CareQuest and MATTER Announce Largest SMILE Health Cohort
Slice of Healthcare Team
07/18/2025
Key highlights
- Eight startups selected for SMILE Health’s largest cohort yet
- Focus on pediatric oral health, access, and integration
- Participants receive funding, mentorship, and access to CareQuest’s new Startup Data Hub
Source: Businesswire
Notable Quotes
“ With federal policies for oral health care under threat, there’s an urgent need to support innovation that expands access and equity. Backing startups at the forefront of this work is one of the most effective ways to ensure communities get the care they need. This year’s cohort brings forward solutions — from kits, toothbrushes, and education engaging moms, kids, and people with special needs in their health to tools that close care gaps by meeting patients where they are and connecting medical and dental care. These innovations are advancing a more integrated, whole-person future of health — for all. ”
Katie D’Amico, Vice President of Growth and Innovation at CareQuest Innovation Partners
“ One of the most important — but often underrated — areas of health care is oral health, with a massive opportunity to harness innovation to improve both oral health and overall health. We’re proud to have launched the first oral health accelerator together with CareQuest Innovation Partners and look forward to working with this year’s cohort to bring real innovation and change to the industry. ”
Steven Collens, CEO at MATTER
Why This Matters
The selection of the largest SMILE Health cohort to date by CareQuest Innovation Partners and MATTER marks a significant commitment to driving innovation in oral health—a field often underfunded relative to its global impact. As preventive care becomes more urgent due to policy threats and rising oral disease, supporting startups that advance access, equity, and integration is critical. By equipping emerging companies with funding, mentorship, and data tools, this initiative aims to close persistent gaps in dental care, particularly for children and underserved populations, while helping shape a more holistic, connected future for health care.
