National Association of Dental Plans

2025 Advocacy in Action [Members Only]
2025-04-02 14:30 - 2025-04-03 19:00 (America/New_York) | Kimpton George Hotel, 15 E Street NW, Washington, DC, 20001, United States

[WEBINAR] The 2025 AI Playbook for Payer Execs: 5 Key Strategies to Stay Ahead
2025-04-22 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
The 2025 AI Playbook for Payer Execs: 5 Key Strategies to Stay Ahead
Sponsored by OVERJET

When: April 22, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CT
Price: FREE
Join Overjet and industry expert Mike Tilton for an insightful fireside chat on the top priorities for payer executives in 2025. This session will cover the most pressing issues shaping the industry and provide you with actionable strategies to prepare for them. Key topics include:

Navigating Legislative Changes: What regulations are on the horizon, and how can your organization stay compliant and ahead of the curve?
Embracing Real-Time Approvals: Discover how real-time decision-making is transforming payer-provider relationships and learn how to integrate this capability into your operations.
Optimizing Provider Network Management: Why improving the provider experience is more important than ever, and how to make meaningful improvements that benefit both providers and payers.
Rising Consumerism Trends: How ICHRA’s, LSA’s, and other consumer-focused financing vehicles will change how we think about consumer experience.

Mike Tilton brings decades of leadership experience at top health insurance companies like Cigna, UnitedHealth Group, and Humana, along with a unique perspective on the evolving healthcare landscape. He currently advises several health tech startups, offering invaluable insights into the future of the industry.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a seasoned expert and gain strategies to stay ahead in 2025 and beyond!

[WEBINAR] 4 Win-Win Strategies to Elevate the Member Experience and Meet Plan Goals
2025-06-24 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
[WEBINAR] 4 Win-Win Strategies to Elevate the Member Experience and Meet Plan Goals
When: June 24
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CT
Price: FREE

It’s no secret that the experiences delivered by dental plans play a critical role in keeping members engaged, happy, and healthy. However, finding ways to improve the member experience while still meeting organizational goals can be a difficult balance to strike. That’s why we’re here to break down four strategies that can benefit both you and your membership.
Join Drew Corbett, VP of Engagement and Design at Clarity Software Solutions, as he shares expert insights on how to:

Capture member communication preferences.
Incorporate a digital wallet option for ID cards.
Use explanation of benefits data to personalize the member journey.
Effectively meet timely utilization management requirements at scale.

By the end of this session, you’ll walk away with actionable tactics your organization can implement to boost member engagement and achieve key plan objectives.

[WEBINAR] CDT 2026 Update
2025-07-01 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
[WEBINAR] CDT 2026 Update
This webinar is for NADP Members Only.
When: July 1
Time: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM CDT
Price: FREE.
With 60 changes to CDT 2026, hear from leadership of the NADP Codes Subworkgroup (SWG) and attendees at the March 7, 2025 Codes Maintenance Committee (CMC) meeting, outlining the changes that will be effective January 1, 2026. Please join presenters Drs. Katie Deffke (United Concordia) and Dr. Cherag Sarkari (LIBERTY Dental), Co-Chairs of the SWG and representatives to the CMC, along with Dr. Mary Lee Conicella (Aetna Dental), former SWG chair and longtime participant in the CMC process, as they share discussions from the CMC meeting and expectations of how CDT 2026 changes may impact dental benefit plans and claim processing. Attendees of this complimentary members-only briefing will have the opportunity to ask questions during the webinar and will receive the NADP CDT 2026 Change Document prior to the broadcast.

2025 CONVERGE
2025-09-15 10:00 - 2025-09-18 12:00 (America/New_York) | Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas, 44600 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells, CA, 92210, United States

[Webinar] Changing Dynamics of Fraud, Waste, and Abuse and how to address it
2025-10-22 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
Changing Dynamics of Fraud, Waste, and Abuse and how to address it
When: October 22, 2025
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 PM
Price: FREE

Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (FWA) schemes are evolving faster than ever, costing payers valuable resources and threatening the integrity of benefit programs. Traditional tactics are no longer enough. To protect your organization, you need proactive strategies that anticipate—not just react to—emerging risks.
In this webinar, Michael Urbach will break down:

The acceleration of new FWA schemes and what payers must know now
A holistic defense model that connects benefit plan language, network management, and utilization review
Actionable steps to strengthen detection and interception before losses occur

This isn’t theory—it’s a proven, integrated approach to outpacing FWA and safeguarding your plan’s future.
Why Attend?

Get ahead of rapidly changing fraud tactics
Learn how to align teams and processes for maximum protection
Walk away with a clear framework you can apply immediately

Michael Urbach
Chief Alliance Officer and President, New Markets at Fluent

Mike oversees all aspects of driving revenue growth for Fluent’s dental analytics business solutions in new markets. Mike has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare informatics space and has developed and successfully sold a variety of informatics solutions to all stakeholders in the healthcare marketplace, including payers, providers, suppliers, and consumers. He has worked at informatics companies large and small, public and private, including HCIA, Solucient, Pharmetrics, and IMS Health. Mike has a BA from Syracuse University, an MBA, and an MHA from the University of Pittsburgh.

[Webinar] Pragmatic Solutions for Provider Data and Credentialing Challenges
2025-11-06 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
[Webinar] Pragmatic Solutions for Provider Data and Credentialing Challenges
When: November 6, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CT
Price: Free
sponsored by:

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Credentialing and provider data management remain some of the most persistent challenges in dental benefits administration. Providers face redundant paperwork and re-credentialing chaos, while payers struggle with manual intake, compliance risks, and inconsistent records.
Join John Schaak, Chief Innovation and Growth Officer at SKYGEN, as he explores the credentialing and provider data landscape, exposes common pitfalls, discusses how you can distinguish genuinely valuable tech solutions from the hype, and shares best practices that create efficiency, reduce risk, and strengthen provider relationships. Learn how pragmatic, collaborative approaches can help both payers and providers move beyond outdated processes and achieve better outcomes.

