The Bright iDIAs Podcast

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 pro...

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 m...

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 c...

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 embeddin...

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 st...

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 a...

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 traditi...

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...

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 cu...

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...

Dive into the world of orthodontic innovation with guest Gary Giegerich, CEO of DIA-funded Alta Smiles. Gary shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur where he is currently leading a company revolutionizing the field of orthodontics with its C5 hidden orthodontics solution and remote monitoring technology. Gary discusses how Alta Smiles is making orthodontic care more accessible and patient-cent...

In this episode of Bright iDIAs, Bill Neumann, founder of Group Dentistry Now, joins us to share how a chance opportunity in the dental industry led him to co-create pioneering platforms that have reshaped the way dental professionals connect and grow. From launching  dentalsalespro.com  to establishing Group Dentistry Now, Bill’s story is a masterclass in foresight and adaptability. Dive deep int...

Annaliese Cothron, co-founder and executive director of the American Institute of Dental Public Health (AIDPH), joins the Bright iDIAs podcast to discuss how AIDPH is transforming dental care access for underserved populations, including veterans, rural communities, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQIA+ community. Annaliese recounts her journey from psychology and organizational behavior and...

Eric Giesecke, CEO of Planet DDS, joins us to share his journey from running a search fund to leading one of the top dental software companies. Eric discusses the strategic decisions behind acquiring and growing Planet DDS, emphasizing the importance of recurring revenue and early technology adoption in the dental industry. He shares insights on the challenges of integrating medical and dental sys...

Curious about the future of women in dental support organizations? Learn from Dr. Aman Kaur, founder of Women in DSO, as she shares her inspiring path from practicing dentistry to leading DSO operations to launching Women in DSO. She discusses the mentorship and wellness programs designed to support women in DSOs and the industry at large and highlights key traits of today's aspiring leaders. She...

Bruce Lieberthal joins us to share learning from his unique background as an early adopter of technology during his undergrad days with computer programming to his role today as Henry Schein's Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer. Lieberthal highlights the challenges faced by dental practices, particularly in navigating medical claims and referral processes. With a focus on leveraging techn...

Join Doug Brown, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Dental Innovation Alliance (DIA), on this episode of the Bright iDIAs Podcast. Brown shares his invaluable learnings and insights from a distinguished career in the dental industry. Discover where he "cut his teeth" in the field, listen to inspiring stories of mentorship and resilience, and explore the leading advancements that have the potentia...

Step into the world of entrepreneurship with our first guest, Trey Tepichin, Co-Founder and CEO of Cloud Dentistry. Tepichin provides candid insights into his entrepreneurial journey, discussing staffing challenges in the dental industry, the promise of AI, and the essential qualities of successful entrepreneurs. With a pragmatic approach, he advocates for early adoption and views failure as a cru...

Step into the world of tomorrow's dental care with Dr. Katie Lee, a dentist, author, and sought-after voice on the importance of oral health. From revealing the intricacies of dental-medical integration to redefining the role of dental hygienists, Dr. Lee offers a candid exploration of dentistry's future. With a focus on practical solutions and cutting-edge diagnostics, she sheds light on how pers...

In this inaugural episode of the Bright iDIAs podcast, Andrew Smith, President and CEO of the Association of Dental Support Organizations (ADSO), offers a comprehensive perspective on the evolving landscape of dentistry. He discusses pivotal issues, including the integration of oral and systemic health, workforce development challenges, and the shifting dynamics of government and insurer involveme...

The "Bright iDIAs" podcast features exclusive interviews with dental technology leaders. Join us as we explore the latest innovations, trends, and insights shaping the industry.