A digital solution to improve denture access for vulnerable patients has won the latest round of The Pitch.

A new digital workflow developed by the team at Sydney Dental Hospital has been awarded $38,290 in funding at the July 2025 round of The Pitch – Sydney Local Health District’s staff innovation program. 

The project introduces 3D scanning into full denture care, allowing dentures to be copied, refined and remade with fewer appointments. It significantly reduces the number of visits required for treatment and offers a faster, more accessible service for patients who may face challenges attending repeated appointments due to disability, cognitive decline or other complex needs. 

“Many of our patients struggle with access, so being able to cut the process down from five visits to two makes a huge difference,” said the project lead, Dr Alex Holden, Head of Specialist Services at Sydney Dental Hospital. 

“This also means that if a denture is lost or damaged, we can simply re-print it from the digital file – avoiding the need to start all over again.” 

The Pitch judges praised the initiative for its smart use of technology to address a service gap and deliver better outcomes for patients who are often at risk of falling through the cracks. 

“This is a well-designed solution that directly supports some of the most vulnerable people in our community,” Deb Willcox, Chief Executive for the District said.  

“It’s a practical, efficient and person-centred solution, and will make a huge difference to our patients.”  

Five teams presented their ideas to a judging panel comprising Chief Executive Deb Willcox, Dr Anthony Linton, Oncology Staff Specialist at Concord Hospital, Megan White, A/Director of Nursing at Concord Hospital, Paula Williscroft, Executive Director of People and Culture, and Lyn White, Consumer Representative. The panel praised the high calibre of all entries and confirmed they will continue working with each team to explore opportunities for further development and support.  

Other finalists included a real-time AI tool to improve cochlear implant surgery outcomes, a liquid biopsy to detect breast cancer relapse earlier, a sensory crash cart to support mental health inpatients during crisis, and a comfort kit to support recovery after radiology procedures. 

Since The Pitch began in 2014, more than 380 ideas have been submitted by staff across the District, with more than $2 million in funding awarded to date.