John Schaak
SKYGEN’s Chief Innovation and Growth Officer
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).

[Webinar] Oral Health Value-Based Care 101
2025-11-19 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
Oral Health Value-Based Care 101
[NADP + ADSO Member’s Only Webinar]
Value-Based Care Webinar Series
REGISTER NOW

DATE: November 19, 2025
TIME: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CDT
PRICE: FREE
Please join us for a primer on value-based, whole-person care (VBC) and how it applies in the oral health space. We’ll cover VBC principles and discuss real-world examples of VBC and alternative payment model (APM) success in both integrated care models and dental-only contexts.

Andrea L. Clark
Director, Healthcare Economics
CareQuest Institute for Oral Health
Andrea Clark is a seasoned health economist and data scientist. As Director for Healthcare Economics at CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, Andrea leads the team responsible for designing tools to accelerate and evaluate the adoption of integrated value-based payment models in oral health and advises the Institute’s analytics team on data acquisition, governance, and strategy. Prior to joining the Institute in 2023, Andrea consulted for many years to state Medicaid agencies and health insurance regulators. She lives with her family in Maine, where she enjoys walks, yoga and knitting in her spare time.

Rebekah Mathews, MPA
Vice President, Health Transformation
CareQuest Institute for Oral Health
Rebekah Mathews is the vice president of health transformation at CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, where she leads efforts to partner with public and private stakeholders across the health care continuum. Her work focuses on developing, testing, and measuring prevention-focused, person-centered strategies to build an oral health system that serves everyone. Mathews brings decades of experience in health policy and health care administration. Prior to joining CareQuest Institute, she held leadership roles at DentaQuest, advancing program innovations and managing client relationships in Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, and South Carolina. She also spent five years working in state policy and government relations in South Carolina. She holds a bachelor’s degree in art history and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of South Carolina.

[Webinar] The Federal Budget Reconciliation Law: What it Could Mean for Medicaid Dental Coverage
2025-12-01 14:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
[Webinar] The Federal Budget Reconciliation Law: What it Could Mean for Medicaid Dental Coverage
When: Monday, December 1
Time: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM (ET)
Price: FREE
NADP MEMBERS ONLY

The federal budget reconciliation law (H.R. 1/P.L. 119-21) is estimated to cut nearly $1 trillion in federal Medicaid dollars by 2034. Join NADP/DDPA for a 90-minute webinar on DATE/TIME to better understand the provisions most likely to affect dental coverage. Experts Tricia Beckmann and Kacey Dugan from Faegre Drinker Consulting will break down the must-know provisions, what’s next on the timeline, and the big questions still in play for dental stakeholders.

Tricia Beckmann
Principal
Faegre Drinker Consulting
Tricia Beckmann has more than 14 years of experience developing and interpreting health insurance regulations for health plans, trade organizations, and provider organizations. She has led projects servicing dental plans, including advising on nondiscrimination and loss ratio requirements, performing a Medicaid program compliance audit, and conducting 50-state Medicaid dental managed care survey.

Kacey Dugan
Director, Policy & Regulatory Affairs
Faegre Drinker Consulting
Kacey Dugan is an experienced health policy analyst focused on Medicaid and other major government health programs. She offers deep knowledge of these programs, including how they function and their underlying regulatory structures, how decisions are made and their unique roles in providing health coverage to Americans. Prior to joining Faegre Drinker, Kacey served as a senior analyst at the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission — Congress’s advisory agency on Medicaid and CHIP issues.

[Webinar] Value-Based Care: Actuarial and Contracting Dimensions
2026-01-20 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
[Webinar] Value-Based Care: Actuarial and Contracting Dimensions
When: January 20, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (CT)
FREE for everyone
Join us for the second webinar in our series exploring whether new payment and care models can work in the dental sector. Actuaries from Milliman and a healthcare contracting attorney from Epstein Becker Green will walk through the financial and legal considerations behind these approaches. Although dental differs from medical, the past decade of experimentation and growth on the medical side offers valuable lessons. This webinar will outline the core financial assumptions underlying value-based models, explain how provider contracts may differ from traditional fee-for-service arrangements, and address the key challenges dental plans and providers may encounter when adopting these models. Participants will gain a practical understanding of how these frameworks could function in dental and what it takes to build sustainable, compliant programs.

Joanne Fontana, FSA, MAAA
Principal and Consulting Actuary at Milliman

Joanne has consulted for insurance companies, including many major dental carriers, as well as employers, government entities, and other organizations. Her focus has been largely on managed care and dental insurance, with experience in premium rate development, product development, provider contract analysis, and health care reform. Over the past decade, Joanne has come to be known as an industry expert in dental product and pricing topics; she regularly presents on dental-related issues at industry forums and has authored many topical articles. Joanne has worked closely with the National Association of Dental Plans, the California Association of Dental Plans, the American Dental Association, and other dental clients to assess the impact of health care reform on the dental industry. She manages Milliman’s Dental Actuarial Analytics PPO Network Study, a product that uses a vast contributor database of dental claims to provide competitive insights on dental network discounts and utilization to study participants. Joanne has worked with carriers and employer groups on the dental insurance procurement process. She has worked on Medicaid dental procurements with both state entities and bidders and has done core actuarial dental pricing and underwriting work for many carriers in the commercial, ACA, and Medicare Advantage dental markets. In addition to Joanne’s dental consulting, she also manages Milliman’s GASBhelp.com, an online tool allowing small government entities to complete valuations of post-retirement health benefits. Prior to joining Milliman, Joanne spent more than 10 years as an actuary with Cigna, where she held various healthcare financial leadership roles, including chief actuary of Cigna’s dental insurance business.

