Smileneo, the Middle East’s premier teeth straightening firm, has launched MENA’s first teledentistry platform licence. Telehealth usage is growing as consumers and healthcare providers seek ways to safely access and deliver treatment in the epidemic.
Smileneo is the first firm to collaborate with health authorities on direct-to-consumer teledentistry platform licencing guidelines to improve the patient safety of clear aligner treatments, in response to a wave of unlicensed enterprises operating regionally under differing rules.
“This is an urgent patient safety matter,” said Dr. Jonathan Doerr, Founder and CEO of Smileneo
He added, “There are several aligner companies operating in the MENA with questionable patient safety and data standards. Now, more than ever, consumers need an affordable, safe, and convenient teeth straightening option.”
He explained, “They need the confidence that comes with receiving treatment from a licensed teledentistry platform which works in partnership with the best licensed dental clinics on the ground to ensure world-class care. Unregulated products and unclear patient data privacy practices are putting the MENA’s fledgling health tech sector and consumers at risk.”
Smileneo is the only licensed regional teledentistry platform for direct-to-consumer teeth straightening that offers consumers a safe end-to-end online option to create a smile they love, thanks to its licensing from Dubai Health Authority. Smileneo has become one of the fastest-growing MENA healthtech startups, servicing over 35,000 applications through a network of over 30 connected orthodontists in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Pakistan, Turkey, and Qatar since its launch in 2020. Smileneo has partnered with Dubai Healthcare Authority to license its cutting-edge teledentistry technology, which is available in both Arabic and English, to raise teledentistry standards.
“We are at the beginning stages of addressing the enormous untapped market of MENA consumers for whom orthodontic treatment has been unattainable and unaffordable,” said Dr. Doerr.
He added, “As the only company licensed by a MENA health authority to provide clear aligner treatment through telehealth, Smileneo has voluntarily committed to a stringent protocol to ensure a safe, affordable, and quality experience for consumers.”
He also commented, “We continue to push boundaries to make orthodontic care accessible at the touch of a button, and we are pleased to have the support of a growing number of world-class regional health authorities that recognize our technology advancements and the quality of our doctor-prescribed treatment plans.”
Smileneo’s innovative teledentistry technology allows orthodontists to personalize each patient’s treatment plan and remotely monitor their patients’ care. From initial diagnosis to completion, affiliated, locally licensed orthodontists prescribe, direct, and manage treatments throughout the procedure. Patients can use Smileneo’s app to track their progress on their new smiles and consult with their orthodontist at the press of a button. Smileneo’s teledentistry technology saves patients time and money by enhancing doctor-patient communication. It also allows orthodontists to keep in closer contact with patients.
According to a Smileneo study, over 80% of MENA customers would feel more confident if their teeth were straighter. Consumers are deterred from straightening their teeth by two major factors: expense and convenience. Smileneo’s direct-to-consumer clear aligner treatment eliminates these problem spots for up to 65 percent less than traditional braces, with an average treatment period of only 6 months.
Smileneo members begin their smile journey by sharing images of their teeth for a fast online examination. Approved consumers can then schedule an appointment with a Smileneo partner clinic near them. Smileneo’s partner network, which includes some of the region’s best orthodontists, uses 3D intraoral scanners and panoramic X-rays to ensure that patients receive the best orthodontic care possible.
Smileneo’s treatment is based on a specific treatment plan and a 3D smile preview, which is a simulation of the patient’s new smile. Smileneo clear aligners are custom-made in certified facilities and recommended by licensed orthodontists. Each transparent aligner is produced to order using BPA-free plastic thermoformed onto 3D-printed mouth molds. Smileneo treatment has a set fee and can be paid in three to six months in interest-free payments.
