The dental world has traditionally adopted conventional methodologies, with many clinics still running their operations in a similar way as they did many decades ago. In the past few years, however, the digital revolution has taken its toll on industries that had been resistant to it until then: it’s now taking hold of healthcare and, more specifically, dentistry, is experiencing this shift, thanks in large part to innovators like Sary Azakir, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Toothpick.
Sary’s journey to leading change in healthcare wasn’t a straightforward one. His background is rooted in civil engineering and project management, fields far removed from healthcare at first glance. His early career saw him managing large-scale construction projects, including everything from intricate interior fit-outs to ambitious master plans. As time went on, a pivotal moment occurred when Dr. Wael Bizri, a childhood friend and schoolmate of Sary, reached out with an innovative concept. Along with fellow dental students Dr. Mohamed Hammoud and Dr. Mohamad Saad, they shared their firsthand experiences with the challenges faced within the dental industry. Inspired by the opportunity and past experience in technology, the group envisioned and launched a project that would address these challenges and transform the dental ecosystem, Toothpick.
What began as a shared vision among the team grew into a full-fledged venture operating in 5 countries with over 100 employees. Each member brought unique strengths to the table—Sary contributed his expertise in project management and corporate strategy, while the dentists provided their deep industry knowledge and understanding of the pain points. Together, they laid the foundation for Toothpick, a platform designed to connect dental clinics, suppliers, and patients seamlessly, marking the start of a collective journey to revolutionize the dental industry.
Driven by a shared vision, today Toothpick has grown from an initial marketplace concept to a robust digital ecosystem. The platform goes far beyond just simplifying procurement. It now offers innovative financing solutions like Toothpay, which helps patients manage their dental care expenses with ease. With a technology-first approach, Toothpick has not only helped modernize the industry but has also empowered dental professionals with the tools they need to stay ahead in a world that’s rapidly evolving.
Let’s explore how a shared vision is reshaping the future of dentistry with technology-driven solutions and innovation!
From Civil Engineering to Healthcare Innovation
Sary’s background in civil engineering, specializing in Project Management and Strategic Planning, might seem an unlikely foundation for a career in healthcare, but his expertise in managing complex operations became a cornerstone for his entrepreneurial journey. Before Co-founding Toothpick, he worked as a consultant, overseeing projects ranging from interior designs to large-scale landmark developments. His work required meticulous attention to detail, strategic thinking, and the ability to oversee complicated processes—skills that would later prove invaluable in his shift to healthcare.
As the youngest department head in his firm’s history, Sary had already established himself as a forward thinker, focused on solving problems and simplifying processes. When his friends—Dr. Wael Bizri, Dr. Mohamed Hammoud, and Dr. Mohamad Saad—shared the challenges they faced as dental students in sourcing products from distributors, the team identified a significant gap in the industry. Together, they envisioned a solution: a centralized marketplace to streamline procurement for dental clinics and distributors.
Combining their diverse expertise—Sary’s strategic and operational skills, paired with the co-founders’ firsthand knowledge of dental practices—the team worked collaboratively to bring this vision to life. What began as a marketplace grew into Toothpick, a comprehensive ecosystem integrating technology and financial solutions to address critical industry pain points.
“Our success lies in the power of teamwork,” the co-founders explain. “By leveraging our collective strengths, we’ve created a platform that’s transforming the dental industry while making care more accessible and efficient.”
The Birth of Toothpick
When Toothpick was first envisioned, it started as a simple marketplace designed to connect dental clinics with suppliers, offering an efficient way for clinics to manage their procurement needs. However, as the team delved deeper into the industry, they realized that the problems went beyond procurement. Dental clinics faced numerous challenges in managing their finances, from patients’ out-of-pocket expenses to cash flow issues for clinics. This understanding led to a shift in Toothpick’s approach.
“What we realized was that we weren’t just creating a marketplace for dental products,” says Sary. “We were building a platform that could address several critical pain points—supply chain management, financing, and payments—all in one ecosystem.”
The team developed a digital procurement system that allows clinics to easily browse products, place bulk orders, and track their inventory in real-time. This tool has proven invaluable for clinics looking to streamline their operations, reduce costs, and avoid overstocking. The digital platform allows dental clinics to maintain a steady supply of the products they need without the hassle of managing multiple suppliers or dealing with inefficiencies in the ordering process.
Toothpick introduced Toothpay alongside the development of its procurement system, recognizing that financial support was essential to fully address the challenges faced by clinics and patients. Toothpay provides flexible payment options with industry leading partners, such as Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and micro-lending, to make dental care more accessible. For clinics, Toothpay Business offers SME loans, enabling them to purchase supplies from the platform without cash flow constraints.
By integrating financial solutions with procurement, Toothpick created a holistic ecosystem that supports both patients and clinics. This approach has helped thousands in the UAE access affordable dental care while enabling clinics to streamline their operations effectively.
