advertisement

Delta Dental of Illinois names new dental director

NAPERVILLE - Delta Dental of Illinois said Dr. Jason M. Grinter has been hired as dental director. In this role, Grinter will manage Delta Dental of Illinois' professional relations department as well as oversee network development and recruitment.

Grinter has more than 15 years of experience in the dental industry as both a practicing dentist and advocate for those in need of dental care. He is the owner and president of Onsite Dental and Park City Dental, each based in Rockford. In addition to his practices, Grinter has served as Illinois dental director for Liberty Dental Plan, the lead oral health advocate for DentaQuest, director of special patient care at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center and dental director at Milestone Dental Clinic in Rockford.

"Dr. Grinter is a well-respected dentist with a unique viewpoint on access-to-care disparities and how to address them," said Dr. Sheila Strock, vice president of dental services and chief science officer for Delta Dental of Illinois. "His extensive background in providing care to patients with special needs, as well as his experience in patient advocacy and the dental benefits industry, makes him well-suited to help further our business goals. He'll work collaboratively with Illinois dentists, dental schools and supporting organizations to expand our dental networks and provide care to more Illinoisans."

Grinter said he is thrilled to join Delta Dental of Illinois as dental director.

"I have dedicated a large part of my career to advocating for patients and ensuring they receive the dental care they need from quality dental providers," Grinter said. "This has long been a personal mission of mine, which also aligns with Delta Dental of Illinois' mission to improve the overall health of the communities and members it serves. In my new role, I look forward to partnering with dentists across the state so all residents, especially those most vulnerable, can receive the dental care they need."

In his advocacy role at DentaQuest, Grinter worked to connect patients in need of dental care with dental providers. At Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center and Milestone Dental Clinic, Grinter treated patients with special needs as well as provided training to residents on how to treat patients with special needs and perform dental care in an operating room.

Grinter currently serves on the Medicaid policy review committee for the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, as well as on the government affairs and access to care committee for the Chicago Dental Society. He is a former member of the Medicaid advisory committee for the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, and he has previously served as chair of the Illinois State Dental Society's committee on Medicaid reform, and its access to care committee. He's also been a consultant to the American Dental Association's Council on Access, Prevention and Interprofessional Relations (CAPIR); and is a past president and former board member of the Special Care Dentistry Association.

About Delta Dental of Illinois

Delta Dental is the national dental benefits leader covering 1 in 3 Americans who have dental coverage. Delta Dental of Illinois is one of 39 member companies that make up the national Delta Dental system. Based in Naperville, Illinois, Delta Dental of Illinois provides dental benefit programs to more than 6,000 Illinois companies and covers 2 million individuals, employees and family members nationwide. Delta Dental of Illinois is committed to improving oral health in our community and furthers this commitment through the work of Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.