The Bright iDIAs Podcast

Episode 15: Dr. Lou Shuman and Donovan Deister

Join us on Bright iDIAs as Dr. Lou Shuman, founder and CEO of Cellerant Consulting Group, and Chief Marketing Officer Donovan Deister share their distinct perspectives on guiding dental startups to success. Inspired by a lifelong connection to dentistry, Lou recalls his path from family dental practices to influential roles with industry giants and eventually founding Cellerant to help companies accelerate their growth. Together, Lou and Donovan unpack their partnership approach — from strategic brand-building to filling knowledge gaps essential for product launches — and discuss how Cellerant’s collaboration with DIA supports startups in navigating market challenges. They highlight the importance of mentorship, the latest technologies transforming oral health, and why focus and team-building are critical for early-stage companies. Tune in to gain insights into Cellerant’s mission to drive innovation and success in the dental industry. 

Episode 14: Jane Levy

Discover how Jane Levy, a successful founder and seasoned investor, bridges the worlds of dental innovation and strategic investment. Jane shares her remarkable journey from growing up in South Africa to navigating the U.S. financial markets, where she honed her ability to spot market opportunities and trends. Learn how her investor-driven approach, combined with her passion for disrupting traditional dental models, led her to co-found Plan Forward, a membership platform offering solutions for uninsured dental patients. She discusses trends shaping today's dental market, the complexities of raising venture capital, and why alignment between founders and investors is crucial for scaling a company. Jane also provides valuable insights into the future of dental technology, making this episode a must-listen for both investors and entrepreneurs.

Episode 13: Carrie Millar

Join us as we explore the vital role insurance plays in safeguarding dental practices. Carrie Millar of Dentist Insurance Service shares her journey from risk management to becoming a key player in dental insurance, as she has spent over 20 years advocating for dentists. Carrie discusses the intricacies of insurance policies, the importance of tailoring coverage to different stages of a dentist’s career, and how her team continuously works to keep rates competitive. She also explores how emerging trends, such as Botox coverage and cybersecurity threats, are reshaping the insurance landscape. Listen in to learn how to stay ahead of industry risks and how the right insurance can safeguard your dental practice.

Episode 12: Holger Willems

Explore the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry in this episode of the Bright iDIAs Podcast featuring Holger Willems, CEO and co-founder of DIA-funded Relu. Holger shares his journey from computer scientist and son of a dentist to building Relu, a company leveraging AI to automate complex processes in dental care, from orthodontics to implantology. Learn how Relu’s cutting-edge technology is making advanced dental procedures more efficient and accessible and how Holger’s unique perspective — shaped by his background in AI and exposure to the dental world — led him to develop AI tools that seamlessly integrate into dental workflows. He also shares the challenges of navigating regulatory hurdles, the technical complexities of building 3D AI models, and how AI can drive unprecedented efficiency in clinical settings. Holger also offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs as he discusses the importance of speed in software development and the impact of customer feedback on startup growth. Listen to this episode to discover how Relu is poised to revolutionize dentistry with AI, and why Holger believes that the future of dental innovation is just beginning.
 

Episode 11: Ophir Tanz

Explore the cutting-edge intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and dentistry in the latest episode of the Bright iDIAs Podcast featuring guest Ophir Tanz, CEO and founder of DIA-funded Pearl. Ophir shares his journey from founding the media-focused tech company GumGum to spearheading the AI revolution in dental care with Pearl. Discover how Ophir’s deep-seated passion for technology and his unique perspective — shaped by his background in computer vision and his father’s career as a dentist — led to the creation of Pearl AI, a diagnostic tool designed to support dentists in providing comprehensive care. He discusses the challenges and opportunities within the industry and his vision for how AI can enhance rather than replace human expertise to focus on meaningful, large-scale impact. Ophir also shares how to navigate market shifts, scale businesses, and make intentional choices to drive industry-wide change. Tune in to learn how Pearl is set to transform dentistry and why Ophir believes the best is yet to come for software innovation in the dental industry.

Episode 10: Gary Giegerich

Dive into the world of orthodontic innovation with guest Gary Giegerich, CEO of DIA-funded Alta Smiles. Gary shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur where he is currently leading a company revolutionizing the field of orthodontics with its C5 hidden orthodontics solution and remote monitoring technology. Gary discusses how Alta Smiles is making orthodontic care more accessible and patient-centric by offering a completely hidden and comfortable alternative to traditional braces and aligners. Gary also explores the potential for expanding the orthodontic market by enabling general practitioners to offer orthodontic care, thus increasing both patient acceptance and practice revenue. Learn about the challenges of bringing disruptive technology to a conservative industry and the importance of perseverance and adaptability in entrepreneurship. Listen in to learn how Gary's vision is shaping the future of dental innovation.

Episode 9: Bill Neumann

In this episode of Bright iDIAs, Bill Neumann, founder of Group Dentistry Now, joins us to share how a chance opportunity in the dental industry led him to co-create pioneering platforms that have reshaped the way dental professionals connect and grow. From launching dentalsalespro.com to establishing Group Dentistry Now, Bill’s story is a masterclass in foresight and adaptability. Dive deep into the evolving landscape of dental group practices and DSOs as Bill offers a wealth of knowledge on the critical role of digital transformation, the nuances of practice consolidation, and the rise of clinician-led DSOs. He also discusses the strategic growth opportunities in the industry and the ongoing challenges posed by external economic factors. Listen in and gain insights that will transform your approach to dental innovation.

Episode 8: Annaliese Cothron

Annaliese Cothron, co-founder and executive director of the American Institute of Dental Public Health (AIDPH), joins the Bright iDIAs podcast to discuss how AIDPH is transforming dental care access for underserved populations, including veterans, rural communities, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQIA+ community. Annaliese recounts her journey from psychology and organizational behavior and how it has equipped her to lead a nonprofit dedicated to advancing oral health. She highlights the pressing need for integrated healthcare and provides several innovative solutions AIDPH is championing. Tune in to learn about surprising statistics on dental care access for veterans, how COVID-19 has impacted rural dental care infrastructure, and the role of advanced practice hygienists and dental therapists in addressing workforce shortages. We also explore the importance of value-based care and personalized treatment plans in modern dentistry. Discover Annaliese's passion for public health as she discusses the critical intersections between oral health and overall well-being. 

Episode 7: Eric Giesecke

Eric Giesecke, CEO of Planet DDS, joins us to share his journey from running a search fund to leading one of the top dental software companies. Eric discusses the strategic decisions behind acquiring and growing Planet DDS, emphasizing the importance of recurring revenue and early technology adoption in the dental industry. He shares insights on the challenges of integrating medical and dental systems and the need for better data standardization. He also explores the exciting future of cloud-based practice management software. Eric's insights provide valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and dental practitioners navigating the fast-growing dental landscape. Tune in to discover and learn Eric's take on the future of the industry. 

Episode 6: Dr. Aman Kaur

Curious about the future of women in dental support organizations? Learn from Dr. Aman Kaur, founder of Women in DSO, as she shares her inspiring path from practicing dentistry to leading DSO operations to launching Women in DSO. She discusses the mentorship and wellness programs designed to support women in DSOs and the industry at large and highlights key traits of today's aspiring leaders. She provides insights into upcoming initiatives, including the introduction of a fellowship program, the launch of her new magazine "The LEAD," and plans for a global event. Dr. Kaur emphasizes the role of male allyship in advancing women's leadership and outlines how Women in DSO is creating a supportive network for professional growth. Gain valuable perspectives on navigating industry challenges, the impact of innovation and technology, and strategies for fostering a more inclusive dental industry. This episode is essential for dental professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in leadership and industry transformation.