Delta Dental of Rhode Island launches hygiene workforce program for in-network dentists

This article was originally published here. 

Continuing its ongoing efforts to address a nationwide shortage of practicing dental hygienists, Delta Dental of Rhode Island has earmarked $3 million from its reserves to introduce a new workforce development initiative for eligible Rhode Island dental offices.

Delta Dental of Rhode Island's Hygiene Workforce Program offers eligible, in-network dentists an additional payment for hygiene services provided to Delta Dental of Rhode Island members. This payment supplements the reimbursement dentists receive for performing cleanings and periodontal maintenance services. The program's first installment is providing enhanced reimbursements for hygiene services performed throughout 2024.

"Hygiene services are critically important to an individual's oral health, and this new program will help ensure that Rhode Island's dental sector has a strong, well-trained workforce that is ready to meet the needs of patients across the state," said Joseph R. Perroni, president & CEO, Delta Dental of Rhode Island. "This strategic investment is one of many ways our team is working to provide creative solutions to address a nationwide issue and to support our Rhode Island dental community."

The Hygiene Workforce Program complements several additional investments Delta Dental of Rhode Island has made to strengthen the state’s dental workforce. Through its ongoing partnership with the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), Delta Dental of Rhode Island has supported the expansion and renovation of CCRI's on-campus dental hygiene learning lab, a hands-on educational hub that CCRI credits with leading to a substantial increase in student enrollment. Delta Dental of Rhode Island also supports an annual scholarship program at CCRI, which provides tuition assistance for dental hygiene students who commit to working in Rhode Island following graduation.

Delta Dental of Rhode Island works alongside nonprofit organizations, community-based clinics and state agencies such as the Rhode Island Department of Health and the Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner to support loan forgiveness and workforce development programs specifically designed to create rewarding career pathways for dental assistants, dentists, dental specialists and other aspiring oral health professionals.

"As the state’s leading dental insurer, we are committed to making the right investments and building the right partnerships to ensure our network dentists continue to thrive in Rhode Island's oral healthcare sector, while also ensuring dental care remains affordable and accessible for our members," said Perroni.

Delta Dental of Rhode Island's Hygiene Workforce Program officially launched on January 1, 2025, and builds upon a number of enhancements recently made by the dental insurer to support its network of dental providers. Combined, these enhancements represent an additional $10 million expected to flow into Rhode Island dental offices through programs and patients attributable to Delta Dental of Rhode Island.

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Delta Dental of Rhode Island and its subsidiaries provide access to affordable dental and vision care for more than 660,000 members. Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, Delta Dental of Rhode Island is the state's leading dental insurer and is committed to ensuring access to quality dental care for all Rhode Islanders. For more information about Delta Dental of Rhode Island, visit www.deltadentalri.com.