to essential dental services, despite the proven link between oral health and overall health. By bringing dentistry to the forefront of the health care conversation, we not only recognize oral health care providers as key members of the primary care team but also emphasize the importance of early detection of systemic diseases through regular dental visits. This approach helps break down barriers to access and makes comprehensive, integrated care a reality for everyone.” CareQuest Innovation Partners will also showcase innovative startups that participated in its [SMILE Health accelerator](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/), including [the 2024 cohort:](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240621863717/en/) [DentKits](https://dentkits.com/), [DifferentKind](https://www.differentkind.com/), [OraLiva](https://www.oraliva.com/), [ThriveLink](https://www.mythrivelink.com/), [Umayana](https://murnia.com/), and [Yumlish](https://yumlish.com/). Each company will provide an inside look at its innovation — from novel oral wound healing therapies and salivary diagnostics to AI-enabled bots for health service enrollment and at-home dentures — during a “Demo Day” event on Tuesday, October 22 at 1:30 p.m. on the startup stage. Representatives from the Oral Health Pavilion will also speak on industry panels, including: - **Say Ahh! Panel, Monday, October 21, 10:40**–**11:20 a.m., Bold Stage:** Moderated by Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, senior advisor of the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, industry partners Stephen Thorne, founder and CEO of PDS Health, and Dr. Maria E. Ryan, EVP and chief clinical officer of Colgate-Palmolive will join Sarah Chavarria, chief executive officer and president of Delta Dental of California to discuss the importance of a holistic approach to health care that includes oral health as a fundamental component. - **Here, There, Primary Care, Monday, October 21, 2:20**–**3:00 p.m., Rocket Stage:** David Kochman, chief corporate affairs officer for Henry Schein, will join Colleen Lindholz, president, Kroger Health, Misha Palecek, chief transformation officer, DaVita, and Kameron Leigh Matthews, chief health officer at Cityblock Health to discuss current primary care concerns and potential solutions including AI, expanded roles for PAs and nurse practitioners, and integrated and innovative care models. - **Systemic Care for Health Equity, October 22, 4:45-5:10 p.m., Main Stage:** David Kochman, chief corporate affairs officer for Henry Schein, will moderate a discussion with renowned musician and activist Lenny Kravitz, and health care innovator Dr. Jonathan Levine on systemic care, emphasizing the critical connection between oral and overall health. This conversation will explore how providing comprehensive care to underserved communities can profoundly impact people’s lives and advance health equity, creating meaningful change in the health care landscape and beyond. Live demonstrations of the solutions that enhance the oral-medical integration will be held throughout HLTH in the [Oral Health Pavilion](https://www.hlth.com/2024event/oral-health-pavilion). **About CareQuest Innovation Partners** CareQuest Innovation Partners® validates and scales transformative solutions to improve overall health through oral health. Together, with our ecosystem of leading industry partners, startups, and investors we make health care more accessible, equitable, and integrated. Joined by the shared mission to improve the oral health of all, CareQuest Innovation Partners is the for-profit subsidiary of CareQuest Institute. To learn more, visit [carequestinnovation.com](https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.carequestinnovation.com&esheet=54084770&newsitemid=20240621863717&lan=en-US&anchor=carequestinnovation.com&index=14&md5=3b70a36103b47e35eb710543c337216b) and follow us on [Twitter](http://x.com/CareQuestInno) and [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/carequest-innovation-partners/posts/?feedView=all). **About Colgate-Palmolive Company** Colgate-Palmolive Company is a caring, innovative growth company that is reimagining a healthier future for all people, their pets and our planet. Focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition, we sell our products in more than 200 countries and territories under brands such as Colgate, Palmolive, elmex, hello, meridol, Sorriso, Tom’s of Maine, EltaMD, Filorga, Irish Spring, Lady Speed Stick, PCA SKIN, Protex, Sanex, Softsoap, Speed Stick, Ajax, Axion, Fabuloso, Murphy, Soupline and Suavitel, as well as Hill’s Science Diet and Hill’s Prescription Diet. We are recognized for our leadership and innovation in promoting sustainability and community wellbeing, including our achievements in decreasing plastic waste and promoting recyclability, saving water, conserving natural resources and improving children’s oral health through the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program, which has reached approximately 1.7 billion children and their families since 1991. For more information about Colgate’s global business and how we are building a future to smile about, visit [www.colgatepalmolive.com](http://www.colgatepalmolive.com/). **About Henry Schein, Inc.** Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) is a solutions company for health care professionals powered by a network of people and technology. With more than 25,000 [Team Schein Members ](https://investor.henryschein.com/news-releases/news-release-details/henry-schein-participates-fdi-world-dental-congress-2024#:~:text=more%20than%2025%2C000-,Team%20Schein%20Members,-worldwide%2C%20the%20Company%27s)worldwide, the Company’s network of trusted advisors provides more than 1 million customers globally with more than 300 valued solutions that help improve operational success and clinical outcomes. Our Business, Clinical, Technology, and Supply Chain solutions help office-based [dental](https://investor.henryschein.com/news-releases/news-release-details/henry-schein-participates-fdi-world-dental-congress-2024#:~:text=help%20office%2Dbased-,dental,-and%20medical%20practitioners) and [medical](https://investor.henryschein.com/news-releases/news-release-details/henry-schein-participates-fdi-world-dental-congress-2024#:~:text=based%20dental%20and-,medical,-practitioners%20work%20more) practitioners work more efficiently so they can provide quality care more effectively. These solutions also support [dental laboratories](https://investor.henryschein.com/news-releases/news-release-details/henry-schein-participates-fdi-world-dental-congress-2024#:~:text=solutions%20also%20support-,dental%20laboratories,-%2C%20government%20and), [government and institutional health care clinics](https://investor.henryschein.com/news-releases/news-release-details/henry-schein-participates-fdi-world-dental-congress-2024#:~:text=government%20and%20institutional%20health%20care%20clinics), as well as other alternate care sites. Henry Schein operates through a centralized and automated distribution network, with a selection of more than 300,000 branded products and Henry Schein corporate brand products in our distribution centers. A FORTUNE 500 Company and a member of the S&P 500® index, Henry Schein is headquartered in Melville, N.Y., and has operations or affiliates in 33 countries and territories. The Company’s sales reached $12.3 billion in 2023, and have grown at a compound annual rate of approximately 11.5 percent since Henry Schein became a public company in 1995. For more information, visit Henry Schein at [www.henryschein.com](http://www.henryschein.com/), [Facebook.com/HenrySchein](http://facebook.com/HenrySchein), [Instagram.com/HenrySchein](http://instagram.com/HenrySchein), and [@HenrySchein on X](https://x.com/henryschein). **About PDS Health** PDS Health™ continues the journey started by Pacific Dental Services® in 1994, with a vision to redefine health care through the integration of dental and medical services. Its approach, centered on the connection between oral health and overall health, aims to create healthier, happier patients and set new benchmarks in the healthcare industry. As a leading provider of integrated healthcare support, the company delivers a broad spectrum of services to dental, dental specialties, and medical providers, enhancing operations and care delivery for clinicians across the U.S. For more information about PDS Health and its vision, visit [pdshealth.com](http://pdshealth.com/). **Media Contact:** Sara Ward **Categories:** Press Release --- ### [New PitchBook Report: Oral Health Sees Resilient VC Financing Levels Amid Sectoral Innovation](https://carequestinnovation.com/insights/new-pitchbook-report-oral-health-sees-resilient-vc-financing-levels-amid-sectoral-innovation/) **Published:** October 15, 2024 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** In the general health care landscape, oral health is often unaddressed, despite growing evidence that oral health is linked to many other health conditions. However, a small but growing flow of VC to back oral health startups has exhibited resilience even throughout recent marketing conditions CareQuest Innovation Partners drew on PitchBook datasets for this inaugural report on global oral health market trends, exploring topics and finding such as: • Key subsegments of oral health such as cosmetics and orthodontics/orthopedics • The role of corporates in the oral health industry • How over half of all 2024 YTD deal flow was in rounds sized $5 million+ **[Read full report](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Carequest-Oral-Health-Report.pdf).** [![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Report2.png "Report2 – CareQuest Innovation Partners")](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Carequest-Oral-Health-Report.pdf) **Categories:** Insights --- ### [SMILE Health Reveal Day Unveils Innovations Advancing Medical-Dental Integration](https://carequestinnovation.com/insights/smile-health-reveal-day-unveils-innovations-advancing-medical-dental-integration/) **Published:** October 18, 2024 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** Six oral health startups gathered in Chicago at [MATTER](https://matter.health/) for the annual SMILE Health Reveal Day to showcase their solutions to industry partners, investors, and experts. Their mission? To improve overall health through oral health for all. “Reveal Day is more than just a presentation; it’s a culmination of months of collaboration, mentorship, and growth,” said Faisal Chaudhry, manager of innovation solutions & services at CareQuest Innovation Partners. “It’s an opportunity for them to spotlight their work on validation studies with industry partners during SMILE and connect with other influential industry leaders and investors.” The six startups are graduates of CareQuest Innovation Partners’ [2024 SMILE Health cohort](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health-2024-carequest-innovation-partners-and-matter-announce-largest-cohort-of-startups-to-date-for-oral-health-accelerator-program/). SMILE Health, currently in its third year, is a 12-week semi-virtual program that connects diverse innovators with a network of mission-aligned industry partners who help advance their solutions and road maps, in partnership with MATTER. As part of the 2024 program, startups receive a $10,000 stipend, take part in data-driven validation studies, receive mentorship, and participate in curriculum and networking. Now those startups are gearing up for [Demo Day at HLTH 2024](http://www.hlth.com/2024event/oral-health-pavilion), the preeminent health care conference that brings together innovators and thinkers to explore the latest trends, technologies, and solutions. Demo Day enables each startup to present their solutions to health care leaders and more potential investors, partners, and clients. From oral wound healing therapies and salivary diagnostics to AI-enabled bots for health service enrollment and at-home dentures, you won’t want to miss Demo Day on the Startup Stage at 1:30 p.m. PDT on October 22, 2024. Also, at HLTH, CareQuest Innovation Partners, in partnership with [Colgate-Palmolive Company](https://www.colgatepalmolive.com/en-us), [Henry Schein,](https://www.henryschein.com/) and [PDS Health](https://www.smilegeneration.com/pdshealth/), will debut a first-of-its-kind [Oral Health Pavilion](https://www.hlth.com/2024event/oral-health-pavilion). The Oral Health Pavilion will highlight clinical practice innovation and the importance of preventive self-care. The SMILE startups will offer live demonstrations of their solutions that enhance medical-dental integration. “We’re thrilled to be taking our SMILE Health accelerator to HLTH,” said Julia Green, director of innovation programs & services at CareQuest Innovation Partners. “This premier health care conference provides an unparalleled platform for our startups to showcase their innovative solutions to a global audience of industry leaders, connectors, and influencers.” ## Get to Know This Year’s Startups Startups unveiled their refined solutions after completing the 12-week program, hoping to advance their solutions to close gaps in medical-dental integrated care. Read on to get to know this year’s startups. #### [**![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Untitled-3.jpg "– CareQuest Innovation Partners")DentKits**](https://dentkits.com/) **| Las Vegas, NV:** [DentKits](https://dentkits.com/) provides at-home dentures utilizing digital dentures and teledental technologies. By offering dentist-prescribed dentures that are both convenient and affordable, DentKits is improving access to dental care for underserved and vulnerable populations. “One of the most impactful parts of SMILE Health for us was the mentor that we collaborated with in the program. His knowledge was instrumental in guiding our plans for scale. Overall, the entire team has been extremely excited about innovation that improves access to care for those who need it — and that’s exactly what we learned about.” *– Kevin Early, CEO of DentKits* #### [**![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DK-Matt-Allen.jpg "– CareQuest Innovation Partners")DifferentKind**](https://www.differentkind.com/) **| Buena Vista, CO:** [DifferentKind ](https://www.differentkind.com/)is a dental experience and outcomes measurement platform to produce data that drives improved outcomes for patients, practices, and payers. “SMILE Health has been the most meaningful accelerator that we’ve ever participated in, in terms of go-to-market activities, strategy, and execution. We’ve participated in a lot of programs that have taught us how to run a startup, but every startup is measured by how successful they are in their go-to-market. SMILE Health has been incredibly helpful in that regard, especially as it relates to the matching that they do with the industry partners.” – *Matthew Allen, DDS, co-founder and CEO of DifferentKind* #### [**![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/OL-JS.jpg "– CareQuest Innovation Partners")OraLiva**](https://www.oraliva.com/) **| Durham, NC:** [OraLiva ](https://www.oraliva.com/)provides a non-invasive, clinically validated, AI-powered diagnostic for screening oral lesions. This innovative solution delivers highly accurate diagnostic information to dental and medical providers and will launch in the market with their first commercial customer in early 2025. “SMILE Health has helped us refine our pricing structure for our initial product release. By evaluating tens of thousands of billing codes, both in medical and dental, we have been able to quantify the reduction of systemic medical costs our test can provide and to create a win-win scenario for patients, payers, and OraLiva. However, the most significant and impactful part of our participation in the SMILE Health program was the development of an unbelievable network. This particular accelerator created warm introductions to impactful leaders and KOLs across the industry that would have otherwise taken us years to form.” – *John McDevitt, PhD, Scientific Founder and Chief Scientist at OraLiva* #### [**![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ThriveLink-KL.jpg "– CareQuest Innovation Partners")ThriveLink**](https://www.mythrivelink.com/) **| St. Louis, MO:** [ThriveLink ](https://www.mythrivelink.com/)is dedicated to simplifying essential health program enrollment. ThriveLink AI telephonic enrollment agents help families verbally enroll in social and health programs, including Medicaid, food stamps, utility assistance, and more. The solution does not require the internet, a smartphone, or the ability to read, and removes key barriers to access for maximum patient impact. “The SMILE Health validation studies with our three industry partners helped us plan next year’s growth model. Now that we understand dental operations and how they engage members and patients inside clinics, we can do that successfully in dental spaces — the same way that we’ve done in medical spaces.” – Kwamane Liddell, JD, MHA, BSN, founder and CEO of ThriveLink #### **[![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Umayana-HD.jpg "– CareQuest Innovation Partners")](https://murnia.com/)**[**Umayana**](https://murnia.com/) **| Istanbul, Turkey:** [Umayana ](https://murnia.com/)is a biotech company with a range of products, [Murnia](https://murnia.com/), which prevent and treat severe cancer and acute wounds, including oral mucositis, through its patented molecular compound and formulations. “SMILE Health was fantastic for us, especially through its validation studies. With help and expertise from our industry partner, we now understand how much our solution is needed in the marketplace to help patients, confirming a 96% purchase interest on our products.” – *Hülya Dagöttüren, PhD, researcher, biochemist, and co-founder of Umayana* #### [**![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Yumlish-SA.jpg "– CareQuest Innovation Partners")Yumlish**](https://yumlish.com/) **| Dallas, TX:** [Yumlish](https://yumlish.com/) provides tech-enabled, culturally affirming prevention programs, like diabetes prevention, to Medicaid and Medicare members. Through its collaboration with SMILE Health, Yumlish aims to equip providers, like dentists and hygienists, with evidence-based nutrition education, fostering improved oral and overall health outcomes. “Through the SMILE Health validation studies, we were able to understand all the different ways in which we can provide preventive health solutions to individuals. We now understand other avenues and opportunities in which we can provide oral health and nutrition information in a way that is accessible and reaches low-income communities.” *– Shireen Abdullah, MBA, PMP, founder and CEO of Yumlish* ## Photos from SMILE Health Reveal Day ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/RD1.jpg "– CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/RD4.jpg "– CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/RD3.jpg "– CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/RD2.jpg "– CareQuest Innovation Partners") **Categories:** Insights --- ### [CareQuest Demo Day Convenes Innovators Committed to Making Health Care More Effective, Accessible, and Connected](https://carequestinnovation.com/news/carequest-demo-day-convenes-innovators-committed-to-making-health-care-more-effective-accessible-and-connected/) **Published:** August 12, 2026 **Author:** Darren Edwards **Content:** News CareQuest Demo Day Convenes Innovators Committed to Making Health Care More Effective, Accessible, and Connected August 12, 2026 This year’s Demo Day celebrated 5 years of impact with CareQuest Innovation Partners, our largest-ever SMILE Health cohort, exciting ACCELERATE projects, and expert-led panel discussions on the industry’s hottest topics. Industry partners, investors, and startup companies packed the room to hear from innovators challenging the status quo, bringing change to areas of oral health and health care that will fundamentally change our system for the better. Across all of the solutions, three themes emerged: ![Two men in blue suits present on a stage, standing behind a wooden MATTER podium with a large screen behind them.](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Drul-Pitch.png "Drul Pitch – CareQuest Innovation Partners") **Making care more effective****:** Helping providers and care teams make better decisions, act earlier, and deliver higher quality treatment options. Companies like [Drul](https://www.justdrul.com/), [Hibiscus Health](https://hibiscushealth.com/), [Inoculus Ventures](https://www.inoculusventures.com/), and [Rheyo](https://www.rheyo.com/) shared how they can improve early diagnosis of caries, gum disease, and cardiometabolic diseases, and improve at home and in office treatment. **Making care more accessible****:** Meeting people where they are and ensuring everyone has access to the care they need, including IDD patients, parents, and children. [Firstgrin](https://yourfirstgrin.com/), [Empallo](https://www.empallo.com/), [Unique Minds](https://uniqueminds.com/), and [Virtual Dental Care](https://virtualdentalcare.com/) shared how oral health can be brought into medical workflows, and how digital health and targeted outreach can expand how and where care is delivered. ![Woman presenting at a MATTER podium with microphone, gesturing with her left hand as a slide with data appears to the right; CareQuest branding in the background.](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Firstgrin-Pitch.png "Firstgrin Pitch – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![Three panelists seated in yellow chairs on a stage with CareQuest logos behind them; the center woman speaks into a handheld microphone while a man to her left holds another mic and a man to her right listens.](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Interop-Panel.png "Interop Panel – CareQuest Innovation Partners") **Making care more connected****:** Helping the many parts of the care journey work better together for all. [Overjet](https://www.overjet.com/), [TechNovaTime](https://technovatime.com/), [Toothlens](https://toothlens.com/), [Intelibly](https://intelibly.com/), and [Bitewing](https://bitewing.ai/) discussed how their solutions help patients find provider and coverage options, how to deliver actionable information to providers, and how technology and AI can support a better patient experience. For first time ever Demo Day included project updates from ACCELERATE projects, including Firstgrin, Overjet, and Virtual Dental Care. [Read more about Firstgrin’s ACCELERATE success](https://carequestinnovation.com/accelerate/). Leaders from PDS Health, Henry Schein, Overjet, HTD Health, 7Wire Ventures, UI Health Mile Square Health Center, Kno2, and Capitol Dental Care joined panels spanning all three themes, including scalable medical-dental integration, interoperability, and key areas of market investment momentum. ## **Industry Leaders and Startups Celebrate Growth, New Opportunities** Here’s what some of the innovators in our ecosystem had to say. ![Audience in a conference room raising red circular signs while a panel speaks at the front with multiple screens displaying slides.](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Demo-Day-1.png "Demo Day 1 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") “Watching the evolution of SMILE Health over the last five years has been amazing. I was there at the beginning, and to look at the growth of the community today, it’s very impressive.” – Lee Shapiro, Managing Partner, 7Wire Ventures “As someone who didn't come from the dental space, SMILE Health was incredible. I have gained so much knowledge, and made valuable connections that could literally transform how our company operates over the next one to two years. There is no way that we could have done that without the CareQuest team and their support.” – Elad Ziklik, Co-Founder and CEO, Unique Minds ![Audience at a conference, many people seated and raising hands to ask questions or participate.](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Audience-2.png "Audience 2 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![Diverse conference audience seated in rows, listening attentively with lanyards and smiles.](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Audience-1.png "Audience 1 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") “We're excited to work with CareQuest Innovation Partners through ACCELERATE because it lets us launch OASIS — the Oregon AI Scoring Initiative for Smiles — deploying a peer-reviewed, AI-derived oral health score in a DSO that serves adults on Medicaid, helping providers and patients better understand their oral health and empowering patients to become proactive, engaged participants in their oral healthcare.” – Dr. Natalia Chalmers, Chief Dental Officer and Head of Clinical Innovation at Overjet “This whole experience has been amazing from start to finish. The pitch prep from the CareQuest team was great, I made valuable connections at Demo Day, and there were a lot of relevant learnings.” – Claire Beskin, CEO and Founder, Empallo ![Female presenter on a stage with a MATTER podium, speaking, against a CareQuest Innovation Partners backdrop.](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Empallo-1b.png "Empallo 1b – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ## **Apply to ACCELERATE, Stay Tuned on SMILE Health 2027** Want to be part of our ecosystem? We’re accepting applications for ACCELERATE year-round. [Learn more and apply](https://carequestinnovation.com/accelerate/). [Stay connected](https://carequestinnovation.com/connect/) with us for information on SMILE Health 2027. **Categories:** News --- ### [SMILE Health Cohort Celebrates a Successful 2025](https://carequestinnovation.com/insights/smile-health-cohort-celebrates-a-successful-2025-2/) **Published:** December 4, 2025 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** The fourth year of SMILE Health was the accelerator’s biggest year yet. Over the course of four months, the eight startups in the [2025 SMILE Health cohort](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/cohorts/) worked closely with their mission-aligned industry partners, investors, and the CareQuest Innovation Partners team to advance solutions that strengthen equity, access, and the connection between oral and overall health. This year’s solutions included innovations in pediatric dentistry, AI and virtual health, patient engagement, and more. ### **Reveal Day Highlights Networking, Collaboration that Drives Impact** SMILE Health culminated with Reveal Day and HLTH. [Read more](https://carequestinnovation.com/hlth-2025-medical-dental-integration-takes-center-stage/) about SMILE Health at HLTH, where startups joined the Oral Health Pavilion alongside CareQuest Innovation Partners, Henry Schein and PDS Health. Hosted by MATTER in Chicago, Reveal Day allowed the cohort to showcase their solutions to industry partners, investors, and experts from 30+ industry leading organizations. Pitches highlighted SMILE’s emphasis on collaboration, showcasing 19 validation studies completed across the eight startups and 13 industry partners. Findings include: - Children are receiving their first dental visit at around 25 months, one year later than recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, highlighting opportunity for [**First Grin**](https://yourfirstgrin.com/), which provides pediatric oral care kits and targeted, evidence-based education to help prevent oral disease starting in pregnancy and infancy. - [**Social Cascade**](https://www.socialcascade.co/) drove a 600% increase in reach and engagement on social media for a practice serving a highly remote, mostly Medicaid patient population. Social Cascade leverages AI to develop targeted content calendars, helping providers deliver educational messaging to promote better oral health between visits. - 80% of providers agreed that providing patients with their own EDR data empowers them to take ownership of their own health, and 93% of providers expected interoperability between medical and dental data to become a patient expectation. These findings highlight opportunity for [**Toothapps**](https://www.toothapps.com/), which advances health data access, interoperability, and real-time patient engagement across the medical and dental care continuum. “Reveal Day is a powerful reminder of what happens when industry leaders, innovators, and our partners unite around a shared purpose,” said Faisal Chaudhry, Senior Manager, Innovation Programs and Services at CareQuest Innovation Partners. “In four short years, our ecosystem has grown because of the incredible contributions of partners and founders who turn bold ideas into real-world impact. Together, we’re driving positive change for innovators, patients, and underserved communities.” “CareQuest has introduced us to new startups that allow us to reach more people, giving us an opportunity to understand what the needs are across communities and how we can address them with the programs we put together,” said Eric Kirchner, Senior Advisor, Dental Business Intelligence and Integration, Cigna Healthcare. “SMILE Health aligns perfectly with our mission: putting patients at the center of care, and disrupting outdated systems that hold health care back,” said Bryan Laskin, DDS, co-founder and chief executive officer of Toothapps. “This community of innovators pushes boundaries to solve systemic challenges with bold, meaningful solutions.” Several SMILE Health startups will continue to collaborate with industry partners on longer-term initiatives via the [ACCELERATE program](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/accelerate/), which enables collaboration between innovators and industry partners to de-risk new solutions, identify shared value, and move efficiently from pilot to scaled commercial partnerships. We’re excited for what’s next in 2026! **Categories:** Insights --- ### [Longevity, Access, and AI: Forecasting 2026 Oral Health Innovation](https://carequestinnovation.com/insights/longevity-access-and-ai-forecasting-2026-oral-health-innovation/) **Published:** January 22, 2026 **Author:** Darren Edwards **Content:** *By Katie D’Amico, Vice President of Innovation, CareQuest Innovation Partners* The beginning of a new year offers a moment to reflect, refocus, and look ahead. For our work at CareQuest Innovation Partners, that means continuing our mission to make oral health care more accessible, equitable, and integrated — while sharpening our focus on where innovation and impact can most meaningfully advance. As highlighted in our[ Oral Health Innovation & Market Map report](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Oral-Health-Innovation-Market-Map-Report.pdf), oral health sits at the intersection of systemic health, clinical innovation, and a growing consumer wellness market. It represents a distinctive opportunity: one that combines the durability of medical necessity with increasing demand for prevention, personalization, and whole-person care. At the same time, persistent access challenges — including Medicaid cuts, limited Medicare dental coverage, and state-level debates over fluoridation — continue to reshape how and where care is delivered and who ultimately has access to it. Based on what we’re seeing across startups, employers, payers, DSOs, and health systems, here are **five trends likely to shape oral health innovation in 2026**. ### 1. Prevention and longevity will increasingly include oral health Healthy aging and prevention continue to gain attention across health care and consumer wellness. Up to [60% of consumers](https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/future-of-wellness-trends) rank healthy aging as a top or very important priority, and the global longevity market is projected to reach [$8 trillion by 2030](https://www.aspeninstitute.org/blog-posts/a-short-guide-to-the-longevity-economy/), reflecting growing willingness to invest in long-term health and quality of life. At the same time, the preventive role of oral health remains underrecognized despite strong evidence linking oral and systemic health. Oral health is one of the earliest and most accessible touchpoints for identifying metabolic, cardiovascular, and inflammatory risk — often before individuals present in traditional medical settings. For example, people with diabetes are [86% more likely](https://carequest.org/about/medical-dental-integration/) to have gum disease, and people with gum disease have [two to three times the risk](https://carequest.org/about/medical-dental-integration/) of having a heart attack, stroke, or severe cardiovascular event. In 2026, we expect prevention and longevity strategies to more consistently include oral health — not as an add-on but as a practical, scalable component of whole-person care. ### 2. Access-first care models will reshape how oral health care is accessed and delivered Access challenges, workforce constraints, Medicaid rollbacks, and rising consumer expectations are reshaping how people enter and move through the health system. In response, access-first care models — spanning dental, medical, virtual, employer, and other nontraditional settings — are becoming increasingly important to care delivery. For many individuals, the dental hygiene visit remains one of the most consistent access points to care (e.g., [27M Americans](https://carequest.org/about/medical-dental-integration/) see a dentist but not a physician each year). Increasingly, dental visits support earlier identification of risk through integrated screenings such as A1C, blood pressure, and salivary indicators, without adding new clinical touchpoints. Oral health is also increasingly accessed through medical settings, with primary care, pediatric, and prenatal visits incorporating oral health risk assessments, fluoride varnish, and referral pathways, particularly for children and Medicaid populations. At the same time, access constraints are accelerating demand for virtual triage, teledentistry, and hybrid care models, especially as emergency departments (EDs) continue to see high volumes of preventable dental visits. These models help route patients to the appropriate level of care, reduce avoidable ED utilization, and enable faster resolution, including same-day care when appropriate. Hygiene-forward and subscription approaches are emerging as entry points into care, while of employers now offer on-site or near-site health centers, signaling growing comfort with alternative access points. Rather than creating new systems, leading approaches focus on meeting people where they already are and improving how care is coordinated. In 2026, access-first models are expected to play a central role in improving access, efficiency, and equity across health care. ### 3. Women’s health will continue to surface oral health gaps — and opportunities Women’s health remains an active area of innovation and investment, particularly across pregnancy, maternal health, and menopause. Yet oral health has historically been under-integrated into these care pathways, despite growing evidence linking it to outcomes such as preterm birth, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune conditions. As employers and payers expand women’s health offerings, we expect increased attention to oral-systemic connections — especially where inflammation, cardiometabolic risk, and access disparities intersect. This creates an opportunity to design more holistic, prevention-oriented models that better reflect how care is experienced across a woman’s life and support longer, healthier lives. In 2026, oral health is likely to play a more visible — though still evolving — role within women’s health benefit design and population health initiatives. ### 4. AI and interoperability will support more practical medical-dental integration Interest in medical-dental integration is not new, but progress has been constrained by disconnected systems, inconsistent data standards, and limited incentives for care coordination across settings. Advances in AI-enabled automation are beginning to change that — supporting documentation, claims processing, referrals, and real-time data exchange in ways that fit more naturally into clinical operations. A clear “foundations-first” approach is emerging. Leaders are prioritizing integration into national interoperability frameworks, standardized data flows, and secure, bidirectional exchange between medical and dental settings. These capabilities increasingly support quality reporting, incentive alignment, and participation in national health information networks — moving integration from theory into practice. These foundations are essential to building provider trust and enabling adoption. When information moves reliably and securely, AI can be applied where it adds the most value — reducing administrative burden, improving coordination, and supporting better clinical decision-making. In 2026, interoperability and AI are expected to play a growing role in making medical-dental integration less experimental and more operational — focused on tools and infrastructure that providers trust and can realistically adopt at scale. ### 5. Investment will increasingly favor oral health solutions that enable broader system goals As capital remains disciplined, investors and strategic partners are prioritizing fewer, more scalable platforms with clear paths to integration, measurable outcomes, and operational efficiency. This reflects a maturing market, where oral health is viewed less as a stand-alone specialty and more as enabling infrastructure for whole-person care. The stakes are significant: an estimated [1.8 million emergency department visits](https://carequest.org/recent-trends-in-hospital-emergency-department-visits-for-non-traumatic-dental-conditions/) each year are for preventable dental conditions, costing roughly $3.4 billion and often delivering only temporary relief. The next wave of investment is expected to focus on solutions that integrate oral health into medical and public health systems, expand access in nontraditional and community-based settings, and demonstrate measurable, scalable impact. Increasingly, capital is flowing toward technologies that enable medical-dental data interoperability, support scalable access models, and reduce operational burden while aligning mission impact with long-term sustainability. ### Looking ahead As prevention, integration, and access increasingly define health care’s future, oral health is well positioned to play a more central role in what comes next. Continued progress will depend on collaboration across technology, care delivery, policy, and investment — and on translating innovation into practical, scalable solutions. To learn more — and to engage in shaping what comes next — [connect](https://carequestinnovation.com/connect/) with us at CareQuest Innovation. **Categories:** Insights --- ### [CareQuest Innovation Partners and Kno2 Launch National Initiative to Integrate Dental into Health Information Exchange Infrastructure](https://carequestinnovation.com/press-release/carequest-innovation-partners-and-kno2-launch-national-initiative-to-integrate-dental-into-health-information-exchange-infrastructure/) **Published:** March 24, 2026 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** ## The New Partnership Will Advance Critical Medical–Dental Integration to Improve Patient Outcomes Across Healthcare System BOSTON, MA (March 24, 2026) — [CareQuest Innovation Partners](https://carequestinnovation.com/), a company that funds, scales, and convenes transformative solutions to improve overall health through oral health, and [Kno2](https://kno2.com/), the nation’s leading full-stack healthcare communication infrastructure and a federally designated Qualified Health Information Network (QHIN), today announced a strategic partnership to integrate dental care into the nation’s core health information exchange infrastructure. For most patients, a visit to the dentist feels routine, but the information leading up to that visit may not be. Patients on blood thinners may face elevated bleeding risk. A patient recovering from cancer treatment may have immune complications that impact oral health outcomes. A patient with uncontrolled diabetes may struggle to manage periodontal disease. When that information does not follow them into the dental chair, providers are forced to make decisions without the full clinical story. That gap can translate into complications, emergency visits, or missed warning signs of systemic disease—particularly for seniors, medical complex, and underserved populations. Despite growing recognition of the connection between oral and systemic health, dental care remains largely disconnected from national interoperability frameworks. According to research conducted by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health—the nonprofit affiliate of CareQuest Innovation Partners— medical providers are nearly [twice as likely](https://carequest.org/medical-and-dental-integration-a-need-for-improved-electronic-health-records/) as dental providers to identify medications prescribed by other organizations using their EHR systems. This gap limits care coordination slows medical-dental integration (MDI) and disproportionately impacts the very patients most likely to experience fragmented care. Through this partnership, CareQuest Innovation Partners serves as a national catalyst for integrating dental into the broader healthcare system by providing critical capital, connections, and advisory expertise scaling health innovations. Leveraging Kno2’s nationwide network and significant experience in connecting historically overlooked markets such as post-acute, vision, behavioral health, and more, the initiative will create a scalable pathway for dental organizations to participate in secure, bidirectional data exchange alongside medical providers, payers, and health systems. This includes medical to dental and dental to medical referrals, clinical information at the point of care and availability of dental records for the consumer. When clinical information can move seamlessly between a physician’s office and a dental practice, providers gain a more complete understanding of the patient in front of them. That visibility supports improved safety and quality, reduces administrative waste, encourages medical-dental innovation, and strengthens health equity. “For years, the industry has talked about connecting oral and overall health, but the infrastructure hasn’t existed. As a result, dental has remained largely disconnected from health information exchange networks that power coordinated care,” said Katie D’Amico, Vice President of Growth & Innovation at CareQuest Innovation Partners. “Together with Kno2 and partners across EDRs and care delivery, we are embedding medical–dental communication into clinical workflows and connecting providers to national health information exchange infrastructure, setting the foundation for scalable, integrated care and innovation. At a time when the need is clear and market momentum is building, we are not just talking about interoperability, we are helping make it happen.” Two leading electronic dental record (EDR) platforms, serving approximately 20 percent of the dental market, have committed as flagship partners in the initiative. Together, the organizations aim to accelerate integration timelines to production go-live within six months and achieve adoption among 25 percent of participating EDR provider users in the first year. Other organizations across the healthcare ecosystem are invited to join in accelerating the critical connectivity needed to unlock integrated, whole-person care at scale. Long-term, the goal is to: - Integrate dental fully into national health information exchange infrastructure - Enable connectivity for dentists nationwide - Expand secure information exchange to the millions of patients they serve - Establish scalable, permanent participation for oral health within the broader healthcare ecosystem “When providers lack access to critical health information, patients feel the impact. As federal interoperability compliance requirements intensify, healthcare costs continue to escalate, and policymakers increase scrutiny on system waste and accountability, the time to bring dental fully into the connected ecosystem of healthcare is now,” said Therasa Bell, Founder and President of Kno2. “By aligning with CareQuest Innovation Partners, we are creating an affordable, direct and scalable pathway for dental to participate fully in the same connected ecosystem as the rest of healthcare.” Together, CareQuest Innovation Partners and Kno2 are building the infrastructure to ensure dental is no longer on the sidelines of interoperability but fully participating in the connected future of healthcare. **About Kno2** Kno2 is leading the future of healthcare communication by providing the nation’s largest comprehensive full-stack communication network including as a federally designated Qualified Health Information Network (QHIN) and pledged to the CMS Aligned Networks. Kno2 enables secure, effortless exchange of patient information across providers, payers, patients, and technology vendors, processing billions of transactions annually. To learn more, visit [kno2.com](https://kno2.com/). **About CareQuest Innovation Partners** CareQuest Innovation Partners® funds, scales, and convenes transformative solutions to improve overall health through oral health. Together, with our ecosystem of leading industry partners, startups, and investors, we make health care more accessible, equitable, and integrated. CareQuest Innovation Partners is the for-profit subsidiary of CareQuest Institute, and they are joined by the shared mission to improve the oral health of all. To learn more, visit [carequestinnovation.com](https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarequestinnovation.com&esheet=54227349&newsitemid=20250324608497&lan=en-US&anchor=carequestinnovation.com&index=10&md5=354f938a51409d19de35533d76ddf354) and follow us on LinkedIn. **Media Contact** Sara Ward **Categories:** Press Release --- ### [CareQuest Innovation Partners and MATTER Open Applications for SMILE Health and ACCELERATE to Improve Oral and Integrated Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/press-release/carequest-innovation-partners-and-matter-open-applications-for-smile-health-and-accelerate-to-improve-oral-and-integrated-health/) **Published:** April 1, 2026 **Author:** Emily Leland **Content:** ## Programs advance medical-dental integration and health care innovation amid rising demand for access, interoperability, and outcomes-driven health solutions April 1, 2026 (BOSTON and CHICAGO) — As the health care ecosystem accelerates its shift toward whole-person care, [CareQuest Innovation Partners](https://carequestinnovation.com/)®, in collaboration with [MATTER](https://matter.health/), is advancing [SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/) and [ACCELERATE](https://carequestinnovation.com/accelerate/) to scale solutions that improve oral and overall health. Applications are now open for both programs. CareQuest Innovation Partners stands at the forefront of oral and integrated health innovation, empowering the industry to adopt and scale both internal and startup-driven solutions. By connecting startups and proven technologies with well-established organizations and industry partners, CareQuest Innovation Partners lowers barriers to implementation, reduces uncertainty for transformative solutions, and accelerates the path from innovation to impact. Now entering its fifth year, the SMILE Health accelerator supports startups advancing innovation across dental and medical care. Interested startups can submit applications through May 13, 2026. Selected startups receive pitch support, mentorship, and curated connections to industry leaders. Industry partners include Abova, Altus Dental Insurance Company, American Dental Association, Apple Tree Dental, Cigna Healthcare, Colgate-Palmolive, Delta Dental of Massachusetts, Delta Dental of Washington, Dental Network of America, Glidewell, Heartland Dental, Henry Schein, National Network for Oral Health Access, PDS Health, Solventum, and Young Innovations. Investor partners participants include 7wire Ventures, Aphelion Capitol, BOLD Capital Partners, Dental Innovation Alliance, Equitage Ventures, Revere Partners, Seae Ventures, SpringRock Ventures, and Waterline Ventures. ACCELERATE advances established, in-market innovation through real-world initiatives with startups and industry leaders. The program provides up to $100,000 in nondilutive funding, advisory expertise, and analytics support to drive measurable health outcomes, demonstrate business value, and position companies for sustainable growth and market expansion. Applications for ACCELERATE projects are accepted year-round and must include both a startup and industry partner committed to meaningfully implementing a 6- to 12-month initiative. For the first time in 2026, ACCELERATE is open to any startup with mission alignment and proven market traction. These opportunities come at a critical moment. Oral health remains one of the most underfunded and disconnected sectors of care, despite clear evidence linking poor oral health to serious systemic conditions. For example, people with gum disease have a [28% higher risk](https://carequest.org/mouths-matter-more-than-you-may-know/) of suffering their first heart attack than those without the disease. Links between oral health and chronic disease management, maternal health, and overall health outcomes have intensified the need for scalable, integrated solutions. SMILE Health and ACCELERATE prioritize innovation that address oral-systemic connections affecting high-risk populations, enable care integration, meaningfully use AI to strengthen care delivery, and expand access to care including through nontraditional settings. Together, these programs are translating innovation into measurable improvements in access, care integration, and health outcomes — for all. “At CareQuest Innovation Partners, we turn innovation into real-world impact,” said Katie D’Amico, Vice President of Growth & Innovation. “We bring together startups, industry leaders, and investors to scale solutions that expand access, prevention, and medical-dental integration. Through established programs like SMILE Health and ACCELERATE, we have demonstrated that when the right partners come together with the right resources, innovation can drive lasting improvements for the people and communities who need it most.” Reflecting on the broader ecosystem impact, Steven Collens, CEO of MATTER, added: “It’s been a pleasure over the past five years to partner with CareQuest Innovation Partners to advance meaningful innovation that improves health and health care,” said Steven Collens, CEO of MATTER. “We’ve seen firsthand how this platform catalyzes progress across the health ecosystem — accelerating startup growth and infusing innovation within some of the largest organizations in the oral health space. Any organization operating in dental or medical should take a close look at this opportunity.” Join our upcoming virtual event, Building Better Care: The Future of Oral Health, Women’s Health, and Access, on April 30, 4:00–5:15 p.m. ET, to hear from industry leaders on the future of health care access, integration, and investment. [Register for the