Dr. Kevin Walker
Bio: Dr. Kevin Walker is a dedicated orthodontist with a mission to deliver compassionate, personalized care that transforms lives. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Howard University before completing three residencies at New York University Langone Hospital. Dr. Walker is the only double-specialized orthodontist in southern New Jersey in both Orthodontics and Orofacial pain/TMJ treatment.
Dr. Walker created Bright Star Orthodontics in 2022 with a deep passion for community. Dr. Walker is committed to giving back by educating children and making a positive impact on those around him. His approach to patient care is rooted in warmth, integrity, and a sincere desire to help individuals achieve healthy, confident smiles. Dr. Walker goes beyond improving smiles—he uplifts spirits, ensuring every patient feels heard, valued, and genuinely cared for.
When he's not at the office, Dr. Walker enjoys spending time with his wife, Jamie, and their two children. He also loves playing golf, squash, and tennis, and has competed in multiple marathons and IRONMAN competitions.
Whether in his professional practice or personal life, Dr. Walker’s dedication to excellence and service shines through, making a lasting difference in the lives of those he serves.
Quote: "My practice exemplifies the heart of Horizon’s mission by delivering compassionate, personalized orthodontic care that transforms lives. With every patient interaction, I bring warmth, integrity, and a deep commitment to helping individuals achieve confident, healthy smiles. My approach aligns beautifully with Horizon’s vision of promoting wellness through excellence and empathy. I not only enhance smiles, but also uplift spirits, ensuring each patient feels heard, valued, and genuinely cared for. My dedication to the highest standards of care reflects Horizon’s promise to support every journey with kindness, professionalism, and a true passion for improving quality of life through health. I accomplish this by teaching them oral hygiene and a confident smile is about the overall health of the body/mind and not just 'clean teeth.'"
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A brand new policy that offers affordable Medicare Advantage plans with access to the Horizon Hospital Network and the Horizon Managed Care Network. Includes dental health benefits.
Horizon NJ Health Provider Newsletter
Professional Relations Representatives
Bonita Haines
NJ: Atlantic, Burlington, Bergen, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Salem, Hudson, Hunterdon, Warren
PA: Bucks, Delaware, Monroe, Northampton, Philadelphia, Pike
NY: Kings, Rockland
Phone: 1-973-953-9047
Email: bonita_haines@horizonblue.com
Virginia Rego
NJ: Essex, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union
NY: Bronx, New York, Orange, Richmond, Westchester
Phone: 1-973-941-2384
Horizon NJ Health Provider Field Representatives
Grace Marchese
Counties: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Salem
Phone: 262-946-4566
Email: grace.marchese@skygenusa.com
Tiffany Underwood
Counties: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, Warren
Phone: 973-699-7736
Meet Our Dental Directors
Commercial
Dr. Joan Monaco
Horizon NJ Health
Dr. Sam Wakim
Dr. Monaco's Bio
Joan Monaco, DMD, a student of Farleigh Dickenson University Dental School from 1987 – 1990, transferred to and graduated from UMDNJ – NJDS in 1991. Dr. Monaco was in private practice full-time and worked part time with the largest major insurance carrier before becoming full-time in-house in 2007. She left both private practice and the insurance industry to establish her own consulting firm until 2015 when she joined the NJDA as Director of Dental Benefits. Dr. Monaco currently oversees all dental operations for Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey as the Director of Dental Operations under the Commercial Business Unit’s EXPAND line of business.
Dr. Wakim's Bio
Dr. Sam Wakim is the Dental Director for the Government Programs Division of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. He is a graduate of University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and earned a master’s degree in Dental Public Health from UMDNJ – School of Public Health. He is a staunch advocate for access to preventive services including sealants and fluoride to prevent dental decay and HPV vaccines to prevent oropharyngeal cancer in underserved communities. Prior to joining Horizon, Dr. Wakim served as Zufall Health Center’s Chief Dental Officer for 13 years. In addition to overseeing the dental department, Dr. Wakim established numerous initiatives addressing comprehensive health care needs. These included school-based education and screening programs, a dental residency program, on-the-job training initiatives, continuing education classes and integrated programs with the medical department. Before joining Zufall, he ran the school-based dental program at the Paterson Community Health Center and was the Dental Director for UMDNJ’s University Dental Center in Newton. He was named a Top Dentist by New Jersey Monthly Magazine, was recognized by the New Jersey Dental Association with the “Give Kids A Smile Pioneer Award,” and was designated a “Real Doc Hollywood” by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health.
Products are provided by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and Horizon Insurance Company. Each company is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. The Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. The Horizon® name and symbols are registered marks of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. Communications may be issued by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey in its capacity as administrator of programs and provider relations for all its companies.