Simon J. Moody, FSA, MAAA
Principal and Consulting Actuary at Milliman
Simon is a principal and consulting Actuary based out of the Milwaukee office of Milliman, Inc. He has over 30 years of experience in the global healthcare industry. Originally from the United Kingdom, Simon transferred from Milliman’s London health practice to Milwaukee in November 2012. He has been actively focused on the United States healthcare industry for the past 13 years. Simon provides actuarial and strategic consulting services and advice to multiple stakeholders, including health plans, health systems, primary and specialty care practices, accountable care organizations, and healthcare investors. Simon is an expert in value-based care contracting. He has significant experience working with providers and payers in the design, evaluation, audit, and performance monitoring of various population-based reimbursement agreements. He also works with several health systems and ACOs to design and implement internal distribution models. Simon also leads the development and certification of Medicare Advantage bids for several MA health plans, including regional provider-owned health plans. His work with MA health plans extends to assisting with product and market strategy. Working extensively with both providers and MA health plans, Simon has deep expertise in understanding reimbursement, risk adjustment, population health, quality and outcome measures, and more generally, the key levers for success.

Christine Burke Worthen, LLM, JD, BA
Attorney at Epstein Becker Green
Christine is a nationally recognized health care attorney known for guiding providers, payers, digital health innovators, and investors through the complex regulatory and business challenges shaping today’s health care landscape. With deep experience across reimbursement, managed care, and value-based payment reform, she helps organizations design strategies that support both immediate operational needs and long-term transformation goals. Christine advises clients across the full health care ecosystem, including health systems, hospitals, physician groups, behavioral health providers, digital health companies, post-acute care organizations, third-party administrators, and health plans. Her work spans Medicare reimbursement and Medicare Advantage, managed Medicaid, CMS Innovation Center models, risk-based contracting, price transparency, revenue cycle, payment integrity, clinically integrated networks, value-based enterprise development, risk adjustment, and provider compensation structures. She helps clients navigate emerging payment environments and build sustainable reimbursement and network strategies tailored to their markets. New entrants to the health care market frequently rely on Christine to develop compliant care delivery and reimbursement models across brick-and-mortar, home-based, and virtual settings. She also works closely with investors, offering regulatory due diligence and identifying payer-contracting opportunities to support financial performance and growth. Her background includes advising on licensing, mental health parity compliance, fraud and abuse considerations, HIPAA/Part 2, and payer disputes. Christine’s practice also extends to ERISA matters. She counsels employers on retirement plans and self-insured and fully insured welfare benefit plans, and has represented clients in audits conducted by the IRS and the U.S. Department of Labor. Throughout her career, Christine has held senior leadership roles within health law practices. Before joining Epstein Becker Green, she served as Vice President and Senior Counsel at a Maine health system and previously chaired a regional law firm’s Healthcare Services Practice Group. Her broad industry perspective allows her to support clients in designing practical, innovative solutions to payment reform, managed care strategy, and network development. Christine’s professional involvement reflects her commitment to advancing the field. She has served in multiple leadership roles within the American Bar Association and the American Health Law Association, including vice chair and chair positions across employee benefits, delivery and payment reform, and payer and managed care groups. She also served on the Board of Directors of the Portland Recovery Community Center. Christine holds an LL.M. in Taxation from Boston University School of Law, a J.D. from New England Law Boston, and a B.A., cum laude, from Boston University. She is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and before the U.S. Tax Court.

2026 Leadership Conference
2026-01-26 - 2026-01-28 | Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key, 1201 Gulf Boulevard, Clearwater Beach, FL, 33767, United States
The annual NADP Leadership Conference is a members-only event. This conference provides opportunities to increase your leadership skills as you join with colleagues to provide direction for NADP programs and services while gaining insight and new perspectives on timely topics in the educational sessions. Leadership Conference brings together all of the NADP volunteer groups to share a vision of where the dental benefits industry and association are going over the coming year. Generally held in the winter, Leadership Conferences are traditionally face-to-face meetings.
Join Us at the 2026 Leadership Conference
Are you ready for a members-only event that combines the power of leadership with the excitement of a presidential election year? Look no further because the 2025 Leadership Conference in Clearwater Beach, Florida is here to offer you an unforgettable experience.
Mark Your Calendar:
January 26-28, 2026
Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key
Be a part of this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the dynamic world of volunteer leadership, politics, and advocacy for the dental benefits industry.
Join us for this exceptional opportunity to elevate your leadership skills and deepen your political knowledge at the NADP 2026 Leadership Conference. Together, we will make an impact, shape the future, and emerge as true leaders in the industry.

[FREE WEBINAR] Value Based Dental – A Look at Promising Initiatives that Are Underway
2026-02-26 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
[FREE WEBINAR] Value-Based Dental – A Look at Promising Initiatives that Are Underway
When: Thursday, February 26
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (CT)
Price: FREE!

Following on prior webinars, this third webinar in the Value-Based Dental series focuses on promising value-based initiatives that are already underway. Speakers will outline three promising initiatives underway in different parts of country and focused on different dental markets. A moderated discussion with three clinician executives will consider the upsides and challenges of launching value based dental programs. The speakers will also bring forward dental plan and DSO perspectives and thoughts on what happens next in terms of greater adoption of value-based approaches in the dental market.
If you missed the first two webinars in this series, you can view them here.

