ClearChoice Dental Implant Center® Launches New Brand Campaign to End the Wait - and the Worry - With "Smiles Built for Life"

 

Here's some interesting news from ClearChoice.  Sometimes patients come into an office with complicated needs and a referral to another office is simply the best choice for them.  Over the years I've sent patients to visit a ClearChoice office for a consultation.  One of the current members of our office team worked at a ClearChoice center and her experience was a good one.  It also speaks volumes to me about them that she is incredibly knowledgeable about implants and she learned all of that info working for them.  Today I got word that ClearChoice just unveiled First Look—an AI-powered simulator that lets patients preview their potential smile transformation using only a smartphone or webcam.  This new system should interface well with their new Smiles Built for Life program that is detailed below:

ClearChoice Dental Implant Center® announced the launch of its bold new national brand campaign, Smiles Built for Life, a fully integrated platform anchored in one powerful truth: ClearChoice is a leading provider of permanent dental solutions the same day of surgery - backed by decades of expertise and a Lifetime Warranty on premium arches.

For millions of Americans living with severe dental issues, a smile can be a daily source of stress, embarrassment, or isolation. Smiles Built for Life meets patients in that moment, with a message of real hope. The campaign is designed to reinforce ClearChoice as the pioneer of same-day, full-arch dental implant treatment, offering not just speed, but peace of mind through a permanent, personalized solution.

"This is about changing the conversation," said Marcelle Parrish, Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer at ClearChoice. "We've seen new players enter the category with big promises. But we believe no one has the scale, clinical model, or experience to deliver what we do—permanent dental solutions, same day, done right. Our patients want to stop worrying about their smile. This campaign shows them they finally can."

The campaign is headlined by a national broadcast spot titled "Voice of Doubt," which gives emotional voice to the inner concerns and hesitations of people living with tooth loss. The ad's tone is both raw and hopeful, inviting viewers to imagine a different future, and a different kind of provider.

To bring this vision to life, ClearChoice partnered with independent creative agency Geletka+. Geletka+ led creative strategy, concept development, video production, and photography. The process was deeply collaborative, with input from patients, doctors, researchers, and internal teams alike.

The result is a fast-turn, 360 campaign with thousands of assets spanning TV, digital, social, print, and in-center content, each tailored to engage patients at key decision-making moments.

"This wasn't just about making ads," said John Geletka, Founder and CXO of Geletka+. "It was about building a brand platform that speaks directly to real human concerns and offers a permanent solution. ClearChoice is uniquely built to deliver on that promise, and we wanted the work to reflect that with emotional honesty and bold simplicity."

Campaign Highlights:

• "Same Day, Done Right": A permanent, FDA-approved solution on the same day of surgery - backed by a Lifetime Warranty on premium arches and prosthodontist-led expertise.
• No Compromises: Every smile is custom-designed and delivered in an all-in-one center, with no shortcuts or hidden costs.
• Emotional Resonance: Campaign creative reflects deep audience insight, tested messaging, and the lived experience of ClearChoice patients.
• Fast, Collaborative Execution: Entire campaign developed and launched in under 60 days—a modern model of agile, insight-driven marketing.

Smiles Built for Life marks the first major campaign produced in partnership with Geletka+, and sets the tone for a bold new chapter in ClearChoice's growth and category leadership.

For more information, visit clearchoice.com.

About ClearChoice Dental Implant Center®

Since 2005, ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers have helped restore hope and confidence in more than 200,000 patients across the U.S. through advanced oral treatments designed to improve overall health and quality of life. Equipped with innovative technology—including digital design, 3D intraoral scanning, virtual smile design, and full-service, on-site labs—each ClearChoice Dental Implant Center is owned and operated by a licensed, experienced dentist providing comprehensive implant treatment in a state-of-the-art, all-in-one facility. The ClearChoice Network is supported by TAG – The Aspen Group℠.

