Event
Session 4: July 15, 2026
1:00 – 2:30 PM (CT)
Topic: Technology innovation in dental insurance
AI, automation, teledentistry, and advanced data tools for insurers, providers, and members.
Recommended Job Areas: Information Technology, Digital Transformation, Operations, Claims and Payment Integrity, Data Analytics, Fraud Waste and Abuse, Provider Network Operations, Member Experience
This session is sponsored by 8 West Consulting
Eric Kirchner
Senior Advisor, Dental Business Intelligence & Innovation
Cigna Dental Innovation Studio
Eric Kirchner is a dental industry veteran with thirty years of experience. With stints as a sales person, sales leader, and product development lead Eric now works as part of the Cigna Dental Innovation Studio. The Cigna Dental Innovation Studio, drives rapid piloting and program development to Cigna clients and customers. Additionally, Eric’s role includes providing market insights and competitive intelligence.
Eric’s background includes roles as Chief Operating Officer of Christ’s Hope, an International AIDS relief organization based in Namibia. His career includes stops with Allstate, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Prudential, General Electric, and dental-industry consulting work.
John Schaak
Chief Innovation and Growth Officer
SKYGEN
As Chief Innovation & Growth Officer, John Schaak leads company efforts to solve industry problems by identifying new opportunities and markets, as well as innovative new products and services. With his strong commitment to exemplary client service and collaborative approach to both internal and external relationships, John has a demonstrated ability to help players in the healthcare continuum grow their businesses while reducing costs, improving operations, and serving their members more effectively.
John brings extensive leadership experience to his position. He was previously the President of Scion Dental and SKYGEN’s Chief Operating Officer. Before that, John was a Partner with the national law firm Quarles & Brady. John is actively involved with the National Association of Dental Plans (NADP), currently serving as a member of the workgroups for both Operations and Government Funded Programs. John also serves on the Board of Directors for the Medicaid|Medicare|CHIP Services Dental Association (MSDA) and previously served as a board member of the National Association of Vision Care Plans (NAVCP).
Teresa Duncan, MS
President, Odyssey Management
Founder, Dental Revenue Network
Teresa is a speaker and writer with over 25 years of experience in healthcare. Her areas of expertise include revenue protection using proven accounts receivable and insurance methods; and helping doctors and managers establish solid management systems. She recently founded Dental Revenue Network to bring carriers, billers and revenue cycle companies together. She is the author of Moving Your Patients to Yes: Easy Insurance Conversations and a regular contributing author to the ADA’s Annual CDT Companion Guide™. Teresa is a frequent contributor to multiple dental publications. She was a founding Trustee for the auxiliary learning focused DALE Foundation. Teresa is a member of several organizations including Dental Entrepreneurial Women and the National Association of Dental Plans. She has been named one of the Top 25 Women in Dentistry by Dental Products Report Magazine and is recognized annually as a Leader in Consulting by Dentistry Today. Her podcasts “Nobody Told Me That!” and “Chew On This!” provide regular coding and management updates. Teresa received her Master’s Degree in Healthcare Management from Marymount University.
