Will a centralized credentialing platform bring value to the dental plan industry?

Bridging the Gap and Advancing Dental Credentialing through Collaboration

Wednesday, September 30
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM (ET)

Credentialing remains one of the most significant operational challenges facing the dental industry. This panel will provide an overview of the current credentialing landscape, recent collaborative efforts to improve provider onboarding and network management, and lessons learned from modernization initiatives and emerging technologies. Panelists will discuss remaining pain points, opportunities for greater industry standardization, and where providers and carriers can work together more effectively to improve credentialing processes and reduce turnaround times. The session will also explore the future of dental credentialing and delegated credentialing and where the industry may be headed over the next three to five years.

 


Marc Couch

Senior Vice President, Network Management and Performance at LIBERTY Dental Plans

Marc Couch is an accomplished health care executive with over two decades of leadership experience driving innovation and operational excellence in managed care space and Dental Service Organizations (DSOs). With a proven track record in provider experience, dental network management, and scalable operations, Marc is known for implementing strategic solutions that enhance system efficiency, support growth, and elevate the patient and provider journey.

Throughout his career, Marc has successfully led high-performing teams in both acquisitions and operations, consistently exceeding internal performance targets. His expertise spans the full spectrum of health care operations—from network strategy/operations to overall business operations—making him a sought-after leader and speaker in the industry.

Marc’s leadership is grounded in a culture of joint accountability and continuous improvement. A strategic thinker and collaborative problem-solver, he excels at navigating complex challenges and aligning cross-functional teams to deliver measurable outcomes.

 


Beth Hines

Senior Director Quality Management at Western Dental

  Beth Bennett is a healthcare operations and compliance professional     specializing in dental support    organizations (DSOs) and dental insurers,     with expertise in credentialing, quality management, and regulatory compliance. She has extensive experience in dental provider credentialing and payer enrollment, delegation oversight, provider contracting, grievance and appeals, and provider relations. Throughout her career, she has led initiatives that ensure compliance with regulatory standards while advancing operational excellence.


Beth has developed and managed quality improvement programs, credentialing delegation oversight, complaint and appeals processes, and performance measurement initiatives supported by data analysis and reporting. She is recognized for implementing efficient workflows, strengthening payer relationships, and driving continuous process improvement to measure and enhance provider performance.

Beth began her career in dentistry as a certified dental assistant, working in private practice with both her father and father-in-law, who were practicing dentists. She later held leadership roles with CIGNA Dental, MCNA, Ameritas, MB2 Dental, and Sonrava Health. Beth earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Dallas Baptist University and completed CIGNA's Lean Six Sigma Green Belt program. She currently leads the Quality Management and Credentialing programs for Sonrava/Western Dental's DSO and oversees regulatory compliance for its California-based dental insurance plan.

 


Allison Jackson

DSO Supervisor, Dental Network Operations at United Concordia Dental

Allison B. Jackson is a Supervisor within Dental Network Operations at United Concordia Dental, where she has built her career since 2015. With a decade of experience in the dental industry, Allison is an expert in credentialing, provider data management, and workflow optimization. She leads a team that supports provider organizations and dental practices nationwide, focusing on regulatory compliance, provider onboarding, network maintenance, and driving operational efficiencies that enhance the provider experience. 

In 2024, Allison furthered her industry involvement through active volunteer service with the National Association of Dental Plans. She currently serves on both the Operations Workgroup and Membership Workgroup, collaborating with industry leaders to share best practices, strengthen member engagement, and support initiatives that advance innovation and operational effectiveness throughout the dental benefits industry. 

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Allison is committed to volunteerism and community service, with a particular passion for improving access to oral healthcare. Through opportunities supported by United Concordia, she volunteers with programs such as TeamSmile and Mission of Mercy Pennsylvania (MOM-n-PA), helping connect underserved individuals and families with dental care and oral health resources. Her commitment to service reflects her belief that strong partnerships among dental plans, providers, and community organizations are essential to improving oral health outcomes and expanding access to care. 


 

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