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# CareQuest Innovation Partners

Improving overall health through oral health—for all.

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://carequestinnovation.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [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/) - 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
- [SMILE Health Cohort Celebrates a Successful 2025](https://carequestinnovation.com/insights/smile-health-cohort-celebrates-a-successful-2025-2/) - Discover how SMILE Health's 2025 cohort accelerated equity in oral health with AI, pediatric care, and strong industry partnerships.
- [Longevity, Access, and AI: Forecasting 2026 Oral Health Innovation](https://carequestinnovation.com/insights/longevity-access-and-ai-forecasting-2026-oral-health-innovation/) - Explore five 2026 trends shaping oral health innovation: prevention, access-first care, AI-enabled integration, and equitable, scalable care.
- [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/) - A new partnership unites dental care with national health information exchange to improve patient safety, outcomes, and coordinated care.
- [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/) - Explore SMILE Health and ACCELERATE: funds, mentorship, and industry connections to scale oral-systemic care innovations.
- [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/) - Untreated dental issues drive ER visits and costs. Learn how data sharing, integrated centers, and AI can bridge medical and dental care to cut spending.
- [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/) - Learn how a focused dental-care initiative enhances hypertension detection, bridging oral health with cardiovascular care for healthier lives.
- [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/) - Discover how coordinated investment, medical-dental integration, and scalable innovation can expand oral health access in the near future.
- [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/) - Discover why oral health drives longevity, from early detection to integrated care and policy changes expanding access.
- [Firstgrin and DentaQuest Advance Pediatric Oral Health in Underserved Community](https://carequestinnovation.com/case-study/firstgrin/) - Discover how ACCELERATE partners CareQuest and Firstgrin advance preventive pediatric care for Medicaid families and close care gaps.
- [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/) - Healthcare founders must align workflows, validate pilots, and build strong partnerships before chasing rapid scale—and explore overlooked opportunities in oral health.
- [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/) - CareQuest and MATTER unveil the 2026 SMILE Health cohort and ACCELERATE pilots, driving connected, equitable oral and overall health innovations.
- [SMILE Health & The Grin Solution](https://carequestinnovation.com/case-study/grin/) - Case study: See how SMILE Health and Grin expand dental care access with AI-driven imaging and faster teledentistry in underserved communities.
- [OraLiva and the Future of Oral Cancer Diagnostics](https://carequestinnovation.com/case-study/oraliva/) - OraLiva's AI-powered cytology tool enables rapid, non-invasive oral cancer screening, helping clinicians detect precancer and cancer earlier.
- [Murnia Scales Access to Treatment](https://carequestinnovation.com/case-study/murnia/) - Case Study: Murnia scales access to treatment for dry mouth and oral conditions, empowering underserved patients with CareQuest Innovation Partners' support.
- [HLTH 2025: Medical-Dental Integration Takes Center Stage](https://carequestinnovation.com/insights/hlth-2025-medical-dental-integration-takes-center-stage/) - 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
- [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/) - 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
- [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/) - 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
- [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/) - 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.
- [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/) - SMILE Health Alumnus Grin Is First Startup to Receive Funding through New Program BOSTON, MA and CHICAGO, IL (April 16, 2024) — CareQuest Innovation Partners, a company focused on validating and scaling solutions to improve overall health through oral health, in partnership with MATTER, the premier health care incubator and innovation hub, today announced ACCELERATE,
- [Innovations in Oral Health: We’ve Just Scratched the Surface](https://carequestinnovation.com/insights/innovations-in-oral-health-weve-just-scratched-the-surface/) - 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
- [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/) - 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
- [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/) - 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
- [SMILE Health Reveal Day Unveils Innovations Advancing Medical-Dental Integration](https://carequestinnovation.com/insights/smile-health-reveal-day-unveils-innovations-advancing-medical-dental-integration/) - Six oral health startups gathered in Chicago at MATTER 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
- [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/) - 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
- [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/) - 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
- [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/) - 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, a company focused on validating and scaling solutions that improve the oral health of all, in partnership with MATTER, the premier health
- [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/) - 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, 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 —
- [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/) - 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, a company focused on validating and scaling solutions to improve overall health through oral health, in partnership with MATTER, the premier health care incubator and
- [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/) - 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.
- [“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/) - 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
- [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/) - 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, bringing together industry leaders CareQuest Innovation Partners, Henry Schein, and PDS Health. The pavilion’s return to HLTH underscores the growing awareness of oral health’s fundamental connection to overall
- [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/) - At ADA Forsyth dentech 2025, 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 Read
- [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/) - 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
- [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/) - 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
- [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/) - 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 –
- [CareQuest Names Wade Rakes as New CEO](https://carequestinnovation.com/news/carequest-names-wade-rakes-as-new-ceo/) - 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 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/) - 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
- [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/) - 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 today announce the addition of leading industry partners and more than $1 million in available investment capital to SMILE Health,
- [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/) - 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, the premier health care incubator and innovation hub, today
- [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/) - 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
- [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/) - 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
- [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/) - 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, a company focused on validating and scaling transformative solutions to improve overall health through oral health for all, in partnership
- [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/) - 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, a company focused on validating and scaling transformative solutions to improve overall health through oral health for all, in partnership with MATTER, the premier health care
- [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/) - 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, 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®,
- [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/) - Investment Aims to Make Oral Health Care Convenient and Accessible for Patients BOSTON, MA (October 28, 2024) – CareQuest Innovation Partners, a company focused on validating and scaling transformative solutions to improve oral and overall health, today announced its investment in Grin®, a leading virtual care platform for digital oral health care solutions. This funding
- [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/) - 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
- [Inside Dental Hygiene: Mind Meets Machine](https://carequestinnovation.com/news/inside-dental-hygiene-mind-meets-machine/) - 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.
- [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/) - 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
- [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/) - 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
- [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/) - 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.
- [How Innovation is Bridging the Medical-Dental Divide](https://carequestinnovation.com/insights/how-innovation-is-bridging-the-medical-dental-divide/) - 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
- [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/) - 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
- [Healthcare IT Today: Wearable Devices and Mobile Applications - 2025 Health IT Predictions](https://carequestinnovation.com/news/healthcare-it-today-2025-health-it-predictions/) - 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
- [Forecasting Oral Health Trends: Our Predictions for 2025](https://carequestinnovation.com/insights/forecasting-oral-health-trends-our-predictions-for-2025/) - 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
- [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/) - As our 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.
- [Fierce Healthcare: Managing Diabetes with Cultural Foods](https://carequestinnovation.com/news/fierce-healthcare-managing-diabetes-with-cultural-foods/) - Yumlish, a 2024 SMILE Health alum, 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.
- [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/) - 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.
- [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/) - A recent report 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 in treatment costs and productivity losses worldwide each year. To reverse this trend,
- [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/) - “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

