DDPA Forms National Scientific Advisory Committee

Delta Dental Plans Association (DDPA) has formed the National Scientific Advisory Committee, a four-member panel of nationally prominent scholars and researchers in the fields of epidemiology, dental science, health economics and the study of the associations between oral and overall health.

The committee will provide counsel and guidance to DDPA and its various member companies, ensuring that scientific pronouncements are evidence-based and originate from the latest, best science available. The independent analysis provided by the committee will influence a variety of operational decisions.

“The National Scientific Advisory Committee is a powerful resource we can draw upon to ensure that our plan designs and policies align empirical evidence, clinical efficacy and cost effectiveness to our purchasers, groups and members,” said Kim Volk, president and CEO of DDPA. “They will become an important contributor to our ultimate goal of advancing solutions for oral health by providing access to affordable dental care.”

Appointments to DDPA’s National Scientific Advisory Committee include:

• Dr. Peter Jacobsen, Director of the Oral Medicine Clinic at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A Dugoni School of Dentistry

• Dr. Margherita Fontana, Associate Professor, Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry at Indiana University School of Dentistry

• Dr. Brian Burt, Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Director, Program in Dental Public Health and Professor, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan

• Dr. Howard Bailit, Professor and Director of Health Policy in Primary Care Research Center at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine

“The volume of research activity in oral health and advances in administrative technology are helping us create innovative ways to improve health outcomes and promote access to affordable care,” said Volk. “We are pleased that such a distinguished group of individuals has agreed to enrich our process with their knowledge and expertise.”

Delta Dental Plans Association based in Oak Brook, IL, is a national network of independent not-for-profit dental service corporations specializing in providing dental benefits programs to 50 million Americans in more than 88,000 employee groups throughout the country. Delta Dental of New Jersey is a member company of DDPA.