Jeremy Jonckheere
Vice President Strategic Payor Partnerships
PDS Health
Jeremy Jonckheere’s work at PDS Health focuses on ways to grow new, profitable revenue and spans strategic partnerships, medical integration, insurance markets and enterprise strategy. Prior to his time with PDS, Jeremy held several positions at DaVita HealthCare Partners engaged on strategy, operations and government affairs. He also worked at BMO’s Investment Bank on the Diversified Industries division team. Jeremy holds an MBA in Finance, Marketing and Biotechnology from Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management and an HBA from the University of Western Ontario, Richard Ivey School of Business. A former professional volleyball player and member of Canada’s National Team, Jeremy spends his time with his wife and son traveling central America and exploring Florida’s winter activities.

Dr. Cherag Sarkari
Chief Dental Officer
LIBERTY Dental Plan
Dr. Cherag Sarkari leads LIBERTY’s national clinical oversight and quality improvement. His 30-year career includes roles as provider, academic, and C-suite executive focused on innovation and outcomes. Dr. Sarkari joined LIBERTY Dental Plan in 2020 as the Dental Director of California, and was promoted to National Dental Director for Quality Improvement and Clinical Innovation in 2023, before he assumed his current role of Chief Dental Officer of LIBERTY Dental Plan. He is responsible for clinical oversight of all of LIBERTY Dental Plan’s quality improvement activities and clinical innovations to improve member outcomes and experiences, in addition to providing clinical oversight, policy, and quality management leadership. He brings 27 years of experience in the dental industry as a provider, academic, administrator, and C-suite leadership. Dr. Sarkari holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) in Prosthodontics and was conferred a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) by the Dental Board of California in 2003. He also received a Master’s in Oral Laser Applications at the University of Vienna.

Michael Scialabba
Chief Clinical and Operations Officer
42 North Dental
Dr. Michael Scialabba is the Chief Clinical and Operations Officer at 42 North Dental, where he leads clinical strategy and operational excellence across one of the region’s leading dental support organizations.
Raised by parents in the medical profession, Dr. Scialabba knew early on that he wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. While earning his undergraduate degree in Finance from Boston College, he gained hands-on experience working in an Emergency Room. It was during a volunteer experience at the Campus School for children with disabilities that he discovered his passion for dentistry. Seeing the measurable impact improved oral health had on medically complex children solidified his decision to pursue a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at SUNY Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine, graduating in 2003.
He completed his residency at the VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, providing care to veterans with complex medical needs. Serving veterans during and after the events of 9/11 was particularly meaningful and further reinforced his belief in the connection between oral health and overall health.
Dr. Scialabba later became Chief of Dental at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates in Peabody, Massachusetts. When the opportunity arose to build and expand multiple dental practices, he embraced the challenge, ultimately founding Great Hill Dental Partners. The organization became known for its focus on whole health dentistry, multi-specialty integration, and a strong emphasis on patient education.
Today, as Chief Clinical and Operations Officer at 42 North Dental, Dr. Scialabba oversees clinical quality, operational performance, and provider engagement across a broad network of practices. His leadership philosophy centers on patient-first care, strong clinical culture, and advancing the understanding that oral health plays a critical role in systemic health. Despite his executive responsibilities, he remains closely connected to patient care and clinical teams.
Dr. Scialabba’s career reflects thoughtful risk-taking, strategic growth, and a sustained commitment to improving patient outcomes through comprehensive, evidence-based dentistry.

[FREE WEBINAR] Beyond Automation: AI Agents Unlock Up to 10x Productivity in Credentialing
2026-03-18 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
[FREE WEBINAR] Beyond Automation: AI Agents Unlock Up to 10x Productivity in Credentialing
When: Wednesday, March 18
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CT
Price: FREE!
sponsored by:

Scaling networks has historically meant adding headcount. But as dental insurers face growth targets, tighter resources, and rising attrition risk, agentic AI changes the equation.
In this webinar, you’ll learn how Verifiable’s CredAgent™, the industry’s first AI credentialing agent, enables one credentialing specialist to oversee a team of autonomous agents, unlocking up to 10x productivity and stronger operating margins.
You’ll walk away with a clear view of where AI is headed in credentialing, plus practical ways to reduce administrative burden and scale performance without growing your team.

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS
Brett Dooies, Head of Product, Verifiable
Brett Dooies is the Head of Product at Verifiable, where he leads the development of AI-powered solutions to simplify healthcare credentialing and monitoring. With a decade of experience building enterprise software, he specializes in applying advanced AI and analytics to enhance the customer experience and deliver transformative solutions. Drawing on his background modernizing banking software, Brett is dedicated to creating products that drive operational excellence, uphold regulatory compliance, and improve data accuracy for Verifiable’s partners, helping them scale with confidence in a complex ecosystem.

Rehan Mirza, Chief Growth Officer, Verifiable
Rehan Mirza is the Chief Growth Officer at Verifiable, where he leads go-to-market strategy and growth initiatives focused on modernizing healthcare credentialing and provider data operations. He brings healthcare expertise from working in management consulting for health systems and deep experience across product marketing, growth, and customer strategy from high-growth technology companies, such as CultureAmp, Checkr, and Zenefits.

[Webinar] Value Based Care in Dental: Infrastructure and Analytical Needs
2026-04-13 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
Value Based Care in Dental: Infrastructure and Analytical Needs
When: April 13, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm CT
Price: FREE
In the fourth webinar of the Value-Based Dental series, speakers will address one of the most important competencies for success in value-based care — the development of internal analytics that identify high-value care and steer incentives to providers who deliver that care. Coming from different backgrounds and drawing upon different data — claims, clinical, and practice management — presenters will discuss ways to identify optimal care and develop the processes to reward it.

View prior webinars in the series here.

