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SKYGEN Blog

SKYGEN leaders share their insights, perspectives and new ideas on the issues and opportunities facing healthcare today

Celebrating SKYGEN’s Shanna Madden: Recipient of NADP’s Evelyn Ireland Volunteer Award

It’s not every day that someone’s dedication to their industry is celebrated on a national stage! That day came recently for SKYGEN Client Experience Executive Shanna Madden. Shanna received the Evelyn Ireland Volunteer Award from the National Association of Dental Plans (NADP) at its CONVERGE 2025 national conference. The award honors volunteers whose annual contributions help the association fulfill its mission of enhancing consumer access to affordable, high-quality dental care through advocacy, research, and the advancement of dental benefits. Shanna has served several years on both NADP’s Education Commission and Government Relations Workgroup.

SKYGEN CMO Don Polite Recognized by NADP with the 2025 Evelyn Ireland Volunteer Award

It’s said that dedication speaks louder than words. SKYGEN Chief Marketing Officer Don Polite’s work speaks volumes—and this month he was honored on a national stage. The National Association of Dental Plans (NADP) recognized Don’s ongoing service with the 2025 Evelyn Ireland Volunteer Award at its CONVERGE 2025 national conference. The award recognizes annual volunteer contributions the association needs to accomplish its mission to improve consumer access to affordable, quality dental care through advocacy, research, and the promotion of dental benefits. Don recently began his fourth year of service with NADP’s Communications Workgroup.

SKYGEN Introduces 2026 Pulse Report, Dental Credentialing Innovation at NADP CONVERGE 2025

September marks more than the change of seasons at SKYGEN. We always look forward to taking part in CONVERGE, the National Association of Dental Plan’s (NADP) annual conference. NADP is more than a trade association—it’s a community of professionals from all areas of the dental industry, and all personally invested in improving access to quality dental care in the U.S.

CONVERGE is a cornerstone event in dental and our chance to be in person with the peers and partners we’ve collaborated with all year through NADP’s volunteer-led workgroups and commissions. CONVERGE 2025, held last week in Indian Wells, CA, was also a chance for SKYGEN to shine.

Backpacks, Binders, and Better Oral Health: Studies Highlight High Value of School-Based Dental Programs

Back to school means back to routines—and that includes students’ oral health care. In communities across the U.S., school-based dental programs reach underserved children with screenings, preventive care, and oral health education and supplies. This is essential care: By age 8, 52% of children have had a cavity in their baby teeth, and children from low-income families are twice as likely to have cavities. Children with poor oral health are more likely to miss school and have academic problems at school.

One Place. All the Answers. Introducing Our Pulse Resource Hub

Our annual Pulse research reports have become a cornerstone for healthcare leaders, specialty benefits stakeholders and industry partners alike—fueling decisions, shaping strategies, and driving meaningful change in the dental and vision insurance industry. The Pulse reports examine a broad range of topics from multiple perspectives, including healthcare consumers, providers and brokers.

Ready to Shift? 90% of Providers Are Interested in Value-Based Care

Adoption of value-based care (VBC) models is growing in U.S healthcare, and the dental industry may be doing more than simply keeping pace. According to a 2024 HealthScape report, within the next two to five years, 100% of the payers with more than five million members and 35% of payers with less than five million members plan to implement VBC.

What’s Trending In the News: From Uncertainty Comes Innovation

Navigating uncertainty has become a top challenge this year for both government and commercial payers. Take for example, mixed messages about Medicaid: Federal funding may or may not be reduced, which could lead to increased utilization, lower profitability, or compliance issues. For commercial dental and vision plans, slowing economic growth and ongoing inflation may result in changes in plan membership. All payers need to prepare for what’s next, but bottom line, it’s difficult to respond in an unpredictable environment.

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