Quotation: “KinderSmile Foundation's mission and vision is to provide underserved children, families and perinatal mothers with access to comprehensive care and educate them on the importance of oral hygiene. We focus on education, intervention and prevention and envision a future where every child has access to a dentist, and preventable disease is eradicated. We strongly believe in providing access to oral health care for all in order to see-long-term, positive outcomes. Working with Horizon allows us to become a more impactful partner in the underserved communities to achieve our goals and outcomes. We are grateful for our participation with Horizon.

Bio: Dr. Nicole McGrath earned her dental degree from the University of Maryland and completed her residency program at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark, N.J. In 2010, she successfully completed the Leadership Program offered by the American Dental Association, Institute for Diversity in Leadership, in partnership with Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management. In 2017, Dr. McGrath was recognized for her exceptional leadership and service and was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Dentists—the oldest national honorary organization for dentists—an elite honor achieved by only 3.5% of dentists in the United States. In 2022, she was named Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Champion in the state of New Jersey by the American Dental Association. In 2024, she was selected by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Foundation to receive the Dr. Beverly A. Largent Access to Care Innovator Award. Among a long list of distinctions, in 2024 Dr. McGrath became an award-winning producer of KinderSmile Foundation’s film, Toothache: The Painful Truth About Oral Health Care Inequity, which was named the Best Home Grown Documentary Feature at the Garden State Film Festival and the Best Medical Documentary Feature at the Global Nonviolent Film Festival.

With her continued drive and infectious passion, Dr. McGrath continues to be an oral health champion and leader, going to great lengths for each and every child, perinatal mother, student or staff member.

Quotation: “Oral health equity is extremely important to me. Providing essential dental care to the communities I serve through education and awareness is my mission. Access to care and providing a dental home to our patients is our priority. Our participation with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey provides the opportunity to impact oral health care by focusing on prevention and quality care for all.”

Bio: Dr. Tonya X. Cook joined the Federally Qualified Health Centers as a staff dentist at the Plainfield Health Center in Plainfield, N.J. in 2000. In 2006, she joined the Jewish Renaissance Medical Center in Perth Amboy, N.J., as a chief dental officer, where she managed an 11-chair Dental Department, two mobile dental units, and dental services at seven school-based medical/dental health centers in the Newark Public School System. In 2016, she joined CAMcare Health Corporation as Vice President/Chief Dental Officer/Chief Clinical Officer in Camden, New Jersey. She served as the dental representative for the New Jersey Primary Care Association Board of Directors; she is a committee member of the New Jersey Oral Health Coalition-New Jersey Dental Association, a member of the American Dental Association, a committee member of the Dental Advisory Council-New Jersey Family Care and a past member of the National Association of Community Health Centers Quality Improvement Advisory Board-co-chair.

Dr. Cook graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and received her master’s in public health from Rutgers University. She is the owner of a private office in Newark, New Jersey, Clinton Hill Dental. Her office opened its door over 50 years ago. They have patients that started coming to them as kids, who now bring their grandkids for dental treatment.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Dr. Cook has been a member of the East Orange YMCA Board of Managers for the last 20 years. She is also a board member of the East Orange Department of Health in East Orange, New Jersey

Quotation: "Our goal is to help each patient become disease free through individualized treatment, preventive care and education. I believe Horizon and our office have similar goals—to improve the lives of the patients we serve. Horizon is always open to discuss issues of concern.”

Bio: Dr. Sid Whitman is a pediatric dentist practicing in Hamilton Square, N.J. Dr. Whitman is a graduate of Rutgers University, NYU College of Dentistry and the Temple University Pediatric Dentistry Program. He also completed a General Practice Residency at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center where he is the Director of Pediatric Dentistry and Chairman of the Residency Selection Committee. He is also on staff at Robert Wood Johnson, Hamilton. Dr. Whitman is a Fellow of both the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists. He is the chairman of the NJ Oral Health Coalition, chairman of the NJDA Committee on Medicaid, former president of Dental Lifeline Network and the former managing partner for a large multi-specialty practice. Dr. Whitman lectures throughout the country on behalf of the American Dental Association.