event](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/building-better-care-the-future-of-oral-health-womens-health-and-access-tickets-1985450082644). To learn more, visit the [SMILE Health web page](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/) and the [ACCELERATE web page](https://carequestinnovation.com/accelerate/). **About CareQuest Innovation Partners:** CareQuest Innovation Partners funds, scales, and convenes transformative solutions to improve overall health through oral health. Together, with our ecosystem of leading industry partners, startups, and investors, we make health care more accessible, equitable, and integrated. CareQuest Innovation Partners is the for-profit subsidiary of CareQuest Institute, and they are joined by the shared mission to improve the oral health of all. To learn more, visit the [CareQuest Innovation Partners web page](https://carequestinnovation.com/) and follow us on LinkedIn. **About MATTER:** MATTER, the premier health care incubator and innovation hub, includes more than 1,100 current and alumni startups from around the world, working together with dozens of hospitals and health systems, universities, and industry-leading companies to build the future of health care. Together, the MATTER community is accelerating innovation, advancing care, and improving lives. For more information, visit the [MATTER web page](https://matter.health/). Media Contact Sara Ward sward@carequest.org **Categories:** Press Release --- ### [MedCity News: From Cavities to Chronic Disease: Why Medicine and Dentistry Can’t Operate Separately](https://carequestinnovation.com/news/medcity-news-from-cavities-to-chronic-disease-why-medicine-and-dentistry-cant-operate-separately/) **Published:** April 2, 2026 **Author:** Emily Leland **Content:** Untreated dental problems are driving millions of Americans to emergency rooms each year, costing the country billions and worsening chronic health conditions. MedCity News talked to experts – including Katie D’Amico, vice president of growth and innovation at CareQuest Innovation Partners – who say bridging the historic divide between medical and dental care — through data connectivity, integrated health centers and AI-driven tools — could improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare spending. [Read the full article from MedCity News](https://medcitynews.com/2026/04/dental-healthcare-spending/). **Categories:** News --- ### [CareQuest Innovation Partners and PDS Health Collaborate to Scale Blood Pressure Screening in Dental Offices to Advance Integrated Care](https://carequestinnovation.com/press-release/carequest-innovation-partners-and-pds-health-collaborate-to-scale-blood-pressure-screening-in-dental-offices-to-advance-integrated-care/) **Published:** May 5, 2026 **Author:** Emily Leland **Content:** ## A six-month initiative improves early detection of hypertension in dental settings and increases awareness of the connection between oral health and cardiovascular health May 5, 2026 (BOSTON and HENDERSON, NV) — [CareQuest Innovation Partners](https://carequestinnovation.com/), a company that funds, scales, and convenes transformative solutions to improve overall health through oral health for all, and [PDS Health](https://www.pdshealth.com/)®, a leading integrated health care support organization, today announced an initiative to expand blood pressure screening and patient consultation in dental settings, an important step in advancing medical-dental integration and improving whole-person care. [Growing evidence shows](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12651253/) a strong link between periodontal (gum) disease and cardiovascular disease. Individuals with gum disease, for example, are [two to three times](https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/gum-disease-and-heart-disease-the-common-thread#:~:text=People%20with%20gum%20disease%20(also,gum%20disease%20develops%20heart%20problems) more likely to experience a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular event. Oral disease is also associated with increased risk of hypertension, and delaying dental care in early adulthood is tied to a [higher chance](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29173332/) of developing high blood pressure later in life. The health impacts aren’t just clinical. High blood pressure is one of the most expensive conditions in the US, with [annual costs around $219 billion](https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/priorities/high-blood-pressure.html). Gaps in oral health care, including missed opportunities for early detection, can contribute to the development and progression of chronic conditions, adding to the financial strain on individuals and the health care system. Despite these connections, oral health care is still often siloed from primary medical care. Through this partnership, CareQuest Innovation Partners and PDS Health are scaling a standardized workflow to deliver blood pressure screening as a routine part of dental care. Catching high blood pressure earlier can help patients avoid serious complications like heart disease and stroke. Dental visits represent a critical, often-overlooked opportunity to identify broader health risks. Notably, an [estimated 9% of people](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35696511/) in the US visit a dentist but not a physician each year, creating a key opening for oral health professionals to detect conditions like hypertension earlier and guide patients to follow-up care. “Addressing complex health challenges requires collaboration, and we are committed to bringing together partners across health care to bridge the medical-dental divide,” said Katie D’Amico, Vice President of Growth & Innovation at CareQuest Innovation Partners. “PDS Health brings the integrated experience patients need, with direct paths to scale. This partnership turns insight into action, leveraging combined medical and dental data to better understand where patients are falling through the cracks and activate sustainable solutions that improve and even save lives.” The collaboration will use integrated data and patient feedback to uncover the burden of undiagnosed hypertension. Findings will inform a scalable industry workflow and generate payer-facing insights to support sustainable medical-dental integration models and wider adoption across the health care system. “The future of health care is integrated, preventive, and patient-centered,” said Dan Burke, Chief Enterprise Strategy Officer at PDS Health. “This collaboration builds on our longstanding commitment to medical-dental integration and enables us to show how dental settings can play a meaningful role in identifying and managing chronic conditions like hypertension.” Building on prior collaborations between CareQuest Innovation Partners and PDS Health, including work through [SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/) and the [HLTH Oral Health Pavilion](https://hlth.com/events/usa/focus-area/oral-health/), this effort reflects a shared commitment to advancing whole-person care. The six-month collaboration reaching 10,000 patients launched in April 2026 across five PDS Health dental practices in three states: Dentists of Hialeah (Hialeah, FL), Walerga Dental Group (Antelope, CA), Goodyear Smiles Dentistry (Goodyear, AZ), Dentists of Doral (Doral, FL), and Elk Grove Dental Group (Elk Grove, CA). Following the initial phase, CareQuest Innovation Partners and PDS Health plan to expand across PDS Health’s nationwide network and make preventive health screenings in dental practices across the US an industry standard. To learn more, please visit . **About CareQuest Innovation Partners** CareQuest Innovation Partners® funds, scales, and convenes transformative solutions to improve overall health through oral health. Together, with our ecosystem of leading industry partners, startups, and investors, we make health care more accessible, equitable, and integrated. CareQuest Innovation Partners is the for-profit subsidiary of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, and they are joined by the mission to improve the oral health of all. To learn more, visit[ carequestinnovation.com](http://carequestinnovation.com) and follow us on X/Twitter and LinkedIn. **About PDS Health** PDS Health® continues the journey started by Pacific Dental Services® in 1994, with a vision to redefine health care through the integration of dental and medical services. Its approach, centered on the connection between oral health and overall health, aims to create healthier, happier patients and set new benchmarks in the health care industry. As a leading provider of integrated health care support, the company delivers a broad spectrum of services to dental, dental specialties, and medical providers, enhancing operations and care delivery for clinicians across the US. For more information about PDS Health and its vision, visit [pdshealth.com](http://pdshealth.com). MEDIA CONTACT Sara Ward, sward@carequest.org **Categories:** Press Release --- ### [Building Better Care: Oral Health Access, Investment, and Maternal Health Connection](https://carequestinnovation.com/insights/building-better-care-oral-health-access-investment-and-maternal-health-connection/) **Published:** May 26, 2026 **Author:** Emily Leland **Content:** If there was one change you could make to improve oral health access over the next 2-3 years, what would it be? That’s the question we asked during our Building Better Care event, which convened leaders around the future of oral health, women’s health, and access, and highlighted [ACCELERATE](https://carequestinnovation.com/accelerate/), our program designed to scale in-market innovation. The discussion made one thing clear: improving oral health outcomes will require coordinated investment, better integration with medical care, and scalable innovation. **Barriers to Oral Health Care in the U.S.** Despite growing attention, access to oral health care remains a significant challenge. Today, nearly [67%](https://carequest.org/new-report-rural-populations-have-worse-oral-health-care-access-utilization-and-outcomes-compared-to-urban-areas/) of Americans live in dental health professional shortage areas. Where coverage exists, access remains uneven: Medicaid guarantees dental benefits for children, but adult coverage varies by state, creating persistent barriers for many. “From where I sit, the biggest barriers are pretty basic but very real,” said Dr. Donna Bridge, a dentist on the board of directors at the [National Network for Oral Health Access](https://www.nnoha.org/). “People need coverage they can count on, a provider they can actually get in to see, and a system that works in the context of real life.” Addressing these gaps requires action across the ecosystem, and payers are already demonstrating what’s possible. With access to claims and eligibility data, they can uniquely identify and address gaps in care. [Aetna Better Health of Illinois](https://www.aetnabetterhealth.com/illinois-medicaid/index.html), for example, is addressing maternal oral health access with the [More for Moms](https://www.aetnabetterhealth.com/content/dam/aetna/medicaid/illinois/providers/pdf/Prenatal%20education%20flyer.pdf) initiative, which provides proactive education and offers digital oral health screenings for pregnant women. **The Maternal-Oral Health Connection: Patient Education and Awareness** Maternal health represents one of the most urgent and overlooked opportunities for impact. Between [60-75%](https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/hcp/conversation-tips/talking-to-pregnant-women-about-oral-health.html) of pregnant women experience gingivitis, yet just [45.9%](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9722532/) receive a dental cleaning during pregnancy. This can result in periodontal disease, which is associated with increased risks of preterm births, low birth weight, and even preeclampsia. In 2025, [HCSC](https://www.hcsc.com/) integrated dental care into its [Maternal and Infant Health initiative](https://www.hcsc.com/our-impact/maternal-infant-health), distributing oral health educational kits developed by SMILE Health alum [Firstgrin](https://yourfirstgrin.com/) at federally qualified health centers serving large obstetric patient populations. [Cigna Health](https://www.cigna.com/) is also leading in maternal oral health integration with its [Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies](https://static.cigna.com/assets/chcp/resourceLibrary/medicalResourcesList/medicalClinicalHealthandWellness/medicalClinicalHealthPregnanciesBabies.html) program, which also distributes oral health kits in partnership with Firstgrin. These examples highlight the growing momentum behind medical-dental integration, but scaling impact will require continued action. While investment in oral health startups has grown in recent years, the sector still needs stronger proof points to sustain momentum. By fostering partnerships between startups and established industry leaders, CareQuest helps bridge that gap. **Scaling Innovative Health Solutions with ACCELERATE** So how did industry leaders answer the question around one change to improve oral health access over the next 2-3 years? Answers included: 1. Establish private-public partnerships through DSOs, leveraging their network and cost structure to support access to care 2. Stronger investment in health centers and safety net dental programs 3. Continued evolution of non-traditional care delivery models 4. Investment in data and interoperability – if we don’t have access to the right information, we can’t act on it If you have your own solution to add to the list and are ready to move it forward, we want to work with you. Our [ACCELERATE](https://carequestinnovation.com/accelerate/) program advances established, in-market innovation through real-world initiatives with startups and industry leaders, providing up to $100,000 in nondilutive funds, advisory expertise, and analytics support to drive measurable health outcomes, demonstrate business value, and position companies for sustainable growth and market expansion. Applications for ACCELERATE projects must include both a startup and industry partner committed to meaningfully implementing a 6- to 12-month initiative. For the first time, ACCELERATE is open to any startup with mission alignment and proven market traction. [Learn more and apply](https://carequestinnovation.com/accelerate/). **Categories:** Insights --- ### [Longevity Is Having a Moment. But It’s Missing Oral Health.](https://carequestinnovation.com/insights/longevity-is-having-a-moment-but-its-missing-oral-health/) **Published:** June 4, 2026 **Author:** Emily Leland **Content:** *By Katie D’Amico, Vice President of Innovation, CareQuest Innovation Partners* The health and wellness industry is saturated with a focus on longevity. For [60%](https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/future-of-wellness-trends) of consumers, healthy aging is reported as a “top” or “very important” priority across markets, and the longevity market is expected to grow to $8 trillion by 2030. Longevity has become a multitrillion-dollar industry. Yet in the race to extend lifespan and optimize healthspan, one of the most evidence-backed and accessible levers for prevention remains largely absent from the conversation: oral health. There is no greater investment than the one we make in our own health and quality of life, but while exercise, nutrition, and supplements dominate the discussion, one crucial starting point for longevity remains overlooked: the health of our mouths. As the longevity conversation continues to expand, oral health must shift from the sidelines and become a key player in preventive care. Operating at the intersection of oral health investment and innovation, I am already seeing this movement take shape across startups, health systems, payers, and policymakers. Driving awareness and building momentum, however, will require greater recognition of the connection between oral and systemic health and the activation of medical-dental integration. **The First Line of Disease Detection Begins At The Mouth** The health care community is expanding its definition of longevity from lifespan to healthspan, meaning that quality, not just quantity, characterizes longevity. At the same time, people are increasingly seeking prevention-focused habits and routines that support longevity, which can be incorporated into their daily lives. Oral hygiene is easy to incorporate, as brushing and flossing are simple habits that help prevent periodontal disease. Working closely with innovative startups spearheading medical-dental integration and early diagnosis, I am witnessing growing recognition that the mouth is one of the earliest, most accessible points for detecting metabolic, cardiovascular, and inflammatory risks. However, it is not enough to just recognize that different disease states, chronic conditions, and body systems are connected. This acknowledgement must translate into action. Oral health is inseparable from systemic health. Chronic gum inflammation and disruptions in the oral microbiome influence numerous systems and organs, including immune pathways throughout the body. Periodontal disease has been linked to increased risk of [heart disease](https://carequest.org/about/medical-dental-integration/mdi-in-action/), the leading cause of death globally, and diabetes and periodontal disease share a well-documented [bidirectional relationship](https://carequest.org/about/medical-dental-integration/mdi-in-action/). Nearly half of U.S. adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease. The mouth is not merely an entry point to the body; it is an accessible indicator of systemic dysfunction. Ignoring oral health in longevity strategy means overlooking one of the clearest signals of chronic disease risk. The connection becomes even more significant when considering that diabetes, pregnancy-related complications, and broader women’s health conditions have historically contributed to rising health care costs and persistent inequities. Expanding access to oral health care can reduce disparities, improve quality of life, and in some cases, save lives. **Medical-Dental Integration As A Solution to Oral Health Accessibility** Dental settings are increasingly being used as frontline screening points for chronic conditions, long before symptoms surface in medical environments. We are already seeing this approach gain traction through our [collaboration with PDS Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/carequest-innovation-partners-and-pds-health-collaborate-to-scale-blood-pressure-screening-in-dental-offices-to-advance-integrated-care/) to expand blood pressure screening in dental offices. This progress toward medical-dental integration is essential to any serious longevity strategy. Yet, dentistry remains largely disconnected from national health information exchange infrastructure. Without bidirectional data sharing between medical and dental providers, early detection cannot consistently translate into coordinated intervention. At CareQuest Innovation Partners, we are working to help close this gap. Through our recent [partnership with Kno2](https://carequestinnovation.com/carequest-innovation-partners-and-kno2-launch-national-initiative-to-integrate-dental-into-health-information-exchange-infrastructure/), we are advancing efforts to integrate dental care into the broader health information exchange infrastructure to support coordinated, whole-person care. Longevity requires infrastructure, not just awareness. However, today’s affordability and coverage gaps, including uneven Medicaid dental benefits and Medicare’s [limited dental coverage](https://carequest.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/medicare-oral-health-fact-sheet_FINAL.pdf), continue to curb access for millions of people, especially those managing chronic conditions. These challenges are compounded as some states reconsider [community water fluoridation policies](https://carequest.org/2026-community-water-fluoridation-policy-state-legislative-activity/) or [ban fluoride](https://www.statnews.com/2025/03/28/utah-first-state-ban-fluoride-public-drinking-water/) altogether, threatening one of the most proven and cost-effective preventive interventions in public health. When population-level prevention erodes, inequities widen – and longevity becomes less attainable for those already at risk. If oral health is foundational to healthspan, then unequal access to dental care becomes more than an inconvenience; it becomes a structural barrier to longevity itself. Removing these barriers will be critical for longevity to be equitable, not exclusive. Integrated dental-medical models offer a path forward. They allow payers, employers, and states to move dollars upstream, shifting investment from late-stage treatment to coordinated preventive intervention that reduces long-term cost and complexity while targeting high-risk populations. Expanding meaningful dental inclusion under Medicaid and strengthening Medicare’s evolving dental benefit will be critical components of this shift. At the same time, growing demand for convenience and consumer-friendly care is reshaping how individuals engage in preventive routines – from at-home diagnostics to connected hygiene tools. This shift creates an opportunity to embed oral-systemic prevention into everyday life. Activation, however, requires sustained investment in innovative tools and interoperable infrastructure designed to merge historically siloed areas of care and reach underserved communities. As the World Health Organization calls for in its [Global Strategy on Oral Health and Oral Health Action Plan 2023-2030](https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_The_Economic_Rationale_for_a_Global_Commitment_to_Invest_in_Oral_Health_2024.pdf), activation will also require integrating oral health into primary health care settings, adopting innovative models responsive to oral health needs, and adopting a public health approach, among others. **Longevity’s Success Starts With Prevention at The Oral and Systemic Health Level** Ignoring oral health’s impact on our overall health undermines the building blocks of longevity. True longevity cannot be built on a fragmented foundation. As oral health moves from a peripheral consideration to a core pillar of the longevity conversation, it will require increased investment, implementation of medical-dental technologies, interoperable infrastructure, and sustained expansion of coverage under Medicare and Medicaid. These integrations will reshape how we identify risk, intervene earlier, and redefine what healthy aging looks like – making longevity not a luxury for the well-resourced, but a shared public health achievement. Healthspan begins in the mouth. To learn more, [connect](https://carequestinnovation.com/connect/) with us at CareQuest Innovation. **Categories:** Insights --- ### [Firstgrin and DentaQuest Advance Pediatric Oral Health in Underserved Community](https://carequestinnovation.com/case-study/firstgrin/) **Published:** June 16, 2026 **Author:** Darren Edwards **Content:** Case Study: Firstgrin # Firstgrin and DentaQuest Advance Pediatric Oral Health in Underserved Community ## ACCELERATE pilot engages Medicaid population in pediatric preventive care, closing medical-dental gaps and delivering a 3.5x increase in early dental visits Dental caries are the most common childhood chronic disease in the United States. By age 8, more than half of US children have been affected by dental caries in their primary teeth ([source: CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/school-health-conditions/chronic/oral-health.html)). And while caries are largely preventable, lack of education, access, and coverage remain obstacles to kids and parents receiving needed information and care. [Firstgrin](https://yourfirstgrin.com/) is on a mission to overcome these obstacles and promote lifelong oral health, starting in pregnancy and infancy. Through introductory oral health kits, a companion educational app, and personalized support, Firstgrin meets families where they are to help make oral health simple and engaging. ![Baby in a stroller reaching for a light blue box labeled 'Baby Dental Care Kit' held by a caregiver side.](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/FirstGrinBaby.png "FirstGrinBaby – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ## CareQuest Innovation Partners Drives Strategic Connections, Market Insights In 2025 Firstgrin joined [SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/), CareQuest Innovation Partners' accelerator for emerging startups driving innovation in oral and overall health. Using a nationally representative claims data set, CareQuest and Firstgrin found that 75% of US children miss their recommended age-one dental visit, putting them at an early disadvantage when it comes to oral health.  