"As a risk manager and dental compliance strategist, I’ve seen firsthand how outdated technology can compromise patient safety, data integrity, and practice efficiency,” I once wrote. “Reimagining the digital future of dentistry isn’t just a tech upgrade -- it’s a compliance imperative. When systems are fragmented, communication breaks down, that opens the door to risk. We need platforms that prioritize interoperability, transparency, and defensible documentation to truly protect our patients and our practices."
Linda Harvey, MS, RDH.
In the ever-evolving world of dental technology, few names resonate with as much vision and impact as Dr. Bryan Laskin. A dentist, entrepreneur, author, and tech innovator, Laskin has spent his career challenging the status quo and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in oral healthcare. At the heart of his mission is Toothapps, a software company whose mission is to revolutionize how dental practices operate, communicate, connect with patients, and become compliant.
Compliant with what, you might wonder? The short answer is the 21st Century Cures Act that grants patients full digital access to their dental records, including the clinical notes.
From chairside to C-suite: Bryan Laskin’s journey
Bryan Laskin isn’t just a tech founder with a good idea. He was a practicing dentist who understood the daily frustrations and inefficiencies that plague modern dental practices.
His firsthand experience has fueled a career dedicated to solving real-world problems through innovation. Whether it’s misdiagnoses due to poor data or lost revenue from outdated systems, Laskin has seen the hidden war in dentistry, and he’s fighting back with tools that empower providers and prioritize patients.
What is connected dentistry?
Toothapps is Laskin’s answer to the fragmented, siloed nature of dental software. It’s not another practice management system. It’s a modular, interoperable platform designed to unify the digital ecosystem of dentistry. Think of it as the app store for dental practices, where providers can choose the tools they need and integrate them seamlessly.
When evaluating the various types of dental software programs, there are three key items to bear in mind:
- Interoperability: Does the software meet the 21st Century Cures Act requirements that allow patients secure access to their dental records? In other words, can patients view their dental history from any participating provider, including the progress notes, treatment plans, and past visits?
- Compliance-ready: Does the software encrypt patient data end to end, have audit trail capabilities, or role-based access? Software that can assist you in becoming audit-ready provides peace of mind.
- Patient-centric design: Is the platform built with the patient experience in mind? For example, does it have intuitive interfaces and real-time communication tools?
Why digital dentistry matters
In an industry where legacy systems often stifle innovation, Toothapps is a breath of fresh air. It’s designed to be agile, scalable, and future-proof -- qualities that are increasingly essential as dentistry embraces AI, teledentistry, and data-driven care.
For dental professionals, the benefits are tangible, such as:
- Reduced administrative burden through automation and streamlined workflows
- Improved diagnostic accuracy via better data integration
- Enhanced patient trust through transparent communication and personalized care
And for patients? It means shorter wait times, clearer treatment plans, and a more connected experience from the first appointment to follow-up.
The bigger vision
Laskin’s work with Toothapps is part of a broader movement to modernize dentistry. He’s a vocal advocate for interoperability, transparency, and ethical innovation.
But what sets Laskin apart isn’t just his tech-savviness, it’s his unwavering commitment to putting patients first. In a field often dominated by profit margins and legacy systems, he’s building a future where care, connection, and clarity come standard.
Whether you’re a dental professional looking to upgrade your tech stack or a patient curious about the future of oral healthcare, Bryan Laskin and Toothapps are names to watch. They’re not only changing software, they’re changing the story of dentistry itself.
Are you ready to become compliant with the 21st Century Cures Act?
Linda Harvey, MS, RDH, is a nationally recognized healthcare risk manager and compliance expert. She is the founder of the Dental Compliance Institute, known for its Train-the-Trainer compliance courses and corporate compliance programs. She is a Distinguished Fellow with the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management. Harvey also draws from real-world experience, having worked with offices that have undergone HIPAA, OSHA, and dental board audits.
The comments and observations expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DrBicuspid.com, nor should they be construed as an endorsement or admonishment of any particular idea, vendor, or organization.