## Pages

- [Home](https://carequestinnovation.com/) - CareQuest Innovation Partners funds, scales, and convenes transformative solutions to improve overall health through oral health—for all.
- [ACCELERATE](https://carequestinnovation.com/accelerate/) - 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 Advancing Established Innovation ACCELERATE is focused on solutions that have shown progress in improving access, equity, and integration of oral health
- [Leadership](https://carequestinnovation.com/leadership/) - CareQuest Innovation Leadership An Nguyen, DDS, MPH, Chief Clinical Officer  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,
- [SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/) - SMILE Health is the accelerator that supports innovators who challenge norms and are ready to advance solutions.
- [Careers](https://carequestinnovation.com/careers/) - Join our team. We’re on a mission to improve the oral health of all. CareQuest provides equal employment opportunities to all careers applicants.
- [What We Do](https://carequestinnovation.com/what-we-do/) - What we do: At CareQuest Innovation Partners, we fund, scale, and convene transformative solutions that improve overall health through oral health.
- [Startup Ecosystem](https://carequestinnovation.com/ecosystem/) - 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. Our startup ecosystem includes our ACCELERATE participants, SMILE Health alumni, and portfolio companies. From teledentistry, pediatric care, diagnostics, AI, and beyond, these companies are meeting critical market and patient needs,
- [FAQs](https://carequestinnovation.com/program-faqs/) - Have a question? We’re here to help. Take a moment to browse through our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below. If you don’t see what you’re looking for or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
- [Partnerships](https://carequestinnovation.com/partnerships/) - Partnerships at CareQuest Innovation Partners. We work with mission-aligned industry partners to advance the future of oral and integrated health.
- [Insights](https://carequestinnovation.com/insights/) - Insights from CareQuest Innovation Partners. Explore thought leadership, special reports, and case studies from across our ecosystem.
- [News](https://carequestinnovation.com/news/) - News from CareQuest Innovation Partners. Journal articles, insights, and perspectives about our work to improve oral health through overall health.
- [Connect](https://carequestinnovation.com/connect/) - Connect with CareQuest Innovation Partners. Sign up to receive our quarterly newsletter and get timely program updates straight to your inbox.
- [Toolkit for SMILE Health](https://carequestinnovation.com/smile-health/toolkit/) - Use our toolkit to help promote SMILE Health across your network to attract right-fit startups who challenge norms and are ready to advance solutions.
- [Impact Investing](https://carequestinnovation.com/impact-investing/) - 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 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. Dentistry.One | Metuchen, NJ Dentistry.One,
- [Terms & Conditions](https://carequestinnovation.com/terms-conditions/) - 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
- [Privacy Statement](https://carequestinnovation.com/privacy-statement/) - 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

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- [Insights](https://carequestinnovation.com/category/insights/)