The first recommended dental visit is often missed due to a disconnect between medical and dental care and inconsistent messaging to families about when the first visit should happen. Our mission at Firstgrin is to overcome those challenges and ensure families have the right information to set their children up for a lifetime of better oral health.” Dr. Ashley Lerman, Founder and CEO, Firstgrin ![boy patient profile-tate](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AshleyLerman.jpg "AshleyLerman – CareQuest Innovation Partners") Through SMILE, CareQuest also connected Firstgrin to several industry partners, including DentaQuest, a Sun Life company and the largest dental benefits provider in the US by membership. ## 3.5X Pilot has delivered a 3.5X increase in first dental visits before the age of one To reach more families before oral health problems start, Firstgrin and DentaQuest developed a pilot targeting ~1,000 Medicaid families in Louisiana, a priority audience for Firstgrin and DentaQuest to advance whole-person care and equity. [ACCELERATE](https://carequestinnovation.com/accelerate/), CareQuest's program to scale in-market companies working with industry partners, provided non-dilutive funds and guidance to drive the pilot’s success. The pilot involved mailing Firstgrin oral care kits and providing app access to caregivers of ~1,000 infants approaching their first recommended dental visit. The targeted materials and education worked. To date, the pilot has delivered a 3.5x increase in first dental visits before the age of one, setting the stage for a lifetime of better oral health and cost savings: widely cited research shows every $1 invested in preventive dental care returns $8 to $50 in avoided restorative and emergency costs ([source: University of Chicago](https://dentistry.uic.edu/news-stories/the-value-of-preventive-oral-health-care/)). Every $1 invested in preventive dental care returns $8 to $50 in avoided restorative and emergency costs.  It’s exciting to see what can happen when collaborations like our work with CareQuest and Firstgrin lead to meaningful success. We are always interested in finding new and improved ways to best serve our members, and Firstgrin’s unique approach clearly shows we’ve engaged some of our most vulnerable members at a critical time in their children’s lives, setting them up for a lifetime of better oral health.” Todd Gray, Chief Dental Officer, DentaQuest ![boy patient profile-tate](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ToddGray.jpg "ToddGray – CareQuest Innovation Partners") Looking ahead, Firstgrin and DentaQuest will complete a full outcomes analysis of engagement, digital app usage, preventive dental claims, and dental appointment timing. These insights will shape how DentaQuest and Firstgrin will continue to partner to reach millions of families, especially at-risk populations, creating more opportunities for families to engage in preventive care from the very beginning. **Categories:** Case Study --- ### [Provider's Edge: Why Oral Health Is the Missing Link in Healthcare Innovation](https://carequestinnovation.com/news/providers-edge-why-oral-health-is-the-missing-link-in-healthcare-innovation/) **Published:** June 17, 2026 **Author:** Emily Leland **Content:** In a recent episode of Provider’s Edge podcast, Katie D’Amico, vice president of growth and innovation at CareQuest Innovation Partners, sat down with host Sabrina Runbeck to discuss why healthcare founders must focus on workflow alignment, pilot validation, partnerships, and operational infrastructure before chasing rapid scale. They also explored why overlooked spaces like oral health and medical-dental integration are becoming some of the biggest opportunities in healthcare innovation today. [Listen now](https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/why-oral-health-is-the-missing-link-in-healthcare/id1520028468?i=1000773115904). **Categories:** News --- ### [CareQuest Innovation Partners and MATTER Introduce 2026 SMILE Health Cohort and Newest ACCELERATE Pilots](https://carequestinnovation.com/press-release/carequest-innovation-partners-and-matter-introduce-2026-smile-health-cohort-and-newest-accelerate-pilots/) **Published:** June 23, 2026 **Author:** Emily Leland **Content:** ## This year’s selections reflect growing momentum around medical-dental integration and connected care June 23, 2026 (BOSTON & CHICAGO)— [CareQuest Innovation Partners](https://carequestinnovation.com/)®, in collaboration with [MATTER](https://matter.health/), today announced the 10 emerging startups selected to participate in the fifth year of [SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/). Chosen with input from a cross-sector ecosystem of industry leaders committed to advancing oral and overall health, this year’s accelerator will support startups advancing innovation and access across dental and medical care. Additionally, CareQuest Innovation Partners and MATTER unveiled the four new companies participating in ACCELERATE, which advances established, in-market innovation through real-world initiatives with startups and industry leaders. **10 startups kick off SMILE Health’s fifth year** From an applicant pool spanning 18 countries and 27 states, the 2026 SMILE Health cohort was selected for its ability to advance more connected, equitable, and accessible care. Selected companies are Bitewing AI, Drul, Empallo, Hibiscus Health, Inoculus Ventures, Intelibly, Rheyo, TechNovaTime, Toothlens and Unique Minds. “With policy changes, advances in AI, and growing recognition of the connection between oral and overall health, this is a pivotal year for the industry. We’re accelerating this momentum by convening founders and industry leaders advancing innovation at the intersection of oral health, overall health, and technology,” said Katie D’Amico, Vice President of Growth and Innovation at CareQuest Innovation Partners. “The companies in this year’s SMILE Health and ACCELERATE programs are tackling some of the industry’s biggest challenges — from a lack of affordable and accessible care to administrative inefficiencies and workforce burnout — driving measurable impact for patients, providers, and communities.” Over the next few weeks, the SMILE Health cohort will receive dedicated pitch support, non-dilutive funding, and mentorship. SMILE Health culminates with Demo Day at MATTER headquarters (July 28-29, 2026), featuring actionable insights for health care innovators and curated connections to industry leaders. Industry participants include Abova, Altus Dental Insurance Company, American Dental Association, Apple Tree Dental, Cigna Healthcare, Colgate-Palmolive, Delta Dental of Illinois, Delta Dental of Massachusetts, Delta Dental of Washington, Dental Network of America, DentaQuest, part of Sun Life U.S., Glidewell, Haleon, Heartland Dental, Henry Schein, National Network for Oral Health Access, PDS Health, Solventum, and Young Innovations. Investor participants include 7wire Ventures, Aphelion Capitol, BOLD Capital Partners, Dental Innovation Alliance, Equitage Ventures, Revere Partners, Seae Ventures, SpringRock Ventures, and Waterline Ventures. **Learn more about the 2026 SMILE Health cohort:** **Bitewing AI | Chicago, IL** – [Bitewing AI](https://bitewing.ai/) improves dental claims accuracy and completeness through AI-driven software, reducing administrative barriers to covered dental care. **Drul | Cambridge, MA** – [Drul](https://www.justdrul.com/) delivers actionable insights to support more precise diagnosis and treatment through a DNA-based, point-of-care saliva test. **Empallo | Cambridge, MA** – [Empallo](https://www.empallo.com/) expands access to cardiac care through a virtual model that supports comprehensive care management, including oral health. **Hibiscus Health | New York, NY** – [Hibiscus Health](https://hibiscushealth.com/) screens for cardiometabolic conditions using AI, camera-based screening to bring systemic health screening anywhere, including dental visits. **Inoculus Ventures | Raleigh, NC** – [Inoculus Ventures](https://www.inoculusventures.com/) disrupts pathogenic biofilms, including a targeted mouthrinse to reduce dental plaque. **Intelibly | San Antonio, TX** – [Intelibly](https://intelibly.com/) connects patients with in-network dental providers, increasing access and simplifying care navigation. **Rheyo | Cambridge, MA** – [Rheyo](https://rheyo.com/home) advances non-invasive caries and cosmetic dental treatment using microcurrent technology. **TechNovaTime | Pompton Lakes, NJ** – [TechNovaTime ](https://www.technovatime.com/)deploys autonomous AI agents to fill vacant billing and front office positions, improving efficiency and reducing administrative burden. **Toothlens | Middletown, DE** – [Toothlens](https://toothlens.com/) expands access for uninsured and underserved populations through an employer-sponsored alternative to dental insurance. **Unique Minds | Redmond, WA** – [Unique Minds](https://uniqueminds.com/) supports neurodivergent individuals in building healthy daily habits, including improved oral hygiene, through personalized AI-powered support. **ACCELERATE pilots advance in-market innovation** In addition to the focus on emerging startups, CareQuest Innovation Partners and MATTER also unveiled the latest additions to ACCELERATE, which advances established, in-market innovation. The program is open to companies with proven market traction, a committed industry partner, and mission alignment focused on improving oral and overall health. Companies receive non-dilutive funding up to $100,000, data and analytics support, and pilot guidance. The newest ACCELERATE companies selected to participate include Firstgrin, Overjet, Social Cascade and Virtual Dental Care. “Innovation happens faster when startups, health systems, industry leaders, and investors come together around shared challenges,” said Steven Collens, CEO of MATTER. “The companies selected for this year’s SMILE Health and ACCELERATE programs reflect the kind of collaboration and practical innovation needed to improve care delivery and build a more connected health care system.” **Newest ACCELERATE pilots:** **Firstgrin | New York, NY** – [Firstgrin](https://yourfirstgrin.com/) is improving maternal and infant oral health by enhancing benefits and integrating workflows across dental & maternal care with a national commercial payer. **Overjet** | **Boston, MA** – [Overjet](https://www.overjet.com/) is launching OASIS (Oregon AI Scoring Initiative for Smiles), deploying a peer-reviewed, AI-derived oral health score at Capitol Dental Care. This initiative serves adults on Medicaid to enable equitable care standards, population-level risk identification, and patient-driven engagement in oral health. **Social Cascade | Raleigh, NC**– [Social Cascade](https://www.socialcascade.co/) leverages its proprietary digital platform to drive oral health awareness and engagement in care across a multi-state, Medicaid-focused provider group. **Virtual Dental Care | Irvine, CA** – [Virtual Dental Care](https://virtualdentalcare.com/) is deploying AI-enabled virtual dental screenings for young children in a large California county to expand access to early oral health assessments, identify unmet dental needs sooner, and connect families to timely preventive and restorative care for improved health outcomes. Applications for ACCELERATE projects are accepted year-round. To learn more, visit the [SMILE Health web page](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/) and the [ACCELERATE web page](https://carequestinnovation.com/accelerate/). \### **About CareQuest Innovation Partners** CareQuest Innovation Partners® funds, scales, and convenes transformative solutions to improve overall health through oral health. Together, with our ecosystem of leading industry partners, startups, and investors, we make health care more accessible, equitable, and integrated. CareQuest Innovation Partners is the for-profit subsidiary of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, and they are joined by the mission to improve the oral health of all. To learn more, visit[ carequestinnovation.com](http://carequestinnovation.com) and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. **About MATTER:** MATTER, the premier health care incubator and innovation hub, includes more than 1,100 current and alumni startups from around the world, working together with dozens of hospitals and health systems, universities, and industry-leading companies to build the future of health care. Together, the MATTER community is accelerating innovation, advancing care, and improving lives. For more information, visit the MATTER web page. MEDIA CONTACT Sara Ward sward@carequest.org **Categories:** Press Release --- ### [Murnia Scales Access to Treatment](https://carequestinnovation.com/case-study/murnia/) **Published:** October 27, 2025 **Author:** Darren Edwards **Content:** Case Study: Murnia # Murnia Scales Access to Treatment, Meeting Needs for Underserved Patients Suffering from Dryness and Other Mouth Conditions ## CareQuest Innovation Partners accelerates Murnia’s innovative solutions that address some of the most common, but untreated, oral-systemic conditions impacting millions Dry mouth is an extremely common condition that affects more than 25 million Americans, disproportionally impacting older adults and patients with chronic conditions. The [American Dental Association](https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/xerostomia) estimates that dry mouth affects 30% of patients older than 65 years, 40% of patients older than 80 years, and is twice as likely to occur in adults taking one or more medications daily. ## 30-40% Dry mouth affects 30% of patients older than 65 years, 40% of patients older than 80 years Dryness doesn’t just cause discomfort; it significantly increases the risk of cavities, tooth decay, and infections that can impact both oral and overall health. Patients going through chemotherapy particularly feel the effects, with intense feelings of dryness as well as oral mucositis, a debilitating and painful condition that causes redness, swelling, and sores. It’s a serious and overlooked problem — and [Murnia](https://murnia.com/) is stepping up to the challenge, helping underserved patients receive the care they need. ## SMILE Health Identifies Broader Product Appeal and Impact Murnia is a brand of Umayana with team members in California and Istanbul. Umayana, via years of biotechnology R&D and study of plant molecules, developed and patented the Murnia molecular compound that has multiple benefits for mucosa and skin and helps with a range of oral conditions by soothing and hydrating oral tissues and supporting oral health maintenance. The Umayana team first began working with CareQuest Innovation Partners as part of the 2024 SMILE Health accelerator as they looked to launch in the US market.  We were excited to work with CareQuest Innovation Partners to inform our US go-to-market strategy and find ways to reach even more patients suffering from oral mucositis and dryness in their mouth,” said Gülbin Müftüoglu, General Manager. “We knew we had a unique solution that could help significantly reduce or even prevent debilitating conditions that impact not just oral health, but overall health.” Gülbin Müftüoglu, General Manager, Umayana ![boy patient profile-tate](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Gulbin.jpg "Gulbin – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ## 93% of patients surveyed said they need a solution for oral mucositis CareQuest Innovation Partners paired Murnia with leading industry partners, including Young Innovations. Murnia worked with Young Innovations to receive feedback from providers and potential patients on the demand and need for oral care products. Their collaboration found that 93% of patients surveyed said they need a solution for oral mucositis, and 100% of dentists said they would offer an oral mucositis solution. They also learned that there is a broad spectrum of needs for what Murnia’s solution can address, from less severe cases to very severe cases that can hinder a patient’s ability to eat and drink, causing weight loss, micronutrient deficiencies, and further weakening of the immune system. “Coming into SMILE Health, we were originally focused on preventing and treating oral mucositis in cancer patients,” said Müftüoglu. “We saw that most cancer patients experience dryness as a side effect of treatments, and some may have lost their salivary glands all together. As we did deeper research during SMILE, we noticed that the problem is much broader, and that we could provide an accessible and effective solution for not only cancer patients but patients with other chronic conditions and the elderly.” The team found that both direct-to-consumer and direct-to-provider approaches would be beneficial for Murnia Mouth Spray, leading them to continue work with Young Innovations on product distribution strategies. ## 100% of surveyed dentists were dissatisfied with current solutions for dry mouth  Our goal at Young Innovations is to create ‘A Lifetime of Oral Health’ via innovative, high-quality products and solutions, and both Murnia and CareQuest Innovation Partners are directly aligned with that mission,” said John Frymark, Vice President, Direct at Young Innovations. “Our expanded partnership leverages our resources and expertise to help bring differentiated Murnia Mouth Spray and other forms to more patients who need it.” John Frymark, Vice President, Direct at Young Innovations ![boy patient profile-tate](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/John-Frymark.jpg "John-Frymark – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ## Analyzing the Needs of Underserved Populations with ACCELERATE ## 5,000 Estimated number of dentists that will be reached by education modules The number of people with complaints of oral dryness is expected to grow as the global population ages: The [World Health Organization](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health) estimates that by 2030, one in six people in the world will be aged 60 years or over and by 2050, the population of people aged 60 years and older will double to 2.1 billion. To help meet that growing need, in 2025 Murnia applied for [ACCELERATE](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/accelerate/), an exclusive funding opportunity from CareQuest Innovation Partners. ACCELERATE allows Murnia to continue its successful partnership with Young Innovations to: - Reach 5,000 dental professionals with targeted, codeveloped education modules about the benefits and cost effectiveness of Murnia Mouth Spray, including in underserved communities. Young Innovations has a history of supporting dental education through training programs, reaching as many as 17,000 participants. - Engage dental professionals and provide opportunities for professionals to purchase Murnia’s Mouth Spray for their offices. - Launch Murnia Mouth Spray through Young’s distribution network for practitioners and B2C channels for professionals and consumers, with the potential to benefit 10,000 consumers. ## 10,000 Estimated number of consumers that will be reached ![boy patient profile-tate](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Julie-LI.jpg "Julie-LI – CareQuest Innovation Partners")  The collaboration between Murnia and Young Innovations is a powerful example of the partnerships that emerge through the CareQuest Innovation Partners ecosystem,” said Julia Green, Director of Innovation Services and Programs at CareQuest Innovation Partners. “Mouth dryness is a serious and growing problem that disproportionately impacts older adults and vulnerable individuals, and we’re excited to support the scaling of this innovative solution.” Julia Green, Director of Innovation Services and Programs CareQuest Innovation Partners Together we can empower innovation that helps the world SMILE. [Learn more](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/) **Categories:** Case Study --- ### [HLTH 2025: Medical-Dental Integration Takes Center Stage](https://carequestinnovation.com/insights/hlth-2025-medical-dental-integration-takes-center-stage/) **Published:** October 30, 2025 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** Oral health was back in a big way at HLTH 2025, bringing medical-dental integration to life at the Oral Health Pavilion and on the main stages. Below are our highlights from a great few days in Las Vegas. Thank you to the 1,000+ attendees who visited the Oral Health Pavilion — including Petunia, HLTH’s unicorn mascot! ### Chairside Screenings Show that Oral Health IS Health At the Oral Health Pavilion, we demonstrated what connected care looks like. Alongside our partners Henry Schein and PDS Health and clinicians from UNLV School of Dental Medicine, we brought A1C, saliva, and blood-pressure testing into the dental setting. Clinicians provided screenings to 250+ attendees, and of those, 12% had above-normal-range results and were advised to follow up with a physician. [Read more](https://carequest.org/oral-healths-role-in-identifying-undiagnosed-diabetes/) about oral health’s role in identifying undiagnosed diabetes. This type of integration is critical, and while oral health largely isn’t part of primary care today, integration is one of the strongest opportunities to advance prevention and early detection, the foundation of better outcomes and lower costs. The data has proven its value, and now it’s about doing the hard work to take action and drive system-level changes. ### Oral Health Takes Its Rightful Place on the Main Stage In the past few years, oral health has moved from the sidelines at HLTH to its rightful place as a [key part of its programming](https://hlth.com/events/usa/focus-area/oral-health/). 1\. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health COO Leslie Carver joined An Nguyen of Clinica Family Health & Wellness, Pamela Oren-Artzi of Grin, and Cheryl Parker of National Network for Oral Health Access (NNOHA) for a powerful conversation on how community health centers are leading primary care and oral health integration. 2\. Presidents from the American Dental Association, American Medical Association, and American Nurses Association shared the stage to address workforce burnout and access issues across the health care and oral health landscape. 3\. Stephen Thorne, Founder and CEO of PDS Health, joined Priyanka Jain, Sofia Elizondo, Edward J. Zuckerberg, and Andrew Bluestein on a panel exploring the 100 trillion microbes that run our bodies, including the oral microbiome that plays a critical role in overall health. Stephen highlighted how companies like PDS Health are using saliva to detect bacteria, inflammation, and disease risk — bringing us closer to point-of-care tests that connect oral and primary care. ### Interest in Innovation Is Huge — and Just Getting Started The Oral Health Pavilion also featured 16 of our dynamic startups from [SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/) and our CareQuest Innovation Partners portfolio who are driving solutions in access, pediatric care, AI, and more. Our startups drew massive interest from potential partners and investors, and two SMILE Health alumni (OraQ and DifferentKind) were finalists for the Digital Health Hub awards, with OraQ the overall winner in the oral health category. HLTH also marked the debut of our new [Oral Health Market Map and Innovation Landscape report](https://carequestinnovation.com/innovations-in-oral-health-weve-just-scratched-the-surface/), revealing the vast, largely untapped potential of oral health innovation, and the opportunity for investors, startups, and industry leaders to drive impact. As American Medical Association President Bobby Mukkamala noted, “When we break down silos and solve issues as a team, we are more likely to achieve success.” We’re excited to continue working across silos to drive medical-dental integration and help address access to care issues so that oral health is considered essential health care for all. **Categories:** Insights --- ### [CareQuest Innovation Partners and MATTER Announce ACCELERATE, an Exclusive Funding Opportunity for SMILE Alumni to Accelerate Impact](https://carequestinnovation.com/press-release/carequest-innovation-partners-and-matter-announce-accelerate-an-exclusive-funding-opportunity-for-smile-alumni-to-accelerate-impact/) **Published:** April 16, 2024 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** ## SMILE Health Alumnus Grin Is First Startup to Receive Funding through New Program **BOSTON, MA and CHICAGO, IL (April 16, 2024) —** [CareQuest Innovation Partners](https://carequestinnovation.com/), a company focused on validating and scaling solutions to improve overall health through oral health, in partnership with [MATTER](https://matter.health/), the premier health care incubator and innovation hub, today announced ACCELERATE, an exclusive funding opportunity for alumni of the [SMILE Health accelerator program](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/). Grin, an innovative startup with a unique digital oral care solution, is the first recipient of funding through the new program. Grin expanded its solution’s application from orthodontics to preventative care for underserved children and elderly populations as part of SMILE Health 2023. Now, through ACCELERATE, Grin will continue to test and scale its solution with the potential to benefit millions more underserved people through schools, long-term care facilities, and clinics focused on serving Medicaid populations. “As a convener of mission-aligned organizations, CareQuest Innovation Partners is deeply committed to building and activating its ecosystem of innovators to make a more accessible, equitable, and integrated health care system,” said Katie D’Amico, VP of Growth & Innovation at CareQuest Innovation Partners. “With innovation, momentum matters. ACCELERATE builds on the momentum from SMILE Health by providing startups funding and other resources to advance projects with leading organizations, together shaping the future of health care and positively impacting entire communities.” Unlike other funding opportunities that typically require an equity stake in return for capital, ACCELERATE promotes a virtuous cycle to drive further innovation and create a better health care system for all. Participating alumni will be asked, but not required, to “pay it forward” by repaying the funds they received from ACCELERATE within three years of completing their project. Repaid funds will go back