Quotation: “At our dental practice, we believe that every smile tells a story. Our mission is to empower our patients through personalized care and education, ensuring they achieve their best oral health and confidence for a brighter future. We are proud to partner with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, making quality dental care accessible to all and supporting our community’s wellness journey.”

Bio:  Dr. Maneesh Julka is a dedicated dental professional who earned his Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from KLE Dental College in India before migrating to the United States, where he graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from New York University. Later on, he pursued and received his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Temple University. Dr. Julka is the owner of Perfect Smiles Dentistry where his wife, Rashmi Julka, expertly manages the office staff and patient needs. Together, they are proud parents of two children, Jai Julka and Jasmine Julka.

For several years, Perfect Smiles Dentistry has been a pillar of dental care in the community, expanding to a second location after the surge in patient demand from the first practice. Dr. Julka offers a comprehensive range of oral treatments, including preventive care, restorative procedures, root canals, and oral surgery, all designed to promote optimal oral health for his patients.

As a second-generation dentist, Dr. Julka carries forward a family legacy rooted in a commitment to excellence in dental care. This heritage inspires him to deliver the highest quality of service while building lasting relationships with his patients, ensuring they feel valued and cared for at every visit.

Quotation: “Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey was our choice due to their unwavering focus on quality patient care and exceptional support. Their broad network and innovative solutions align with our goal of delivering superior, accessible services. Horizon’s reliable coverage and responsive customer service allow us to concentrate on achieving the best results for our patients, ensuring they receive seamless and effective care. This partnership greatly enhances our practice’s ability to make a positive impact in the community.”

Bio: Dr. Brian Krost is a graduate of Rutgers University and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He completed an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Fellowship at University Hospital, Newark, New Jersey, and a four-year residency program in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Nassau County Medical Center in Long Island.

Affiliated with Monmouth Medical Center, Dr. Krost practices a full range of oral and maxillofacial surgery with particular interest in the management of facial pain (TMD) treatment, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, laser surgery and dental implants.

His professional affiliations include the American Dental Association, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, New Jersey Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the Monmouth-Ocean Dental Society.

Dr. Krost is married to Gayle Elbaum Krost, an Endodontist practicing in Ocean Township, Freehold and Middletown. The couple has four children: Daniel, Jacqueline, Sammy and Sarah. Daniel joined his father and Uncle, Dr. Jeffrey Elbaum, as a third generation oral and maxillofacial surgeon last year in 2023.

Quotation: “We chose Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey because of their commitment to comprehensive patient care and exceptional customer service. Their robust network and innovative solutions align with our practice's dedication to providing high-quality, accessible care. Horizon's support and reliable coverage options help us focus on delivering the best possible outcomes for our patients, ensuring that they receive the care they need without additional stress. It’s a partnership that enhances our ability to serve the community effectively.”

Bio: At the Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we pride ourselves on a commitment to patient care and satisfaction. Few people exemplify this commitment more than Dr. Jeffrey C. Elbaum. Dr. Elbaum joined his father at the practice in 1995. Since then, he has spent nearly 28 years caring for the local community and their dental needs. If there is one thing to know about Dr. Jeffery Elbaum, it is that he is passionate about patients receiving first-rate care at Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.

After receiving his undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Elbaum studied at the New York University College of Dentistry. He then completed a four-year oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Montefiore Medical Center in New York.

In addition to his time at the Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Elbaum also serves on the staff of Monmouth Medical Center. Throughout his career, he has performed a complete spectrum of oral and maxillofacial surgeries, specializing in dentoalveolar surgery and implant reconstruction.

When not tending to his patients, Dr. Elbaum enjoys spending time with his wife and four children: Samuel, Danielle, Morris and Karen. He is also a proud grandparent to two grandchildren. Dr. Elbaum likes to travel, play golf, and appreciate the arts in his free time.