Delta Dental of Wisconsin - Behind Every Smile, We See a Story.

BEHIND EVERY SMILE, W E S E E A STORY.

At Delta Dental of Wisconsin, we are people on a mission: to improve oral health and wellness by extending access to care, advancing science, and supporting Wisconsin’s oral-health workforce.

There is nothing simple about a smile. It can signal hope and happiness. It can radiate confidence. And often, it speaks volumes about its owner’s health.

But in Wisconsin, there are still too many people without access to dental care. The unmet need among underserved populations only strengthens our commitment to help – through our Foundation, philanthropic partnerships, scholarships, employee volunteerism, and more. The work we do gives us all a reason to smile. We’re proud that so many more children are spared from tooth pain and decay, thanks to our partnership with Wisconsin’s in- school dental sealant program. We like knowing that more subscribers and their families can see a dentist when they need to. And we are committed to our work with brokers and employers as their influence can impact the oral health of families across the country.

At Delta Dental of Wisconsin, we are deeply invested in more than two million smiles – all across our state.

We are Wisconsin’s No. 1 dental plan, providing dental benefits and services to more of the state’s employers, subscribers, and their family members than any other carrier.

Behind every smile, we see a story. And we help to write some of the happiest chapters in our state.

As our employees and the dentists in our networks serve our members and keep our communities healthy, they take personal pride in ensuring that our benefits are easy to use.

We believe what we do makes life better here – because good oral health is connected to good overall health. People with dental benefits are more likely to get the dental care they need, and experience better health because of it.

Award-winning service, longtime customers

88% OF WI SCONS IN S CHOOL D I S T R I C T S CHOOS E DE LTA DEN TA L

How did we get to be the state’s leading dental plan for businesses, schools, individuals, and families? Simple. By providing an accurate and award-winning customer experience – with each phone call and every member interaction.

We hire people who are conscientious by nature – and continue to help them advance their customer service skills. When members call our Benefit Center, they know their call will be answered quickly – and by a real person. They know their claims will be processed with expedience and accuracy. And they know they can depend on us to help them find a great dentist or get the most value from their plan.

The result? Remarkably loyal customers – including many who have been with us for decades.

Preferred by subscribers, employers, and dentists

Last year, 97.1 percent of our subscribers and 95 percent of our employers renewed their plans with us. Our dentists across Wisconsin like working with us, too: A recent survey shows their overall satisfaction rate with Delta Dental exceeds that of our industry peers by nearly 40 percent.

How our service stacks up

Our dedicated employees are fast, accurate problem-solvers. On average: *

99.9% OF CLAIMS ARE PROCESSED AND PAID CORRECTLY 99.4% OF CLAIMS ARE COMPLETED IN 14 DAYS OR LESS 98.8% OF CALLS ARE RESOLVED ON FIRST CONTACT

*June 2017 business performance metrics

Multiple choice: Two networks provide more options, access, and control

What do people look for in a dental plan? Being local keeps us closely attuned to the needs of our members. We’re always striving to gain insights into their preferences – and to stay ahead of the changing health care landscape. Today, we know that consumers are driving health care changes. Our recent consumer preference survey showed that Wisconsin dental patients:

Best of both worlds: Nationwide network, local service

When it comes to choosing a dentist, people have different priorities. That’s why we offer members the choice of two different networks: the Delta Dental PPO SM network and the Delta Dental Premier® network.

Whichever network members choose, they benefit from the best of both worlds.

• Nationwide savings: As the nation’s largest dental network, we pass along economies of scale to members and offer nationwide access to thousands of highly qualified dentists. • Local service: Because we’re locally based, we pay claims quickly and directly. And you can expect to receive “neighborly” customer service from our award-winning Benefit Center.

Dentists are carefully credentialed and agree to pre-determined fees, ensuring members receive quality care at a fair price.

Some people are all about minimizing their out-of-pocket costs. Delta Dental’s PPO network was designed with their needs in mind. In fact, a recent study showed that members who visit a Delta Dental PPO network dentist can save an average of 34.4 percent of dental fees. * Others want an expansive selection of dental providers – and they’re willing to pay a bit more for the convenience. The Delta Dental Premier network – our largest – fits the bill for them.

Are price sensitive: only 2% would be willing to pay over $100 in monthly premiums; Prefer lower monthly payments over lower out of pocket expenses; and Select dentists who are in-network , conveniently located, and have caring staffs.