The Technology Evangelist Podcast Secures Distribution through Apple

I have paused my 'happy dance' just long enough to put this post together.  As most of you know, this year I started production of The Technology Evangelist Podcast.  I'm having a blast doing it and I hope those of you who listen and/or watch can feel that in every episode.  I spent 30+ years writing for Dental Products Report and one of the great things about that job was meeting all the great people in the industry.

Since the magazine stopped publication last December, I've continued to write, but writing a regular column was fun and I missed having that outlet every month.  When I decided to do the podcast I got that feeling, but it was even better.  Now, I'm bringing info to profession once a week and getting a chance to bring incredible stories and the people behind them to the profession.

Of course, with any kind of media your audience is important.  It doesn't do any good to create, if people can't find it.  That's why I'm thrilled to tell you all that The Technology Evangelist Podcast is now on Apple.  We've been working on getting distribution through them for a while now.  It's a complicated process and I just got word today that we made it!

This means that the podcast is now available through Apple *and* Spotify!!!   

I'd be honored if you'd check it out, then subscribe and tell others about it.  I think I'm building something here and I am thrilled to be able to bring this to all of you!  Thanks for being part of my journey.  

Dental KOL Boot Camp and Innovation Day: Where Future Influencers and Startups Meet

Paul Feuerstein, John Flucke, Travis Rodgers (VC), Marty Jablow

What a great weekend I just had!  As we all know, there's really nothing better than spending time with friends... doubly so if you are working towards a common goal.  Who better to work with than people you love?  In this case it was Dr. Paul Feuerstein, Dr. Marty Jablow, and myself.  For well over thirty years the three of us have been working together along with manufacturers to help bring tech to the dental industry.  All three of us work in unison, or sometimes separately, on projects to make dentistry better.  It's been a fun and incredibly fulfilling ride.

About three years ago Marty had a stellar idea.  A lot of innovation in dentistry comes from small startups and many of them are started by dentists.  A startup is a tough gig.  It's hard to take an idea, make it a reality, and then actually bring it to market.  Marty has got a great grasp of the business side of things and he knows that one of the most critical things in that process is funding.  So his idea was to hold an event where dental startups could meet investment groups.  The result was The Dental VIP Summit held last February on the Wednesday before the start of the Chicago MidWinter Meeting.  That event was really well received and Marty decided to take it 'next level'.

The result was the Dental KOL Boot Camp and Innovation Day, held that past weekend in West Palm Beach, Florida.  During the Chicago event Marty, Paul, and I were approached by many of the startups to ask us if we would be willing to help them or if we could put them in contact with doctors that could.  Marty realized that there is a definite need to get a new generation of dentists involved in what we do.  So the concept of The KOL Boot Camp was born of that need.

Friday we spent the day explaining to the doctors in attendance strategies and ways to begin helping companies in product development, product testing, and getting information out to the industry.  Don't get me wrong, there is no set 'recipe' for working in that space, but the three of us have been doing this for so long that we've definitely learned some good ways to accomplish the process.

Plus, the three of us can't keep doing this forever.  It's time to prepare the next generation of doctors who are well educated and prepared to step forward.

Saturday was all about startups pitching their ideas to potential funding partners.  The startups got the opportunity to get in front of the attendees and explain their product, their vision, and their needs.  After each presentation the audience got to ask questions to clarify their understanding.  Then Marty, Paul, and I gave constructive criticism to help them in their journey.  It's a bit like 'Shark Tank', but since we're nicer and it's a more positive environment, we refer to it as "Dolphin Tank".  No splashing necessary.

Marty is already planning Dental VIP Summit II for Wednesday February 18th at the International Hotel on Chicago's 'Miracle Mile'.  It will be the Wednesday before the Chicago MidWinter Meeting kicks off on Thursday.

Also be on the lookout for more events like the one held in West Palm Beach this past weekend.  More events are being planned in different locations, so if you'd like to be part of one, I'll keep you updated on dates and locations.

