Lauri Kien Kotcher, CEO of quip

As quip celebrates its 10th anniversary, CEO Lauri Kien Kotcher reflects on the journey, from launching game-changing products to envisioning a future focused on oral wellness. Discover the milestones, passion, and vision that drive quip’s mission to inspire healthy habits worldwide.

quip: Before diving into quip’s journey, can you share a little about your background and what first drew you to the world of oral health and dental care?

Lauri: I’ve always had a passion for building brands that people fall in love with and can connect to on a personal level. I have spent time in a wide variety of categories - from chocolate, to spirits, to cookies, to window treatments, to luxury retail, to pet food, to fresh food and more. Oral wellness has a special place in my heart and I have worked in this category 3 times - twice as a CEO! During my time at Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, I worked on Listerine, where I saw firsthand how important preventive oral care is to overall health. Later, I led hello products, which further deepened my passion for innovating in oral care. When the opportunity to join quip came along, it felt like a natural next step to continue making a difference in people’s health with a brand that truly cares about inspiring healthy habits.

quip: As the CEO of a fast-growing company, you must juggle many roles. What do you enjoy most about your work, and how do you stay inspired day to day?

Lauri: What I enjoy most is the energy and creativity that comes from working with such a passionate and talented team. Every day brings new challenges, and it's incredibly fulfilling to see our ideas reach the market and be so well received by people! Staying inspired is easy when you’re working on something that makes a real difference in people’s everyday lives.  I also love hearing feedback from our community of dental professionals, as it reminds me of why we do what we do. I obsess over our reviews and the feedback from professionals, retailers, and our customers.

quip: It’s crazy to think that quip is celebrating 10 years! Looking back, what are some of the most exciting milestones or moments that have defined quip's journey so far?

Lauri: One of the most exciting milestones has been the launch of our quip 360 Oscillating Electric Toothbrush. It’s our first high-powered electric brush that offers all the features you would expect in such a premium product, but at a way more affordable price than other products with similar features. Another huge moment was the recent launch of quip Ultra, our next generation Smart Sonic Electric Toothbrush. With features like 15x more plaque removal between teeth^*, a rechargeable 30-day battery, a dynamic touch bar, and a guiding pressure sensor, it marks a significant step forward in our goal of creating a brush for everyone. I love how Ultra’s design is a game changer in the category, marrying tech and wellness — with a new, more sustainably designed brush head, a silicone handle, and over 10 brushing intensities, for a truly customizable clean.

quip: From the very beginning, quip has changed the game in oral health. How has the company's vision evolved over the years, and what continues to drive your passion for the mission?

Lauri: Our vision has always been to make oral health care more accessible, effective, and enjoyable. As the world of health care is evolving, we are expanding our focus from oral health to oral wellness. And we are emphasizing wellness by turning a “have to” chore into a “want to” daily ritual, like other wellness rituals. We listen closely to our customers, partners and dental professionals, expanding our product offerings, and integrating technology to help people stay consistent with their routines. What excites me is knowing that we’re not just selling products — we’re helping people build habits that support their long-term health. That’s a mission worth waking up for every day.

quip: In the past decade, quip has built a strong community of dental professionals. What role do you see dental professionals playing in quip's success, and how have they shaped the brand?

Lauri: Dental professionals are at the heart of what we do. Their expertise and feedback have been instrumental in shaping our products. By fostering strong relationships with the dental community, we’ve been able to design solutions that not only meet the needs of their patients but also enhance their practice’s ability to support preventive care. Their trust and endorsement have been a key part of quip’s success, and we’re committed to continuing this collaboration in 2025 and beyond.  We’re especially proud that 75% of our users feel more confident going to the dentist after using quip, which underscores the positive impact we’re having on oral health! 

quip: 10 years in, what are you most proud of when you look at quip’s impact on oral health and the dental community?

Lauri: I’m incredibly proud of how we’ve helped shift the conversation around oral care. By making it stylish, intuitive, and smart, we are encouraging people to think of their oral health as an essential part of their overall daily wellness rituals. I’m also proud of the community we’ve built — from our loyal customers to our partners in the dental field. Seeing the positive impact quip has had on people’s routines and hearing stories about improved oral health outcomes is what makes it all worthwhile. My personal experience mirrors this; my own dental hygienist of several decades said she has never seen my mouth health reach this level since using our quip 360 Oscillating Toothbrush!

quip: Looking ahead to the next 10 years, what’s your vision for quip's future?

Lauri: Our mission has been to turn oral care from a “have to” chore into a “want to” ritual, and to be loved equally by professionals and people. As we continue to launch award-winning products which are both gorgeous AND truly effective, we can also be proud that we have democratized oral care by offering a brush for every mouth. Whether you are looking for a Water Flosser, switching from manual to an electric brush for the first time, or want to go premium with quip 360 or quip Ultra, we have the right option for you.

quip: For dental professionals considering recommending quip to their patients, what sets quip apart from other oral care brands?

Lauri: quip stands out because we’re not just selling products. We’re creating an experience that delivers real value, and because of that, you look forward to it every day. Our sleek designs and smart technology include best-in-class features — scientifically proven and tailored for effectiveness — at a truly affordable price. This encourages patients to stay consistent with their oral care routines, leading to better long-term outcomes. Even more importantly, our subscription model makes it easy for busy patients to check one more thing off their to-do list. Our subscribers always have fresh supplies on hand, removing barriers to good oral health habits. By simplifying oral care and making it enjoyable, we help dental professionals reinforce prevention and support better patient outcomes.

quip: As the CEO of quip, what’s been the most rewarding part of leading a company that’s reshaping the way people think about oral care?

Lauri: The most rewarding part has been seeing the tangible difference quip makes in people’s lives. Whether it’s a customer who’s finally developed a consistent brushing habit or a dental professional who’s excited to recommend our products, those moments are incredibly fulfilling. It’s also incredibly rewarding to lead a team that’s so passionate and innovative. Together, we’re redefining what oral care can be.

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