*2017 Ruark Dental PPO Study

9 10 WI SCONS IN DEN T I S T S AR E I N A DE LTA DEN TA L NE TWORK OUT OF

Delta Dental Networks: Access to thousands of well-qualified dentists across Wisconsin and the nation

Delta Dental PPO Network

Delta Dental Premier Network

Unique Dentists

Access Points

Unique Dentists

Access Points

Wisconsin

1,692 (52%)

2,415 (55%)

2,993 (93%)

4,063 (93%)

110,703 (56%)

271,019

156,169 (79%)

356,307

Nationally

What is an access point? An access point is an indicator of network size and is measured by multiplying the number of individual dentists by the number of locations in which they practice. For example: 3 dentists x 4 locations = 12 access points

National data report 07/2018 | WI data access report 11/2018

Meeting the need: Making statewide philanthropy more impactful

OUR FOUNDAT ION I S AT WORK IN MORE THAN 90% OF WI SCONS IN COUN T I E S

Since we opened our doors more than 50 years ago, Delta Dental of Wisconsin has welcomed the chance to contribute to healthier communities. Extending access to dental care is one of the foundations in our mission – and today, it’s needed more than ever.

In Wisconsin:

• Most dentists’ Medicaid reimbursements don’t cover the cost of dental treatment1; • Wisconsin ranks among the lowest in the nation for Medicaid-covered dental treatment for children. The latest report indicates just 29.7% of BadgerCare recipients ages 1 - 20 saw a dentist2; and • Nearly 1 in 4 of our state’s Head Start children have untreated dental care needs3.

Whether we are supporting nonprofit dental clinics that help underserved populations or funding scholarships to help support Wisconsin’s future oral-health workforce, we want our philanthropy to make a real, measurable difference.

To increase the impact of our contributions, we make strategic choices in our philanthropic partnerships, and focus on clearly identified needs within Wisconsin.

Our employees want to give their time to community causes, too. Delta Dental’s employee volunteer program encourages volunteerism across the organization. Many use their time for events like Mission of Mercy or the Special Smiles program at the Wisconsin Special Olympics State Games. We also match employee charitable contributions to the nonprofit of their choice.

1 American Dental Association, 2014 Research Brief 2 CMS, Dental Care Use in Medicaid or CHIP, 2015 3 WI DHS Surveillance Report, 2014

Lack of dental treatment is one of the nation’s greatest gaps in children’s health care. Painful, untreated tooth decay can pose a serious health risk, and it’s a leading cause of school absences. But simple treatments – like dental sealants on molars – go a long way to prevent cavities, keeping more kids in school and out of the emergency room. Since 2008, Delta Dental of Wisconsin has invested more than $3 million in the state’s Seal-A-Smile program. Our funding ensures that thousands of kids can receive sealants if needed. We recently increased our financial commitment, extending services to nearly every Wisconsin county and greatly expanding the program in Milwaukee. To reach more children in need, Seal-A-Smile focuses on schools where a large percentage of children receive free or reduced-cost meals. The program provides oral health education and screenings, fluoride varnish, and sealants when appropriate – all at no cost to caregivers. Partnership with the state helps prevent cavities for nearly 70,000 school children every year

What is a sealant?

Sealants are thin coatings painted on teeth to protect them from cavities. They flow into the deep grooves of teeth and harden immediately. The procedure is quick, easy, and painless. * Sealants prevent the most cavities when applied soon after permanent molars erupt. Sealants on newly-erupted back teeth can reduce cavities by as much as 70%.

*https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/dental-sealants/

of teeth treated with dental sealants remain cavity-free – compared to 30% of teeth without sealants. 80% Did you know?

The program has made a measurable difference in reducing children’s cavities across the state – and is considered a successful model for sealant programs around the country.

Extending access to care

People who can’t afford to visit a dentist suffer greatly from lack of regular dental care. Gum infections or decayed and missing teeth all take a toll on overall health. Health care costs go up, too – including visits to the emergency room for dental emergencies. Delta Dental of Wisconsin has a long tradition of awarding grants to safety-net dental clinics across the state. These clinics provide urgently needed dental services to many people in their communities who could not otherwise afford dental care. Delta Dental is committed to improving outcomes and access to care for Wisconsin’s vulnerable and low-income populations, as well as individuals with disabilities.

poor oral hygiene and needs for periodontal disease treatment than the general public.”

Recent safety-net dental clinic grant recipients include the Fowler Memorial Dental Clinic in Monroe, Chippewa Valley Technical College dental program in Eau Claire, and a new dental clinic in Menomenee Falls for Waukesha County Community Dental Clinic. These grants helped fund clinical facility updates and needed equipment so that individuals with physical or developmental disabilities can access the essential dental care they need. Additional grant support was provided to St. Ann’s Center for Intergenerational Care in Milwaukee. St. Ann’s provides services to approximately 700 individuals that live with developmental and/or physical disabilities. More than 80 percent have a need for professional dental care due to a number of barriers. St. Ann’s hopes to minimize these challenges, and create a dental home for clients where staff can maintain a rapport and consistent care from early childhood through their elderly years.

