Dental plan FAQs
Who can enroll in a Delta Dental plan?
You must be an Oregon resident or live in the service area in Alaska at least six months out of the calendar year to be eligible.
Who else can enroll with me?
Eligible members include you, your legal spouse or domestic partner (registered in Oregon) and any children up to age 25.
When can I enroll in a Delta Dental plan?
You can enroll in a Delta Dental plan with us throughout the year.
If I cancel my Delta Dental coverage, when can I re-enroll?
If you cancel your Delta Dental plan with us, you’ll have to wait 12 months after the termination date to re-enroll in another dental plan with us.
Does it matter which dentist I see?
Yes. You’ll save money by seeing a dentist that’s in your plan's network.
How do I confirm that my dentist is in-network?
Delta Dental has a large number of dentists in our networks in Alaska and Oregon, so it's likely that your dentist may be in one of our networks. You can look up your dentist and confirm when you review the available plans while shopping. We also offer the Willamette Dental Network in Oregon, with nearly 50 connected locations across the Pacific Northwest
Can I switch to a different plan at any time?
If you are a current Delta Dental member, you can change your dental coverage during the Open Enrollment period. If you have a qualifying event, like marriage or adoption, you may be able to apply for Special Enrollment outside of the Open Enrollment period.
How soon can I use my dental benefits?
Delta Dental encourages prevention. Preventive services like cleanings, X-rays and exams are covered from day one.
Some benefits show a “exclusion period.” What does that mean?
Some services may not be covered right away and require an exclusion period for members age 19 and older who have not had continuous dental coverage or enrolled in a non-certified dental plan regardless of age. For PPO plans, exclusion periods also apply to members under age 19 when getting out-of-network dental care. This means that those services will only be covered after you have had your Delta Dental plan with us for typically either six or 12 months. If you had previously been covered by another dental plan for 12 months — with no more than a 90-day break in coverage from the end of your old policy until the effective date of your 2025 Delta Dental policy — this exclusion period may be waived. You can find the specific services that require an exclusion period on the dental plan details page(s).
Do your Delta Dental plans cover orthodontia?
Only in certain cases. Orthodontia is covered for members under age 19 for treatment of cleft palate in Oregon and for medically necessary treatment in Alaska.
Orthodontia is covered for all members following a 12-month waiting period on the Willamette EPO plan offered in Oregon.
Do your Delta Dental plans cover implants?
No. Our plans in Oregon and Alaska do not cover dental implants except some Alaska plans cover dental implants for members under age 19 when dentally necessary.
When will my dental plan become effective?
See the dates for Open Enrollment.
Can I be enrolled in a group plan and an Individual dental plan at the same time?
Yes, you can be covered by two dental plans. This is called “dual coverage.” It doesn’t double your coverage, although it may reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Delta Dental works with the other insurance company to coordinate your benefits.
What if I have a dental emergency and I'm out of town?
Each Delta Dental plan comes with a Delta Dental nationwide network. It includes quality dentists across the state and the country. You’ll save on out-of-pocket costs if you see a dentist that’s in the network.
If enrolled in the Willamette EPO plan offered in Oregon, you will be reimbursed up to $100 minus any applicable copays when 50 miles or more from any Willamette Dental office.
Does the Willamette EPO plan cover more than preventive dental care?
Yes. The plan has no annual maximums. It covers all the dental work you need, when you need it, throughout the plan year.
Does the Willamette EPO plan cover braces for me and my kids?
The Willamette Dental plan is our only Delta Dental plan that covers orthodontic treatment for both kids and adults. Everyone’s covered for braces and more, no matter your age.
What happens if I visit a different dentist in the Willamette Dental network?
Every Willamette Dental dentist in the network is connected and follows the same philosophy of care. This way, whatever dentist or location you choose, you don’t have to fill out new forms or answer extra questions. It’s easy and familiar every time.