It’s no stretch for Delta Dental of Wisconsin to embrace that position. It lines up almost exactly with the mission statement we developed nearly a decade before, in which we pledged to “strive to foster a higher level of dental health for everyone.”

Truth is, from our very beginnings some 40 years ago, we have consistently “walked the talk” when it comes to improving oral health for the people of Wisconsin. It is the core of our being, whether viewed in terms of the more than 1.2 million adults and children covered by dental insurance plans we administer, or the thousands of uninsured, low-income persons who receive free or reduced-cost dental services through clinics and other programs that depend on our financial support.

Delta Dental of Wisconsin is by every measure the leading dental insurer in Wisconsin. We insure more groups and individuals here than any other carrier. We have the largest dental networks. We have the respect and support of the broker community. We are affiliated with the nation’s largest and most respected dental insurance provider, the Delta Dental Plans Association. Leveraging our knowledge and influence, we are committed to providing our customers, partners and communities with innovative, customized solutions to promote oral health and ultimately achieve a better quality of life.


A good year in 2006
2006 was another successful year for Delta Dental of Wisconsin. Our total book loss ratio was below projection, which led to a higher-than-expected net gain. We added more than 400 new groups to our books, including 20 accounts with more than 500 lives. We continue to see movement toward PPO plans, supported by growth in our PPO dentist network.

In the spring for 2006 we introduced SmileSuite, an online, interactive tool for subscribers that offers personalized oral health tips and advice. In the fall, we rolled out our new Evidence-Based Integrated Care Plan option, which provides additional benefits for women who are pregnant, and persons who have diabetes or a history of periodontal surgery. Both these initiatives have been well-received by our customers, and reflect our commitment to leadership in evidence-based plan designs and equipping individuals with tools to make better-informed decisions.

The enrollment maintenance function currently offered via our secure Employer Portal was redesigned in 2006, making it more user-friendly and providing greater reporting abilities.

Also in 2006, through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Wyssta, we introduced an insured vision plan, DeltaVision. Looking forward, Wyssta provides us with a solid platform for introduction of new product lines and services that leverage our core strengths in customer service and benefits administration.


Moving Forward in 2007
We will continue to advance our leadership in 2007. Under the guidance of Dr. Frederick Eichmiller, our new vice president and science officer, we are better positioned than ever to refine and expand our evidence-based plan design initiatives and other efforts requiring expert knowledge of advancements in dentistry and science. We will employ technology to drive down costs and enhance services for dentists, group administrators, brokers and subscribers. And we will continue our commitment to public benefit programs that enhance access to care for the underserved.

We are also excited about an investment we have made in C3 Jian, Inc., a development-stage biotechnology company engaged in the creation of unique products that eradicate the bacteria that cause cavities, and targeted antimicrobial therapy for medical microbial pathogens primarily on mucosal surfaces. The efforts of this company could revolutionize the fight against cavities across our nation and beyond.

No one knows exactly what the future holds. But we face each new challenge with confidence in our capabilities and the resources to seize opportunities that arise. We look forward with optimism.
 
 
 
Dennis Brown, President and CEO Frank Shuler, DDS, Chairman of the Board
 
 
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