into the program and used to support future SMILE alumni. “The funding landscape in health care is challenging and competitive, and exclusive funding opportunities like what we are offering with ACCELERATE can help entrepreneurs better position themselves for future funding and partnerships,” said Steven Collens, CEO of MATTER. “We look forward to seeing the evolution of this program and guiding SMILE Health alumni through their next phases of growth.” To receive funds, startups must be alumni of the SMILE Health program and receive commitment from an industry leader to collaborate on the proposed project. ACCELERATE applicants can request up to $50,000 in funding for their project. Grin was selected as the inaugural recipient of ACCELERATE because of its commitment to increasing oral health care access for multiple underserved patient populations. “SMILE Health opened the door to market opportunities we always knew would be a great fit for our technology but hadn’t yet proven it out. Our industry partner provided insights to help focus our strategy and care for chronically underserved patient populations,” said Dr. Adam Schulhof, CEO and Founder of Grin. “Through ACCELERATE, we are now able to operationalize this new market focus, deepen our relationships with industry partners, and quickly advance our business priorities.” This announcement follows the 2024 SMILE Health application launch and provides an added benefit to current and future SMILE Health alumni and partners. SMILE Health is a 12-week accelerator program for emerging startups with solutions that improve accessibility, equity, and propel the integration between oral health and overall health. SMILE Health 2024 application period is now open through May 8. To learn more, please visit https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/ **About CareQuest Innovation Partners** CareQuest Innovation Partners propels solutions that transform oral health. Together with investors, innovators, entrepreneurs, care providers, and community partners, we validate and scale new ways to improve overall health through oral health. Joined by the shared mission to improve the oral health of all, CareQuest Innovation Partners is the for-profit subsidiary of CareQuest Institute. **About MATTER** MATTER, the premier healthcare incubator and innovation hub, includes more than 900 current and alumni startups from around the world, working together with dozens of hospitals and health systems, universities and industry-leading companies to build the future of healthcare. Together, the MATTER community is accelerating innovation, advancing care and improving lives. For more information, visit [matter.health](https://matter.health/) and follow @MATTERhealth. **Media Contact** Sara Ward **Categories:** Press Release --- ### [Innovations in Oral Health: We’ve Just Scratched the Surface](https://carequestinnovation.com/insights/innovations-in-oral-health-weve-just-scratched-the-surface/) **Published:** October 15, 2025 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** CareQuest Innovation Partners and Second Opinion published an oral health innovation market map, showcasing over 200 innovative companies across multiple categories. The market has only scratched the surface in advancing and scaling oral health innovation. This paper explores what lies below the surface of this ecosystem where innovation is driving meaningful impact and creating opportunities for investment. [View the market map and read the full paper](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Oral-Health-Innovation-Market-Map-Report.pdf). [![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/cover-of-Innovation-in-oral-health-report-234x300.png "cover of Innovation in oral health report – CareQuest Innovation Partners")](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Oral-Health-Innovation-Market-Map-Report.pdf) **Categories:** Insights --- ### [Oral Health Pavilion Returns to HLTH 2025 with Expanded Programming and Clinical Activations](https://carequestinnovation.com/press-release/oral-health-pavilion-returns-to-hlth-2025-with-expanded-programming-and-clinical-activations/) **Published:** October 1, 2025 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** ## Leading Industry Organizations Spotlight Oral Health’s Critical Connection to Overall Health and Equity BOSTON, MA (October 1, 2025) – The Oral Health Pavilion makes its highly anticipated return to [HLTH 2025](https://hlth.com/events/usa/agenda/oral-health/), bringing together industry leaders [CareQuest Innovation Partners](https://carequestinnovation.com/), [Henry Schein](https://www.henryschein.com/), and [PDS Health](http://www.pdshealth.com/). The pavilion’s return to HLTH underscores the growing awareness of oral health’s fundamental connection to overall health outcomes and health equity initiatives. The 2025 pavilion will serve as an immersive experience where clinicians, health care leaders, industry professionals, and innovators converge to further medical-dental integration, explore breakthrough solutions, share insights, and chart pathways forward for comprehensive care models. **WHAT:** This year’s Oral Health Pavilion will provide attendees with real-time insights into their health, featuring: - **Free health screenings:** Oral health plays a significant role in systemic health issues like pregnancy complications, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and heart disease. Experienced clinicians will showcase medical-dental integration in real time through the following screenings: - **A1C testing:** Diabetes raises the risk of developing gum disease by 86%. Testing will be conducted by [UNLV School of Dental Medicine](https://www.unlv.edu/dental). - **Saliva testing:** Salivary diagnostics provide a minimally invasive way to gain an understanding of many facets of whole-person health, starting with the mouth. Testing will be conducted by PDS Health clinicians and [dento USA](https://dentousa.com/). - **Blood pressure monitoring:** [Studies](https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-023-16012-z) point to the correlation between high blood pressure and periodontal disease. - **Education and patient journey simulations:** Experience oral health care from multiple patient perspectives, and test your oral health knowledge for a chance to win prizes. - **Innovation showcase:** Live demos from 16 startups driving the future of oral health, including this year’s [SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/) cohort companies: [Feno](https://feno.co/), [Firstgrin](https://yourfirstgrin.com/), [KiDDY CAPS](https://kiddy-caps.com/en), [Social Cascade](https://www.socialcascade.co/), [Times Health,](https://www.times.health/) [Toothapps](https://www.toothapps.com/), [Willo](https://willo.com/), and Other startups affiliated with CareQuest Innovation Partners, including [OrisDX](https://www.orisdx.com/), [Dentistry.One](https://www.mouthwatch.com/), [Enable Dental](https://enabledental.com/), [Wesper](https://wesper.co/), [Murnia](https://murnia.com/), [Lura Health](https://lurahealth.com/), [DifferentKind](https://www.differentkind.com/), and [OraQ](https://www.oraq.ai/) will also be in attendance. Each company will be offering an inside look at its innovation at the Oral Health Pavilion. - **Technology previews:** See how AI and digital health are transforming dental care. **WHY:** The pavilion arrives at a pivotal moment as significant policy changes across the United States, including [Medicaid cuts to dental coverage ](https://www.carequest.org/about/blog-post/protecting-oral-health-access-how-advocates-can-respond-medicaid-cuts-one-big)and [emerging fluoride restrictions](https://www.carequest.org/about/blog-post/new-study-shows-costly-consequences-states-banning-fluoride), threaten oral health care access and risk reversing decades of preventive health progress. With health care access under unprecedented pressure, the Oral Health Pavilion addresses critical gaps that affect overall health outcomes. **WHO:** Key experts and leaders from CareQuest Innovation Partners, Henry Schein, PDS Health, and The American Dental Association will be available at the Oral Health Pavilion, including: - Brett Kessler, DDS, President of The American Dental Association, available on 10/20 from 3 – 4:30 pm - Wade Rakes, Chief Executive Officer, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health - Leslie Carver, Chief Operating Officer, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health - Katie D’Amico, Vice President of Growth and Innovation, CareQuest Innovation Partners - David Kochman, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Henry Schein - Stephen E. Thorne IV, BA, MHA, Founder and CEO, PDS Health **WHEN:** Attendees are encouraged to sit in on panel discussions on Monday, October 20, featuring Leslie Carver, Chief Operating Officer at CareQuest Institute for Oral Health and Brett Kessler, DDS, President of The American Dental Association, and Tuesday October 21, featuring Stephen Thorne, founder and CEO of PDS Health. - **Oral Health is Health: How Community Health Centers Are Leading Primary Care and Oral Health Integration Community Health Centers** - Monday, October 20, 9:00 – 10:00 am - Moderator: Cheryl Parker, Executive Director, NNOHA - Panelists: Leslie Carver, Chief Operating Officer, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health; Pamela Oren-Artzi, Co-Founder and COO, Grin; and An Nguyen, Chief Dental Officer, Clinica Family Health & Wellness - [**Sounding the Alarm on our Healthcare Workforce and Access Crisis**](https://hlth.com/events/usa/agenda/2025/Sounding-the-Alarm-on-our-Healthcare-Workforce-and-Access-Crisis) - Monday, October 20, 1:10 – 1:40 pm, Ethos Stage - Moderator: Sharmila Makhija, MD, MBA, Founding Dean and CEO of the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine - Panelists: Brett Kessler, DDS, President of The American Dental Association, and Bobby Mukkamala, MD, President of The American Medical Association - [**Love Bugs**](https://hlth.com/events/usa/agenda/2025/love-bugs) - Tuesday, October 21, 3:10-3:50 pm, Holos Stage - Moderator: Andrew Bluestein, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Bluestein Ventures - Panelists: Stephen E. Thorne IV BA, MHA, Founder and CEO, PDS Health; Edward Zuckerberg, DDS, F.A.G.D., Chief Education Officer, Oral Biolife; Priyanka Jain, Co-Founder & CEO, Evvy; Sofia Elizondo, MBA, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Brightseed **LOGISTICS:** - When: October 19-22, 2025 - Where: The Venetian Expo, Las Vegas (Booth 3142) - Registration: HLTH 2025 conference pass required **About CareQuest Innovation Partners** CareQuest Innovation Partners® validates and scales transformative solutions to improve overall health through oral health. Together, with our ecosystem of leading industry partners, startups, and investors, we make health care more accessible, equitable, and integrated. CareQuest Innovation Partners is the for-profit subsidiary of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, and they are joined by the shared mission to improve the oral health of all. To learn more, visit carequestinnovation.com and follow us on X/Twitter and LinkedIn. **About Henry Schein, Inc.** Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) is a solutions company for health care professionals powered by a network of people and technology. With more than 25,000 Team Schein Members worldwide, the Company’s network of trusted advisors provides more than 1 million customers globally with more than 300 valued solutions that help improve operational success and clinical outcomes. Our Business, Clinical, Technology, and Supply Chain solutions help office-based dental and medical practitioners work more efficiently so they can provide quality care more effectively. These solutions also support dental laboratories, government and institutional health care clinics, as well as other alternate care sites. Henry Schein operates through a centralized and automated distribution network, with a selection of more than 300,000 branded products and Henry Schein corporate brand products in our distribution centers. A FORTUNE 500 Company and a member of the S&P 500® index, Henry Schein is headquartered in Melville, N.Y., and has operations or affiliates in 33 countries and territories. The Company’s sales reached $12.7 billion in 2024, and have grown at a compound annual rate of approximately 11.2 percent since Henry Schein became a public company in 1995. For more information, visit Henry Schein at [www.henryschein.com](http://www.henryschein.com), Facebook.com/HenrySchein, Instagram.com/HenrySchein, LinkedIn.com/Company/HenrySchein, and @HenrySchein on X. **About PDS Health** PDS Health® continues the journey started by Pacific Dental Services® in 1994, with a vision to redefine health care through the integration of dental and medical services. Its approach, centered on the connection between oral health and overall health, aims to create healthier, happier patients and set new benchmarks in the healthcare industry. As a leading provider of integrated healthcare support, the company delivers a broad spectrum of services to dental, dental specialties, and medical providers, enhancing operations and care delivery for clinicians across the U.S. For more information about PDS Health and its vision, visit [pdshealth.com](https://www.pdshealth.com/). **Media Contact** Sara Ward **Categories:** Press Release --- ### [ADA News: Dentech Panels Focus on Medical-Dental Connections, Investment and Innovation Opportunities](https://carequestinnovation.com/news/ada-news-dentech-panels-focus-on-medical-dental-connections-investment-and-innovation-opportunities/) **Published:** October 23, 2025 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** At [ADA Forsyth dentech 2025](https://forsyth.org/events-courses/dentech/), CareQuest Institute Chief Financial Officer Denise Marks and Enterprise Strategic Partners Vice President Azeem Mallick joined leaders from across the industry for key discussions on the importance of medical-dental integration and the value of investing in oral health. Read the full article in ADA News: [Dentech discussion centers on dental-medical connections ](https://adanews.ada.org/ada-news/2025/october/dentech-discussion-centers-on-dental-medical-connections/) Read the full article in ADA News: [Adoption is key challenge when introducing new dental technology, experts say](https://adanews.ada.org/ada-news/2025/october/adoption-is-key-challenge-when-introducing-new-dental-technology-experts-say/) **Categories:** News --- ### [The Healthcare Blog: Katie D’Amico on Integrating Oral Health into Medical Care](https://carequestinnovation.com/news/the-healthcare-blog-katie-damico-on-integrating-oral-health-into-medical-care/) **Published:** November 25, 2025 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** At HLTH 2025, The Healthcare Blog joined CareQuest Innovation Partners for a tour of innovation in dental care and oral health. The Healthcare Blog also met with Dr. Ashley Lerman from Firstgrin, a SMILE Health alum that provides pediatric oral care kits and targeted, evidence-based education via a companion app for families to help prevent oral disease starting in pregnancy and infancy and establish healthy, lifelong oral hygiene habits. [Visit The Healthcare Blog](https://thehealthcareblog.com/blog/2025/11/25/katie-damico-carequest-integrating-oral-health-into-medical-care/) for the full story. **Categories:** News --- ### [Inside Dental Hygiene: Mind Meets Machine](https://carequestinnovation.com/news/inside-dental-hygiene-mind-meets-machine/) **Published:** October 1, 2025 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** In the latest cover article for Inside Dental Hygiene, Nandita Kapadia, Clinical Pilots Manager for CareQuest Innovation Partners, spoke with Fred W. Michmershuizen about the potential of AI in clinical settings, with specific focus on early disease detection, patient education, clinical decision support, and workflow efficiency. [Read the full article](https://insidedentalhygiene.com/2025/10/mind/). **Categories:** News --- ### [Young Innovations and Umayana Partner to Launch Murnia® Mouth Spray](https://carequestinnovation.com/news/young-innovations-and-umayana-partner-to-launch-murnia-mouth-spray-natural-moisture-for-persistent-oral-dryness-and-daily-oral-health-maintenance/) **Published:** November 20, 2025 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** Young Innovations, a leading dental industry innovator, and Umayana, a biotechnology company, announced their partnership to launch Murnia® Mouth Spray, a natural moisture for persistent oral dryness and daily oral health maintenance, in the United States. This collaboration introduces a new approach to oral care and comfort by providing natural moisture with a patented formula for persistent oral dryness affecting over 25 million Americans, with prevalence expected to increase significantly due to aging populations, medication use, and lifestyle factors. [Read press release](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/young-innovations-and-umayana-partner-to-launch-murnia-mouth-spray-natural-moisture-for-persistent-oral-dryness-and-daily-oral-health-maintenance-302621288.html). [Read the Murnia case study](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/murnia-case-study/). **Categories:** News --- ## Pages ### [Home](https://carequestinnovation.com/) **Published:** March 19, 2026 **Author:** Darren Edwards **Content:** # We [fund](https://carequestinnovation.com/what-we-do/), [scale](https://carequestinnovation.com/what-we-do/), and [convene](https://carequestinnovation.com/what-we-do/) transformative solutions to improve overall health through oral health—for all. ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/innovation-programs-2.png "innovation programs-2 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ## Innovation Programs Our innovation programs engage early- and late-stage startups with innovative solutions to improve accessibility, equity, and the integration between oral health and overall health. Programs vary in length, support, and funding opportunities. [SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/) [ACCELERATE](https://carequestinnovation.com/accelerate/) ## Corporate Partnerships We partner with leading organizations to advance work across clinical integration, interoperability, and enhanced care and reimbursement models—all critical components of a more accessible, equitable, and integrated health system. Corporate partners are also a key part of both our [SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/) and [ACCELERATE](https://carequestinnovation.com/accelerate/) startup innovation programs. [Learn more](https://carequestinnovation.com/partnerships/) ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Corp-partnerships-2.png "Corp partnerships-2 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/inpact-investing-2.png "inpact investing-2 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ## Impact Investing We drive innovation by investing in scalable, mission-aligned solutions that improve access and equity, and strengthen overall health through oral health. We actively support and attract additional venture co-investment to accelerate growth in the oral health innovation ecosystem. [Learn more](https://carequestinnovation.com/impact-investing/) ## Our Areas of Focus ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/FW.png "– CareQuest Innovation Partners") **Fund:** We mobilize capital, including our own, to accelerate innovation and investments in oral and integrated health. **Convene:** We source and connect innovators, creating thriving environments and solutions that influence whole-person health. **Scale:** We work with industry leaders to implement sustainable solutions that help people, including the underserved. [Learn more](https://carequestinnovation.com/what-we-do/) ## Featured Insights ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/cover-600x400-1.gif "cover-600x400 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### Innovations in Oral Health: We’ve Just Scratched the Surface ![Baby in a stroller reaching for a light blue box labeled 'Baby Dental Care Kit' held by a caregiver side.](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/FirstGrinBaby.png "FirstGrinBaby – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### Firstgrin and DentaQuest Advance Pediatric Oral Health in Underserved Community ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Second-Opinion-Image-Wide-tight.gif "Second-Opinion-Image-Wide-tight – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### Second Opinion: Investors Are All In on Digital Health, but Are Missing Oral Health Care [View more insights](https://carequestinnovation.com/insights/) ## Latest News ![Male speaker at a podium delivering a presentation to an audience, with CareQuest branded banners in the background and a blue slide on the screen reading 'SMILE Health Demo Day'.](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Wade-Demo-Day.png "Wade Demo Day – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### CareQuest Demo Day Convenes Innovators Committed to Making Health Care More Effective, Accessible, and Connected August 12, 2026 #### Open Dental Becomes First Electronic Dental Record Technology to Connect to Kno2, Advancing Dental Interoperability Nationwide July 21, 2026 ![Large conference room filled with professionals seated at long tables, watching a presentation on screens at the front.](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Homepage-Investing-1024x768.jpeg "Homepage Investing – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### CareQuest Innovation Partners and MATTER Introduce 2026 SMILE Health Cohort and Newest ACCELERATE Pilots June 23, 2026 [View more news](https://carequestinnovation.com/news/) --- ### [ACCELERATE](https://carequestinnovation.com/accelerate/) **Published:** March 19, 2026 **Author:** Darren Edwards **Content:** # ACCELERATE ACCELERATE advances established innovative solutions, providing non-dilutive funds and guidance to in-market companies working with industry partners. The program helps pilot and scale solutions that improve oral and overall health. Apply to ACCELERATE ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/innovation-focus-area-heros_accelerate_header_.png "innovation focus area heros_accelerate_header_ – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ## Advancing Established Innovation ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/accelerate_firstgrin_spot2-e1774379608525.jpg "accelerate_firstgrin_spot2 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ACCELERATE is focused on solutions that have shown progress in improving access, equity, and integration of oral health or overall health, including for underserved populations. The program can help: - **Drive speed to market****,** shortening the time it takes to pilot a solution - **Decrease risk in adopting innovation**, with financial and advisory support - **Develop long-lasting partnerships**, by proving financial and clinical ROIs ## Program Benefits As part of ACCELERATE, companies may receive: - Up to $100,000 in non-dilutive funds, which must be matched directly or in-kind by an industry partner - Support to scope the project and drive toward outcomes - Data and analytics support, including claims analysis, outcomes design, ROI modeling, and more - Networking at closed-door and industry events with our ecosystem of partners - Follow-on support after successful pilots, such as further partnership or investment ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ACCELERATE_Murnia_spot1-1-1-e1774379580446.jpg "ACCELERATE_Murnia_spot1 (1) – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![boy patient profile-tate](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ACCELERATE_Ashley-Lerman_Firstgrin-e1774379464553.jpg "ACCELERATE_Ashley Lerman_Firstgrin – CareQuest Innovation Partners")  CareQuest's guidance and support through ACCELERATE have been instrumental in our rapid growth. We were able to pilot and scale much quicker than we would have been able to on our own, so that we're reaching as many children and families across the country as possible.” Dr. Ashley Lerman, Founder & CEO, Firstgrin, ACCELERATE Company ## Who Should Apply We are looking for companies that have developed solutions and are ready to scale their impact within a mission-aligned ecosystem. ACCELERATE applicants must have an in-market initiative ready to launch, with an industry partner committed to supporting it over a 6 to 12-month timeframe. We are particularly interested in supporting solutions which: - Expand access to care via scalable, virtual, and preventive care models - Enable medical-dental information exchange and interoperability - Focus on populations with chronic conditions connected to oral health, including diabetes, women’s health, cardiovascular disease, and more Applications are accepted year-round. For more information, [visit our FAQs](https://carequestinnovation.com/faqs/). Are you an earlier stage company? Learn more about [SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/). ## Application Process ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SMILE-process-numbers-01-2-1.png "SMILE process numbers-01-2 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### Primary application: - Preliminary applications are due on the first of every month. - Initial applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis by our team ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SMILE-process-numbers-02-2-1.png "SMILE process numbers-02-2 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### Secondary application: - If selected to move forward, you will be invited to submit a secondary application - Secondary applications are due by the 1st of each month - If you miss the deadline, your application will be reviewed the following month ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SMILE-process-numbers-03-2-1.png "SMILE process numbers-03-2 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### Review Committee interview: - If your secondary application is selected, you will be invited to participate in a 20-minute interview with our team - The interview will include time for you to present your project and answer questions ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SMILE-process-numbers-04-2-1.png "SMILE process numbers-04-2 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### Notification of acceptance: - You will be notified of acceptance or next steps following the monthly review cycle ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SMILE-process-numbers-05-2-1.png "SMILE process numbers-05-2 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### Funding distributed: - Your funds will be distributed to you based on the project milestones in your pilot charter  [Apply now](https://matterhealth.submittable.com/submit/4455b74a-ebe4-473c-a681-cfb399e3f2e9/2026-accelerate-preliminary-application) ## Become a Partner Enterprise-scale organizations interested in partnering with a company to pilot their solution should have regional or national reach, such as payers, health systems, provider groups, or distributors. Partners must: - Have a clear vision for how a successful pilot could continue or scale after the ACCELERATE project concludes - Have executive level and operational sponsorship to match CareQuest’s support If your enterprise is interested in piloting an innovative solution through ACCELERATE, please[ connect with our team](https://carequestinnovation.com/connect/) to discuss your priorities.  