Curt Ladig, President & CEO, Delta Dental of North Carolina

In an interview with Invest:, Curt Ladig, president and CEO of Delta Dental of North Carolina, discussed the notable milestones achieved in North Carolina, emphasizing the organization’s remarkable growth and commitment to accessible oral care. He also touched on challenges, and innovative strategies for workforce development and community engagement.

What were the most notable milestones for Delta Dental in North Carolina over the past year?

Last year we grew our customer base 34% to now achieve an overall growth of 1,222% in the last 13 years of my tenure in North Carolina. We now serve 1.2 million members.  Our focus remains on expanding our network of dentists across the state and across the country.  This growth has enabled us to offer more individuals and employer groups affordable access to oral care, contributing to healthier, more productive employees and better-prepared students in our schools. Another significant milestone is our network growth. We have retained the largest network of dentists in North Carolina by adding 1,401 dentists over the last three years.

What innovations has Delta Dental introduced recently?

At Delta Dental, we believe that everyone deserves a healthy smile and we are committed to supporting programs and providing services that improve oral health, promote health equity and enhance the quality of life in our communities. In May, we launched a new Special Health Care Needs Benefit available to employer groups, as well as to individuals and families. Receiving the appropriate level of oral health care can be especially overwhelming and even inaccessible to the more than 6.5 million people in the U.S. with intellectual or developmental disabilities. This benefit allows for additional exams and cleanings and even allows for some treatment delivery modifications, including the use of anesthesia. There are a host of resources available for caregivers including a mobile app, and CE courses for dentists aimed at building awareness and developing competency to provide oral health care to this vulnerable population.    

Can you discuss the importance of dental networks and their benefits for your members?

Dental networks are crucial for ensuring that our members have more affordable access to care. Let me ask it this way, “do you seek an out-of-network hospital or doctor for your medical care? Then why would you seek an out-of-network dentist for your dental care?”  It is also important to find a dentist you trust and as Delta Dental has the largest network – we make it easy. The best and proven approach to lower health care premiums and out-of-pocket costs is to seek in network care. By promoting in-network services, we ensure that our members can establish a dental home. This setup not only fosters a continual care relationship, improving both oral and overall health, but also keeps care affordable. When I arrived in North Carolina, I focused on educating the employee benefits industry in North Carolina about the importance of networks which has significantly contributed to our growth and enhanced the health of the communities we serve.

How does Delta Dental differentiate itself from other competitors in the area?

Delta Dental pioneered dental benefits over 70 years ago, working directly with  dentists who recognized the importance of dental benefit plans to attract more people to obtain care. Our competitive edge comes from our long enduring relationships with the largest network of dentists, both locally and nationally. This extensive network provides the broadest access to more affordable oral care for North Carolina employers and individuals, and we are local. Our leadership, client management, and board of directors are right here in North Carolina, working alongside our customers, dentists, and other key stakeholders.

What drives the work that you do at Delta Dental NC?

At Delta Dental, we operate under the belief that everyone deserves a healthy smile; not just a select few, but everyone. This philosophy extends beyond the employer benefit market to include direct-to-consumer products for those who are self-employed, unemployed, or retired. Further,  our commitment  also reaches those in underserved  populations who lack access to care. As a not-for-profit, we’re uniquely positioned to address these needs, exemplified by our Smiles for Kids program, which launched in 2011. Smiles for Kids has provided oral health education and direct care to more than 500,000 children and families across North Carolina, from the mountains to the coast.

How is the economic landscape impacting accessibility to dental care, and what strategies are you employing to navigate these challenges?

The current economic landscape presents significant challenges, primarily due to the diminishing availability of dental professionals necessary to provide services across the continuum of care since the pandemic. This shortage limits the capacity to meet the dental needs of North Carolina’s rapidly growing population. Additionally, inflationary pressures have escalated the costs of labor and supplies, impacting the affordability of care. To address the inflationary pressure on oral care costs, we’re focusing on providing affordable access with our extensive dental networks. Ensuring that dental care remains accessible despite these economic constraints is a priority for us as we move forward.

What initiatives is Delta Dental involved in to enhance the dental workforce and education?

Delta Dental is proactively involved in bolstering the dental workforce through grants and scholarships, particularly aimed at community colleges with dental hygiene and assistant programs. This effort is designed to make careers in dental health more accessible and affordable. We also provide financial support to the state’s three dental schools. 

Over the past 13 years, our foundation has been instrumental in funding educational programs that not only provide care but also enhance the educational experiences of dental students statewide. Furthermore, we’re engaged with the NC Chamber’s NC Leads program, which addresses the broader needs of our talent pipeline, emphasizing the inclusion of oral health careers. Our commitment remains strong as we continue to support and elevate these efforts.

How does Delta Dental engage with community leaders and organizations to promote oral health awareness?

Our engagement extends throughout the communities in North Carolina, interacting with leaders and participating in various local chambers and collaborative oral health task forces. We are active in community health assessments frequently conducted across many counties. Historically, oral health was not a focal point in these discussions, but our persistent advocacy has shifted this narrative. Now, oral health is regularly discussed and prioritized in these forums, demonstrating the impact of our involvement and the growing awareness of oral health’s importance.

What are the long-term benefits of preventive care on dental health insurance?

Our approach emphasizes the long-term benefits of preventive dental care, which significantly impacts the overall cost of healthcare claims. Companies often face budget constraints that tempt them to opt for lower-cost, short-term solutions. However, this can lead to higher overall costs in the long run. A routine oral exam can help detect more than 120 diseases and is an important factor in keeping overall healthcare costs low. By investing in a dental insurer with a strong network, like Delta Dental, companies can manage and control claim costs more effectively over time. This strategy not only ensures better dental health outcomes but also provides sustained economic benefits. A robust network like ours allows for controlled costs over extended periods, making it economically advantageous for companies to prioritize comprehensive, quality dental care benefits for their employees.