Member Profile Series

She’s been a pharmacist, an MD and a dentist. Now she uses ‘all of it’ as a dental consultant with the state of California

Dr. Margaret Mary Delmore discusses why she gave up her private dental practice of over 25 years to accept a dental consultant position with the California Department of Health Care Services.

October 15, 2026 |Medi-Cal/Denti-Cal, Member Profile Series

For this California dentist, dropping dental plans was necessary for practice’s long-term sustainability

Dr. Jennifer Chiang discusses her path from associate dentist to practice owner in California and why she chose exit all dental plan contracts to sustain her practice.

September 3, 2026 |Dental Benefit Plans, Member Profile Series

A Balancing Act: California dentist shares strengths, challenges and rewards of FQHC practice

Abhi Thakkar, DDS, discusses his unexpected career path into public health dentistry in California and the challenges and many rewards of directing and working in an FQHC.

July 15, 2026 |Leadership and Practice Ownership, Member Profile Series

The multi-practice model: Two California dentists credit resiliency, risk-taking and comprehensive business skills for success

Drs. Matthew and Stephanie Sandretti share how they navigated career stages, purchased and manage four practices and reserve time for wellness, family and personal interests.

June 25, 2026 |Member Profile Series, Practice Management

Blindsided: Practice owner details the pitfalls of dental plan leased networks 

Dr. Zeynep Barakat details how unknowingly contracting with leased networks led to incorrect fees, delayed care and patient frustrations.

May 28, 2026 |Billing, Contracts and Fees, Dental Benefit Plans, Member Profile Series, News Articles, Practice Management

House calls and a custom-built brick-and-mortar: One California dentist’s uncommon path to practice ownership

A dentist in Los Angeles County discusses how he built his combined practice model to best serve members of his community. He covers lessons learned, Medi-Cal reimbursements and the rewards or providing care under this model.

April 9, 2026 |Leadership and Practice Ownership, Member Profile Series

California dentist rises to the challenge of being a new practice owner while out of network with Delta Dental

A California dentist successfully transitions out of network with Delta Dental while navigating his new role as practice owner. Read about his journey.

March 12, 2026 |Billing, Contracts and Fees, Delta Dental, Leadership and Practice Ownership, Member Profile Series

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