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Celebrating Innovation in Teledentistry: The 2025 Tellie Award Winners

MouthWatch, Inc., a leader in the field of teledentistry and digital imaging, has recently unveiled the recipients of the prestigious 8th Annual Teledentistry Innovation Awards, colloquially referred to within the dental community as the "Tellies." These awards serve to honor exceptional individuals and programs that are reshaping the landscape of oral healthcare by utilizing innovative teledentistry technologies and models to improve accessibility and efficacy in dental services.

The Impact of Teledentistry

Teledentistry represents a significant advancement in providing dental care, particularly in areas where accessibility can be a barrier. By leveraging technology, dental professionals can now reach patients via virtual consultations, ensuring that individuals, especially marginalized communities, have access to dental care that was previously out of reach. This year’s winners exemplify how innovation in teledentistry can positively impact patient journeys, access, and overall experience.

Brant Herman, the Founder and CEO of MouthWatch, reflected on this year's honorees, stating, "The 2025 Tellie Award winners demonstrate that innovation becomes meaningful only when it is integrated into the patient journey. Furthermore, these programs do not solely introduce new ideas; they implement these concepts in measurable ways that enhance access and equity for patients across the nation."

Meet the 2025 Tellie Award Winners

The award ceremony, held in New York City in conjunction with the Greater New York Dental Meeting, celebrated the following remarkable individuals and their contributions to the field:

1. Oral Health Program Innovator

Winner: Sarah Labonte, APRN-CNP – Spurwink
Sarah’s influential work through the Mainely Connection and Dentistry.One pilot program ensures systematic dental care for foster children throughout Maine. Her leadership has established a sustainable model that could serve as a national example for improving oral health in the foster care system.

2. Dental Hygiene Innovator

Winner: Carlos Gaxiola, RDHAP – Yuma Dentistry 4 Kids
Carlos has pioneered one of Arizona's first pediatric hygiene practices, increasing access to dental care for children in Yuma's Dental Health Professional Shortage Area. His innovative use of teledentistry has allowed him to provide preventive care to around 40 children daily, thereby enhancing pediatric oral health.

3. Dental Innovator

Winner: Dr. Christine Hao, MPH, DMD – Sound Dental Care
Recognized for her advocacy of teledentistry in caring for geriatric and special-needs populations, Dr. Hao has integrated virtual dental services into long-term care and mobile environments across Washington State. Her work ensures that those who are homebound receive essential care that they might otherwise miss.

4. Dental Education Innovator

Winner: Tracy Gift – Mohave College
Tracy has reformed the dental hygiene curriculum at Mohave College by incorporating teledentistry into training. Students utilize virtual tools for clinical collaborations and decision-making in real time, thereby preparing them to deliver tech-enabled dental care in various settings.

5. Dental Industry Innovator

Winner: Corina Galvan – Camarena Health
Under Corina's leadership, Camarena Health has embraced teledentistry, enhancing patient experience and improving clinical operations. Her initiatives focus on establishing continuity of care and expanding access for diverse patient populations, setting a standard for community health centers.

Looking Ahead

The creative solutions and steadfast dedication displayed by the 2025 Tellie Award winners paint a promising picture for the future of oral healthcare. These leaders are not merely advancing the field of dentistry; they are ensuring that every individual, regardless of circumstances, has the opportunity to receive quality dental care.

For more information on the Teledentistry Innovation Awards and this year's honorees, visit teledentistryinnovationawards.com. Learn how MouthWatch, headquartered in Metuchen, New Jersey, continues to pioneer advancements in digital technology solutions in dental practice and beyond.