This is a super fun concept and I'm really enjoying being part of it.  If you are a startup, an investor, or a doctor that wants to expand your role in the industry, jump on board and be part of the fun.  We're looking forward to meeting you and working with you.

Owandy Radiology Launches 3rd-Generation Opteo Sensor for Ultra HD Intraoral Imaging

 

Here's some interesting information from Owandy.  The company makes some pretty impressive x-ray equipment and they have just introduced the new third generation of their Opteo Intraoral Sensor.  I love the fact that there are three different sizes.  Sometimes patients have a hard time tolerating the standard #2 size sensor.

It's amazing for me to think that I've been practicing to the point that I barely even remember film.  That may say more about my age than anything else, but Owandy makes some great products and this promises to continue that tradition.

Three Sizes Available to Support All Clinical Applications

Owandy Radiology Inc., a global leader in the manufacture of dental radiology hardware and imaging software, recently introduced its latest innovation, the 3rd-generation Opteo Intraoral Sensor, engineered to deliver unmatched image clarity, speed, and reliability for dental professionals.

The new Opteo Sensor features 18.5-micron Ultra HD resolution for exceptional diagnostic precision, allowing clinicians to visualize and document even the finest details. 

“Opteo combines the clarity clinicians demand with the reliability they expect,” said Boris Loyez, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Owandy Radiology North America. “It is designed to make intraoral imaging faster, easier, and more comfortable for both practitioners and patients.”

For example, incorporating Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) technology enables the Opteo Sensor to automatically adapt to varying exposure levels, ensuring consistently sharp and usable images while reducing the need for time-consuming retakes.

What’s more, to enhance clinical workflow, Opteo incorporates “Always On” technology, which keeps the sensor ready for immediate use without warm-up time. In addition, a new 1.5 sensor size expands diagnostic coverage by capturing up to four teeth in a single image, complementing the existing size 1 and 2 options.

Additional benefits of the 3-generation Opteo Sensor include:

• Seamless integration: Direct USB connection for simple, clutter-free setup across single or multiple workstations.
• Durability: Built with robust components including CMOS chip, fiber optics, and shock-absorption system for long-lasting performance.
• Clinical versatility: Ideal for endodontics, periodontics, caries detection, prosthetics, and implant surgery.

For more information about the Opteo Sensor, visit www.Owandy.com or email sales@owandyus.com. Dealer and distributor inquiries are welcome.About Owandy Radiology, Inc.

Headquartered in France, and serving North America from Garden City, New York, Owandy Radiology is a global leader in the manufacture of dental radiology hardware and imaging software designed for the most demanding dental professionals. Its products are distributed through dental dealers across the USA, and in 100 countries world-wide, on every continent. For more information, visit www.owandy.com or contact us at sales@owandyus.com. DSO, dealer, and distributor inquiries welcome. 

Willo® Announces "BrushBot®": The First-Ever Automatic Toothbrush built Just for Kids to Help Establish Strong Independent Oral Care Habits

 

With all of the current hubbub circling around the fluoridation issue, anything that encourages better homecare habits and routines is going to be welcome in the profession of dentistry.  For the non-dentist readers of this, a brief explanation.  When water is fluoridated and consumed by children, some of the chemical is absorbed into the teeth developing under the gums.  That fluoride uptake microscopically and structurally changes the  the enamel on a molecular level.  It makes the enamel decay resistant.  So that means that in non-fluoridated areas, children will be the most affected.  That weaker enamel is going to be more susceptible to decay. 

When combined with the fact that children also don't have the understanding of *why* homecare is important as well as lacking the coordination or focus to properly keep their teeth clean, it's a recipe for disaster.

Into this scenario comes Willo® with a new powered toothbrush that has the potential to change things up a bit.  The new Willo® device is called BrushBot™ and it's an interesting concept.  

