Washington Dental Service Excited to Add New Dental Director; Dr. Ronald Inge's Extensive Experience Adds Depth to WDS.

SEATTLE -- Dr. Ronald E. Inge, associate executive director of the American Dental Association (ADA), has been named vice president and dental director of Washington Dental Service (WDS). Inge will bring over a decade of national leadership experience in dental benefits to his new position.

Washington Dental Service, a founding member of the Delta Dental Plans Association, is the leading dental benefits company in the state of Washington, delivering high-quality, affordable dental care to approximately two million people nationwide through employer-sponsored programs.

Washington Dental Service President and CEO James Dwyer said Inge's extensive knowledge of the dental profession and his leadership in the industry make him a great addition to the organization.

"Dr. Inge is a respected national leader in both the dental profession and the dental benefits industry," Dwyer said. "He has an outstanding record of success and innovation. Dr. Inge will help us extend our market leadership and nurture strong relationships with our partners in the dental community."

As dental director, Dr. Inge will be responsible for Washington Dental Service's professional relations, credentialing, clinical review and care management.

"I'm looking forward to joining a national leader in the dental benefits industry. I'm impressed by Washington Dental Service's commitment to improving oral health though innovative dental coverage and increased access to care, a goal of the WDS Foundation," Dr. Inge said. "This is an organization that constantly strives to improve and works hard to put tools in the hands of purchasers and subscribers to help them responsibly manage their health care dollars."

Inge has been with ADA since April 2004, overseeing the association's division of dental practice. He was previously chief dental officer at Aetna Dental in Hartford, CT. He also has served as vice president for professional services and chief dental officer for PMI Dental Health Plan.

Inge earned an undergraduate degree in human biology at Stanford University and a doctor of dental surgery degree at UCLA. Inge had his own successful dental practice for 14 years in San Jose, California.