Andrea L. Clark
Director, Healthcare Economics
CareQuest Institute for Oral Health
Andrea Clark is a seasoned health economist and data scientist. As Director for Healthcare Economics at CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, Andrea leads the team responsible for designing tools to accelerate and evaluate the adoption of integrated value-based payment models in oral health and advises the Institute’s analytics team on data acquisition, governance, and strategy. Prior to joining the Institute in 2023, Andrea consulted for many years to state Medicaid agencies and health insurance regulators. She lives with her family in Maine, where she enjoys walks, yoga and knitting in her spare time.

Brian Goetsch
Senior Partner, HealthScape Advisors
Brian Goetsch is a Senior Partner at HealthScape Advisors, a Chartis company, where he advises health plans, specialty health organizations, and private equity investors on strategic, financial, and operational initiatives. His work focuses on helping organizations navigate complex healthcare markets, expand products and services, and identify opportunities for sustainable growth. Brian co-leads HealthScape’s Ancillary Center of Excellence, where he focuses on the dental and vision ecosystems, including managed care organizations, providers, laboratories, and emerging technologies. He also has extensive product experience across supplemental health, financial protection, and lifestyle offerings. Throughout his consulting career, Brian has led engagements on a wide range of healthcare topics, including product expansion and diversification, market and line of business entry, network and cost of care management, partnership strategy and execution, and inorganic growth strategies. Before joining HealthScape, Brian served as a senior executive at EyeMed Vision Care, where he led the development and execution of the company’s partner channel “One Stop Shop” strategy. During his tenure, he led several cross functional initiatives, including EyeMed’s expansion into Medicaid, investments in its Medicare Advantage solution, and the launch of its medical surgical vision solution. He also helped structure and contract multiple strategic partner agreements. Earlier in his career, Brian worked at Huron Consulting Group. He holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Accountancy from the University of Illinois and previously held certifications as a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner.

Michael Urbach
President, New Markets, Fluent
Mike oversees all aspects of driving revenue growth for Fluent’s dental analytics business solutions in new markets. Mike has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare informatics space and has developed and successfully sold a variety of informatics solutions to all stakeholders in the healthcare marketplace, including payers, providers, suppliers, and consumers. He has worked at informatics companies large and small, public and private, including HCIA, Solucient, Pharmetrics, and IMS Health. Mike has a BA from Syracuse University, an MBA, and an MHA from the University of Pittsburgh.

Natalia I. Chalmers DDS, MHSc, PhD
Dr. Chalmers is a board-certified pediatric dentist, oral health policy expert, and public health advocate who brings more than 20 years of clinical, research, industry, and regulatory experience to CMS as Chief Dental Officer in the Office of the Administrator. Previously, Dr. Chalmers served as a Dental Officer at the US Food and Drug Administration.
Dr. Chalmers has devoted her career to transforming scientific and healthcare data and information into actionable insights to address equity, improve care, and better inform policy and funding. Dr. Chalmers completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the Faculty of Dental Medicine of the Medical University of Sofia, a residency in pediatric dentistry at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, and a Ph.D. in oral microbiology from the Graduate Partnerships Program of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research at the National Institutes of Health, Post-doctoral Fellowship at the Forsyth Institute, and Clinical Research Fellowship at the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health.
Dr. Chalmers’ research has not only advanced our understanding of oral care but has also led to significant improvements in the field. Her master’s degree in clinical research from Duke Medical University and a Certificate in Drug Development and Regulatory Science from the University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy have equipped her with the necessary tools to turn her research into action. Her advocacy for health policy that encompasses dental well-being as a crucial aspect of overall care is a testament to her commitment to improving healthcare across the lifespan.

2026 Advocacy in Action
2026-04-15 - 2026-04-16 | Hilton Washington D.C., Capitol Hill 525 New Jersey Ave, NW, Washington, 20001, United States
As key players in the dental benefits industry, it’s time to make your voice heard where it matters most. Representatives and senators are eager to listen to the invaluable insights and expertise that only you can provide as a leader in the industry. This is your golden opportunity to be the catalyst for change.

When: April 15-16, 2026

Where: Hilton Washington DC Capitol Hill

Price: Free – NADP Members Only

Registration Closes After Feb. 28

Click here to view the schedule.

2026 Consortium Session #1
2026-04-23 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
This year’s consortium topic is Innovations to Dental Benefits and Building Support for Them. This collaborative program will examine and consider the ways that dental plans can innovate their benefits, including new cost-sharing structures, member incentives and transparency tools, and tools that incentivize providers and members to select high-value services. Relatedly, the consortium will deepen the toolbox regarding how dental plans can influence key stakeholders, including employers, brokers, and providers, toward embracing innovations.

Session 1: April 23, 2026
1:00 – 2:30 PM (CT)
Consortium Kick-off: Building Support for Innovation by Understanding What Stakeholders Care About
In this consortium session, after kicking off with a review of our goals and a preview of the exciting content to come, we’ll delve into how to view dental innovations through the eyes of stakeholders: members, employers, brokers, providers, and insurers. We will discuss what each stakeholder wants (and doesn’t want) from a dental plan, drawing on industry surveys and research, Milliman consultant expertise, and your interactive, real-time input! This exercise will form a consistent framework for future sessions, so we may view innovations through the lens of how they improve one or more stakeholders’ experience.
Recommended Job Areas: All areas

Speakers:

Joanne Fontana, FSA, MAAA
Principal and Consulting Actuary at Milliman

Joanne has consulted for insurance companies, including many major dental carriers, as well as employers, government entities, and other organizations. Her focus has been largely on managed care and dental insurance, with experience in premium rate development, product development, provider contract analysis, and health care reform. Over the past decade, Joanne has come to be known as an industry expert in dental product and pricing topics; she regularly presents on dental-related issues at industry forums and has authored many topical articles. Joanne has worked closely with the National Association of Dental Plans, the California Association of Dental Plans, the American Dental Association, and other dental clients to assess the impact of health care reform on the dental industry. She manages Milliman’s Dental Actuarial Analytics PPO Network Study, a product that uses a vast contributor database of dental claims to provide competitive insights on dental network discounts and utilization to study participants. Joanne has worked with carriers and employer groups on the dental insurance procurement process. She has worked on Medicaid dental procurements with both state entities and bidders and has done core actuarial dental pricing and underwriting work for many carriers in the commercial, ACA, and Medicare Advantage dental markets. In addition to Joanne’s dental consulting, she also manages Milliman’s GASBhelp.com, an online tool allowing small government entities to complete valuations of post-retirement health benefits. Prior to joining Milliman, Joanne spent more than 10 years as an actuary with Cigna, where she held various healthcare financial leadership roles, including chief actuary of Cigna’s dental insurance business.

Andrew Timcheck, FSA, CERA, MAAA
Principal and Consulting Actuary at Milliman
Andrew Timcheck is a principal and consulting actuary with the Chicago office of Milliman. He joined the firm in 2018.Andrew is a credentialed actuary with over 15 years of experience working with plan sponsors, health plans, and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Andrew has assisted his plan sponsor clients in all aspects of plan strategy and plan management, including benefit design, budgeting, contribution strategy, benchmarking, vendor procurement, stop loss analyses, reserve development, retiree benefits, and health care reform strategy. He also has extensive experience in the pharmacy space, including comprehensive pharmacy benefit design, contract reviews, procurements, market checks, analytics, and audits. In addition, he has supported his health plan clients in providing statements of actuarial opinion, rate development, and product strategy support. Lastly, he has assisted his PBM clients with pricing strategy, procurement, and analytics.
Prior to joining Milliman, Andrew spent time as a healthcare benefits consultant to large employers.

Consortium Session #2: Dental insurance benefits innovation
2026-05-14 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
Session 2: May 14, 2026
1:00 – 2:30 PM (CT)
Topic: Dental insurance benefits innovation
Differentiating plan design through emerging benefit structures and implementation considerations.
Recommended Job Areas: Product Development, Product Strategy, Actuarial, Underwriting, Network Strategy, Sales and Account Management, Compliance and Regulatory Affairs, Operations

Jill Purcell
Head of Dental and Vision Product and Network Management
Guardian Life
Jill has been in the group insurance industry for 17 years and has been with Guardian, leading the dental product since 2019. She currently leads the Dental and Vision Product team as well as the Network Management team responsible for ensuring Guardian’s products remain profitable while ensuring innovation and member experience are at the forefront.

Mark Burkhard, MBA
National Dental & Vision Practice Leader
Willis Towers Watson
Mark Burkhard, MBA, is a highly accomplished professional who, since July 2018, serves as the National Dental & Vision Practice Leader at Willis Towers Watson. With an extensive 36-year career, Mark specializes in providing expert consultation on group dental and vision plans, supporting the firm’s efforts to advise its largest clients in the Health and Benefits line of business. In his current role, Mark excels at evaluating and recommending dental and vision plans on a national scale, emphasizing the value of quality benefits within an employer’s overall package to enhance employee well-being. Prior to joining Willis Towers Watson, Mark held leadership positions at major insurers, including CIGNA Dental, Humana Dental, MetLife, and Aetna Dental & Vision, where he led the dental and vision National Accounts growth team. As the leader of Dental and Vision vendor relations at Willis Towers Watson, Mark maintains strong connections with the leadership teams of major national and regional carriers. He actively engages with industry organizations like the National Association of Dental Plans and the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute, providing crucial insights into market trends. Mark’s expertise spans provider contracting, plan evaluation and modernization, clinical integration, and financial analysis and negotiation. He earned his bachelor’s degree from St. Bonaventure University in New York and holds an MBA from Pepperdine University in Los Angeles. Currently residing in Valencia, California, with his wife and two children, Mark is a distinguished consultant, bringing unparalleled insight to the dynamic field of dental and vision benefits.
Consortium Session #2 Sponsorship Available!
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Consortium Session #3: The mouth is part of the body
2026-06-17 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
Session 3: June 17, 2026
1:00 – 2:30 PM (CT)
Topic: The mouth is part of the body
Holistic health-focused dental innovations, chronic condition programs, and medical dental integration.
Recommended Job Areas: Clinical Affairs, Product Development, Value Based Care, Population Health, Medical Dental Integration Teams, Provider Network, Care Management, Quality Improvement

Dr. Suzanne Ebert
Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer
USAble Life
Dr. Suzanne Ebert, DMD, FAGD, ICD, is Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer at USAble Life. She leads the Dental4Health® initiative, which auto-enrolls members based on medical diagnoses to improve outcomes for conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and pregnancy. With over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Ebert previously served as Vice President at the American Dental Association. She earned her dental degree from the University of Louisville, completed residency at the University of Florida, and holds leadership and volunteer roles in several dental organizations. She is a Fellow of the International College of Dentists and the Academy of General Dentistry.

Robert Lewando, DDS, MBA
Executive Director, Specialty Benefits Professional Services
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Robert Lewando, DDS, MBA, is executive director of Specialty Benefits Professional Services at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, where he oversees dental coverage for 1.1 million members. Lewando spent about 20 years at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, a multispecialty medical and dental group practice in Boston, where he held both clinical and administrative roles. He served as chief of the organization’s largest fee-for-service dental practice for most of that time. He continues to practice periodontology one day per week while focusing the remainder of his time on his role at BCBSMA. He has contributed to the development of strategies aimed at improving overall member health by identifying medical conditions where dental care plays a key role. This work led to the creation of condition-specific, member-focused dental benefits, including the Total Health program. Lewando earned a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from Tufts University. He received his dental degree from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine and completed specialty training in periodontics through a joint program with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Harvard School of Dental Medicine. He also holds an MBA from Boston College. He serves as the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s voting representative on the American Dental Association’s Code Maintenance Committee, which oversees CDT code updates. Lewando is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and holds a clinical appointment at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine.

