We're Building America’s First Great Oral Care Brand (With Our $25M Series A)
By Tyler Burnett, Co-Founder and CEO of Wally
That is exactly why my co-founders, Stipe Latkovic and Chelsea Patel, and I started Wally. We believed that the future is not more dentistry; it’s less (smarter, proactive oral healthcare).
Today, I am thrilled to share that Wally has raised $25 million in Series A funding led by Maveron, with participation from Bling Capital and incredible angel investors like Jack Abraham. This capital, alongside a new strategic partnership with EMS Dental, is a massive step forward in our mission to untangle Americans from a broken insurance model and deliver the oral care experience they actually deserve.
The Problem With Profiting Off Decay
The U.S. dental system is fundamentally trapped. Right now, only 40% of American adults visit the dentist each year. It isn't because they don't care about their teeth, over 80% of people want more dental care. They stay away because traditional visits are defined by financial complexity and physical discomfort. Legacy insurance rules force practices to maximize reimbursements rather than patient satisfaction, leading to rushed appointments and unnecessarily invasive treatments.
We knew that to fix this, we couldn't just build a better waiting room. We had to change the underlying incentives. We had to take insurance completely out of the equation.
A Model Built on Prevention and Transparency
Wally replaces traditional, reactive dental appointments with a seamless, AI-powered clinical platform built entirely around prevention and pricing transparency. For $249 per year, our members get unlimited cleanings and diagnostics. No insurance required, no surprise bills, and no catch. We’ve overhauled the clinical experience from the ground up to ensure visits are actually something to look forward to:
- Pain-Free Cleanings: We use Swiss AIRFLOW® technology and Guided Biofilm Therapy to eliminate harmful bacteria and stains without the painful metal scraping.
- AI-Powered Diagnostics: We use digital X-rays, 3D intraoral scans, saliva testing, and AI detection to give our members objective health data right on the Wally App.
- Non-Invasive Cavity Reversal: We offer exclusive access to treatments that stop and remineralize early-stage tooth decay before cavities even form, keeping our members away from the drill.
- Accessible Pricing: Members get access to custom-fit protective nightguards, professional whitening, and clear aligners at half the price of brand-name competitors.
Proof That the Model Works
When we launched Wally, we were told that consumers wouldn't pay out-of-pocket for dental care when they already had insurance. The reality has been the exact opposite.
We recently surpassed 50,000 members across our 15 locations in New York City, Philadelphia, Jersey City, and Chicago. Our members visit us an average of three times per year and rate their experience 4.9 stars. But perhaps the metric I am most proud of is our 97% hygienist retention rate.
By utilizing an AI-driven platform to run scheduling, operations, and guide clinicians through every appointment, we are removing the burnout from the profession and allowing top-tier clinicians to focus entirely on patient care. And, a patient experience that is actually loved, not avoided.
Scaling the Future of Oral Care
With this new funding, we are stepping on the gas. By the end of 2027, Wally plans to expand from 15 to 100 locations. We are bringing our subscription oral care model to key metropolitan hubs, starting with Washington DC, Atlanta, Austin, and Miami. To make this happen, we are aggressively hiring across all teams. We are looking for visionary operational leaders and world-class clinicians who want to help us deliver the most innovative oral care experience in the world.
If you are a patient tired of the traditional dental dread, join our waitlist or book an appointment near you. If you are interested in joining our team to build the future with us, check out our openings or email join@carebywally.com.
