Bento

The company's business model is centered on its patented, AI-powered platform that serves various clients through different offerings. For employers and associations, Bento provides self-funded dental benefit plans that can be customized, reportedly saving organizations 20-40% compared to traditional insurance. For individuals without employer-provided benefits, Bento offers an app to access pre-negotiated rates, potentially reducing procedure costs by up to 50%. Additionally, dentists can use the platform to create and administer their own in-office membership plans, providing a recurring revenue stream and a direct-to-patient service model. Revenue is generated through a per-member, per-month subscription fee for these plans.

Bento's platform offers distinct portals for members, dentists, and employers, streamlining processes like payment, eligibility checks, and treatment planning in real-time. A key feature is its price transparency tool, allowing patients to check the costs of procedures in their area before an appointment. This approach eliminates complex claims processes, with Bento facilitating direct electronic fund transfers from the payer (employer or patient) to the dentist. A significant milestone for the company was receiving the first-ever endorsement of a dental benefits technology company from the American Dental Association (ADA) in June 2020. This endorsement, along with others from state dental associations, has helped Bento expand its network to include approximately 100,000 dentists nationwide. The company secured $8.1 million in a Series A funding round in July 2022, bringing its total capital raised to $19 million, which is being used to enhance its app and expand its national sales efforts.