About
Wally Health is a membership-based dental care company founded in 2020 that is revolutionizing preventative dentistry through an innovative subscription model and patient-centric approach. Located at 325 E 79th St Apt 1B in New York's Upper East Side, Wally was established by serial entrepreneur Tyler Burnett, alongside co-founders Stipe Latkovic and Chelsea Patel. The company's founding story stems from Burnett's personal experience with unnecessary dental procedures—a situation that inspired him to fundamentally reimagine how dental care is delivered and accessed in America.
Wally's core mission is to make dental care something people actually want to pursue by removing financial barriers and pain from the experience. The company operates on a straightforward value proposition: for $249 per year, members receive unlimited preventative dental care including cleanings, diagnostics, exams, and custom at-home whitening—with no insurance required, no copays, and no hidden fees. This transparent, all-inclusive pricing model stands in stark contrast to traditional dental practices that rely on insurance billing, deductibles, and à la carte service pricing.
The company has achieved remarkable growth since its inception. Wally began with 500 pre-launch signups and a two-day pilot to validate market demand. By the time of its seed funding round, the company had grown to over 3,000 paying members. As of the most recent available information, Wally serves approximately 25,000 members across five locations in New York and New Jersey, demonstrating strong market validation for its membership model.
Wally's clinical approach emphasizes pain-free, advanced dental technology. The company utilizes Swiss-made Airflow technology for cleanings, which is scientifically proven to remove twice the bacteria of traditional methods while whitening teeth by 1-2 shades in a single visit—all without scraping or pain. Additionally, Wally offers Curodont™ no-drill cavity treatment, representing a proactive approach to cavity management that avoids traditional drilling procedures. The company also provides orthodontist-led clear aligners, retainers, and nightguards as part of its expanded preventative care offerings.
Wally's business model is built on a 'plug-and-play' clinic architecture that enables rapid expansion. New locations can be established in as little as 24 hours for $100,000–$200,000 in buildout costs, compared to the traditional dental practice startup cost of $1 million or more. This operational efficiency has been a key factor in the company's ability to scale across the New York and New Jersey markets.
The company has attracted significant venture capital backing, having raised $20 million in total funding. Early investors included Bling Capital (leading the initial $3 million seed round), along with participation from Myelin VC, GFR, and Jack Abraham, founder of the venture studio Atomic, which created the digital health company Hims & Hers. This investor pedigree reflects confidence in Wally's business model and market opportunity.
Wally's strategic positioning focuses exclusively on preventative care rather than attempting to be a full-service dental provider. This specialization allows the company to optimize its operations, pricing, and clinical outcomes around prevention and early intervention. For procedures requiring restorative dentistry—such as root canals, complex fillings, or implants—Wally provides referrals to appropriate specialists while sharing patient X-rays and diagnostic information to facilitate continuity of care.
The company has integrated digital technology throughout its patient experience, making scheduling, communication, and care management convenient and accessible. This digital-first approach complements its physical clinic locations and reflects Burnett's background in digital media and fintech, bringing a technology-forward perspective to a traditionally analog industry.
Wally's founding team brings diverse expertise to the venture. Burnett's background includes successful exits in digital media and fintech in Canada, providing business acumen and fundraising experience. Co-founder Chelsea Patel brings professional expertise in dental care, while the team's connection to the dental industry—including Burnett's wife being a dentist—provides clinical insight and credibility. This combination of entrepreneurial experience, clinical knowledge, and customer-obsession has positioned Wally as a significant innovator in the dental care space.
