3 min read February 2024 – In an interview with Invest:, Jeff Ballard, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Tennessee, talked about the importance of addressing healthcare workforce shortages, implementing comprehensive education initiatives pertaining to dentistry, and the company’s strong commitment to philanthropy and community engagement.
What has been the organization’s recent focus?
Over the past six months, our focus has been on a smooth transition from our previous CEO Phil Wenk to me. As a company with almost 60 years of history, we are not looking to make drastic changes; rather, we aim to refine and enhance our operations. Developing the cadence and rhythm of how the company operates is a key aspect of this transition as we are mindful of maintaining our strong community involvement, a tradition we have upheld over the years.
Regarding our aspirations, we have been engaged in vision development for the past few years. Originally targeted for small-business groups, we have observed a demand from larger business groups. In 2024, our goal is to establish vision as a robust business line for all our customer groups. Additionally, Special Health Care Needs benefits, set for rollout in 2024, are poised to be a significant success for our risk and self-insured business segments.
What is your overall perspective on the labor situation in dentistry and affiliated professions?
Addressing the dental care needs in Tennessee is crucial, especially considering the influx of people into the state as a recent University of Tennessee economics study predicts another 1 million residents in the next two decades. Currently, some counties in Tennessee lack practicing dentists, and several others have only one dentist, and that dentist could potentially retire in the next five to 10 years. With UT Health Science Center graduating around 100 students annually, there is a clear shortage of dentists, especially in rural areas.
In response to this shortage, we initiated discussions with the governor’s office, leading to the Healthy Smiles Initiative. This initiative secured $94 million in state funds, increasing UT Health Science Center’s student enrollment from 100 to 130 per year. While this is a positive step, ongoing efforts are necessary. The initiative also includes a tuition reimbursement program to incentivize students practicing in underserved rural counties.
As a not-for-profit, our commitment extends to promoting dentistry in school systems. Encouraging students to consider dentistry as a rewarding profession is vital. By fostering awareness and interest, we aim to attract more students to pursue dentistry, ultimately addressing the shortage of dental professionals in the state.
Promoting the dental profession and encouraging students to choose dentistry are integral aspects of our mission. We are dedicated to collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure a steady supply of dental professionals for Tennessee’s growing population.
What initiatives or partnerships with Middle Tennessee higher education institutions do you have in place?
Education holds immense value in transforming lives, and it’s a sentiment close to my heart as the son of a dedicated educator. My father’s 43-year tenure, along with my aunt, uncle, and sister-in-law’s contributions to education, reinforces the belief that education is the key to numerous opportunities. It serves as a pathway out of poverty, leading to better professions and overall personal growth.
Our commitment to education begins early, with initiatives starting in elementary schools and extending through middle and high schools. Initiatives like Water is Cool at School, spearheaded by our marketing team, focus on promoting excellent oral hygiene habits among students. By installing touchless bottle fountains in schools and distributing toothbrushes, we aim to instill the importance of dental health, encouraging children to share this knowledge with their families and cultivate regular dental check-ups.
Transitioning to high school, our engagement continues through programs such as You Can Be a Doctor Too. This initiative empowers inner-city kids by showing them that they, too, can aspire to become doctors. It not only fosters belief but also ignites interest, inspiring students to pursue careers in healthcare.
Our multifaceted approach extends to promoting dentistry and education at all levels, from elementary school to the collegiate level. By actively participating in these initiatives, we aspire to kindle enthusiasm for dentistry, encourage educational pursuits, and make a positive impact in the communities we serve.
How did you decide to begin providing vision services?
The decision to venture into vision services stemmed from our interactions with customers, primarily facilitated by brokers. As we engaged with employer groups selling dental coverage, there was a recurring inquiry: “Is there anything else you can offer?” This led us to explore additional avenues beyond dental, and thus, DeltaVision was born.
While expanding our services, we deliberated on potential confusion that might arise from diversifying the brand. To address this concern, we strategically chose the name DeltaVision, emphasizing our association with Delta while distinctively signaling the vision component. This decision aimed to maintain clarity and avoid diluting the established brand identity.
Looking ahead, we are open to exploring other ancillary lines of business. While these avenues may be part of our roadmap for the next five to 10 years, the introduction of DeltaVision has proven to be a significant success, aligning with our commitment to providing comprehensive ancillary services. The positive reception encourages us as we continue to evolve and meet the diverse needs of our customers.
What drives you to keep doing the work that you are doing?
In the past eight years, transitioning from a for-profit background, I have found the best of both worlds. Running a company fuels my competitive drive, and the joy comes in reinvesting profits to support the underserved. Partnering with Dr. Wenk, we engage in various initiatives, collaborating with organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank and Salvation Army, contributing to Angel Tree programs, and providing essentials to kids in need.
As such, we are deeply invested in philanthropy, which is a significant part of our identity. The Smile180 Foundation, as a nonprofit 501(c)(3), channels some of our profits back into the community. With a robust $30 million foundation, Dr. Wenk, now our foundation’s executive director and CEO, spearheads efforts to give back to the community as serving the underserved is our primary focus.
Moreover, the spirit of giving is ingrained in Nashville’s business community. In times of need, like the Waverly flood, local businesses, including Pinnacle Bank and First Horizon, stepped up to provide support. This collaborative and giving ethos defines Nashville, making it a remarkable place to be. The enthusiasm and dedication of our team contributes to the vibrancy of the community, and we are excited about the positive impact we can continue to make.
As a native to Tennessee, how would you describe the period of growth you have witnessed, spanning from the early 2010s to 2024?
The growth here has been truly significant. Despite some locals expressing concerns, I personally love the growth. It has brought the Broadway series, better restaurants, and various amenities, enhancing the overall appeal of the city. While traffic and infrastructure challenges are present, having traveled extensively across the United States, I have seen more congested cities like New York, which puts things into perspective.
On a personal note, growth has a selfishly positive aspect for me. With my children aged 22 and 19, who initially wanted to explore opportunities in Silicon Valley, the booming tech scene in Nashville will undoubtedly bring them back home as major players like Amazon and Oracle have established a significant presence here, contributing to the city’s tech scene. As a result, I get to enjoy more time with my children.
Being a strong advocate for the city’s growth, I appreciate the major league soccer scene, and there’s even talk about major league baseball potentially becoming a reality in the future. With the Titans stadium, the prospect of hosting a final four or a Super Bowl does not seem far-fetched. Nashville continues to be the “it” city, with everyone wanting to visit, making it a source of pride. The city’s future looks promising, and the widespread enthusiasm about Nashville is palpable wherever I go.
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