Firstgrin

?? I’m so excited to share some amazing results from one of our most recent Firstgrin pilots with a national payer (full results to be posted soon)! ?? When we combined our intro oral care kits with our digital app, we saw a remarkable increase in both maternal and child dental visits. This pilot has shown just how powerful early intervention and preventive care can be for long-term health—and it’s so rewarding to see it in action! ?? Here’s what we’ve learned from the pilot: ? Families Are Prioritizing Prevention: It’s clear that families want to take care of their oral health, and when they have the right resources, they take action. More moms and kids are getting the dental visits they need, which is such a positive shift. ? We Make It Easy to Stay on Track: By offering education through our app and giving parents the tools they need with our kits, we’ve made it simpler for families to focus on oral health. This has helped drive better engagement and healthier habits across the board. ? Fewer Future Problems: The best part? Getting kids and expectant moms into the dentist early helps avoid the need for costly treatments later on. It’s all about reducing future health issues and giving families the support they need right now. At Firstgrin, we’re passionate about making preventive dental care accessible and easy, and these pilot results confirm that we’re on the right track. When we empower families to take control of their dental health, it leads to better outcomes for everyone—now and in the future. We’re thrilled to partner with forward-thinking payers to redefine what it means to support long-term health from the start. #OralHealth #Pediatrics #MaternalHealth #Firstgrin #HealthOutcomes #FamilyHealth #ValueBasedCare #Dentistry #HealthcareInnovation #AccessToCare #DentalBenefits #EmployerBenefits #DentalInsurance #MedicalInsurance

?? The future of dentistry is value-based, and Firstgrin is at the forefront of this transformation! ?? The recent HealthScape Advisors, a Chartis Company survey reveals that over 70% of payers now consider value-based care (VBC) in dental health as a strategic priority. This shift isn’t just about improving care but about rethinking how we support overall wellness in ways that are measurable, preventive, and patient-centered. At Firstgrin, we’re thrilled to partner with forward-thinking payers to redefine what it means to support long-term health. With the report highlighting that 65% of payers face challenges in transitioning to VBC models due to lack of standardized data and outcome tracking, Firstgrin’s commitment to early intervention and education is a timely solution. By addressing maternal and early childhood oral health, our approach delivers preventive care that reduces costs down the line, improves health outcomes, and supports members in making proactive decisions about their wellness. Our results so far are clear: increased engagement, measurable improvements in early care adherence, and a solution that works as a seamless add-on for payers looking to make a tangible impact on their members' lives. Imagine a world where each dental visit isn’t just reactive care but a step toward lasting wellness. That’s the future we’re building, one partnership at a time. For those interested in the full insights, check out the Healthscape report: https://lnkd.in/enWwED-4 Michael Adelberg Jerry Berggren Rebekah Mathews Andrea Clark Eric Tranby Brian Goetsch Caitlin Walsdorf Will Kleinrichert #ValueBasedCare #Dentistry #OralHealth #HealthcareInnovation #AccessToCare

I’m beyond honored that Firstgrin was recognized as the only oral health tech x product solution serving new and expecting parents and children, with a mission to prevent disease before it starts. Being selected as a finalist in the Haleon Well by HLTH competition, out of 300 innovative companies that applied, is truly humbling and fuels our drive to make meaningful change.? HLTH Inc. 2024 in Vegas highlighted the growing recognition that oral health is health—and that supporting parents and children, especially from pregnancy onward, is key to bridging the gap in preventive care. At Firstgrin, we are committed to targeting maternal oral health as a cornerstone of our mission, empowering mothers and caregivers with the tools to protect their own health and set a strong foundation for their children. From preventing vertical transmission of cavities to reducing risks of oral disease, our work focuses on supporting families early to create long-lasting health outcomes.? Being part of this community of innovators was energizing. Special thanks to David Kochman with Henry Schein, Jonathan Levine, and the teams at CareQuest Institute for Oral Health and CareQuest Innovation Partners for spotlighting the importance of oral health at this year’s conference. It was incredible to hear Lenny Kravitz on stage advocating for wellness, showing that the conversation around integrated care is gaining traction(as well as highlighting our mission work in Eleuthera through the GLO Good Foundation).? We’re excited for what’s next—every conversation, partnership, and step forward strengthens the path toward more connected and accessible care. There’s still so much potential to unlock, and we’re ready to keep building on this momentum.? Mariya Filipova Dr. Carolyn Brown, DDS, MA The Digital Health Hub Foundation - Digital Health Awards Natalia Chalmers DDS MHSc PhD OVERJET GRIN Maria Ryan LaTonya Kilpatrick, PhD Colgate-Palmolive Mark H Goldstein Johanna Cazares Sarah Chavarria Joe Feldsien Myechia Minter-Jordan, MD, MBA Stephen Thorne Miles Varn #HLTH2024 #Firstgrin #OralHealthInnovation #OralHealth #SmileHealth #IntegratedCare #DigitalHealth #HealthTech #MaternalHealth #PediatricHealth #ValueBasedCare