In the last couple of years I've seen the powered brush market bring  a couple of what I'm calling "Full Arch Devices" to market.  The idea is that the brush covers all the upper or lower teeth at once.  There's no need for dexterity or angling the brush in the proper direction.  You simply put it over your teeth and let the device do the work.  The device automatically runs for the proper amount of time, then you flip it over and do the opposing arch.  The other devices I've seen are designed for adults and I think for older people who have lost dexterity or mental sharpness, it's a great option.

However, Willo® has the first of these devices I've learned about that the company designed specifically for kids.  They are the "AutoFlo+ Fully Automatic Kids Toothbrush" and now, the new BrushBot.  My thoughts are that this is a nice option for children who don't have good dexterity yet and also lack the proper knowledge to clean their teeth properly.  Simply load the brush with toothpaste, let the child put it over their teeth, and let the device do its job.

The device also has an app that will connect it to the parent's phone via BlueTooth which allows a parent to monitor their child's homecare even if they aren't physically there when the child brushes.

Anything that helps kids take better care of their teeth is important... and it's going to become even *more* important in areas that don't have fluoridated water.  I have not yet had any 'hands-on time' with the BrushBot™, but I have had time with the Willo®  "AutoFlo+ Fully Automatic Kids Toothbrush" and it's a nice device.  I expect the same quality from the BrushBot™.

Here's the info from Willo®:

Willo®, a company led by a team of oral health experts on a mission to revolutionize children’s oral health, today proudly unveils its latest innovation: Willo® BrushBot™, a first-of-its-kind automatic toothbrush designed specifically for kids ages 5 to 13. BrushBot™ represents the evolution of Willo’s lineup, developed in collaboration with pediatric dentists, oral health engineers, and real families. The result is a complete reinvention of how kids brush, making the routine easier, more fun, and delivering results parents can trust and dentists can see.

BrushBot™ brings Willo’s groundbreaking automatic technology into a handheld, easy-to-use format that works anywhere in the home or on the go, giving kids an effective, dentist-approved brushing routine without the hassle. Like AutoFlo+, BrushBot™ features Willo’s patented OptiClean® brush head, gliding with robotic precision to mimic the dentist-recommended technique at the push of a button. Smart Sensors guide hand placement to ensure the most effective clean, while the app leads children through a full two-minute brushing session with real-time feedback

“Willo is the only kids’ toothbrush that addresses all three key problems we see in pediatric dentistry: correct bristle angle to reach along the gumline, consistent brushing motion to ensure effective plaque removal and brushing for the full two minutes,” said Dr. Joel Berg, DDS, MS, Willo’s Chief Dental Officer. “BrushBot™ delivers consistent, effective brushing at home, improving oral hygiene between visits and reducing the risks of cavities. There are no missed spots, just a thorough, effective clean, every time.”

Why Kids (and Parents) Love BrushBot™:

• Effortless Brushing: Place it, press start and BrushBot™ ensures a full, dentist-recommended two-minute clean.
• Clinically Proven Performance: It removes 7x more plaque than a manual toothbrush and ensures proper bristle angle, consistent motion and full brushing time.
• Guided Brushing with Real-Time Feedback: Smart sensors guide hand placement and brushing along the gumline while the app keeps kids on track and parents in the loop.
• Space-Smart and Travel-Friendly: BrushBot™ features a compact footprint, fitting neatly into shared bathrooms and traveling easily for weekends away, vacations, or sleepovers.
• Low-Maintenance, High-Convenience: Fast charging, long battery life and easy cleaning make BrushBot™ ideal for busy families and life on the go.

“Willo’s dedicated team of engineers, designers, and dental health professionals work together to ensure every child has a stress-free, independent, and engaging brushing experience,” said David Fox, CEO, Willo. “We’re excited to build on the success of the AutoFlo+ by adding BrushBot™ to our growing lineup of automatic oral care solutions to help children build lifelong oral care habits.”

For families seeking additional enamel-strengthening protection, it can be paired with Willo’s new dentist-recommended fluoride toothpaste to complete the oral care routine.

BrushBot™ is available for pre-order on Willo.com and will be available on Amazon in November 2025.

