This week, we get to talk to Luke Withers and Alexis Campbell, owners of the dental aligner-maker Bitesoft Co, an enterprise offers both at-home and in-clinic options for those looking to have themselves fitted with aligners, which allows them to reach more customers than traditional aligner companies.
ISB: What was the driving force behind your decision to start Bitesoft?
LW: The reason behind the launch of Bitesoft was to make a visible impact on people’s lives. Seeing how dental treatments were changing and what people wanted, we saw a chance to do something new and bold. It’s all about giving people access to a great smile without breaking the bank. We aimed to revolutionise the industry by offering affordable, effective solutions.
ISB: How has your partnership with the clinics contributed to the growth of your business?
AC: Our partnership with dentists across Australia and NZ contributed significantly to the growth of our business. BitesoftPro partner dentists provide essential oral consultations and X-rays before commencing our clear aligner treatment. By integrating this process, we not only mitigate risks associated with clear aligner therapy but also emphasise our commitment to customer dental health under professional guidance. This collaboration allows us to strike a balance between affordability and convenience without compromising on quality and safety. While we try to minimise as many dentist visits as possible, we ensure that every in-clinic customer undergoes an in-clinic fitting session with our dentists to learn how to wear the aligners and some future pointers. After this session, customers receive their aligner sets for home use, with treatment progress monitored effectively by taking scans of their teeth from home by using the dental monitoring app and scanbox accessory added into their aligner treatment, provided free of charge. Customers can opt for in-person dentist reviews, maintaining a seamless connection between their treatment and dental care.
ISB: How do you ensure that the rapid pace of growth you have achieved does not negatively affect the quality of service that you provide?
AC: We implement quality control measures, invest in employee training, and actively seek customer feedback. We understand the risks of growing too fast and a big thing for us is to prioritise sustainable growth. We believe that sustainable growth allows our company to digest it all effectively, ensuring that our focus on customer satisfaction remains at the front of our minds. After all, any success we’ve had and what has got us here is built upon our customers.
ISB: Can you tell us more about Bitesoft Co’s sustainability efforts, particularly in recycling old aligners?
LW: We’ve had a partnership with Veolia and ACEwaste to reduce the environmental impact of clear aligner waste. Our process is simple: patients hold onto their old aligners, fill out a form, and send them back to our lab. These aligners are then incinerated at one of Australia’s first incineration depots, where the heat generated is harnessed to produce renewable energy sources. This innovative approach not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also leads the way in waste-disposal practices in Australia. Customers also receive a refund on their retainers as a reward for their contribution. Just a little way of us trying to do our part for the future
ISB: How do you envision Bitesoft’s growth in the next couple of years?
AC: Steady and sustainable growth, driven by innovation and customer satisfaction. The plan is to take advantage of advancements in technology, such as 3D printing, to further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our clear aligner treatments. By leveraging these cutting-edge technologies, we aim to expand our reach and serve more customers across Australia and New Zealand. Additionally, continue to develop partnerships with dental clinics and professionals to ensure accessibility and convenience for our customers. Our focus remains on delivering high-quality, personalised care.
ISB: What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned in this business journey that other entrepreneurs should take to heart?
LW: There have been lots of lessons and still are! Be persistent as everything usually takes longer than expected, focus on doing one thing really well and have a good team around you. It’s all up to you, success, failure, attitude… everything. You can or you can’t, it’s literally a choice.
AC: One lesson I’ve learned in my business journey, and one that I believe every entrepreneur should prioritise, is the value of authenticity. It’s crucial to stay true to your vision, values, and principles. Authenticity builds trust with customers, employees and partners which leads to strong relationships that are essential for long-term success and help build sustainable growth.