Daniel Croley, DMD
Vice President and Chief Dental Officer
Delta Dental of CA, NY, PA & Affiliates
Daniel Croley, DMD, serves as Vice President and Chief Dental Officer for Delta Dental of California and Affiliates, serving more than 27 million customers across 15 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories. He leads the organization’s clinical vision and quality strategy, advancing evidence-based care and driving innovation to strengthen oral health care and support overall health outcomes. Beyond Delta Dental, Dr. Croley is actively engaged in the broader oral health ecosystem, fostering collaboration among insurers, dental professionals, professional associations, healthcare standards organizations, and quality improvement initiatives. His work emphasizes access to care and the integration of oral health into whole-person health strategies. He was recognized for his collaboration with the American Heart Association to help develop cardiovascular screening standards for the oral healthcare setting. Dr. Croley earned his dental degree from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry and completed a general practice residency at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky.
Consortium Session #3 Sponsorship Available!
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Consortium Session #4: Technology innovation in dental insurance
2026-07-15 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
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.

CDT 2027 Update - Members Only Webinar
2026-07-28 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
CDT 2027 Update – Members Only Webinar
July 28, 2026
1:00pm – 2:00pm CT
FREE

With 67 changes to CDT 2027, hear from leadership of the NADP Codes Subworkgroup (SWG) and attendees at the March 13, 2026 Codes Maintenance Committee (CMC) meeting, outlining the changes that will be effective January 1, 2026. Please join presenters Drs. Katie Deffke (United Concordia) and Dr. Cherag Sarkari (LIBERTY Dental), Co-Chairs of the SWG and representatives to the CMC, as they share discussions from the CMC meeting and expectations of how CDT 2027 changes may impact dental benefit plans and claim processing. Attendees of this complimentary members-only briefing will have the opportunity to ask questions during the webinar and will receive the NADP CDT 2027 Change Document prior to the broadcast.

Dr. Katie Deffke
Eastern Dental Director, United Concordia Dental
Katie Deffke, DDS, Eastern Dental Director, supports United Concordia Dental’s oral and overall health efforts with a focus on the development of clinical standards that ensure consistency, efficiency, and quality of clinical review, and the integration of dental technology in the claim experience.
Dr. Deffke joined United Concordia Dental in 2021, after previously serving as the Senior Dental Director of Clinical Quality Management for Guardian for 3 years and served as the Dental Clinical Trainer & Analyst for Dentaquest for 7 years, where she developed clinical review guidelines, developed training and auditing programs for reviewing dentists, and led the clinical implementation of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning into Guardian’s claims processing system. She has extensive experience in claims operations, data analytics of claim data, and state and federal regulations as they relate to dental benefit determination.
Prior to engaging in the dental benefits space, Dr. Deffke practiced as a general dentist, with a significant focus in pediatric dentistry, for 10 years.
Dr. Deffke holds a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology from University of Wisconsin-Madison and a a Doctor of Dental Surgery Marquette University. She is licensed to practice dentistry in Wisconsin, Texas, New Jersey, Missouri, and holds a limited license in New Jersey. She is a member of the American Dental Association, the Wisconsin Dental Association, and The American Academy of Dental Consultants. She has been part of the National Association of Dental Plans for 5 years and currently serves as a Co-Chair for the Codes Workgroup.

Dr. Cherag Sarkari
Chief Dental Officer, LIBERTY Dental
Dr. Sarkari joined LIBERTY Dental Plan in 2020 as the Dental Director of California, and was promoted to National Dental Director for Quality Improvement and Clinical Innovation in 2023, before ntly he assumed his current role of Chief Dental Officer of LIBERTY Dental Plan. He is responsible for clinical oversight of all of LIBERTY Dental Plan’s quality improvement activities and clinical innovations to improve member outcomes and experiences, in addition to providing clinical oversight, policy, and quality management leadership. He brings 27 years of experience in the dental industry as a provider, academic, administrator, and C-suite leadership.
Accomplishments:

Recognized as a contributor and opinion leader on value based care, nationally having presented on the topic at the ADA, AADCCR, NOHC, DQA & National Academy of Sciences Engineering and Medicine Workshop Convened (November 18-19, 2024) on Advancing Oral Health Across the Lifespan (Washington DC)
Co-Chairs Codes Maintenance Committee at the NADP
Taught California Law and Ethics and the Dental Practice Act at the University De LaSalle in Mexico and served previously as Associate Professor of Prosthodontics
Served as CCO of a multi-state DSO with 65 locations 2013-2019
Headed DSO affiliated Professional Corporation overseeing 175+ providers
Served on QM Committee as Dental Director of a Knox-Keene dental plan
Member of the California Association of Dental Plans (CADP) QMC
Received the Star Award from the NADP for contributions to the SNOMED/ICD
Served as Chair of the Peer Review Committee at SDDS 2019-2020
Served on the Oral Health task force for the Sacramento District Dental Society

Dr. Sarkari holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) in Prosthodontics and was conferred a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) by the Dental Board of California in 2003. He also received a Master’s in Oral Laser Applications at the University of Vienna.

