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October 16, 2025
Wade Rakes understands that oral health care impacts overall health outcomes. And he’s clear on the obstacles standing in the way of those outcomes.
“Access, access, access,” he says. “Expanding affordable and available access to oral health care is the game changer.”
Rakes has been focused on improving health care for nearly 20 years — first as a senior advisor to Ohio’s governor and later by helping build Centene from a small regional Medicaid-focused company into a national, multiline health organization serving more than 20 million members. Now, as the CEO of CareQuest Institute, he’ll lead an organization dedicated to transforming oral health access and outcomes for underserved populations across the US.
“Together, we will expand access, drive innovation, shape policy, and ensure that oral health is recognized as essential to overall health,” says Rakes.
What led Rakes to CareQuest Institute? What are his goals for his new organization? Whose words does he turn to for inspiration? The new CareQuest Institute CEO took some time out of his full fall travel schedule to answer eight questions about himself and his vision for the future.
What drew you to the mission of improving oral health?
Whether it was being the kid with braces and mouthguards well into my teen years, helping family members navigate tough choices like dentures and implants, or seeing the surge in emergency department dental visits as a health plan CEO, oral health has always been front and center in my life. It’s clear that access and quality in oral health are in crisis across America. Tackling that challenge is no small feat, but the potential to make a lasting, positive impact on people’s lives makes it a mission worth pursuing.
What’s one thing you’ve learned from past leadership roles that you’ll bring to this one?
Time is the one resource we can’t re-create. I’ve learned that when you’re addressing a real need, you have to move with urgency and purpose. That mindset will guide me here because the need is great, and the time is now.
What do you see as the biggest opportunity in oral health today? What one change would impact most people?
Access, access, access. Whether it’s advocating for coverage, investing in innovative care delivery models, or supporting our health professionals on the front lines, expanding affordable and available access to oral health care is the game changer. It’s the key to unlocking better outcomes for millions.
In which areas do you see CareQuest Institute making the largest impact in the next two years?
Medical-dental integration is a huge opportunity. More people see a doctor than a dentist each year. Imagine the possibilities if oral health were seamlessly woven into those visits. We’re uniquely positioned to lead that charge and make it a reality.
How will you define success for the organization — and for yourself — in the next two years?
Success will be measured by clear, measurable goals that we’ll set together for 2026 and 2027. And we won’t just set them: We’ll track them, talk about them, and celebrate progress together in our monthly all-hands meetings. Impact is the goal, and we’ll know we’re succeeding when we see it in the communities we serve.
What is one thing you’re passionate about outside of work?
Travel! I love exploring new places, cultures, and perspectives. It’s a great way to recharge and stay curious.
Are you willing to share something most people don’t know about you?
At 14, I became an Eagle Scout. One of the most meaningful parts of that journey was having my late father as my Assistant Scoutmaster. He didn’t have any scouting experience, but he saw a need and stepped up to help guide dozens of young men — including me. That spirit of service and showing up for others has stuck with me ever since.
Can you share one piece of advice or a famous quote that you turn to often for inspiration?
“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” — Jackie Robinson. This quote reminds me why we do what we do. It’s about making a difference, one life at a time.