A Graduate’s Journey from Dental Hygiene to Business Ownership
On this episode of No Limits, we welcomed AnnMarie Miller, Co‑Founder of Senior Oral Health Services (S.O.S.), a mission‑driven healthcare company providing onsite preventive oral care for seniors in assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing communities throughout Western North Carolina.
A graduate of A‑B Tech’s Dental Hygiene program, AnnMarie shared how her years in clinical practice revealed critical gaps in traditional dental care for aging adults—particularly those with limited mobility or cognitive challenges. Senior Oral Health Services was created to address those gaps by delivering preventive oral care directly to senior living communities, supporting residents’ overall health, dignity, and quality of life.
During the conversation, AnnMarie emphasized the connection between oral health and whole‑person wellness and highlighted S.O.S.’s collaborative, multidisciplinary care model. She also discussed the challenges mission‑driven, for‑profit healthcare companies face, including limited access to grant funding, and how expanded funding opportunities could help reach underserved senior populations.
Senior Oral Health Services has earned significant recognition, including being named the winner of the Venture 15 Shining Rock Award and the ninth fastest‑growing startup in the Asheville area. AnnMarie also shared her vision for continued growth, expanded access, and sustainable community impact.