The Dental Startup Shift: 5 Years of Innovation

Dr. Mohammad Lari
Aug 8
3 min read

The dental industry has undergone a dramatic transformation in just five years. In 2020, as part of the MedLean group, I contributed to one of the earliest structured maps of the dental startup ecosystem. At the time, the market was smaller, with most players focused on digitizing existing workflows or launching niche innovations. Categories such as practice management software and AI image analysis were considered separate segments.

By 2025, the lines have blurred. AI is now embedded into most dental software, care models extend far beyond traditional clinics, and high-tech devices, consumer tools, and marketplace solutions are redefining the business of dentistry.

This year’s Dentalpreneur Startup Mapping captures that evolution, grouping companies into seven core categories that reflect the realities of today’s market.

1. Software & AI Platforms

Modern platforms integrate scheduling, billing, patient communication, imaging, diagnostics, and treatment planning — all powered by AI. In earlier maps, practice management tools and AI imaging solutions were separate categories; now they’re unified under one umbrella.

CareStack – A cloud-based platform combining scheduling, billing, patient engagement, and clinical charting in one solution.
Overjet – AI-driven analytics that detect decay, bone loss, and other dental conditions directly from radiographs.
Pearl – Real-time AI image analysis software designed to integrate seamlessly into dental workflows

2. Decentralized Dental Services

These solutions deliver care beyond the traditional clinic, through teledentistry, direct-to-consumer aligners, mobile units, and on-site employer programs — making quality dentistry accessible wherever patients are.

SmileDirectClub – Direct-to-consumer aligner service with remote monitoring to straighten teeth without frequent in-office visits.
Virtudent – Mobile dental teams providing preventive and restorative care at workplaces and community locations.
Smylen – Digital platform offering subscription-based dental plans and discounted treatment packages.

3. Tech Innovations

High-tech clinical devices and equipment are revolutionizing the delivery of treatment. Robotics, advanced imaging, and 3D printing tools now offer unmatched precision and speed.

Neocis – Creator of the Yomi robotic-assisted system for accurate and minimally invasive implant surgery.
SprintRay – Specialist in 3D printing solutions for same-day dental restorations, models, and aligners.
Adaptix Imaging – Advanced 3D X-ray imaging technology designed to enhance diagnostic accuracy.

4. Education Platforms

While free resources like YouTube dominate informal learning, dedicated dental education startups focus on structured, interactive, and immersive training experiences.

Spear Education – Premium training for dental professionals through online learning, workshops, and case-based education.
Tootor – A digital platform offering interactive lessons and assessments for dental students and practitioners.
ImmersiveTouch – Virtual reality–based simulation platform for surgical and procedural training.

5. Oral Health Products

These startups create smart hygiene tools, preventive products, and home-use devices that extend the reach of professional care into everyday life.

Quip – Smart electric toothbrush and refill subscription service for consistent oral hygiene.
Bristle Health – At-home oral microbiome testing with personalized recommendations for oral health improvement.
Vivos Therapeutics – Appliances and protocols for treating sleep-disordered breathing and airway health issues.
6. Marketplace & Procurement Platforms

These platforms go beyond simple e-commerce, providing centralized hubs where practices can source, compare, and manage supplies and equipment efficiently.

Wellplaece – A digital procurement platform designed to streamline dental supply ordering and reduce costs.
Lasertrade – Online marketplace for buying and selling dental lasers and related equipment.
DentalKart – B2B e-commerce platform offering a wide range of dental products and materials.

7. Practice Infrastructure & Growth Solutions

This category encompasses platforms that assist dental practices in growing, operating efficiently, and attracting patients — from marketing agencies to multi-practice management systems.

Opencare – Patient acquisition and clinic review platform that connects patients with trusted dentists.
Progressive Dental Marketing – Consultancy helping practices grow through targeted marketing, branding, and case acceptance training.
Dandy – Full-service digital dental lab offering end-to-end case management and support for dentists.

Key Shifts Since 2020

AI Integration: Once a standalone specialty, AI is now a standard feature in most dental software.
Category Blending: Many startups now overlap multiple areas, creating hybrid solutions.
Beyond the Clinic: Decentralized models are making dentistry more mobile and inclusive.
Business Focus: Infrastructure and growth solutions are now as critical as clinical tools.

Looking Ahead

This mapping is not just a static visual. It’s a roadmap for deeper investigation. Over the coming months, Dentalpreneur will profile these startups in detail, examining their innovations, business models, and potential impact.

Disclaimer: This mapping is based on publicly available information and is for educational purposes only. Categories are not rigid, and some companies fit into more than one category. Mention of a company does not imply endorsement.