Acquisition propels insurer’s strategic growth plans
Media Contact: Barbara M. Fornasiero; EAFocus Communications; 248.260.8466; barbara@eafocus.com Dawn Dorsch; DENCAP; 586.945.1528; ddorsch@dencap.com
Detroit —January 25, 2023—DENCAP Dental Plans, a Detroit-based provider of dental insurance coverage plans for groups and individuals and Michigan’s largest Dental Maintenance Organization (DMO), announced the purchase, effective January 1, 2023, of Warren-based Golden Dental Plans for an undisclosed price. The announcement was made by DENCAP President and owner Joseph T. Lentine, Jr.
With the addition of Golden Dental Plans, DENCAP has over 50 employees and expands its provider network to more than 150 dental offices serving Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties and other targeted areas throughout Michigan. The company uses a managed care approach, paying its providers on a set fee, per patient/per month capitation basis. Golden Dental Plans, with a nearly 40-year history, was focused primarily on union group plans, a sector where DENCAP had limited scope but now plans to grow further using its new union base as a springboard.
“Dental care is a critical component of overall health and wellness, and our mission has always been to provide dental insurance products that keep our members’ smiles healthy at an affordable price,” Lentine said. “With our expanded DENCAP network, we can offer an even more compelling solution for unions, employers, groups, families and individuals seeking access to comprehensive, quality dental care.”
DENCAP has deep roots in Detroit. It was founded in 1984 by Joe Lentine, Sr., with a mission to bring affordable dental care to city residents. Currently a board member, Lentine Sr. transitioned the business to his son, Joseph T. Lentine Jr., a former General Motors executive, in 2009. Its customer base includes multiple municipalities and governmental units, including the City of Detroit, City VEBA and Wayne County Retirees, as well as a variety of small and medium-sized businesses and individuals.
Following the Golden Dental Plan purchase, a number of additional municipalities came on board, including the City of Warren, Macomb County, Redford and River Rouge Township, as well as union groups including millwrights and carpenters, trowel trades, roofers, plumbers and postal workers. DENCAP also provides services to the State of Michigan’s Medicaid and Healthy Michigan programs and the Healthcare.gov Marketplace. With the acquisition, DENCAP’s overall enrollment tops more than 200,000 members.
DENCAP is a member of the National Association of Dental Plans, the Michigan Association of Health Plans and the Metro Detroit Association of Health Underwriters. The company provides streamlined electronic payment services and a live and easy-to-reach customer service center based in its Detroit office.
DENCAP is actively engaged in the community and started a nonprofit organization with Detroit Kiwanis Club #1 called Books for Kids in 2001 with the belief that reading is the key to a meaningful future. The nonprofit collects over-runs from publishers and new book donations and distributes them to school-age children throughout Detroit. To date, more than two million books have been donated to metro-Detroit children through Books for Kids.
About DENCAP Dental Plans
Founded in Detroit in 1984 with a mission to provide dental coverage for all, DENCAP is a licensed insurance business with the State of Michigan and offers affordable and comprehensive Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) and Point of Service (POS) plan options for groups, families and individuals. Working with State of Michigan sponsored health plans, DENCAP also services the Healthy Michigan Medicaid population as well as the national Healthcare.gov Marketplace.
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