MouthWatch, Inc., a leader in teledentistry solutions and digital imaging, has announced the recipients of the 8th Annual Teledentistry Innovation Awards, known across the dental industry as “The Tellies.”
The awards recognize individuals and programs that are reshaping how oral health care is delivered by using teledentistry and innovative care models to improve access, equity, and effectiveness.
“The 2025 Tellie Award winners show that innovation matters most when it directly improves the patient journey,” said Brant Herman, Founder and CEO of MouthWatch and Dentistry.One. “These leaders are not just introducing new ideas. They are implementing practical, scalable solutions that measurably expand access and enhance the patient experience.”
The 2025 honorees were celebrated during a special awards event held in New York City at the Greater New York Dental Meeting.
Oral Health Program Innovator
Sarah Labonte, APRN-CNP, Spurwink (Mainely Connection), was recognized for her role in expanding coordinated dental care for foster children across Maine. Through Spurwink’s partnership with Mainely Teeth and Dentistry.One, Labonte helped build a sustainable care model that is now emerging as a national example for improving oral health outcomes in the foster care system.
Dental Hygiene Innovator
Carlos Gaxiola, RDHAP, of Yuma Dentistry 4 Kids, was honored for helping establish one of Arizona’s first pediatric-affiliated hygiene practices. Using teledentistry, intraoral imaging, and remote diagnostics, Gaxiola delivers preventive care to about 40 children daily in a designated dental health professional shortage area.
Dental Innovator
Dr. Christine Hao, MPH, DMD, of Sound Dental Care, was recognized for expanding teledentistry services to geriatric, medically complex, and special-needs populations. Her work integrates virtual dentistry into mobile clinics and long-term care facilities across Washington State, reaching patients who might otherwise lack access to care.
Dental Education Innovator
Tracy Gift of Mohave College was honored for modernizing dental hygiene education. Under her leadership, teledentistry has been embedded into both classroom and clinical training, enabling students to collaborate remotely with dentists while expanding care access throughout Mohave County.
Dental Industry Innovator
Corina Galvan of Camarena Health received recognition for leading the integration of teledentistry across clinical operations. Her efforts have improved workflow efficiency, strengthened continuity of care, and expanded access for diverse patient populations in community health settings.
“These awardees demonstrate how virtual care continues to evolve,” Herman added. “Their work is improving oral health outcomes while supporting more connected and inclusive models of care delivery.”