About Willo:

Founded on a mission to revolutionize the oral health of children, Willo combines innovative design, advanced technology, and decades of oral health expertise to create breakthrough dental products for children. Willo’s dedicated team of engineers, designers, and dental health professionals work together to create innovative dental products that make brushing easy and enjoyable for kids while giving parents confidence that they are helping to establish healthy, lasting oral care habits for their kids. Willo is dedicated to transforming daily routines into opportunities for better health, ensuring every child enjoys a brighter, healthier smile.

For more information, please visit www.willo.com.

Brush Healthy. Brush Happy.

ADA Study Finds ‘Fiscal squeeze’ on Dental Practices Continues

 

A recent survey by the ADA Health Policy Institute has found that despite doctors best efforts, many dental practices are struggling with finances.  I've got a summary here and a link to the ADA News for the full story...  

Overall:
Dental practices remain under financial pressure — a “fiscal squeeze” — as costs rise faster than patient demand.

Key Findings:

• Economic confidence: Stable but lower than the 2024 peak.

• Pricing: Dental fees rising faster than inflation; ~⅔ of dentists increased fees in 2025.

• Staffing: Ongoing difficulty hiring, especially dental hygienists, continues to limit practice capacity.

• Consumer spending: U.S. households are spending slightly more on dental care, but that growth isn’t translating to busier practices.

• Utilization trends: Appointment wait times are falling — an indicator that chair time is opening up and demand is softening.

Commentary (Dr. Marko Vujicic, ADA HPI):
Despite modest consumer spending growth, practices report lighter schedules and greater availability — a sign that capacity exceeds demand.

Outlook:
HPI will continue quarterly tracking of dentist sentiment, pricing trends, and demand indicators to map the evolving dental economic landscape.

For the complete story in the ADA News article click here.  

If you'd like to read the full report from the ADA HPI click here.  

Confido Health Raises $10M to Expand AI Voice Agents Beyond Scheduling

More info today on the continuing proliferation of AI into the dental industry.  We are rapidly approaching a tipping point where lots of office functions will be automated by AI systems that can decrease staff time spent of tasks when their time could be much better spent on other things.  My personal feelings on this is that automating tasks won't eliminate staff.  I feel that healthcare is about personal relationships and that freeing staff to have more face to face interactions is a good thing.

Backed by Blume Ventures, Together Fund, DeVC, and Medmountain Ventures, Confido is scaling its AI platform that answers, resolves, and documents patient calls in one shot

 Even in 2025, 81% of patients still hit the phones to reach their doctors. For many, it means being stuck on hold, navigating confusing phone menus, or waiting days for a callback. For providers, front desks are overloaded and staffing shortages make access hard to scale. Patient frustration and staff burnout feed into each other, eroding loyalty and making every interaction harder. Confido Health is solving this problem with AI-powered voice agents built specifically for healthcare. 

 The company today announced a $10 million Series A to expand its platform, bringing its total funding to $13 million. The round was led by Blume Ventures, with participation from new investors such as Schema Ventures, Vicus Ventures and also existing investors Together Fund, DeVC, and Medmountain Ventures, as well as strategic healthcare operators from Innovaccer, Memora Health, and a roster of Confido customers.

 Confido’s system replaces the phone tree entirely. Its voice agents answer on the first ring, authenticate the caller, check eligibility, and intelligently resolve what the patient is asking for – whether that’s a referral, refill, intake, payment, status update, or appointment booking. When complex edge cases need human expertise, the system smoothly warm-transfers to staff, and every interaction is written back to the EHR or PMS. In a healthcare market where less than half of patient calls get resolved on the first attempt, Confido is built to answer, resolve, and document everything in one call.

 The timing couldn’t be more urgent. According to the American Hospital Association, providers are facing deep financial pressures that strain their ability to offer 24/7 access. At the same time, demand for automated solutions is surging, with multiple startups raising funding in 2025. Confido stands apart by handling a wide variety of workflows beyond just scheduling, making it a single point of contact for patient access and delivering a stronger return on investment. In just the past eight months, Confido has grown 10x, now providing round-the-clock access to more than 1 million patients, up from 150,000 in December 2024.

