Dental Network of America acquires DenteMax

Jun 30, 2009

Dental Network of America (DNoA) has completed its acquisition of DenteMax, an independent subsidiary of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM), the companies announced. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The 84 DenteMax employees will retain employment as part of the sale. The majority will retain employment under the DNoA ownership; the balance will transfer to BCBSM.

DenteMax, headquartered in Southfield, MI, owns one of the nation's largest independent dental preferred provider organization (PPO) networks, with more than 91,000 dentist access points serving more than 5 million members nationwide. In addition, DenteMax leases its network to nearly 200 benefit payers.

DNoA, headquartered in Oakbrook Terrace, IL, provides administrative support to more than 19,000 employer groups and 2.6 million dental members nationally. DNoA acts as the claims and network administrator for all Health Care Service Blue Cross Blue Shield plans.

Following the merger, BCBSM's 1.3 million Blue Dental members will continue to utilize the DenteMax network with no disruption to their dental network or coverage, according to the company. In addition, there will be no disruption to the DenteMax providers, and they should continue to submit claims as they do today.

DNoA has been a long-time customer of DenteMax, leasing its dental network. Combined with DNoA's other strategic relationships, DNoA will continue to offer its members access to the largest dental PPO network in terms of access points.

DenteMax began operations in 1985. It was purchased by BCBSM in 2002 and operates as an independent subsidiary. The DenteMax offices will remain in its current building in Southfield, MI, and continue to operate under the DenteMax name.