In the continuing growth of the telehealth and/or teledentistry sector, the industry is seeing increasing growth and acceptance in this slice of the market.
In the early stages of growth, it looked like this aspect of healthcare was going to be pretty limited. Both acceptance and adoption seemed slow. Don't get me wrong, there was definite interest, but the prospect of this become a serious growth potential and profit center was not readily apparent.
Covid changed a lot of those perceptions. When the actual process of being seen physically wasn't possible, industry developers turned to remote access to help with the problem. I think it is safe to say the from an economic and/or profit standpoint, when you see Walmart enter a particular aspect of the market, then that market is primed for profit and expansion.
This week, Walmart announced that they are partnering with Quip, the manufacturers of a low end powered toothbrush, to bring virtual dental exams to the Walmart customer base.
Here is the announcement:
Today, quip, the modern oral health company, announced a first of its kind collaboration to offer its comprehensive virtual dental care services to Walmart customers.
Following the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on missed dentist appointments and screenings, quip is aiming to increase focus on preventative oral care and provide better access to professional care when in need. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health conducted a survey in 2022 revealing that despite improvements in oral health since the beginning of the pandemic, major disparities still exist.
"At quip, we are excited to be expanding our offerings to millions more Americans in need of professional dental care," said Simon Enever, Co-Founder and CEO of quip. "We recognize the impact of telehealth over the past few years and see the need for teledentistry solutions that can improve access to care for Americans who may have trouble regularly accessing a dentist, whether due to geographical limitations or medical restrictions. By collaborating with Walmart, we hope to simplify and improve oral care nationwide through our unique dental products and services platform."
To utilize quip's virtual care services, all you need is five minutes and a phone. Users simply respond to a few multiple-choice questions regarding their general and oral health, and then choose between a photo consult, great for a preventative check-up to assess specific issues visible in the mouth, or a live video consult, ideal to triage emergencies and prescribe solutions to pain.
Photo consults involve taking 1-6 pictures of your mouth that are assessed by a dentist in your area who sends back a detailed digital report that highlights areas of concern such as potential cavities or gum issues, within 24 hours. This report includes treatment suggestions and options to find in-person care in your area.
Virtual care checkups are covered by most dental insurance providers or cost from $35 out of pocket. These services are not meant as a replacement for in person dental treatment, but rather a convenient and affordable way to have a preventative check-up, receive guidance between visits to the dentist, or to help assess and better triage problems.
"Walmart is committed to increasing the accessibility of health and wellness products and services for customers," said Staci Cochran, Vice President of Health & Wellness Merchandising. "The new teledentistry offering from quip allows us to build upon this commitment by providing customers with an easy, affordable way to access virtual dental services."
Users that access quip's virtual care in the quip app can also earn rewards for tracking oral care habits- such as brushing their teeth, flossing, and rinsing regularly, with whatever quip products they use. Users of quip products, such as the quip smart brush, can automatically track their habits and get tailored coaching.
Visit Walmart.com to learn more or download the free quip app today to track and improve your oral care routine, get a virtual checkup, and earn rewards for good oral health habits.
The actual announcement (if you want to see the full copy) is here.
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