 That expansiveness is especially valuable for private equity-backed groups and multi-site operators managing dozens of clinics or facilities. By consolidating patient access into one platform, Confido allows them to unify patient experience, reduce overhead, and scale faster across their portfolios. With automation rates above 80% and seamless integration into existing phone and EHR/PMS systems, practices achieve faster resolutions while staff can focus on higher-value work.

 “Healthcare is at an inflection point,” said Chetan Reddy, co-founder and CEO of Confido Health. “Labor shortages and rising patient demand mean practices can’t keep scaling front desks the way they used to. At the same time, building AI for healthcare isn’t like other industries - it requires deep empathy for both staff and patients. Our agents are designed to support people, not replace them, so patients get faster access and workers feel less stressed. That combination is what makes this moment so powerful.”

 Confido’s breadth also enables expansion across specialties. Its agents are already live in pediatrics, orthopedics, GI, nephrology, dermatology, pain medicine, and more. At Dallas Renal Group, the impact has been immediate: over 66% of patients confirm appointments instantly on outbound calls, and fewer than 6% need to be forwarded to staff. On inbound calls, wait times dropped from minutes to just 15 seconds, saving staff nearly 50 hours in a single week. “Confido has helped make access faster, smoother, and far less stressful for everyone,” said Srinivas Danda, COO of Dallas Renal Group.

 The company’s roadmap reflects the same ambition. Beyond scheduling and intake, Confido is expanding into high-value workflows like recalls, reactivation, payments, and care coordination. With specialty playbooks, audit trails, analytics, and first-call resolution metrics, the platform is built to become the infrastructure layer for patient communication.

 “We believe better access is the foundation of better care,” Reddy added. “Phones remain the front door of healthcare, and Confido exists to make sure they open instantly, every time. As private equity sponsors and healthcare platforms continue to consolidate and scale specialty groups, we see Confido as the standard layer ensuring consistent, efficient, and human-like patient interactions across every clinic, regardless of size or specialty.” With this vision, Confido is positioned to become the definitive standard for AI-powered patient communication across healthcare.

 Sanjay Nath, Partner at Blume Ventures added: “Chetan, Vichar and the Confido team have gone incredibly deep into the trenches of the healthcare industry, having faced the pains of poor patient experience themselves - and have emerged with an offering that is transforming the way patient communication with providers is run. It is clear to us that healthcare especially in the US is ripe for AI-led transformation, given the widespread administrative staff shortages, and Confido is well positioned to 10X the patient experience. We are very excited to lead this investment round and see a clear path to Confido becoming the market leader in this space, driven by a patient-first product ethos and close partnership with the provider ecosystem.”

 Shubham Gupta , Founding General partner at Together fund said: "Chetan, Vichar, and the Confido team have gone deeper than anyone we’ve seen in tackling the patient access problem. Their fully generative, multi-agent platform is not just a tech innovation — it’s already proving its impact in real-world provider settings by handling the communication bottlenecks that EHRs and legacy vendors have consistently failed at. They also are building the most differentiated tech in this space focused on data & integrations not just voice. We’re excited to partner with them in building the market leader in AI-powered patient engagement."

 About Confido Health

Confido Health builds AI-powered voice agents for healthcare, transforming patient calls into instant, seamless, and human-like interactions. Its platform replaces phone trees by answering on the first ring, authenticating patients, and resolving requests like scheduling, refills, payments, and referrals — all written back to the EHR/PMS. With automation rates above 80% and adoption across specialties including pediatrics, orthopedics, nephrology, and dermatology, Confido enables providers to unify patient access, reduce overhead, and scale efficiently. Backed by Blume Ventures, Together Fund, DeVC, and Medmountain Ventures, Confido now serves more than 1 million patients with round-the-clock access. Learn more at https://www.confido.health/