“Offering a solution that helps patients afford their dental care is just as important as helping clinics streamline their operations,” Sary explains. “We want to make dental care accessible to everyone, and we believe that financial tools like Toothpay are a critical part of that mission.”
Overcoming Obstacles in a Traditional Sector
Launching a digital platform in a traditionally conservative industry like healthcare comes with its challenges. Toothpick’s early years were marked by a significant learning curve as they worked to persuade dental professionals to adopt new technology. “The dental industry, like many healthcare sectors, was used to doing things the old-fashioned way,” says Sary. “Getting people to switch from traditional methods to digital tools took time and patience.”
The team at Toothpick knew that simply offering a solution wasn’t enough; they needed to demonstrate its value. This led to a comprehensive strategy of engaging with dental clinics, training staff, and showcasing the real-world benefits of the platform. By participating in industry exhibitions, hosting workshops, and providing on-the-ground support, Toothpick gradually built trust and increased adoption among clinics.
“Education and building relationships were key to overcoming these early challenges,” he reflects. “We wanted to show the industry that technology could make their lives easier, not harder. Once we gained the trust of the clinics, the adoption rate grew.”
This commitment to education and relationship-building played a significant role in the platform’s early success. Toothpick didn’t just provide a digital solution—it became a partner to dental clinics, guiding them through the process of digital transformation.
A Region Ready for Change
The UAE, where Toothpick is headquartered, is known for its progressive approach to technology and innovation. The government’s support for the start-up ecosystem has made the country an ideal location for tech-driven companies. Sary attributes much of Toothpick’s success to the resources available in the region, including incubators, accelerators, and partnerships with leading tech companies.
“The UAE is a hotbed for innovation,” says Sary. “The government is incredibly supportive of entrepreneurs and offers a wealth of resources to help companies grow. Being based here has been a huge advantage for us.”
The region’s openness to new ideas and technologies has been instrumental in the clinic’s ability to scale quickly. Additionally, the growing demand for tech solutions in healthcare has created a fertile ground for the clinic to introduce its innovative platform. “The healthcare industry in the UAE is ripe for digital transformation, and the demand for solutions like ours is only increasing,” he notes.
Tech-Driven Transformation
Sary is a firm believer in the power of technology to transform industries. At Toothpick, technology isn’t just an add-on—it’s the foundation of the entire platform. From the digital procurement system to the fintech solution that supports Toothpay, technology drives the company’s business model. But it doesn’t stop there. The clinic is constantly looking for ways to integrate cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning into its platform to provide even more value to users.
“We are just scratching the surface when it comes to AI,” says Sary. “We’ve already started developing AI-driven features that help dental clinics make smarter, data-driven decisions about their procurement and operations. The future of healthcare, especially in the dental industry, lies in technology, and we are at the forefront of that change.”
In addition to AI, Toothpick has built strategic partnerships with other fintech and healthtech companies to further enhance its platform. These partnerships have enabled the company to offer a wider range of solutions, helping clinics and patients achieve better outcomes. “Our ability to collaborate with other innovative companies is one of the reasons we continue to grow,” he says.
A Collaborative Company Culture
Sary strongly advocates in creating a collaborative environment where every team member has a voice. “We don’t have a rigid hierarchy,” he explains. “We believe in the power of collective brain. Every department, from management to customer service, contributes ideas and feedback. This collaborative approach is key to our innovation.”
Sary’s leadership style is rooted in trust, respect, and empathy. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the needs of the team and supporting them in achieving their goals. “It’s not just about getting results—it’s about building a team that believes in the mission and works together to achieve it,” he says.
This inclusive culture has helped Toothpick grow rapidly while maintaining a strong sense of unity. The company’s regular workshops, brainstorming sessions, and focus on feedback have created an environment where innovation thrives.
Scaling and Expanding
Looking to the future, Sary envisions the clinic expanding its reach beyond the UAE and into other regions. “Our goal is to scale our platform, bring more dental clinics into our ecosystem, and continue to innovate based on market needs,” he says. Over the next 5-10 years, the company plans to evolve its product offerings, including expanding its fintech solutions and adding new features powered by artificial intelligence.
“We want to be the go-to platform for dental practices looking to modernize their operations and for patients seeking innovative payment solutions,” he says. “Our mission is to make the entire healthcare ecosystem more efficient, accessible, and affordable, providing clinics with the financial tools they need and offering patients flexible ways to manage their dental expenses.”
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those looking to follow in his footsteps, Sary offers valuable advice: “Start with self-awareness. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Build a team that complements your skill set and always focus on solving real problems. Be open to feedback and keep learning.”
“Entrepreneurship isn’t easy, but if you’re passionate about your mission and stay focused, you can make a real difference,” he adds. “It’s important to have a vision, but equally important to be flexible and adapt to the needs of the market.”
As Toothpick continues to grow and evolve, Sary’s words remind us all of the power of persistence, adaptability, and a vision to create lasting change.
