MouthWatch, LLC, an industry leader in teledentistry solutions and digital imaging, recently announced the winners of the 7th Annual Teledentistry Innovation Awards, affectionately known as “The Tellies.”
Pictured left-to-right are Dr. Jonathan Norris, Montshire Pediatric Dentistry; Tony Mendicino Jr., DDS, Chief Dental Officer, New York State Dental Association; Crystal Kanderis Lane, RDH, MS, Idaho State University; Crystal Spring, BSDH, RDH, LAP, FADHA, Smiles Across Montana; Liz Flores, RDH and Dr. Meredith Hudson, Peak Vista Community Health Centers.
Since 2017, the Tellies have recognized the innovative and dedicated providers, organizations, and programs that advance the adoption of virtual dental care to expand access to care and improve oral health via teledentistry and innovation.
The following Tellie Award winners were honored at a private event ceremony held in New York City during the recent Greater New York Dental Meeting:
Oral Health Program Innovator | Peak Vista Community Health Centers | Dr. Meredith Hudson and Liz Flores, RDH
The Peak Vista Community Health teledentistry program receives referred patients via TeleDent software and provides synchronous and asynchronous exams and care for patients who previously did not have access to dental services. This transformative program affords patients access to exams, triage, treatment planning, and referrals in a way they didn’t have previously. Care can conveniently occur in the patient’s home, place of work, or even their car, rather than requiring travel to a dental clinic.
Dental Hygiene Innovator | Smiles Across Montana | Crystal Spring, BSDH, RDH, LAP, FADHA
Smiles Across Montana (SAM) is a nonprofit organization bringing access to care for children of all ages across the state. Hygienist Crystal Spring created this program to serve underinsured and uninsured children who deserve essential preventive dental services. Teledentistry enables this program to reach any and all locations that need its preventive care while connecting those requiring more extensive care to a dentist as soon as possible.
Dental Innovator | New York State Dental Association | Tony Mendicino Jr., DDS, Chief Dental Officer
Dr. Mendicino is a prominent community dental health educator and provider for the New York State Dental Association. He has played a significant role in promoting the integration and utilization of teledentistry in NYSDA’s support of Head Start Programs. These programs perform screenings on school-aged children, capture intraoral images, and apply SDF fluoride varnish when prescribed. A dentist uses teledentistry to review intraoral images, recommend treatment, and/or approve SDF placement. Follow-up synchronous video calls are also scheduled to extend access to care further. Dr. Mendicino’s efforts have significantly increased the acceptance and growth of teledentistry in New York State.
Dental Education Innovator | Idaho State University | Crystal Kanderis Lane, RDH, MS
Crystal Kanderis created an oral health program that expanded the use of teledentistry by utilizing Idaho State University nursing students. To date, Crystal, a nursing faculty member and trained dental hygienist, has trained 112 nursing students across three cohorts to use MouthWatch intraoral cameras and TeleDent. These students have since participated in over 23 rotations with 8 to 16 students per rotation. During these rotations, they provided over 140 oral health screenings and appropriate referrals.
In addition, they have applied over 110 fluoride varnish treatments. These quantifiable outcomes underscore ISU’s commitment to enhancing access to preventive oral healthcare services for underserved communities across Idaho.
Dental Industry Innovator | Montshire Pediatric Dentistry | Dr. Jonathan Norris
Dr. Norris is a board-certified pediatric dentist practicing in southwest New Hampshire. His practice, Montshire Pediatric Dentistry, has eight locations that have implemented a comprehensive set of innovative workflow solutions to enhance their approach to minimally invasive care while maximizing the scope of practice for their dental hygiene team. Montshire utilizes teledentistry as part of its innovative approach, enabling dentists to supervise hygienists and authorize the delivery of invasive care services to patients regardless of the dentist’s location. The result is a new standard for pediatric patient care.
“This year’s Tellie Award recipients are true pioneers, not only advancing oral healthcare but also overcoming the unique challenges that come with pioneering new care delivery models,” said Brant Herman, founder and CEO of MouthWatch and Dentistry.One. “By embracing teledentistry, technology, and the persistence required to make an impact, these innovators are leading the charge at the forefront of change, breaking down barriers, and redefining access to essential dental care for those who need it most.”
To learn more about the Teledentistry Innovation Awards and this year’s winners, visit teledentistryinnovationawards.com.
About MouthWatch, LLC
MouthWatch, LLC, is a leader in developing digital technology solutions that drive success for dental professionals, improve oral health care, and enhance the overall patient experience.
Headquartered in Metuchen, New Jersey, MouthWatch is widely known for its intraoral cameras, which help engage patients in treatment planning through high-quality, affordable imaging technology, and its TeleDent software, which provides practices and organizations with a teledentistry option to engage patients remotely.
MouthWatch launched Dentistry.One, a virtual-first care network addressing the expectations of today’s modern healthcare consumers, the need for greater efficiency in healthcare, and the proven connection between good oral health and total health.
Dentistry.One features on-demand dental consultations, personalized care coordination, and oral health coaching to prioritize oral health.
MouthWatch hardware and software are used in over 40,000 practices, more than 40 leading Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), and over 100 dental and hygiene schools. The company has been recognized three times in the Inc. 5000. For more information, visit mouthwatch.com or dentistry.one.
