A Manchester-based dental startup is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence to address a growing oral health crisis among children in the UK. Dr Ramzan Mohammed, a dentist, launched My Dental Buddy in 2023 after seeing first-hand the impact of limited access to NHS dental services on children’s dental health. Recognizing that almost half of UK children had not attended a dental check-up in over a year, Dr Mohammed aimed to make oral health education more engaging, accessible, and sustainable.
My Dental Buddy has developed an innovative AI platform that monitors tooth brushing sessions in real time. Using a smartphone or tablet camera, the technology analyzes how children are brushing their teeth, evaluating brushing coverage, angle, and pressure. It then provides instant feedback and guidance, helping children to improve their technique and foster better habits. This system works with any toothbrush, making it practical for families at home and for professionals in schools.
The platform includes interactive brushing guides, habit trackers, and dentist-approved educational materials that can be accessed freely by parents, guardians, and teachers. These resources are designed to reinforce healthy routines both in classrooms and at home. National curriculum-aligned sessions also support learning in schools, ensuring consistency and effectiveness in oral health education.
My Dental Buddy recently received a two-year oral health program contract with Oldham Council worth ￡248,000. The company expects to generate ￡1.6 million in revenue over the next three years. Innovation grant funding from the GM Business Growth Hub, along with expert advice from Dr Yousef Taktak, enabled the app to be developed and refined. The app is now available on both Apple and Android devices, giving families easy access to these advanced tools.
The UK dental devices sector is growing rapidly, valued at over ￡350 million and projected to exceed ￡460 million by 2030. Experts believe innovations like My Dental Buddy could help maintain the improvements brought about by dentist-led interventions and reduce the risk of tooth decay—a leading cause of hospital admissions among children aged five to nine. With the upcoming launch of its AI-enabled product, My Dental Buddy is set to expand its reach and further support children’s oral health across the country.
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