Summary: CareQuest Innovation Partners has invested in Grin, a virtual care platform providing digital oral health solutions. Grin’s tools support virtual consultations, efficient referrals, and improved access to dental care, particularly for underserved populations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Grin’s technology, including GrinScope and RapidReferral, designed to enhance virtual dental care and patient accessibility.
  • The investment supports Grin’s mission to bridge oral health equity gaps and expand reach through Medicaid-supported services.

CareQuest Innovation Partners announced its investment in Grin, a leading virtual care platform for digital oral health care solutions. This funding was led by CareQuest Innovation Partners with participation from existing investors Triventures and SpringRock Ventures.

The Grin experience comprises the Grin App and the Grin Scope—an FDA-listed medical device offering comprehensive views of patients’ mouths. Partnered with doctors’ supervision, these technologies facilitate patient self-scans, allowing virtual check-ins and ongoing connectivity between appointments.

Introducing Grin RapidReferral Tool

The company also recently announced Grin RapidReferral – a streamlined digital referral tool designed for practices aiming to expand patient bases, boost productivity, and collaborate with other dental specialists. With real-time data exchange, patient tracking, and seamless communication, the tool is designed to deliver efficient referrals and immediate patient care.

READ MORE: Grin’s Evolution Into a Patient Management System

This digital approach connects patients directly to trusted specialists and with a GrinScope and a mobile device, specialists can capture patient details, take a 34-second intraoral scan (GrinScan), and send a referral in under 5 minutes using the secure Grin ScanShare technology. Patients benefit from same-day referrals and a streamlined consultation experience. With real-time access to expert advice, they get the care they need when it matters most.

“Grin continues to lead the industry through its demonstrated impact in closing oral health access gaps,” said Denise Marks, executive vice president and chief financial officer at CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. “This investment will further support solutions that reduce economic barriers and increase convenience and expanded access to enable whole-person healthcare.”

Industry Recognition at HLTH and ADA Forsyth Institute Dentech Conferences

At this year’s HLTH conference, Grin was recognized as the winner of the 2024 Digital Health Award for Emerging Innovation in Dental Health, and additionally won a $50,000 grant from The Digital Health Hub Foundation. The company also showcased their innovation in the conference’s first-ever Oral Health Pavilion, hosted by CareQuest Innovation Partners, Colgate-Palmolive Company, Henry Schein, and PDS Health.

At the ADA Forsyth Institute Dentech Conference, Grin received the 2024 ADA Forsyth Institute Dentech Technology and Innovation Award. The Technology Showcase and Innovation Expo gave attendees an exclusive look into the future of oral health.

Expanding Access to Underserved Populations

As a teledentistry company with programs and services accessible through Medicaid, Grin can play a role in closing oral health equity gaps by using its technology to increase dental care utilization through schools, long-term care facilities, and clinics across the United States.

“CareQuest Innovation Partners’ continued investments in Grin underscore our shared vision of revolutionizing access to oral health care,” said Adam Schulhof, DMD, CEO and founder of Grin. “At Grin, we are dedicated to bridging gaps in care, especially for underserved populations, and this partnership allows us to expand our reach with cutting-edge teledentistry solutions. Together, we are paving the way for more accessible, high-quality dental care that delivers lasting impact.”

Photo via Grin