HJLR May/Jun 2019

Healthcare Journal of LITTLE ROCK I  MAY / JUN 2019 17 can produce high-quality dentists at a much lower cost. Solving the access to dental care problem in rural Arkansas will require an enormous commitment to innovation. We have to think, act, invest, and operate differently. The solution must be clinically sound, patient centric, and create new and more effective ways of getting care to patients who live in underserved areas. Just an idea—could the medical and dental professional solve this problem together? Individually, there may be an insufficient volume of care to cash flow a practice in a rural market. What if a medical and dental provider were in the same clinic? It could be some combination of a physician, physician assistant, advance practice nurse, dentist, and hygienist. I real- ize there may be some restrictions on that today, but if it were possible, the answer to the question above might be one that would be more affordable to consumers, create greater access, and be financially viable for providers. I’m sure the readers of HJLR have more/ better ideas; let’s explore them, find the best solutions, and try something that will help those who need us most. Editor Delta Dental is a national brand and your company is Delta Dental of Arkansas. How does that work? Choate Delta Dental of Arkansas is one of 39 member companies in the Delta Dental Plans Association. Some member compa- nies have multiple states and some have one. We are licensed to use the Delta Den- tal brand only in the state of Arkansas. Our company was founded inArkansas in 1982, our headquarters is in Sherwood, and all of our 220 employees live in our great state. We are blessed to work with more than 3,700 Arkansas companies and their more than 2.4 million dental members, who live in all 50 states. About 10 years ago, we added vision coverage and partner with Versant Health (formerly Superior Vision) for net- work and administrative service. More than 2,000Arkansas employers now have Delta- Vision coverage with us as well. The good Lord, our customers, employ- ees, provider partners, and a total commit- ment to world-class service have made all of this possible. Over the last couple of years, new opportunities have emerged withMed- icaid dental and Medicare Advantage. Both of those market segments represent new ways to reach more Arkansans, learn their unique needs, create new solutions, and help improve their oral health. It is wonder- ful to have a mission that is inspiring for our team and beneficial to the health of all Arkansans. n