Calgary-based healthtech startup OraQ AI has raised $2.6 million CAD in a seed funding round to enhance its clinical decision support platform for dental practices. The round was led by AngelMD, with additional backing from the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation, Startup TNT, and a range of dentists, physicians, and family offices.
Founded in 2021 by Dr. Amreesh Khanna, Dr. Mike Parchewsky, and CTO Wayne Madhlangobe, OraQ AI provides an AI-powered platform that analyzes medical and dental records to assess patient risk. The platform delivers evidence-based insights across seven key areas, including gum health, sleep disorders, and cavity profiles. This enables dentists to make consistent and science-driven decisions for their patients.
Dr. Amreesh Khanna reportedly stated that the platform “leverages the collective wisdom of 1,000 dentists to empower clinicians while ensuring patients trust their care recommendations.”
The platform’s development was inspired by Dr. Khanna’s experiences rebuilding his dental practice after Calgary’s 2013 flood. Observing challenges in patient communication and decision-making, he sought to create a tool that could improve clarity and standardize assessments. He noted that many patients leave dental appointments feeling uncertain about their treatment plans. OraQ AI, he explained, aims to build trust and improve outcomes by providing clear, data-backed insights.
Since receiving Health Canada and FDA approval in 2023, OraQ AI has launched its platform and expanded operations across North America, focusing on independent dental practices. The company has raised a total of $3.9 million CAD in equity funding to date, supplemented by $1.3 million CAD in non-dilutive financing through programs such as Alberta Innovates and Mitacs.
OraQ AI is designed as a clinical support tool rather than a diagnostic system, aiming to enhance decision-making without replacing clinicians’ expertise. Dr. Shamir Patel of AngelMD reportedly praised the platform, stating that OraQ is “building a comprehensive system to optimize care, improve practice management, and drive revenue growth.”
By standardizing patient assessments through AI-driven insights, OraQ AI positions itself as a transformative force in the dental industry. Its innovative approach helps practices enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency, addressing long-standing challenges in the sector.
