NASHVILLE, TENN. – Renaissance Life and Health Insurance Company of America (Renaissance) today announced three strategic hires and the opening of a Nashville-based office as the company prepares to assume management of TennCare’s statewide dental program beginning November 1. This is Renaissance’s first contract in the state and will be serving 1.5 million Tennesseans. Its newly appointed Tennessee leadership team includes:
- David Pemberton, State Market Director
- Stephanie Phillips, Provider Network Director
- Dr. Zach Adkins, D.D.S., Chief Dental Officer
“We are honored to have been selected and trusted to serve as partner to the State of Tennessee in administering TennCare’s dental benefits program,” said David Pemberton. “This program serves a portion of Tennessee’s most vulnerable population, and that is why we’ve recruited a team of top industry professionals to ensure seamless implementation and access to high-quality care. We look forward to introducing ourselves across the state and building connections with dentists and members in the years to come.”
In January 2023, all adult TennCare members obtained dental benefits, allowing them to see a dentist for covered dental services, which includes regular exams, x-rays, cleanings, fillings and crowns.
In its upcoming role, Renaissance will administer those benefits for the state, will recruit additional dentists into the system, and will strive to increase awareness and usage of the benefits across TennCare members. Their primary goal is to bring dental care to the people by strengthening the dental network and improving access to care.
The company plans to fill approximately 25 more roles primarily in the Nashville office to manage the program. Its core leadership bios are included below.
David Pemberton
David Pemberton has been named State Market Director, where he shepherds its management of the TennCare dental program for the State of Tennessee.
Pemberton brings deep experience in dental plan management, having spent the last five years leading sales and strategic partnerships for a leading dental insurer. Prior to that, he worked for more than a decade in risk advisement and management for leading insurance service organizations.
A Nashville native, Pemberton is a graduate of the University of Tennessee.
Stephanie Phillips
As Provider Network Director, Stephanie Phillips is responsible for expanding and developing the company’s provider network for Tennessee’s TennCare dental program.
For more than a decade, Phillips has worked in the dental insurance industry, focused on network management and provider recruitment, at various organizations.
Phillips is a graduate of St. Petersburg College and a resident of Middle Tennessee.
Zach Adkins, D.D.S.
Dr. Zach Adkins, a dentist who has committed much of his career to education and caring for underserved populations, serves as Chief Dental Officer for Renaissance’s TennCare dental program. He oversees implementation of dental services through Renaissance’s management of the TennCare dental program for the State of Tennessee.
Adkins comes from an acclaimed nonprofit Interfaith Dental, where he served as Clinic Director, leading a team consisting of residents, volunteers and medical students to provide quality dental care to the working poor and medically underserved residents of Nashville.
With more than a decade of experience as a working dentist, Adkins has also taught dentistry and oral surgery at New York University and Vanderbilt University. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a Doctor of Dental Surgery, both from the University of Tennessee.
Leon Roberts II
Leon Roberts II is a Registered Dental Hygienist who graduated from Tennessee State University (TSU). After gaining clinical experience, he returned to TSU as a faculty member, later becoming Coordinator of Clinics, where he enhanced the dental hygiene clinic, coordinated community screenings, and established off-campus rotation sites. He then joined DentaQuest as Tennessee Outreach Coordinator, overseeing statewide dental outreach and promoting access to care for underserved populations through education and 300+ outreach events. He later served as Dental Support Center Director for United South and Eastern Tribes Inc., collaborating with Native organizations to improve oral health for 33 Federally Recognized Tribal Nations.
Currently, Leon is the Dental Case Management Director, leading programs to improve dental care outcomes for TennCare enrollees. He is also a Core Member of the Native Oral Health Network and serves on the Dental Advisory Board for South College. His mission is to improve oral health for all. For inquiries or to schedule a meeting, contact lroberts3@renaissancefamily.com
To seek job openings, please email resumes: hiringtn@renaissancefamily.com
For more information on Renaissance in Tennessee, visit: https://renaissancebenefits.com/tenncare/
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