?? Today from 11 AM - 12:30 PM PT on the Startup Stage at the Well by HLTH Inc. Pitch Competition, Firstgrin will be proudly representing the only oral and dental health solution in the competition, connecting comprehensive care through the lens of maternal and pediatric prevention. Our mission is to lay a healthy foundation for the future by highlighting the role of preventive oral health in improving overall wellness and long-term health outcomes. ?? Why this matters: -40% of children show signs of dental decay by the time they reach kindergarten, impacting their overall development and school performance. -Health of the baby teeth is correlated with health of the adult teeth. -For every $1 insurers invest in prenatal dental care, up to $2.50 in medical costs are saved by reducing complications such as preterm births and low birthweight infants. -Every $1 spent on preventive dental care saves $8-$50 in future medical treatment by reducing avoidable healthcare utilization. At Firstgrin, we tackle these challenges from both a consumer and payer lens: -For consumers, we empower parents with knowledge, tools, and early interventions to seamlessly integrate oral care into everyday routines. -For payers and insurers, we create value by reducing healthcare costs through preventive care, increasing preventive utilization, minimizing costly ER visits and dental and medical complications related to poor oral health. We are excited to present Firstgrin’s innovative approach and demonstrate how preventive oral health can drive better outcomes for families and healthcare systems alike. Join us there: https://lnkd.in/eKCj-uK8 #HLTHUSA #HealthcareInnovation #Wellness #MaternalHealth #OralHealth #BeBold #WELLbyHLTH #Healthcare #Haleon #Dentistry Haleon

?? Exciting News - The Official Press Release is Out!??? I’m thrilled to share that Firstgrin has been named the Grand Prize Winner at the Great Oral Health Pitch Competition, hosted by the Shils Entrepreneurial Fund! At the ceremony, I shared:?? "I feel like I’m in a room full of powerhouses. Thank you for paving the way and continuing to do what you do, so I can keep doing what I’m doing. It’s an incredible honor to accept this award on behalf of Firstgrin. Being recognized by such a prestigious organization that champions innovation and entrepreneurship in oral health is both humbling and inspiring. This award reflects the vision and values of the late Dr. Edward B. Shils, whose legacy of bold ideas and solutions continues to shape oral health innovation.” This award is a significant milestone for Firstgrin’s mission—making oral health accessible and practical for families. We’re dedicated to prevention, education, and empowering parents to build strong dental routines early in life, ensuring healthier futures for themselves and their children.? It was inspiring to be surrounded by fellow honorees who are breaking barriers in access to care, health equity, and oral health innovation. Your work motivates us all to continue pushing boundaries and creating solutions that make a difference.? Thank you to the Shils Foundation board for recognizing our mission and supporting entrepreneurs committed to advancing oral health. This moment fuels our passion to keep innovating and expanding access, one family at a time, one smile at a time. ??? You can read the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/eRH6HFR5 Keith Drayer Margaret Scarlett Lois Cohen Jonathan Burns Dave Branch Maren Gaughan Leslie Grant Matilde Hernández González DDS MS MBA FICD Carey Lyons Arthur Mateen Paul Mondock Patty Ma Colan Rogers Kate Sorrillo Philip Toh George Wolfe Allen Finkelstein Raabia Budhwani Tobi Bosede Hazel Harper Raymond Cohlmia Michael Useem Stanley Bergman Dr. Aman Kaur Dr. Reena Gajjar Megan Lohman Abe Kasbo Michelle deBrabant Lee, C.P.C. Katie D'Amico Henry Schein Colgate-Palmolive CareQuest Institute for Oral Health Septodont Bank of America Integrated Marketing Services NSK Bien-Air Dental DMG America LLC #OralHealth #DentalHealth #HealthTech #OralHealthInnovation #Firstgrin #HealthEquity #AccessToCare #MaternalAndChildHealth #Entrepreneurship #Prevention

