DrSmile

DrSmile is a dentistry brand by German startup Urban Technology GmbH based in Berlin.

History
DrSmile was founded in 2016 in Berlin by Jens Urbaniak and Christopher von Wedemeyer. Urbaniak worked for Rocket Internet and is a co-founder of Go Butler, and von Wedemeyer previously worked as an analyst. In July 2020, it was announced that Swiss dental implant manufacturer Straumann bought a majority stake in the start-up and secured an option on the remaining shares. In May 2022, DrSmile acquired PlusDental for €131 million.

Company
DrSmile has locations in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne, Munich, Nuremberg, Stuttgart and Hannover. The company works with a partner network of dentists and orthodontists.

Treatment
DrSmile focuses on aesthetic dental treatments with invisible aligners that correct minor and medium malpositions of teeth. Aligners are produced using 3D printer technology.

Controversy
DrSmile, along with similar companies, has faced criticism from some dental professionals due to concerns about the lack of medical consultation and examination. In particular, criticism has been directed at concepts where patients take impressions of their teeth at home without direct supervision from a dentist. While DrSmile asserts that it collaborates with dentists and orthodontists, and distances itself from procedures that do not involve professional medical consultation, there have been legal challenges regarding the thoroughness of the examination process. In 2019, a German court ruled that certain dental standards were not met. In March 2024, the company was fined PLN 2,782,817 for actions violating the collective interests of consumers by the Polish Office of Competition and Consumer Protection. Another fine of PLN 674,622 was imposed for using a prohibited contractual clause, but this decision is not yet final.