Harris named head of California Association of Dental Plans (CADP)

PacifiCare Dental & Vision (PDV), a dental and vision benefits company for employers and plan sponsors in the West, announced today that Lee J. Harris, D.D.S., vice president and chief dental officer, has been elected president of the California Association of Dental Plans (CADP) for the new term from May 2001 through May 2003.

The CADP is an association of the state�s Knox-Keene licensed managed care dental plans that promote, through education and collective action, the mutual interests of the industry. According to the association, the CADP's mission is, "to provide leadership in the dental benefits industry and promote quality dental care." Currently, there are 33 member plans of the CADP in California serving more than 13 million enrollees.

Harris has been with PacifiCare Dental & Vision since 1994 and currently oversees quality improvement, compliance, and government relations as the company�s chief dental officer. He has been actively involved with the CADP for more than eight years. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Dental Plans (NADP) and is the vice-chair of NADP�s Government Relations Commission. Prior to his election as CADP president, he served as secretary/treasurer.

"I believe that the CADP plays an important role in helping improve the quality of dental plans and fostering collaborative relationships with the Department of Managed Health Care and other industry organizations," said Harris. "CADP member plans strive to assure that the citizens of the State of California are offered expanded access to quality and affordable dental care. I�m honored to have the opportunity to represent this organization in California and look forward to serving the needs of CADP�s member plans and constituents."