For centuries, the dental industry has helped people care for their teeth. But now, it’s getting a major tech upgrade.
Gone are the days of writing notes on paper, studying tooth health through visual cues and 2D imaging. Thanks to the world of startups, tech and toothcare are now inextricably linked.
How Have Startups Improved Dentistry?
Image analysis: Like in many healthcare areas, AI is able to more accurately look at images of teeth and identify any areas of concern. This analysis helps cut down human error and provides more accurate diagnosis.
Robotics: A lot of dental care involves surgery, and robotics have made great leaps in making these procedures safer and more accurate. As robotics companies continue to evolve, surgeries become safer for patients and less risky for dentists.
CRMs: Dentists have a lot of patient information to process, including images, appointment times and insurance claims. CRMs that understand the unique needs of dentists have helped them run better operations, cutting down the time they spend on admin and giving them more time for patient care.
New toothcare devices: Startup founders are masters in reimagining the ordinary, and tooth care is no different. Startups have reimaged what objects like toothbrushes look like and how they work, to help people get better dental care, even at home.
From AI-powered analysis, to 3D imaging and CRM systems, these companies are changing the way that dentists care for our teeth.
Here, we look at 10 startups in the space. Let’s take a look.
1. Tempeak
Tempeak is a company that is helping dental practices find freelance staff when they need them. Almost like a connector for dentists and surgeries, the company connects dentists with centres that need a helping hand.
This not only reduces the amount of appointments needing to be rescheduled, it means dentist surgeries are able to find quick, good, temporary staff when they need it most.
2. Relu
Relu is an AI-powered software that helps dentists create 3D images of their patients’ teeth. It then segments them quickly, so they no longer need to write notes manually.
This not only allows them to access the images from anywhere, but also saves time. And with a pay per case model, dentists only pay when they use it.
3. Toothfairy
Toothfairy is a dental on demand platform, allowing users to access dental care whenever and wherever they need it.
Users are able to speak to dentists about a range of treatments and issues, helping them get the help they need without having to leave home. Founded by dentists and growing quickly, this startup is changing the way that dentists go digital.
4. SURI
Not technically for dentists, but certainly powering the future of tooth care, SURI is an electric toothbrush designed to be sustainable and effective.
Their design includes 33,000 vibrations per minute, designed by dentists to help clean teeth better.
This technology, combined with its eco-friendly and compact design, has made it a great product plater in the world of toothcare.
5. Yapi
Yapi is an app designed by dentists to help with patient information storage.
The software allows patients to book dental appointments, provide insurance documents and fill in forms online. This helps cut down the admin time associated with dentist appointments, allowing dentists to spend less time on admin and more time helping patients.
6. SmileWhite
Invisalign can be an expensive way to straighten your teeth. It’s no surprise then that competitors have launched to market.
Enter SmileWhite, a company that claims to provide straight teeth for 60% less than traditional braces. Their invisible trays straighten teeth, without the Invisalign price tag.
With prices from £36 per month, they partner with dentists all over the UK to provide more affordable teeth straightening alternatives.
7. Overjet
Overjet is a dental AI platform that is able to analyse images to detect oral disease, educate patients through images and act as a CRM.
The software is able to provide a clinical analysis of images, giving dentists the information they need to provide the best care. And with their claim automation, dentists can make sure any insurance claims are filed correctly so they can be paid faster.
8. Feno
Feno is a smartbrush that completely reimagines how toothbrushes should look.
Designed as a tray that brushes the front and back of your teeth, it is able to do a full mouth clean in 20 seconds.
By analysing teeth as it goes, it can adjust technique, protecting you from gum disease and other oral issues.
9. Neocis
Necosis is changing the way dental surgery takes place with its surgical robot.
The robot is able to help dentists during implant surgery, providing them with tech to improve surgical outcomes. The device is able to analyse and guide its arm with high precision, reducing the risk of errors during surgery.
10. CareStack
Carestack is a cloud-based dental software platform, helping dentists grow their practices, improve patient experiences and streamline admin.
The company can help organisations keep everything they need to run their dental practices in one place, helping to improve areas like patient appointments, software issues and reporting.