Thank you to Today's Parent for the opportunity to share my expertise on the recent NTP studies on fluoride. It’s a topic that impacts so many families, often clouded by confusion and misinformation. At Firstgrin, we focus on providing parents and caregivers with evidence-based information and tools they can easily apply in their busy lives. Cavities are the #1 chronic disease in kids, and we strive to make oral health more manageable, especially since it’s often overlooked in maternal health, despite being a key component of comprehensive care. So far, we’ve helped over 200,000 families make simple, effective changes to prioritize oral health. We’re also expanding Firstgrin’s corporate and benefits partnerships to create more supportive environments for parents. Poor dental health leads to missed school, higher healthcare costs, and lost productivity, while maternal oral health can potentially affect birth outcomes and babies' future health. By offering Firstgrin resources, companies can help families prevent cavities and improve both maternal and child oral health, leading to fewer absences, less stress, and a more engaged workforce. It’s all about giving families the practical tools they need to set their kids up for a healthier future—and cutting through the misinformation that often gets in the way. If you’re interested in learning more about how Firstgrin can support your team or organization, let’s connect! #OralHealth #HealthEquity #Fluoride #PublicHealth #PediatricHealth #PreventiveCare #MaternalHealth #Dentist #Firstgrin #EvidenceBased #ValueBasedCare https://lnkd.in/e6sA6SgP

Thank you to The Daily Molar for featuring me in the article, "Maternal and Pediatric Oral Health: Building Good Habits in Pregnancy and Early-Life." I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to highlight how deeply interconnected oral health is—not just for children, but for parents as well, especially during pregnancy, and why addressing these issues early in pregnancy is so critical. Cavities remain the most common chronic disease in U.S. children, affecting over 50% of kids by the time they’re 5 years old. Poor oral health not only leads to pain, but it also causes missed school days—over 51 million hours lost annually—and missed work hours for parents who have to bring their children to the dentist. But it starts even earlier: untreated cavities in mothers can actually increase the likelihood of cavities in their children, as bacteria can be transmitted from parent to child. Pregnancy itself presents unique oral health challenges. Around 30-100% of pregnant individuals develop pregnancy-associated gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. While it’s often temporary, if left untreated, gingivitis can progress into permanent gum and tooth damage, which not only affects the mother but also the baby. Maternal periodontal disease may be linked to pregnancy and labor complications, and this highlights how critical it is to manage oral health during pregnancy to ensure both maternal and fetal well-being. Firstgrin is growing faster than ever, helping parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals prioritize preventive dental care. Our personalized oral care kits and the Oral Care Companion app are making a big difference in how families approach dental health throughout different life stages. A huge thank you to Mae D'Ambra and Ryan Miller for this feature! At Firstgrin, we’re passionate about giving families the resources they need to build healthy, lasting habits. Curious about how to set your family up for oral health success? Check out the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ejssfNYt and learn more about how Firstgrin can support you on this journey! ?? #OralHealth #PreventiveCare #MaternalHealth #Dentistry #Firstgrin

Early oral health practices are key to preventing dental issues, not just in baby teeth, but throughout adulthood. In this episode of Think Oral Health, I discuss the importance of establishing oral health habits early—starting during pregnancy—and how my digital and product healthcare solution, Firstgrin, is helping make maternal and childhood oral care more engaging and accessible, cascading into healthier adult oral and systemic health outcomes. Learn how these practices can create a solid foundation for your and your child's future oral health. Watch the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/exhQJ-xC Find out more about Firstgrin at: www.yourfirstgrin.com Thanks to Mariya Filipova and Jonathan Levine for having me! #dentistry #valuebasedcare #podcast #oralhealth #maternalhealth #childrensdentalcare #pediatrics #teeth #dentist #dentalcare #pregnancy #publichealth #consumerhealth

???? I'm thrilled to see the World Health Organization (WHO)'s OpenWHO course on "Oral Health Care for Pregnant Women and Newborns" being offered as a free and accessible resource! Oral health during pregnancy is often overlooked, yet oral health status been correlated with outcomes (dental and systemic) for both the mother and baby. By making this information readily available to healthcare providers, we can ensure that more pregnant people and children receive the care they need during these key life stages. At Firstgrin, we’re committed to bridging the gap in educational resources for providers and caregivers, ensuring that vital knowledge about maternal and childhood oral health reaches those who need it most. We believe that merging dentistry with medicine is essential to providing comprehensive care, especially during pregnancy, where oral health can be closely tied to overall health outcomes. This course helps build the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits, starting from pregnancy through early childhood. We’re seeing increased engagement with dental care from members who received Firstgrin Oral Care Kits along with access to the Oral Care Companion app. It’s simple: when people receive the right information in the right way—something Firstgrin excels at—they make informed decisions to prioritize their health. This is especially true for parents, who understand the long-term effects their choices have on their child’s health and development A big thanks to Oral Health Now for sharing this fantastic resource. It’s an excellent step toward better oral health for all! Check out the course here: https://lnkd.in/e4HrKvEa #OralHealth #MaternalHealth #DentalCare #PregnancyCare #PreventiveCare #HealthcareEducation #PediatricDentistry #PublicHealth #HealthcareInnovation #Dentistry #ValueBasedCare #DentalHealth