The Bright iDIAs Podcast

Episode 20: Andreas Schmocker

In this episode of the Bright iDIAs Podcast, we are joined by with Andreas Schmocker, CEO and co-founder of DIA-funded Odne. Andreas discusses how his background in orthopedics led him to revolutionize endodontics. He shares how Odne is tackling one of dentistry’s most persistent challenges — root canal failure rates — by introducing novel materials and cleaning technology. Odne is simplifying procedures while improving patient outcomes. Andreas also explores the challenges of dental product distribution, the role of DSOs in accelerating innovation, and the lessons he’s learned as a medtech founder navigating the startup journey. Tune in to hear how Odne is reshaping the future of endodontics and why Andreas dentistry is approaching a new wave of technological breakthroughs.

Episode 19: Kate Orr

In this episode of the Bright iDIAs Podcast, host Kentucky Morrow speaks with Kate Orr, Senior Manager of Investments and Operations at DIA. Learn about her unique journey from public accounting to investing in the dental industry. Kate gives an inside look at DIA’s investment process. She also shares insights on how dental professionals can bridge the gap between clinical expertise and business management and how DSOs play a key role in supporting this transition. Whether you're fascinated by dental innovation or curious about the venture capital process, this conversation is for you. 

Episode 18: Dr. Gabriela Hricko

In this episode of the Bright iDIAs Podcast, learn from Dr. Gabriela Hricko, partner orthodontist at Great Expressions, as she shares her journey into dentistry, her experience building orthodontic practices within a DSO, and the lessons learned along the way. From overcoming early doubts in dental school to helping expand Great Expressions’ orthodontic presence, she offers an inside look at the challenges and rewards of a career in dentistry. She also offers practical advice for young doctors considering DSOs, emphasizing the importance of finding the right cultural and professional fit. Gabriela discusses the mental toughness required to succeed in dentistry and how playing collegiate tennis shaped her resilience. She explains the role of technology in improving patient care and reducing clinician burnout and shares how to drive the adoption of new innovations in a dental practice. Whether you are an aspiring orthodontist, a practicing dentist, or interested in the evolving landscape of DSOs, you won't want to miss this

Episode 17: Kaiser Yang

In this episode of the Bright iDIAs Podcast, we are joined by Kaiser Yang, CEO and co-founder of Platypus Labs and keynote speaker of DIA's 2025 Annual General Meeting, to explore how organizations can foster a culture of innovation and creative problem-solving. Drawing from his experience scaling tech startups and working with Fortune 500 companies, Kaiser shares practical strategies for embedding innovation into everyday business operations. He challenges the myth that innovation is reserved for major breakthroughs, emphasizing instead the power of micro innovations—small, impactful changes that drive continuous improvement. Kaiser also introduces the concept of "judo flipping" assumptions to uncover fresh solutions, explains how organizations can break free from rigid ROI-driven thinking, and highlights why fear—of failure, judgment, or ownership—is often the biggest barrier to innovation. From AI and automation to the rise of hyper-personalization, Kaiser discusses the trends shaping the future of business and offers insights on how companies can stay ahead by embracing a mindset of experimentation and adaptability. Whether you're a dental entrepreneur, a corporate leader, or someone looking to think differently about problem-solving, this episode contains many valuable takeaways to help unlock innovation in your organization.

Episode 16: Chuck Cohen (Benco Dental)

In this episode of the Bright iDIAs Podcast, host Kentucky Morrow sits down with Chuck Cohen, Managing Director of Benco Dental, as he shares his unique story of leading one of the dental industry’s most respected family-run businesses. From humble beginnings as a one-man operation selling dental instruments door-to-door to its evolution into a nationwide leader with a 12% market share, Benco’s story is a testament to entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability. Chuck shares insights into the unique culture at Benco, where leaders prioritize fieldwork to stay in touch with customers. He discusses the company’s focus on reputation, innovation, and long-term thinking.

Episode 15: Dr. Lou Shuman and Donovan Dichter

Join us on Bright iDIAs as Dr. Lou Shuman, founder and CEO of Cellerant Consulting Group, and Chief Marketing Officer Donovan Dichter 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.