Why Small Businesses Matter in Westport: Optibrusher

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Why Small Businesses Matter

Shop small, do big things for your community

Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The local shop movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!

You're IT Optibrusher!

Three questions with Audrey Rosenberg, Dental Hygienist and founder of Optibrusher, full mouth toothbrush.

Why did you start your business?

I started my business to help special needs, bedridden, hospital, and even deployed soldiers, all of whom slip through the cracks regarding daily dental care. The individual may simply have difficulty getting to a bathroom.

I had a lovely elderly gentleman come into the dental office for his regular check-up. He had difficulty using a toothbrush, he must have had a small stroke; he was having trouble using his hands. I was concerned about his general health and not being able to have daily dental care. At the same time, my son was playing ice hockey and used a mouthguard. It was then that I had an ah-ha moment and thought of putting toothbrush bristles into a mouth guard so all the person would have to do is chew. It took me a while but after speaking to the patent office regularly, I learned what was needed to file a patent.

I received approval for use in November 2016.

I signed on to the Maker Space at the Library and, unfortunately, also signed away my privacy. My design became "public domain". The Person helping me helped himself to my design.

What is your best-selling product/service?

I have been working to get my design back and make the updates needed to make it functional since I had no idea what the technology could do. I finally found a designer and found a 'team and I am praying my new IP attorney can get my design to market. I have three clinical trials arranged to make sure I would be able to help those in need.

Have you "reimagined" your small business?

I have reimagined my design several times and its use and functionality. Finally, I am very happy with the design and hope I can get a licensing agreement to help with the costs. I am a domestic violence survivor and work 6 days a week to make a safe place for my son and me.

I also hope (with all my heart) that the person who helped himself to my design has not ruined it for the down syndrome, autistic, hospice hospital, nursing home, and special needs patients who by using it, could find some independence and freedom from the oral disease from not having access to daily dental care.

Visit Optibrusher online here, and make sure to check out their Facebook page as well!

HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!

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Submitted by Westport, CT

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