Consortium Session #5: Provider Network and Access Innovations
2026-08-26 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
Session 5: August 26, 2026
1:00 – 2:30 PM (CT)
Topic: Provider Network and Access Innovations
Innovations in information flow and connectivity among patients, providers, and insurers, including the move toward real-time provider data and optimizing networks for patient access.
Recommended Job Areas: Provider Network, Network Access and Adequacy, Credentialing and Provider Enrollment, Clinical Affairs, Care Management, Health Equity and Access, Member Services, Community Outreach

Charles Scott
Manager of Sales Operations
DenteMax
Charles has been with DenteMax since 2019 and in his role of Manager of Sales Operations, he focuses on DenteMax’s financials and network analytics. He leads the DenteMax Client Support Team and together, they offer industry-leading reporting and sales analytics. Charles also works with the industry’s top payers to help build optimized stack network solutions. Prior to his current role, Charles managed the Account Services Team at DenteMax and was an Assistant Vice President at Huntington National Bank. The Michigan native holds a Bachelor of Science in finance with a minor in information systems management from Oakland University and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in finance from Wayne State University.

Stephen Park
Director, Dental Analytics & Reporting
Dearborn Group
Stephen Park is the Director of Analytics at Dearborn Group, supporting national dental networks including Health Care Services Corporation’s five Blue Plans, Dental Network of America, and DenteMax. With more than 15 years of experience in healthcare and dental, Stephen specializes in provider data, reimbursement dynamics, and recruitment analytics. He is adept at navigating fragmented provider data environments and developing solutions for directory accuracy, credentialing, and network integrity. In his current role, Stephen leads analytics strategy at the intersection of interoperability, digital transformation, and data governance. This includes designing scalable data ecosystems and building KPI frameworks and reporting infrastructures.

Consortium Session #5 sponsorship available!
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CONVERGE 2026
2026-09-28 10:00 - 2026-10-01 13:00 (America/New_York) | JW Marriott Indianapolis, 10 S West Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46204, United States
Get Ready for the Ultimate Industry Experience at CONVERGE 2026!
Mark your calendars for September 28-Oct. 1, 2026, and join us at the JW Marriott Indianapolis for an electrifying 2.5 days of game-changing insights, powerful networking, and face-to-face connections with the biggest innovators and decision-makers in the dental benefits industry.
This is more than just a conference—it’s where the future of dental benefits takes shape! Don’t miss your chance to be part of it!
Why You Can’t Miss CONVERGE 2026!

Elite Networking Like Never Before: Step into a powerhouse of opportunity—meet top industry leaders, decision-makers, and peers at exclusive networking sessions, social events, and face-to-face interactions that could redefine your career.
Game-Changing Professional Development: Stay ahead of the curve with cutting-edge educational sessions designed to give you a competitive edge in the evolving dental benefits industry.
Seamless Industry Connections with Dental Interact: Engage directly with speakers, industry leaders, and fellow attendees in real time through Dental Interact—your gateway to insightful discussions and impactful connections.
CONVERGE Mobile App – Your On-the-Go Event Hub: Navigate CONVERGE effortlessly with our intuitive mobile app—access event updates, connect with attendees, and download contact lists at your fingertips.
Discover, Learn, and Save at the Discovery Zone: Get hands-on with the latest innovations, explore cost-saving solutions, and gain insider knowledge with fast-paced DZ Demos—all in one place.
Unforgettable Sponsored Events & Prizes: From interactive games to exciting giveaways, CONVERGE isn’t just about learning—it’s about having a blast while doing it!
Extend Your Stay: Turn your trip into a full experience—discover the beauty, culture, and attractions of Indianapolis while making the most of your time. [more]

Please note: A virtual component will not be offered in 2026
Don’t miss your chance to be part of CONVERGE 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana —the ultimate event to elevate your dental benefits expertise and stay ahead of industry innovation.
We can’t wait to welcome you to CONVERGE – Where Innovation Meets Opportunity!
Interested in exhibiting or sponsoring in 2026? Learn more.

Consortium Session #6: CONVERGE In-Person Workshop
2026-10-01 08:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | JW Marriott Indianapolis, 10 S West Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46204, United States
Session 6: October 1, 2026
8:30 – 12:00 PM (ET)
CONVERGE In-Person Workshop
Location: JW Marriott Indianapolis
Collaborating with industry experts to develop model documents and best practices that can be implemented across dental plans.
Recommended Job Areas: All areas
Sponsored by SKYGEN

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.

Mark Burkhard, MBA
National Dental & Vision Practice Leader
Willis Towers Watson
Mark Burkhard, MBA, is a highly accomplished professional who, since July 2018, serves as the National Dental & Vision Practice Leader at Willis Towers Watson. With an extensive 36-year career, Mark specializes in providing expert consultation on group dental and vision plans, supporting the firm’s efforts to advise its largest clients in the Health and Benefits line of business. In his current role, Mark excels at evaluating and recommending dental and vision plans on a national scale, emphasizing the value of quality benefits within an employer’s overall package to enhance employee well-being. Prior to joining Willis Towers Watson, Mark held leadership positions at major insurers, including CIGNA Dental, Humana Dental, MetLife, and Aetna Dental & Vision, where he led the dental and vision National Accounts growth team. As the leader of Dental and Vision vendor relations at Willis Towers Watson, Mark maintains strong connections with the leadership teams of major national and regional carriers. He actively engages with industry organizations like the National Association of Dental Plans and the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute, providing crucial insights into market trends. Mark’s expertise spans provider contracting, plan evaluation and modernization, clinical integration, and financial analysis and negotiation. He earned his bachelor’s degree from St. Bonaventure University in New York and holds an MBA from Pepperdine University in Los Angeles. Currently residing in Valencia, California, with his wife and two children, Mark is a distinguished consultant, bringing unparalleled insight to the dynamic field of dental and vision benefits.

In-Person Morning Break Sponsorship Still Available!
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