Jeff Ballard highlights Delta Dental of Tennessee, BBB Torch Award for Ethics, focus on philanthropy

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Jeff Ballard, President and CEO of Delta Dental of Tennessee, who highlights the state's largest independent dental benefits carrier, covering 1.5 million residents, and discusses their vision coverage, their recent recognition with the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics, and how they reinvest profits back into Tennessee communities as a nonprofit. Delta Dental operates the largest dental network in both Tennessee and the United States, offering special benefits and new services for small employers, while also maintaining strong ethical practices recognized by the Better Business Bureau. Through its Smile180 Foundation, Delta Dental of Tennessee has donated over $75 million to community oral health initiatives since 2015, and the company has big plans to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2026 while continuing its focus on community service and oral health care.

Delta Dental of Tennessee's Impact

Delta Dental of Tennessee, led by President and CEO Jeff Ballard, is the largest independent dental insurance company in Tennessee, covering 1.5 million residents. About six years ago, the company expanded their benefits offering to include vision insurance, now serving 100,000 people. As a not-for-profit organization, Delta Dental reinvests its profits back into Tennessee, having contributed $4 million last year. The company maintains the largest dental network in both Tennessee and the United States, with 90% of state dentists in its network and 200,000 dentists nationwide, ensuring access to dental care across the country.

Delta Dental's New Benefits and Expansion

Jeff discusses Delta Dental of Tennessee's special needs benefit, which was implemented three years ago to provide extra time and sensitivity visits for patients in need. He also mentioned their new office in Nashville's Medical Center, which has brought new energy to the company. Jeff further explains that they are rolling out new benefits to small employers, offering significant savings through their network for preventive services.

Delta Dental of Tennessee's BBB Torch Award for Ethics

Jeff and Jeremy discuss Delta Dental of Tennessee's recent BBB Torch Award for Ethics in the large company category. Jeff explains that the award represents their long-standing partnership with the BBB and their commitment to ethical business practices. He highlights that the award is their first under his management team, demonstrating their dedication to integrity and trustworthiness. Jeremy asks about the small actions that contribute to such powerful outcomes, and Jeff emphasizes the importance of making ethical decisions as CEO, referring to their company values and the impact of leadership on the organization's culture.

Delta Dental of Tennessee's Community Oral Health Initiatives

Along with its corporate foundation, Smile180, Delta Dental of Tennessee focuses on community reinvestment as part of its mission of "ensuring healthy smiles." Since 2015, the Smile180 Foundation has contributed over $75 million in oral health education, scholarships, and support for underserved communities, including charitable dental clinics and children's hospitals. The company has initiated various community programs, including toothbrush distributions, mouth guard initiatives, an annual Kids Dental Day and Shoe Distribution, and special healthcare screenings for the Special Olympics. Looking ahead, Delta Dental of Tennessee plans to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2026 with community events and a birthday party, while maintaining its commitment to oral health care and community service.

Visit https://deltadentaltn.com to learn more about Delta Dental of Tennessee.