MouthWatch, Inc., a leading provider of teledentistry solutions and digital imaging, has announced the winners of the 8th Annual Teledentistry Innovation Awards, widely known in the dental profession as “The Tellies.”
The awards recognize individuals and programs that are reshaping the delivery of dental services through teledentistry and innovative care models, with a focus on improving access, equity, and patient outcomes.
“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 developing new ideas—they are implementing practical, scalable solutions that expand access to care and enhance the patient experience.”
This year’s honorees were celebrated at a special ceremony in New York City during the Greater New York Dental Meeting.
Sarah Labonte was recognized for her role in the Mainely Connection and Dentistry.One pilot program, which delivers coordinated dental care to foster children across Maine. Through Spurwink’s partnership with Mainely Teeth, her leadership has helped establish a sustainable model that is improving oral health outcomes in the foster care system and gaining attention as a potential national framework.
The Dental Hygiene Innovator award was presented to Carlos Gaxiola, RDHAP, of Yuma Dentistry 4 Kids. Gaxiola has helped launch one of Arizona’s first pediatric-affiliated hygiene practices, expanding access in Yuma, a designated Dental Health Professional Shortage Area. By combining teledentistry, intraoral imaging, and remote diagnostic collaboration, he provides preventive care to about 40 children each day.
Dr. Christine Hao, MPH, DMD, of Sound Dental Care, received the Dental Innovator award. Dr. Hao has integrated teledentistry into mobile and long-term care settings across Washington State, bringing essential preventive and diagnostic services to geriatric, medically complex, and special-needs patients who might otherwise lack access to dental care.
Together, the 2025 Tellie Award recipients highlight how technology-driven dental services can close care gaps and reach underserved populations nationwide.