General Session: Can you show me where it hurts? Identifying and lessening “Pain Points” at the Provider Office
Wednesday, September 17
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (PT)
This session will share findings from the NADP Future of Dental Care Access Task Force and a recent AADOM survey, highlighting common challenges provider offices face. Speakers will explore key pain points and offer strategies for improving operations and strengthening payer-provider collaboration.
Jeremy Hedrick
Chief Operating Officer, Careington
Jeremy Hedrick serves as Chief Operating Officer for Careington International Corporation and its affiliate companies, including Careington Benefit Solutions, DialCare, and Munroe Sutton. Since 2001, Jeremy has contributed to the development, strategic growth, and overall direction of the Careington companies. During his tenure, he has held senior leadership roles within DialCare, including network development, customer support, compliance, fulfillment, product development, and claims. As COO, Jeremy directs and manages the daily business operations across the Careington companies and brands while maintaining the overall leadership, growth, and initiatives of DialCare, Careington’s telehealth affiliate company.
Jerry Berggren
Director of Research, National Association of Dental Plans
Jerry brings over 20 years of experience in market research, strategy and analysis to his role at NADP. Prior to joining NADP in 2004, Jerry worked in market research and advertising in healthcare, financial services and electric utility industries. Jerry earned his BA in Political Science from Louisiana State University and his MBA from Tulane University.
Kristen S. Smith
Director, Dental Network Operations
United Concordia
Kristen S. Smith is the Director, Dental Network Operations at United Concordia. She has overall leadership responsibility for all Credentialing, Delegated Credentialing, Provider Data Management and Support functions. Kristen has over 34 years of clinical and administrative dental experience. She has worked for United Concordia for 32 years where she has held positions in Professional Relations, Claims Operations and Audit, Provider Data Management, Quality/Process Improvement and Project Management. Prior to United Concordia she worked as a dental office manager and clinical dental assistant. Kristen has volunteered for NADP on the Operations Workgroup for 8 years and has been the chair for the group for the past 2 years.
Kristen has her Bachelor of Science from East Stroudsburg University, a PA Teaching Certificate, and is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt.
Penny Reed
Executive Vice President of Memberships and Events
American Association of Dental Office Management (AADOM)
Penny Reed is the executive vice president of memberships and events at the American Association of Dental Office Management. A former dental office manager, she brings firsthand experience and a passion for helping managers build successful, rewarding careers. Reed began her career in information technology before being recruited by her own dentist to manage his growing practice. That opportunity launched a more than 30-year journey in the dental industry as a coach, speaker and consultant. Her experience managing a practice continues to shape her commitment to AADOM’s mission of education, community and professional growth. She has been named a Dentistry Today Leader in Dental Consulting every year since 2007 and is the author of Growing Your Dental Business. Reed is a member of the Speaking Consulting Network and speaks nationally on leadership, communication and team development—always advocating for the essential role dental office managers play in practice success.
< back to schedule