Special Smiles

We also support local athletes with special needs. For more than a decade, Delta Dental of Wisconsin has sponsored the Special Olympics’ Special Smiles program. Athletes are provided a free oral health screening, fluoride varnish application, education on the importance of good hygiene, and if appropriate for the sport they are participating in, a free mouth guard. In addition, those needing further dental treatment are assisted in finding a dentist in their area.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services 2010 Burden of Oral Disease in the State of Wisconsin , individuals with disabilities have “significantly higher rates of

Boys & Girls Clubs are safe after-school spots where children can learn and grow while having fun. In recent years, Delta Dental has provided grants to several Wisconsin locations. The Boys & Girls Club of Portage County recently opened the doors to the state’s first Smile Club: an on-site dental clinic that has provided dental screenings, oral health education, fluoride varnish, sealants, and dental treatment to more than 160 children annually. Oral health programs have also been implemented at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee and through a joint venture with the Boys & Girls Club of Wisconsin Rapids Area and South Wood County YMCA. “It’s critical we focus our efforts on preventing cavities and promoting good oral health for children,” said Ann Boson, executive director of the Delta Dental of Wisconsin Foundation. “What better partnership than to work with Boys & Girls Clubs to help improve oral health for the next generation.” Brighter smiles for Boys & Girls Clubs

Advancing dental science, teaching healthy lessons

When people seek out advances in oral health, chances are they would come across findings our science officer, Dr. Fred Eichmiller (pictured far right), has had a hand in. Dr. Eichmiller draws on a background in research with the American Dental Association, as well as private dental practice and teaching. He enjoys sharing his broad perspective on oral health with our dental providers and the public. Increasingly, Dr. Eichmiller’s data-driven view is guiding the benefit decisions of the state’s employers, too. “We know that employees and their families with dental insurance go to the dentist, get the restorative care they need – and experience greater overall health as a result,” said Dr. Eichmiller. He believes the link between oral health and general health can’t be overstated. Our customers have the option to tailor dental benefits to the unique needs of their employees. Innovative plan features allow employers to integrate oral health

care with the medical management of select diseases or conditions, helping improve the health of teeth and gums – and the whole body. Employers who want a holistic approach to employee wellness can also add an oral health component to their existing program. We make the first step – assessment – easier, thanks to the PreViser™ oral health risk assessment. Employers receive aggregate reporting results that help them identify and maximize their wellness interventions, making the most of the benefits they provide. Over 90 percent of diseases – including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers – have oral manifestations including increased tooth decay, mouth ulcers, dry mouth, and excessive gum problems.

Dr. Fred Eichmiller, vice president and science officer for Delta Dental of Wisconsin

Once employers choose a plan, Delta Dental helps them integrate oral health into employee wellness programs – boosting their plan’s preventive potential. Our Oral Wellness Program keeps oral and overall health top-of-mind with employees by providing a range of engaging communications tools, from posters to newsletters.

Employers receive aggregate reporting results that help them identify and maximize their well- ness interventions, making the most of the benefits they provide. Launching the next generation of dental discovery – and dental pros The world of dental knowledge and science is always evolving – and that’s a good thing. Through multiple endeavors, Delta Dental supports vital research that will propel new discoveries in oral health and wellness. Once employers choose a plan, Delta Dental helps them integrate oral health into employee well- Because our future oral health depends on the next generation of dental professionals, we also support dental students. The Delta Dental of Wisconsin Foundation provides scholarships and fellowships to students attending a Wisconsin technical college or school for dental hygiene and dentistry. Our vision for the future: an expansive dental workforce that will keep Wisconsin smiling for generations to come.

For more than 50 years, Delta Dental has been working to maintain healthy communities and healthy teeth.

We provide dental benefits and services to more Wisconsin companies, subscribers, and their family members than any other insurance carrier. Our mission is to improve oral health and wellness by extending access to care, advancing science, and supporting an effective oral-health workforce. Through Delta Dental of Wisconsin’s Foundation, we are committed to advancing solutions for Wisconsin’s oral health.

We are equally committed to supporting Central Wisconsin’s workforce and believe in creating a dynamic and engaging workplace.

Delta Dental of Wisconsin 2801 Hoover Road, P.O. Box 828 Stevens Point, WI 54481 800-236-3713

www.deltadentalwi.com BR219-1812

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