Our mission at Young Innovations is supporting ‘A Lifetime of Oral Health’ via innovative, high-quality products and solutions, and CareQuest is directly aligned with that mission. Working with the CareQuest ACCELERATE program allows us to bring new, unique, and differentiated solutions to more patients.” John Frymark, Vice President, Direct at Young Innovations, ACCELERATE Partner ![boy patient profile-tate](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/John-Frymark-300x300-1.jpg "John-Frymark-300x300 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ## ACCELERATE in Action ## Expanding access to care via teledentistry A large multi-site dental provider teamed up with an advanced teledentistry remote monitoring platform to improve patient access and clinic efficiency. Together, they developed a scalable model that has already reached more than 5,000 underserved adults and children across clinics, schools, and long-term care facilities. Their goal is to expand this model nationwide, significantly improving access and outcomes for all. [**Read the case study**.](https://carequestinnovation.com/grin-case-study/) ## Transforming oral cancer detection in underserved populations A national mobile dentistry leader is piloting a new AI-powered non-invasive oral cancer diagnostic. By implementing cutting-edge screening technology and exploring innovative payment models, this collaboration aims to significantly increase access to early oral cancer detection for everyone, paving the way for improved health outcomes and reduced health care costs. ## Tapping into new data sources to improve experiences A national mobile dentistry leader is partnering with a data-driven dental experience platform to enhance feedback collection after oral health appointments. By better capturing the voices of caregivers for patients who cannot self-report, they are enhancing accessibility and equity in oral health care and ensuring the highest quality of care delivery for patients. This collaboration boosts the dental provider’s ability to deliver exceptional patient and caregiver experiences and creates more comprehensive performance reporting for health plan partners. ## Scaling innovation to address oral dryness in underserved populations A global dental manufacturer partnered with a biotechnology innovator to tackle the widespread issue of mouth dryness. Together, they co-developed clinical education modules and expanded product access through professional and consumer channels. Their collaboration is improving treatment options for patients with oral dryness and related conditions, reaching thousands across diverse care settings. **[Read the case study.](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/murnia-case-study/)** You are being redirected to the ACCELERATE application on MATTER's platform. Click continue to start your application. [Continue](https://matterhealth.submittable.com/submit/4455b74a-ebe4-473c-a681-cfb399e3f2e9/2026-accelerate-preliminary-application) Cancel --- ### [Leadership](https://carequestinnovation.com/leadership/) **Published:** July 7, 2026 **Author:** Darren Edwards **Content:** # CareQuest Innovation Leadership ## An Nguyen, DDS, MPH, Chief Clinical Officer [](https://www.linkedin.com/in/an-nguyen-worthy-works/%20) ![Smiling Asian woman in a navy blazer and white top, posing for a portrait in front of a bookshelf-filled background.](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/An-Nguyen-1.jpg "An Nguyen 1 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") An Nguyen, DDS, MPH, is the Chief Clinical Officer of CareQuest. As a member of the executive leadership team, An drives clinical strategy to advance the organization’s mission and vision. She leads efforts to integrate oral health with overall health, guide enterprise-wide clinical initiatives, and position CareQuest as a national leader in oral health transformation. An has dedicated her career to the care of underserved communities. She brings nearly two decades of clinical and leadership experience focused on advancing equitable oral health care, expanding access, and improving outcomes for patients and communities. Before joining CareQuest Institute, An was the Chief Dental Officer at Clinica Family Health and Wellness, a large, innovative community health center and a nationally recognized leader in health equity, quality, and interdisciplinary integration. An has been appointed to and served on multiple policy, philanthropic, and academic boards, contributing to efforts in health integration, public health, and policy and advocacy. She is immediate past President of the National Network for Oral Health Access and is Chair-Elect of the Dental Quality Alliance. Her work has been recognized with honors for clinical excellence and leadership from the Colorado Dental Association, Oral Health Colorado, and Colorado Health Service Corps, and she was appointed by the governor of Colorado to the state’s Department of Health Care Policy and Financing Medical Services Board. An is also active in several national organizations, including the American Association of Public Health Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the National Association of Community Health Centers. She is a fellow of both the American College of Dentists and International College of Dentists. An holds a master of public health in community health and behavioral science from Saint Louis University and a doctor of dental surgery degree from the University of Tennessee. ## Katie D’Amico, Vice President of Growth & Innovation [](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdamico1/) ![Smiling Asian woman in a navy blazer and white top, posing for a portrait in front of a bookshelf-filled background.](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Katie-Headshot.png "Katie Headshot – CareQuest Innovation Partners") Katie D’Amico serves as Vice President of Growth & Innovation at CareQuest Innovation Partners, the for-profit innovation subsidiary of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. As part of the leadership team, Katie drives efforts to scale innovation and medical-dental integration across the health ecosystem. She leads initiatives such as the SMILE Health Accelerator and forges strategic partnerships across payers, providers, startups, and investors to advance new models of whole-person care—from enabling preventive health screenings in dental settings to embedding oral health benefits into maternal health programs offered by plans and employers. Katie brings over 15 years of experience working with health care leaders at Fortune 50 companies, large health systems, and emerging innovators—spanning enterprise strategy, ecosystem development, platform implementation, and go-to-market execution. Prior to joining CareQuest, she was a leader in Deloitte Consulting’s Strategy & Analytics practice, advising C-suite executives on digital health, data, and growth strategy. Her work includes building a new digital health business for a national payer, launching data-powered chronic care programs that delivered $250M+ in annual cost-of-care savings, and developing AI-enabled, value-based models across Medicaid, maternal health, and oral-systemic care. She also co-founded Deloitte’s AI & Data Strategy practice and authored thought leadership on the future of health and innovation. Katie earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Illinois and a master’s of business administration degree from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. ## Media Contact: [Sara Ward](mailto:sward@carequest.org) --- ### [SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/) **Published:** March 19, 2026 **Author:** Darren Edwards **Content:** ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MATTER-logo-e1774465603784.png "MATTER logo – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Innovation-white-logo.png "Innovation white logo – CareQuest Innovation Partners") # SMILE Health Accelerator SMILE Health is the accelerator that supports innovators who challenge norms and are ready to advance solutions that improve accessibility, equity, and the integration between oral health and overall health. ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/innovation-icons_innovation-programs-icon.png "innovation icons_innovation programs icon – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ## Advancing Emerging Startups, Powering Innovation Now in its fifth year, SMILE Health is a collaboration between CareQuest Innovation Partners and [MATTER](https://matter.health/) to advance emerging startups by curating connections to investors and customers, sharpening their value propositions, and supporting diverse founders. ### Who Should Apply? SMILE Health is open to global solutions across all disciplines, and applicants must: - Include an oral health focus or a potential use case to advance integrated health. The program has cross-industry representation and previous experience in oral health is not required. - Demonstrate a validated hypothesis or proven concept which is in market or will enter market in 6-12 months. - Commit to roughly 4-5 hours/week for one month by participating in pitch rehearsals, networking preparation, and working sessions around investor/customer engagement. Applications were open April 1 – May 13, with cohort selection in mid-June. For more information, [visit our FAQs](https://carequestinnovation.com/program-faqs/). Already in market and reaching tens of thousands of lives? [ACCELERATE](https://carequestinnovation.com/accelerate/) may be a better fit for you. ## **Program Benefits** ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Accelerate-Icons_pitch-support-hex1.png "Accelerate Icons_pitch support hex1 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### Dedicated Pitch Support 1:1 feedback & rehearsals to strengthen story and value proposition ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Accelerate-Icons_project-support-hex1.png "Accelerate Icons_project support hex1 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### Partnership Support Mentorship and personalized guidance for curated in-person conversations at Demo Day ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Accelerate-Icons_pitch-event-hex1.png "Accelerate Icons_pitch event hex1 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### Pitch Event with Industry Connections Present to medical, oral health, and investment leaders at a closed-door Demo Day pitch event ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Accelerate-Icons_analytics-hex1.png "Accelerate Icons_analytics hex1 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### Non-Dilutive Funding and Future Growth $2,500 non-dilutive stipend and streamlined application for ACCELERATE, to collaborate with industry partners and advance your solution ![boy patient profile-tate](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Lucy-Kosturko.png "Lucy Kosturko – CareQuest Innovation Partners")  The most impactful part of SMILE was the networking. Being able to have conversations one-on-one with industry leaders and have them recognize that our solution is needed in health care and the oral health market, and find even more opportunities we can help solve together.” Lucy Kosturko, PhD, Co-Founder, Social Cascade, SMILE Health Alum ## Program Timeline ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SMILE-2026_TIMELINEHEX-1.png "SMILE 2026_TIMELINEHEX (1) – CareQuest Innovation Partners")  CareQuest is bringing unique and novel companies forward that are engaged in improving oral health for everyone.” Lee Shapiro, Managing Partner, 7Wire Ventures ![boy patient profile-tate](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Lee-Shapiro.png "Lee Shapiro – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ## Industry Partners and Investors We partner closely with mission-aligned industry partners and investors and are proud to have an extensive network of leaders that are engaged throughout SMILE Health, including mentorship and participation in Demo Day. ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Abova-logo-r.png "Abova-logo-r – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ADA-American-Dental-Association-Logo.jpg "ADA-American-Dental-Association-Logo – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Altus_Logo-V-RGB-1-scaled.png "Altus_Logo-V-RGB (1) – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Untitled-6.jpg "Untitled-6 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Apple-Tree-Dental-1.png "Apple Tree Dental – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/BOLD-capital-partners-logo-e1774457333643.png "BOLD capital partners logo – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Cigna-Healthcare-logo.png "Cigna-Healthcare-logo – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Colgate.png "Colgate – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DDMA-logo.png "DDMA logo – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Dental-Innovation-Alliance-logo-e1774457574546.jpg "Dental Innovation Alliance logo – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Dental-Network-of-America.png "Dental Network of America – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Equitage-Ventures-logo-e1774457622511.png "Equitage Ventures logo – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/glidewell-logo-large.png "glidewell-logo-large – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Haleon_Logo.png "Haleon_Logo – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/heartland-dental-logo.png "heartland-dental-logo – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Henry-Schein-1.png "Henry Schein (1) – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NNOHA-logo-e1774457717690.png "NNOHA logo – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/pds_health_Logo-e1774457759900.jpg "pds_health_Logo – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/revere-logo.png "revere-logo – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![Seae Ventures](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Seae-new-logo-300-e1774453475600.png "Seae Ventures Logo – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![Seae Ventures](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Solventum-Logo.png "Solventum Logo – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![SpringRock Ventures logo](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SpringRock-logo-300-e1774453506980.png "SpringRock Ventures logo – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![SpringRock Ventures logo](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SunLife-DentaQuest-Logo-scaled.png "SunLife-DentaQuest Logo – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![SpringRock Ventures logo](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Waterline_Ventures_Logos-03_STANDARD-1-e1774457808911.jpg "Waterline_Ventures_Logos-03_STANDARD (1) – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/7wire-logo.png "7wire logo – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Young-Innovations_logo.png "Young-Innovations_logo – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ## SMILE Health Case Studies ![Baby in a stroller reaching for a light blue box labeled 'Baby Dental Care Kit' held by a caregiver side.](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/FirstGrinBaby.png "FirstGrinBaby – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### Firstgrin and DentaQuest Advance Pediatric Oral Health in Underserved Community ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/murnia_600x400.png "murnia_600x400 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### Murnia Scales Access to Treatment ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/oraliva_600x400.png "oraliva_600x400 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### OraLiva and the Future of Oral Cancer Diagnostics [View more insights](https://carequestinnovation.com/insights/) --- ### [Careers](https://carequestinnovation.com/careers/) **Published:** March 20, 2026 **Author:** Darren Edwards **Content:** # Join Our Team We’re on a mission to improve the oral health of all. ![CareQuest Innovation Team Photo](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Innovation-Team-2026-v1.png "CareQuest Innovation Team Photo – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ## Open Positions Visit CareQuest Institute for Oral Health for additional [open positions](https://carequest.org/careers/) within the nonprofit organization. *This link will lead you to a seperate website.* **Equal Employment Opportunity:** CareQuest provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. --- ### [What We Do](https://carequestinnovation.com/what-we-do/) **Published:** March 20, 2026 **Author:** Darren Edwards **Content:** # What We Do At CareQuest Innovation Partners, we fund, scale, and convene transformative solutions that improve overall health through oral health. Through our ecosystem of industry partners, startups, and investors, we’re committed to making health care more accessible, equitable, and integrated. ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/innovation-focus-area-hero_what-we-do-.png "what we do – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ## Improving Oral Health Through Overall Health Joined by our mission to improve the oral health of all, CareQuest Innovation Partners is a for-profit subsidiary company of [CareQuest Institute for Oral Health](https://carequest.org/). A national nonprofit, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is focused on creating a health care system that is designed for everyone — through its work in philanthropy, research, advocacy, and education, as well as leadership in dental benefits and innovation advancements. At CareQuest Innovation Partners, we focus our work in three main areas of Innovation Programs ([SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/) and [ACCELERATE](https://carequestinnovation.com/accelerate/)), [Corporate Partnerships](https://carequestinnovation.com/partnerships/), and [Impact Investing](https://carequestinnovation.com/impact-investing/). ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/cqip-2026-connection-cqi-1.20@0.5x-e1774531353626.png "cqip 2026 connection cqi-1.20@0.5x – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ## Innovators on a Mission For too long, oral health innovation has trailed overall health care advancement — even as reseachers make more connections between poor oral health and increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and adverse maternal health outcomes. 1 in 4 1 in 4 adults lack dental insurance, and 24.7 million people live in dental shortage areas in the US. $54B Oral health prevention is a $54 billion market but received less than 1% of VC funding in 2024. <2% Funding for US-based digital dental health startups accounts for less than 2% of overall digital health funding annually. It’s time for things to change. We are committed to transforming oral health and overall health by funding, scaling, and convening real solutions across teledentistry, medical-dental integration, pediatric care, maternal health, and more. Through our innovation programs, impact investing, and strategic corporate partnerships, we are driving real impact and bringing new solutions to the communities that need them most. ## Learn More [![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Learn-More-Programs@0.5x.png "Learn More - Programs@0.5x – CareQuest Innovation Partners")](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/) [SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/) [![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Learn-More-Partnerships@0.5x.png "Learn More - Partnerships@0.5x – CareQuest Innovation Partners")](https://carequestinnovation.com/partnerships/) [Corporate Partnerships](https://carequestinnovation.com/partnerships/) [![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Learn-More-Impact-Investing@0.5x.png "Learn More - Impact Investing@0.5x – CareQuest Innovation Partners")](https://carequestinnovation.com/impact-investing/) [Impact Investing](https://carequestinnovation.com/impact-investing/) --- ### [Startup Ecosystem](https://carequestinnovation.com/ecosystem/) **Published:** March 19, 2026 **Author:** Darren Edwards **Content:** # Startup Ecosystem We work with companies across industries, from early stage to in-market, to improve access, equity, and the integration between oral and overall health. ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/innovation-hero_startup-exosystem-header-image.png "innovation hero_startup exosystem header image – CareQuest Innovation Partners") Our startup ecosystem includes our [ACCELERATE](https://carequestinnovation.com/accelerate/) participants, [SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/) alumni, and [portfolio companies](https://carequestinnovation.com/impact-investing/). From teledentistry, pediatric care, diagnostics, AI, and beyond, these companies are meeting critical market and patient needs, connected by our mission to improve overall health through oral health–for all. --- ### [FAQs](https://carequestinnovation.com/program-faqs/) **Published:** March 19, 2026 **Author:** Darren Edwards **Content:** # Frequently Asked Questions Have a question? We’re here to help. Take a moment to browse through our Frequently Asked Questions below. If you don’t see what you’re looking for or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to [contact us](#contact). Jump to: [General Information](#general) [SMILE Health](#smile) [ACCELERATE](#accelerate) ## General Information ##### What is CareQuest Innovation Partners? At CareQuest Innovation Partners, we fund, convene, and scale transformative solutions that improve overall health through oral health. Through our ecosystem of industry partners, startups, and investors, we’re committed to making health care more accessible, equitable, and integrated. Visit the [What We Do](https://carequestinnovation.com/what-we-do/) page to learn more. ##### How is CareQuest Innovation Partners connected to CareQuest Institute for Oral Health? CareQuest Innovation Partners is the for-profit subsidiary company of [CareQuest Institute for Oral Health](https://carequest.org/). A national nonprofit, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is focused on creating a health care system that is designed for everyone – through its work in philanthropy, research, advocacy, and education, as well as leadership in dental benefits and innovation advancements. ##### How do I contact CareQuest Innovation Partners for more information? We’d love to hear from you! Complete the form on the [Contact Us](https://carequestinnovation.com/connect/) page and someone from our team will get back to you within two business days. ##### How can I stay updated on CareQuest Innovation Partners work and news? We encourage you to [sign up](https://carequestinnovation.com/connect/) for our quarterly newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn for the latest news, resources, and opportunities. ##### I’m interested in expert comment, interviews, and/or securing a speaker. Who can I connect with? Please complete the [Contact Us](https://carequestinnovation.com/connect/) form. Our communications team will review the request and be in touch to help secure the right representative. ##### How can I partner with CareQuest Innovation Partners? Explore our [Partnerships](https://carequestinnovation.com/partnerships/) page to learn more. ##### Are there job opportunities at CareQuest Innovation Partners? You can find open positions on the [Our Team](https://carequestinnovation.com/our-team/) page. ## SMILE Health ##### What types of startups does the program look for? [SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/) is looking for emerging startups with solutions that improve accessibility, equity, and propel the integration between oral health and overall health. Startups do not have to be based in the United States but must have a focus on the US market. The program has cross-industry representation and previous experience in oral health is not required. ##### What is the right stage of startup for this program? Are we too far along? Applicants can range from research-based or pre-revenue concepts up to and including Series A funded startups. Startups must be able to demonstrate a validated hypothesis or proven concept which is in market or will enter market in 6-12 months. ##### Is experience in oral health required to apply? No. The program has cross-industry representation and previous experience in oral health is not required. You should have an oral health focus or a potential use case to advance integrated health. ##### When does the program begin and end? Applications are open April 1 – May 13, 2026. The cohort will be announced in mid-June. The SMILE Health accelerator will run from June 29– July 29. Startups selected for the program will also participate in person in Chicago, IL for Demo Day (July 28-29). Visit the [SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/) page for the full program timeline. ##### What is the time commitment? Selected startups are expected to commit to roughly 4-5 hours/week for one month by participating in pitch rehearsals, networking preparation, and working sessions around investor/customer engagement. Startups are also expected to attend Demo Day on July 28-29 in Chicago, IL. ##### Who needs to participate from my startup? The program works best when the leadership team can fully engage in the program. We ask that at least one co-founder can dedicate the required time. ##### How will the final startups be chosen? All applications will be evaluated using the following criteria (non-exhaustive): - How much potential value does the solution offer to customers? - How validated and/or mature is the solution? - How capable is the team to develop/execute the solution? - How likely is the business model to generate positive returns within 9-12 months? - How large is the market opportunity for the solution? - How aligned is the solution to CareQuest’s mission and the focus area(s)? ##### Does participation in SMILE limit my ability to apply to ACCELERATE? No, participating in SMILE may actually strengthen a future ACCELERATE application. The only limitation is that startups cannot participate in both programs at the same time. For example, if you participate in SMILE 2026, you would not be eligible to apply to ACCELERATE until SMILE concludes in July 2026. ##### Should I apply to SMILE or ACCELERATE? SMILE is designed to support earlier stage startups (typically pre-seed or seed) which are looking to refine their pitches and gain connections to potential customers or investors. ACCELERATE is designed for more established startups (typically seed or Series A+) with significant market traction which are looking to pilot and scale their solution. ##### What are the terms and conditions to apply? The full terms and conditions for SMILE Health are linked [here](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CQIP_SMILE2026_TermsandConditions_FINAL_03302026.pdf). ## ACCELERATE ##### What types of startups does the program look for? [ACCELERATE](https://carequestinnovation.com/accelerate/) is focused on supporting clinically validated solutions with significant market traction, that have shown progress in improving access, equity, and integration of oral health or overall health, particularly for underserved populations. Startups do not have to be based in the US but must have a focus on the US market. The program has cross-industry representation, and previous experience in oral health is not required. ##### What is the right stage of startup for this program? - Applicants must have in-market, independently validated solutions (including FDA clearance/approval as relevant). - Applicants can range from Seed to Series B+ startups typically with $5M+ in annual revenue and 10+ FTE. Startups must be in the US market with operational readiness to execute pilot at scale, with an industry partner committed to supporting it over a 6-12 month timeframe. - Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial runway (through revenue or investment) to support operations through the duration of the pilot. ##### Is my proposed pilot partner eligible for this program? - Partners must be established, enterprise-scale organizations with regional or national reach (e.g., DSOs, payers, distributors, FQHC networks, health systems, etc.). They must have sufficient operational capacity, data and IT readiness, and committed executive sponsorship to conduct a pilot at scale. - Partners should match CareQuest’s contribution to the pilot at least 1:1 through financial or in-kind resources. - Partners must clearly define what is needed for continued scale after the pilot concludes. They should demonstrate commitment to improving access, equity, and integration of oral health, especially for underserved populations. ##### What is eligible as a project? - Projects must be an active, in-market deployment of your solution with an existing or potential customer. - Projects must define specific hypotheses, KPIs, and outcomes that can be measured using operational, clinical, or claims based data. There should be a clear project roadmap, including milestones and regularly reporting back to CareQuest and your partner. - The project must advance access, equity, or integration of oral and overall health. ##### What can project funds be used for? - Funds should be applied to costs that directly support pilot delivery, such as cost of goods sold, product deployment or delivery costs, and implementation/onboarding of pilot users. Other modest, clearly justifiable costs may be supported if essential to launching or evaluating the pilot, including analytics/outcomes data collection or product feature development. - Fund levels typically correspond to projected scale, cost structure, and population reach of the pilot. ##### Is experience in oral health required to apply? No. The program has cross-industry representation and previous experience in oral health is not required. You should have an oral health focus or a potential use case to advance integrated health. ##### When does the program begin and end? Applications are accepted year-round. Pilots should run 6-12 months. ##### Should I apply to SMILE or ACCELERATE? SMILE is designed to support earlier stage startups (typically pre-seed or seed) which are looking to refine their pitches and gain connections to potential customers or investors. ACCELERATE is designed for more established startups (typically seed or Series A+) with significant market traction which are looking to pilot and scale their solution. ##### What is the time commitment? - The application process typically takes 10-15 hours in total, which includes a written application, detailed project proposal (including proposed budget, KPIs, milestones, etc.), and conversations with your pilot partner to obtain their support. - Pilots typically last from 6 to 12 months in duration. You should be prepared to launch the pilot within 2 months of applying. ##### How are projects approved? All applications will be evaluated using the following criteria (non-exhaustive): - How much impact potential does this project have in the next 1-3 years? - How meaningful are the industry partners’ contributions to the project, given the amount requested from CareQuest? - How likely is the work to continue after the project ends and drive increased impact? - How feasible is the project, the resources, and the timeframe described? - How aligned is the project to our mission to make oral health more accessible, equitable, and integrated? - How much does the project target or have the potential to reach an underserved population? - Will the project advance and validate the innovative solution, driving key proof points? ##### What are the terms and conditions to apply? The full terms and conditions for ACCELERATE are linked [here](https://oncarequest.sharepoint.com/sites/MarknComDpt/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FMarknComDpt%2FShared%20Documents%2FInnovation%20Partners%2FWebsite%2F2026%20Website%20Update%2FContent%20Ready%2FCQIP%5FACCELERATE2026%5FTermsandConditions%5FFINAL%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FMarknComDpt%2FShared%20Documents%2FInnovation%20Partners%2FWebsite%2F2026%20Website%20Update%2FContent%20Ready). ## Still Have Questions? Send us a message using the form below and a member of our team will get back to you. --- ### [Partnerships](https://carequestinnovation.com/partnerships/) **Published:** March 19, 2026 **Author:** Darren Edwards **Content:** # Corporate Partnerships We work with mission-aligned industry partners to advance the future of oral and integrated health. [Partner with us](https://carequestinnovation.com/connect/) ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Innovation-hero_partnerships.png "Innovation hero_partnerships – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ## Partnering for Greater Impact Our strategic partnerships combine funding, industry expertise, and hands-on guidance for corporate, technology, and innovation leaders to accelerate and scale high-impact solutions that address current business priorities and health care gaps. Our partners are a vital part of our ecosystem. In addition to collaborating with partners on startup innovation through [SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/) and [ACCELERATE](https://carequestinnovation.com/accelerate/), we work closely with payers, providers, dental service organizations (DSOs), distributors, technology and consumer leaders on national initiatives including: ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Partnerships_interoperability-e1774290547336.jpg "Partnerships_interoperability – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ### Preventive Health Screenings in Dental Settings We’re working with partners to embed essential medical screenings—including blood pressure and A1C diabetes testing—into routine dental visits. These efforts support earlier disease detection, close care gaps, and strengthen the connection between medical and dental care. ### Integrating Interoperability Technology into Electronic Dental Records (EDRs) We partner with technology leaders to integrate dental into the nation’s core health information exchange infrastructure. Through embedding interoperability technology directly into clinical workflow via EDRs, providers are able to communicate across medical and dental care, improving care coordination and patient outcomes across settings. ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/partnerships_interoperability-1-e1774636165750.jpg "Male dentist looking at teeth x-ray on the computer in a dentist – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ### Industry Activation and Change at HLTH At our Oral Health Pavilion at HLTH, we elevate the message that oral health *is* health to a wide, diverse audience of health care leaders. This showcase activates stakeholders across the ecosystem, drives industry awareness, advances adoption of medical-dental integration, and shifts perceptions about what’s possible. ## Featured Partnerships [![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/partnerships_henryschein-scaled.png "partnerships_henryschein – CareQuest Innovation Partners")](https://www.henryschein.com/) ### BRIDGE Health Network with Henry Schein Established by [Henry Schein](https://www.henryschein.com/) and CareQuest, BRIDGE is a curated network of health care professionals committed to advancing systemic models of care and strengthening disease prevention through medical-dental integration. The initiative’s inaugural pilots focus on incorporating diabetes screenings into routine dental hygiene visits. Participating care teams provide point-of-care testing, share educational resources, and coordinate follow-up care—helping identify risks earlier and connect patients to the support they need. ### Electronic Dental Records (EDR) Interoperability with Kno2 While national interoperability infrastructure exists, dental care remains largely disconnected from the broader health information exchange ecosystem, limiting care coordination and medical-dental integration—particularly for seniors, medically complex, and underserved populations. CareQuest and [Kno2](https://kno2.com/), the nation's leading full-stack health care communication infrastructure and a federally designated Qualified Health Information Network (QHIN), are partnering to accelerate real-time dental and medical clinical information sharing, at scale. The work will improve care coordination, enhance quality and safety across care settings, establish a lasting foundation for medical-dental integration. [![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/partnerships_kno2.png "partnerships_kno2 – CareQuest Innovation Partners")](https://kno2.com/) [![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/partnerships_pdshealth.png "partnerships_pdshealth – CareQuest Innovation Partners")](https://www.pdshealth.com/) ### PDS Health Blood Pressure Screenings As strong evidence exists on the connection between oral and cardiovascular health, CareQuest and [PDS Health](https://www.pdshealth.com/) are working together to standardize and scale workflows for blood pressure screenings and patient consultation across its dental and integrated care practices. This initiative will generate insights on the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension detectable through dental settings, estimate medical cost savings associated with earlier detection and referral into medical care, and strengthen the business case for scale. Interested in working with us? [Connect with us](https://carequestinnovation.com/connect/) --- ### [Insights](https://carequestinnovation.com/insights/) **Published:** March 23, 2026 **Author:** Darren Edwards **Content:** # Insights Explore thought leadership, special reports, and case studies from across our ecosystem. ![Baby in a stroller reaching for a light blue box labeled 'Baby Dental Care Kit' held by a caregiver side.](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/FirstGrinBaby.png "FirstGrinBaby – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### Firstgrin and DentaQuest Advance Pediatric Oral Health in Underserved Community June 16, 2026 ![Elderly woman sits in a chair as a nurse in scrubs and a mask prepares a medical procedure nearby in a clinic room (gloved hands visible).](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Longevity-Blog-Post-1024x683.jpg "Longevity Blog Post – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### Longevity Is Having a Moment. But It’s Missing Oral Health. June 4, 2026 ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Virtual-Event-SS.jpg "Virtual Event SS – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### Building Better Care: Oral Health Access, Investment, and Maternal Health Connection May 26, 2026 ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/longevity-pic.jpg "Black man at routine dental appointment – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### Longevity, Access, and AI: Forecasting 2026 Oral Health Innovation January 22, 2026 ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SMILE-Group-Pic-1_600x400.png "SMILE Group Pic 1_600x400 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### SMILE Health Cohort Celebrates a Successful 2025 December 4, 2025 ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/IMG_7633.gif "IMG_7633 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### HLTH 2025: Medical-Dental Integration Takes Center Stage October 30, 2025 ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/murnia_600x400.png "murnia_600x400 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### Murnia Scales Access to Treatment October 27, 2025 ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/cover-600x400-1.gif "cover-600x400 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### Innovations in Oral Health: We’ve Just Scratched the Surface October 15, 2025 ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2025-fellows_600x400.png "2025 fellows_600x400 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### “The Power of an Incredible Team”: Reflections from Our Summer Impact Fellows August 26, 2025 ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Second-Opinion-Image-border.gif "Second-Opinion-Image-border – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### Second Opinion: Investors Are All In on Digital Health, but Are Missing Oral Health Care June 18, 2025 ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/teens-talk-teeth_600x400.png "teens talk teeth_600x400 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### Teens Talk Teeth Brings Oral Health Awareness to the Next Generation June 16, 2025 ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/oraliva_600x400.png "oraliva_600x400 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### OraLiva and the Future of Oral Cancer Diagnostics May 20, 2025 [More →](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-cron.php?doing_wp_cron=1789040025.5315918922424316406250&loop-6fha8kzhxa=2) --- ### [News](https://carequestinnovation.com/news/) **Published:** March 19, 2026 **Author:** Darren Edwards **Content:** # News Journal articles, insights, and perspectives about our work to improve oral health through overall health. ![Male speaker at a podium delivering a presentation to an audience, with CareQuest branded banners in the background and a blue slide on the screen reading 'SMILE Health Demo Day'.](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Wade-Demo-Day.png "Wade Demo Day – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### CareQuest Demo Day Convenes Innovators Committed to Making Health Care More Effective, Accessible, and Connected August 12, 2026 #### Open Dental Becomes First Electronic Dental Record Technology to Connect to Kno2, Advancing Dental Interoperability Nationwide July 21, 2026 ![Large conference room filled with professionals seated at long tables, watching a presentation on screens at the front.](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Homepage-Investing-1024x768.jpeg "Homepage Investing – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### CareQuest Innovation Partners and MATTER Introduce 2026 SMILE Health Cohort and Newest ACCELERATE Pilots June 23, 2026 ![Promotional podcast poster: orange background, logo top left, large title 'Why Oral Health is the Missing Link in Healthcare Innovation,' portraits of two women, hosted by Sabrina Runbeck.](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/why-oral-health-is-the-2BAGsoW67cL-LUciNf4yrSu_resize-1.png "why-oral-health-is-the-2BAGsoW67cL-LUciNf4yrSu_resize 1 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### Provider’s Edge: Why Oral Health Is the Missing Link in Healthcare Innovation June 17, 2026 ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/PDS-Partnership-Image.jpg "PDS Partnership Image – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### CareQuest Innovation Partners and PDS Health Collaborate to Scale Blood Pressure Screening in Dental Offices to Advance Integrated Care May 5, 2026 ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/MedCity-News-4.2.26.jpg "MedCity News 4.2.26 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### MedCity News: From Cavities to Chronic Disease: Why Medicine and Dentistry Can’t Operate Separately April 2, 2026 ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SMILE-Group-Pic-1_600x400.png "SMILE Group Pic 1_600x400 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### CareQuest Innovation Partners and MATTER Open Applications for SMILE Health and ACCELERATE to Improve Oral and Integrated Health April 1, 2026 ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Kno2-press-release-_520x360-1.jpg "Male dentist looking at teeth x-ray on the computer in a dentist – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### CareQuest Innovation Partners and Kno2 Launch National Initiative to Integrate Dental into Health Information Exchange Infrastructure March 24, 2026 ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/The-Healthcare-Blog-600x400-1.gif "The-Healthcare-Blog-600x400 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### The Healthcare Blog: Katie D’Amico on Integrating Oral Health into Medical Care November 25, 2025 ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/iStock-1495412452-480x320-1.jpg "team of dentists is diagnosing inside conference room treating patient toothache. team of doctors and dentists are meeting to find a way to treat root canals that cause pain due to inflammation. – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### Young Innovations and Umayana Partner to Launch Murnia® Mouth Spray November 20, 2025 ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Azeem-at-Dentech_600x400.png "Azeem at Dentech_600x400 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### ADA News: Dentech Panels Focus on Medical-Dental Connections, Investment and Innovation Opportunities October 23, 2025 ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Inside-Dentistry-Cover-10.1.25_600x400.gif "Inside-Dentistry-Cover-10.1.25_600x400 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") #### Inside Dental Hygiene: Mind Meets Machine October 1, 2025 [More →](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-cron.php?doing_wp_cron=1789040025.5315918922424316406250&loop-6fha8kzhxa=2) --- ### [Connect](https://carequestinnovation.com/connect/) **Published:** March 19, 2026 **Author:** Darren Edwards **Content:** # Connect With Us ## Subscribe to Our Newsletter Sign up to receive our quarterly newsletter and get timely program updates straight to your inbox. ## Connect with Our Team Have a question or want to connect with our team? Take a moment to browse through our [FAQs](https://carequestinnovation.com/program-faqs/). If you don’t see what you’re looking for or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us. --- ### [Toolkit for SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/toolkit/) **Published:** March 31, 2026 **Author:** Darren Edwards **Content:** # Empowering Innovation that Helps the World SMILE SMILE Health is the accelerator where transformational solutions to improve oral health take center stage. We need your help promoting SMILE Health across your network to attract right-fit startups who challenge norms and are ready to advance solutions that improve accessibility, equity, and the integration between oral and overall health. Application Window: April 1 – May 13 ## Social Media Content CareQuest Innovation Partners and MATTER will share content across social media channels. Please use the content below to promote SMILE Health, and tag [CareQuest Innovation Partners](https://www.linkedin.com/company/carequest-innovation-partners/) and [MATTER](https://www.linkedin.com/company/matter-chicago/). Suggested hashtags include #oralhealth , \#SMILEHealth , \#startups , \#innovation. ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SMILE-Health-2026-Linkedin-Post.png "SMILE Health 2026 Linkedin Post – CareQuest Innovation Partners") Calling emerging startups! Apply now for #SMILEHealth, the accelerator for solutions improving accessibility, equity, and integration between #oralhealth and overall health. Presented by [CareQuest Innovation Partners](https://www.linkedin.com/company/carequest-innovation-partners/) and [MATTER](https://www.linkedin.com/company/matter-chicago/), SMILE Health provides selected startups with: - Dedicated pitch support - Partnership support, mentorship, and guidance - Demo Day pitch event with medical and oral health leaders - Non-dilutive stipend Apply now through May 13: Ready to advance innovation and challenge norms? Apply now for the fifth annual #SMILEHealth accelerator and join [CareQuest Innovation Partners](https://www.linkedin.com/company/carequest-innovation-partners/), [MATTER](https://www.linkedin.com/company/matter-chicago/), industry leaders, and investors on our shared mission to improve overall health through #oralhealth. Accepting applications through May 13: ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Smile-Overview-2026-final.gif "Smile Overview 2026- final – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SMILETimeline2026.gif "SMILETimeline2026 – CareQuest Innovation Partners") It’s time to take the next step toward growth. Join the 2026 #SMILEHealth accelerator, designed to advance solutions that make oral health and overall health more accessible, equitable, and integrated. Apply by May 13 – selected startups receive a $2,500 non-dilutive stipend and gain exposure to industry leaders and investors on a shared mission to drive meaningful change in oral and overall health. ## Sample Email Please use our email template to share SMILE Health with relevant audiences. **Subject Line:** Join the 2026 SMILE Health Accelerator Hi {Insert Name} I’m excited to share that applications are now open for [SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/), the accelerator advancing solutions that improve accessibility, equity, and the integration between oral and overall health. Now in its fifth year, [SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/) is a facilitated by [CareQuest Innovation Partners](https://carequestinnovation.com/) and [MATTER](https://matter.health/). The semi-virtual program is tailored to emerging health startups, connecting innovators to an ecosystem of mission-aligned industry partners and investors. **Startups selected to participate in SMILE Health benefit from:** - Dedicated pitch support - Partnership support, mentorship, and guidance - Demo Day pitch event with medical and oral health leaders - Non-dilutive stipend SMILE Health is driving impact and better patient outcomes across the industry, and we’re excited to see new innovations in 2026. We think you and SMILE Health could be a great fit. Learn more and [apply by May 13](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/). --- ### [Impact Investing](https://carequestinnovation.com/impact-investing/) **Published:** March 19, 2026 **Author:** Darren Edwards **Content:** # Impact Investing We accelerate health innovation by investing in startups aligned with our mission to improve oral and overall health for all. [Connect with us](https://carequestinnovation.com/connect/) ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/innovation-focus-area-heros_accelerate_header_-1.png "innovation focus area heros_accelerate_header_ – CareQuest Innovation Partners") ## Our Portfolio Our impact investing portfolio accelerates health innovation, providing investment for companies aligned with our mission to improve oral and overall health for all. ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Dentistry-ONE.png) ## Dentistry.One | Metuchen, NJ [**Dentistry.One**](https://dentistry.one/), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MouthWatch, launched in 2023 as a virtual-first care network that addresses the expectations of today’s modern health care consumers with on-demand dental consultations, AI wellness scans, personalized care coordination, and oral health coaching for prioritizing oral and systemic health. **Portfolio** ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Enable-Dental_logo.jpg) ## Enable Dental | Austin, TX [**Enable Dental** ](https://enabledental.com/)offers portable general dentistry and value-added services to seniors, adults with special needs ('IDD'), and their supporting health care organizations across various facilities, homes, PACE centers, and communities. **Portfolio** ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Grin_logo.png) ## Grin | New York, NY [**Grin**](http://www.get-grin.com/) is reinventing oral care for everyone. With Grin’s imaging and remote diagnostic solution, patients are connected to doctors remotely, bringing patient convenience, reduction in overhead, and access to responsible care. Grin empowers consumers to take control of their oral health by seeing what is happening in their mouths and connecting them to resources and diagnostics encouraging preventive care. **SMILE | ACCELERATE | Portfolio** ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Incisive_logo.png) ## Incisive Technologies | Melbourne, Australia [**Incisive’s**](https://www.incisive-technologies.com/) mission is to advance oral health care and accelerate solutions to the global challenge of tooth decay. Incisive’s BlueCheck is a highly sensitive, easy-to-use, objective measure of early-stage caries to support minimally invasive care. Intellectual property protection extends across all the major global jurisdictions, and they expect BlueCheck to disrupt the current standard of care. **SMILE | Portfolio** ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mouthwatch.jpg) ## MouthWatch | Metuchen, NJ [**MouthWatch**](https://www.mouthwatch.com/) is a leader in developing digital technology solutions that drive success for dental professionals, improve oral health care, and enhance the overall patient experience. **Portfolio** ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/orisdx1.png) ## OrisDX | Chicago, IL [**OrisDX**](https://www.orisdx.com/) provides patients better clarity on their health through novel saliva-based diagnostics to identify precancer and cancer. Based on innovative research from the University of Chicago, their first product detects oral cavity cancer through noninvasive genetic testing of patients’ saliva. **SMILE | ACCELERATE | Portfolio** ![](https://carequestinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Wesper.jpg) ## Wesper | New York, NY [**Wesper**](https://wesper.co/) is a physician-guided sleep management platform that offers patients personalized treatment plans, all from the comfort of their own homes. **Portfolio** --- ### [Terms & Conditions](https://carequestinnovation.com/terms-conditions/) **Published:** March 25, 2021 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** # Terms & Conditions The use of this website is governed by the following terms and conditions (“Terms”) and our Privacy Policy. By using this website, you acknowledge that you have read these disclaimers and policies and that you accept and will be bound by their terms. CareQuest Innovation Partners, Inc. and its affiliated organizations (collectively “CareQuest”) reserve the right to revise these Terms at any time without prior notice by updating this page and such revisions will be effective upon posting to this page and you agree to be bound by such revised terms. Please check this page periodically for any changes. User’s continued use of this website shall constitute acceptance of these Terms and any posted changes. User agrees to use this website only for lawful purposes. User is prohibited from posting on or transmitting through CareQuest Innovation Partners any unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, profane, hateful, racially, ethnically, or otherwise objectionable material of any kind, including, but not limited to, any material which encourages conduct that would constitute a criminal offense or otherwise violate any applicable local, state, national or international law. #### **COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK** This website is Copyright ©2022 CareQuest Innovation Partners, Inc. All Rights Reserved. All content included on this site, including, but not limited to, all text, graphics, logos, images and software, is the property of, or used pursuant to license to, CareQuest Innovation Partners and protected by law. Unless otherwise indicated, no portion of this site, nor any content appearing on this site may be reproduced, displayed, duplicated, copied, distributed, sold, transferred or otherwise exploited for any purpose without the express prior consent of CareQuest Innovation Partners. Under no circumstance may a user remove, delete, augment, add to, participate in the transfer or sale of, create derivative works from or in any way exploit any content, in whole or part. User may not upload, post, reproduce or distribute in any way content protected by copyright, or other propriety right. In addition, use of any software content shall be governed by the software license agreement accompanying such software. CareQuest Innovation Partners, Inc. services, programs or products referenced herein may also be either trademarks or service marks or registered trademarks or service marks of CareQuest Innovation Partners. The names of other companies, products and services mentioned herein may be the trademarks or service marks of their respective owners. No association with any company, organization, product, domain name, e-mail address, logo, persons, places or events is intended or should be inferred. All rights not expressly granted herein are reserved. #### **LINKS TO OTHER WEBSITES AND SERVICES** This website may contain links or references to other websites and outside services and resources. CareQuest Innovation Partners does not control the availability and content of websites, services or resources other than its own, nor does the CareQuest Innovation Partners approve or endorse materials, products, services or information available at or through such other websites or third parties. Viewing other websites or utilizing outside services and resources is done at user’s own risk. #### **DISCLAIMER AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY** The content of this website is provided for general information, is not intended to provide medical or dental advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis or treatment. No dentist/patient relationship is established by this content. No diagnosis or treatment is being provided. No guarantees or warranties, including insurance coverage or payment, are made regarding any of the information provided. We may provide links to other websites that are not under our control. In general, any website that has an address (or URL) not containing our domain name is such a website. These links are provided for convenience or reference only and are not intended as an endorsement by us of the organization or individual operating the website or a warranty of any type regarding the website or the information on the website. CAREQUEST INNOVATION PARTNERS DOES NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY, CURRENCY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE INFORMATION OR THE RELIABILITY OF ANY ADVICE, OPINION, STATEMENT OR OTHER MATERIALS DISPLAYED ON, OR DISTRIBUTED THROUGH, THIS WEBSITE. The information set forth on this website may contain inaccuracies and typographical errors. Any reliance on any such information, advice, opinion, statement or other materials will be at your own risk. THIS SITE IS PROVIDED BY CAREQUEST INNOVATION PARTNERS ON AN “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” BASIS. CAREQUEST INNOVATION PARTNERS MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO THE OPERATION OF THE SITE, OR THE INFORMATION, CONTENT, MATERIALS OR PRODUCTS, INCLUDED ON THIS SITE. TO THE FULL EXTENT PERMISSIBLE BY APPLICABLE LAW, CAREQUEST INNOVATION PARTNERS DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ACCURACY OF INFORMATIONAL CONTENT, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. CAREQUEST INNOVATION PARTNERS FOR ORAL HEALTH, INC. WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OF ANY KIND ARISING FROM THE USE OF THIS WEBSITE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON BREACH OF CONTRACT, BREACH OF WARRANTY, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, PRODUCT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE. The exclusion of damages under this section is independent of your exclusive remedy herein and survives in the event such remedy fails of its essential purpose or is otherwise deemed unenforceable. CareQuest Innovation Partners reserves the right to modify any and all portions of this website without notice. Under no circumstances shall CareQuest Innovation Partners be liable to any user or any other third party for such modifications. If you are dissatisfied with this website, you do not agree with any part of the Terms, or you have any other dispute or claim with or against CareQuest Innovation Partners with respect to the Terms or the website, then your sole and exclusive remedy is to discontinue using the website. #### **GENERAL GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION** The Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and CareQuest Innovation Partners and governs your use of the website. These Terms shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. User agrees to submit to the personal and exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located within the county of Suffolk in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The failure of CareQuest Innovation Partners to exercise or enforce any right or provision of the Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision. If any provision of Terms is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the parties nevertheless agree that the court should endeavor to give effect to the parties’ intentions as reflected in the provision, and the other provisions of the Terms remain in full force and effect. Any claim arising under the Terms must be brought within one (1) year after such claim or cause of action arose or be forever barred. --- ### [Privacy Statement](https://carequestinnovation.com/privacy-statement/) **Published:** March 25, 2021 **Author:** Carly Strang **Content:** # Privacy Statement The privacy of your personal information is important to us. The purpose of this statement is to let you know how CareQuest Innovation Partners, Inc (“Innovation Partners”) handles the information we collect through the use of this website or other electronic communication methods. This Privacy Statement governs your access and use of all Innovation Partners websites (“Sites”) and services (“Services”), including extranet sites and other online tools that are associated with programs run by Innovation Partners. Please read this Privacy Statement carefully so that you understand our online privacy practices. By accessing our Sites you agree to be bound by the terms of this Privacy Statement. If you have any questions after you have read the Privacy Statement, please contact . Innovation Partners respects your interest in privacy when visiting our website. We are responsible for protecting the security of the personal information we collect from you. You may occasionally receive other notices from Innovation Partners or its affiliates related to the privacy and confidentiality of personal information. These notices may also apply to the information collected through our website. This Privacy Statement does not apply to information collected through other means such as by telephone, in person or through enrollment in our services. That information may be protected by other privacy policies. This website is intended for a United States audience. Any information you provide, including any personal information, will be stored within the United States. **1. Commitment to Confidentiality** We are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of all information we receive from this website’s users. We may partner with third parties and provide links to third-party websites to offer you additional information and services. You may see both Innovation Partners’ logo and/or the third-party’s logo on these third-party websites. Users of these websites should be aware of who is collecting personal information and what privacy policies apply before providing personal information. Innovation Partners may not have control over third-party partners’ use of your information. **2. Your Personal Information** This website may include web pages that give you the option to provide us with information about yourself. You are not required to give us your personal information. However, that may limit your ability to use certain functions of this website or to request certain services or information. We may use your personal information for certain purposes such as: - To respond to an email or request from you - To prepopulate information to assist you during any of your transactions - To personalize the website for you - To process an application as requested by you - To administer surveys and promotions - To provide you with information that we believe may be useful to you, such as information about health products or services provided by us or other businesses - To perform analytics and to improve our products, websites, and advertising - To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes - To protect someone’s health, safety, or welfare - To protect our rights, the rights of affiliates or related third parties, or take appropriate legal action, such as to enforce our Terms and Conditions - To keep a record of our transactions and communications - Other purposes that are deemed necessary or useful for us to conduct our business, so long as such use is permitted by law. We may use your personal information to contact you using any contact information you provide through this website, including any email address, telephone number, cell phone number, text message number or fax number. **3. Collection and Use of Personal Information/Cookies** We may use and disclose your activity information unless restricted by this policy or by law. Some examples of the ways we use your activity information include: - Customizing your experience on the website including managing and recording your preferences - Presenting more relevant content and tools based on your past choices - Marketing, product development, and research purposes - Tracking resources and data accessed on the website - Developing reports regarding website usage, activity, and statistics - Assisting users experiencing website problems - Enabling certain functions and tools on this website - Tracking paths of visitors to this website and within this website We also use analytics services such as Google Analytics to learn more about your use of our website, such as which pages are visited and how often they are visited. This information will be used to enable certain features on our websites. Information is captured using various technologies and may include “cookies” – text files with small pieces of data that are used to identify your computer as you use a computer network and improve your web browsing experience. You can learn more about how Google Analytics uses your data by visiting . You may disable cookies and similar items by adjusting your browser preferences at any time, but this may limit your ability to take advantage of all the features on our website. We may also allow third-party service providers to use cookies and other technology to collect information, such as browsing activity over time and across third-party websites, web browsers used to read our websites and/or which websites are referring traffic or linking to our websites, or to deliver targeted advertisements to you. We do not control these third-party technologies and their use is governed by the privacy policies of third parties using such technologies. **4. Sharing Personal Information** We will only share your personal information with third parties as outlined in this Statement and as otherwise permitted by law. This website may permit you to view your visitor profile and related personal information and to request changes to such information. If this function is available, we will include a link on this website with a heading such as “My Account” or similar words. Clicking on the link will take you to a page through which you may review your visitor profile and related personal information. We may share your personal information within the Company, and/or combine information that you provide to us through this website with other information we have received from you, whether online or offline, or from other sources such as from our vendors. For example, if you have participated in a program with us, we may combine personal information you provide through this website with information regarding your program participation. We may also share personal information with other third-party companies that we collaborate with or hire to perform services on our behalf. For example, we may hire a company to help us send and manage email and/or SMS text messaging, and we might provide the company with your email address and certain other information in order for them to send you an email message or SMS on our behalf. Similarly, we may hire companies to host or operate some of our websites and related computers and software applications. We may share personal information in response to a court order, subpoena, search warrant, law, or regulation. We may cooperate with law enforcement authorities in investigating and prosecuting activities that are illegal, violate our rules or may be harmful to other visitors. We may share personal information if all or part of Innovation Partners is merged, dissolved, acquired or involved in a similar transaction. **5. Technology Use on This Website/ Internet Privacy Statement** We strive to keep information that you share on the website confidential and secure. Your encrypted (encoded) sensitive information is protected using “Secure Socket Layers (SSL)” as it passes between your browser and this website. We take safeguards to protect the personal information submitted to us, both during transmission and once we receive it. No method of transmission over the internet, or method of electronic storage, is 100% secure. Therefore, while we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security. Only authorized persons are permitted to access your personal information. All authorized persons must comply with security, privacy, and confidentiality agreements. **6. Email and Online Communication** If you send questions or comments to an email address listed on this website or via a contact form located within this website, we will share your correspondence with a colleague capable of addressing your questions and concerns. We will retain your communications until we have done our very best to provide you with a complete and satisfactory response. Ultimately, we will either discard your communication or, in some cases, archive it. We will keep your email address for future communications from our organization. We may periodically send electronic newsletters, notifications related to your account content and other communications. We may also send email communications regarding topics such as general health benefits, health conditions and health topics, as well as website updates, industry news, and Innovation Partners updates. We will offer you appropriate consent mechanisms, such as opt-out options, for marketing and certain other communications. Please be aware that opt-outs may not apply to certain types of communications, such as account status, website updates, or other communications. Unfortunately, standard internet email is not secure. For that reason, please do not use unsecured email to communicate information to us that you may consider confidential. **7. Children’s Privacy** We will not intentionally collect any personal information from children under the age of 13 through this website without receiving parental or guardian consent. If you think that we have collected personal information from a child under the age of 13 through this website, please contact us at . **8. Location Tracking** Providing useful, meaningful experiences is at the core of our company, and location information plays an important role in doing just that. Location tracking can make your experiences across our digital properties more relevant and helpful. Depending on the products you’re using and settings you choose, your use of our websites may provide us with location information that is critical to making some services and website features work and making other services more useful for you. Location tracking can come from real-time signals, like your IP address, device location or even your past activity on our sites, allowing tailored experiences to be created. Below are the primary ways we may get information about your location: From your device’s IP address: Internet Protocol (IP) addresses are part of the fabric of the internet and are assigned to a device whenever that device connects online. When a website needs to send something to your computer (for instance, your Google search results), it needs your IP address to send it to the right computer. IP addresses are based around geography and may be used to approximate the general location of a device. Like many other internet services, we can use this information about your location to provide some basic services (even if precise location is not collected from your device). This can help us understand the state you are using our services from and, for example, if there’s a sign-in from an unexpected place it allows us to detect unusual account activity. From your activity: As you use our services, we may infer that you’re interested in a place even if your device isn’t telling us exactly where you are. For example, if you search for “Dental care in Dallas”, we may assume that you would like to learn more about programs improving care in Dallas. Depending on your settings, this type of information may be stored with your account. **9. California Information-Sharing Disclosure** Residents of the State of California, under certain provisions of the California Civil Code, have the right to request from companies conducting business in California a list of all third parties to which the company has disclosed certain personally identifiable information as defined under California law during the preceding year for third-party direct marketing purposes. You are limited to one request per calendar year. In your request, please attest to the fact that you are a California resident and provide a current California address for our response. Please submit questions about this policy or your opt-out request to using the subject line CCPA Question. **10. Privacy Statement Changes** This Privacy Statement is effective as of October 26, 2023. This Privacy Statement is not intended to and does not create any contractual or other legal rights with or on behalf of any party. If we decide to make any material change to this website’s privacy practices, we will post those changes to this Privacy Statement and other places that we deem appropriate. Innovation Partners wants you to be aware of what information is being collected, how the information is being used and under what circumstances, if any, the information may be disclosed. Innovation Partners reserves the right to modify this Privacy Statement at any time, so please review it frequently. If you have any questions regarding this policy or feel your privacy may have been violated, please contact . --- ## Categories ### [News](https://carequestinnovation.com/category/news/) --- ### [Press Release](https://carequestinnovation.com/category/press-release/) --- ### [Case Study](https://carequestinnovation.com/category/case-study/) --- ### [Insights](https://carequestinnovation.com/category/insights/) ---