With a background in socialized, public, and private practice, Dr. Keith Gressell's dental journey is unique. After graduating dental school, Dr. Gressell joined the US Army, where he was stationed as a dentist in Landstuhl, Germany. Following his service, Dr. Gressell obtained his German dental license and provided family dental care to expatriate and American patients before returning to private practice in San Antonio and Uvalde, Texas in 2017. The owner of Harbor Hill Dentistry and Airway Center since 2022, Dr. Gressell joined the Member Advisory Panel (MAP) in 2024 to cultivate an inside perspective on commercial dental benefits – which have only recently been a part of his dental career – and to share his knowledge and influence. Keep reading to learn what Dr. Gressell had to say about his MAP experience and why he encourages his peers to reach out to the MAP with their ideas, concerns, or feedback.
What inspired you to join the MAP?
I started my career practicing in the ultimate example of socialized medicine by serving in the US Army as a dental officer, and then working in private practice in Germany’s blend of private and public practice. My experience with private practice and insurance only began when my wife, kids, and I relocated to my wife’s hometown of Gig Harbor, WA and eventually established our practice. Even though I had been a practicing dentist for 14 years at the time, working with insurance was a relatively new experience for me, as I’d come from an environment of “if it needs to get done, it gets done” and was paid in full – either by the Army or a combination of Germany’s ‘insurance’ programs. I only really knew of Delta Dental as a company during my time working between concierge and community dentistry in Texas. So, when I saw the MAP nomination invitation, I decided the best way to understand it was to go inside. To “see how the sausage is made”, if you will. I had taken a similar approach in 2020 by joining the Board of Denturists and believe there are few better ways to get to know a process or system than sitting down at the table with leaders and experts.
I want to understand the who, what, and why are behind decisions and policies – and contribute to transparent conversations on what is and isn’t relevant for our times.
I was in the Army, so I know sometimes big institutions move slow, though we all must keep advancing in this tech and digital age. I want to contribute to that advancement.
What has it been like for you to engage with Delta Dental of Washington in this role, from benefits to challenges?
What’s positively surprised me is how receptive it was from the beginning. When I raised questions – or like had just ignorance to what I don’t know – I was always greeted with “Good question – let's get back to you.” And someone actually does get back to you. I thought I might get some flack as the “new guy”, but instead have felt respected for being selected to be a part of this. I’ve also been pleased that when you’re on the MAP you’re directly interacting with the CEO and other directors. There wasn’t a disconnect like I was expecting.
Something I’ve found challenging – though not necessarily negative and something I’d like to influence – is we need even more time to discuss issues and problem solve, as peers and alongside Delta Dental leadership. My goal is to be able to bring concerns, ideas, and questions from fellow dentists to the table, have productive discussions, and report back with decisions and actions.
What would you like to share with your network of peers on engaging with the MAP?
The one thing I would say is we need your communication to understand your problems and what you want addressed. I “can’t make bricks without clay” kind of thing, though I can be a direct contact between other dentists and DDWA leadership if you reach out to the MAP and me. That’s how we can create positive partnerships and change. The “squeaky wheel” does get the oil, and we often need a whole lot of squeaky wheels to understand problems and patterns and scale their impact.
If you could share any insight with a prospective MAP member, what would that be?
Leave all your preconceptions behind. I had a bunch – and that’s not what it’s been. I was expecting a lot of salesmanship, which it hasn’t been. It’s been more “we want you to be a resource to engage, not sell.” So, if you too want to “see how the proverbial sausage is made”, go in to learn and make decisions for yourself. It was ignorance that brought me there – and a desire to leave with more knowledge. Go in not just to help yourself, but to help the whole group. Like a government job, your goal is to improve a situation for everyone by utilizing your personal experiences and your connections.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
We’re all here to help everyone. If you want to learn more or want change, engage!
How to contact the MAP
Email: AskTheMAP@DeltaDentalWA.com
Text:
- Join DenTEXT by texting DENTIST to 56675.
- Next, text FEEDBACK
- Click the survey link
- Select ‘Ask the MAP’ for topic
- Share your ideas, questions, or feedback
