Dental
You and your dependents may be eligible for state-sponsored dental insurance, available from one of several dental plans. Eligible employees may enroll in a dental plan within the first 60 days of employment. Eligible employees may also enroll or make changes to their dental plan during the annual Open Enrollment period.
Your collective bargaining designation determines which plans are available to you. The state pays all or part of your premium, depending on the plan you select and the number of dependents you wish to cover.
You can find more information about benefit plan options, including new features, enhancements, and costs, in the Virtual Library – Dental Bookshelf.
What’s New for 2027: MetLife PPO Dental plans are new this year. You can now choose between Delta Dental and MetLife for your PPO coverage. Both carriers offer the same plan types with similar benefits. The main difference is which dentists are in each network. Choose the carrier whose dentists you prefer.
Important Update: Western Dental and Premier Access DHMO Plans Are Ending and New MetLife PPO Dental Plans are Available for 2027.
If you are enrolled in a Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) (Prepaid) dental plan administered by Western Dental or Premier Access Dental, your plan will end at the close of the 2026 calendar year.
Key Dates
- Now through December 31, 2026: Your current Western Dental or Premier Access coverage will continue to remain active with no changes.
- September 14 – October 9, 2026 (Open Enrollment): Choose your new dental plan for 2027 during Open Enrollment.
- If you have not completed 24 months in state service, please select from the available prepaid dental plans being offered.
- December 31, 2026: Western Dental and Premier Access DHMO plans end.
- Employees in Western Dental or Premier Access DHMO plans who do not choose a new plan will be enrolled in the MetLife Select DHMO plan as the default.
New Plan Options
Beginning in 2027, employees will have access to DHMO (prepaid) plan options through:
- MetLife
- Delta Dental
These updated options are designed to provide comprehensive dental coverage and strong provider networks.
In addition, you can now choose between Delta Dental and MetLife for your PPO coverage. Both carriers offer the same plan types with similar benefits. The main difference is which dentists are in each network. Choose the carrier whose dentists you prefer.
What This Means for You
If you are currently enrolled in a Western Dental or Premier Access DHMO (prepaid) plan:
- Your coverage will remain active through December 31, 2026.
- You will need to select a new dental plan based on your eligibility during Open Enrollment prior to January 1, 2027.
- Please contact your department’s personnel office for further assistance and additional information.
Open Enrollment Resources
Virtual Library – Dental Bookshelf
2026 Dental Plan Premiums
Dental COBRA
Current 2026 Dental Plans
These plans remain active through December 31, 2026, for employees currently enrolled. They are provided for reference purposes only and are not available for 2027 enrollment unless otherwise noted above.
Prepaid Plans
A prepaid plan requires you and your eligible dependents to use a dentist from a specific list of dentists who are located in California and who contract with your selected prepaid carrier. For more information or a list of member dentists, contact the plans at:
DeltaCare USA
(800) 422-4234
www.deltadentalins.com/state
MetLife (Benefits provided by SafeGuard Health Plans, Inc., a MetLife company)
(800) 880-1800
www.metlife.com/safeguard/soc
Premier Access
(888) 534-DHMO (888-534-3466)
www.socdhmo.com
Western Dental
(866) 859-7525
www.westerndental.com/state-of-ca
Indemnity Option
An indemnity plan allows enrollees to select a dentist of their choice throughout the United States and worldwide without using a provider network. For more information, please contact:
Delta Dental
(800) 225-3368
www.deltadentalins.com/state/
Preferred Provider Option
The state-sponsored Delta Dental Preferred Provider Option (PPO) plan provides services through its network of participating dentists and allows you to see any dentist of your choice world-wide and still be covered. For more information, please contact:
Delta Dental
(800) 225-3368
www.deltadentalins.com/state/
2027 Dental Plans Available During Open Enrollment
These dental plans are available for enrollment during Open Enrollment and will be effective January 1, 2027. Some plans may have updated names for 2027. Please review plan details carefully before making your selection.
DHMO Plans
Add DHMO Plan Details Here.
Indemnity Option
Indemnity Plans
Preferred Provider Option
Add PPO Plan Details here.
Finding the Right Coverage Level
Your dental plan options depend on your bargaining unit, employee classification, and length of state service. Check with your departmental personnel officer to confirm your eligibility. Before you enroll, confirm whether your dentist is in the plan’s network.
Review the table below to explore all available dental plans for state employees, including plan names and a general guide to help you understand which option may be a good fit for your needs.
| 2027 Delta Dental Plans (with new plan names) | 2027 MetLife Plans | Good fit if you.. |
|---|---|---|
| DHMO | Select DHMO | Want lower predictable costs, mostly need routine care, are comfortable using network dentists only and don’t need out of state coverage |
| PPO Standard | PPO Access | Mostly need preventive care like exams and cleanings, don’t expect major dental work and want a lower payroll deduction |
| PPO Essential | PPO Core | Want a balance between monthly cost and coverage, expect occasional dental work like fillings or crowns and want lower out-of-pocket costs than entry-level PPO plans |
| PPO Premium | PPO Plus | Expect major dental work, want the richest coverage available and prefer lower out-of-pocket costs when you need care |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if my dentist participates in the plan’s network?
Before you enroll, check whether your dentist is in the plan’s network using the urls listed below:
- www.metlife.com/safeguard/soc
- http://www.deltadentalins.com/state
How do I decide whether a DHMO or PPO plan is right for me?
DHMO plans are usually the lower-cost option and work best if you’re comfortable choosing a dentist from the plan’s network. DHMO plans can only be utilized within California.
Employees enrolled in a PPO dental plan have the flexibility to seek services from both in-network and out-of-network dental providers nationwide and internationally. PPO plans allow you to visit almost any licensed dentist, though you will typically save more money when using in-network providers.
What is an indemnity dental plan and how does it work?
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Where can I find coverage details for each dental plan?
You can find detailed coverage information for each dental plan in the Virtual Library. Refer to the Dental Handbook and Benefits Summary Guide for plan-specific coverage details, covered services and cost information.
What are the dental premiums for 2027?
You can find dental premiums here.
What happens if my dentist leaves the Delta Dental network?
You still have options. Please read this guide and visit the Delta Dental website for answers to common questions about out-of-network care.
Delta Dental network updates in California:
The Delta Dental provider network in California has stayed about the same from 2024 to 2025, with a small increase in the total number of dentists. There were 30,036 dentists across California in December 2024, and that number rose slightly to 30,121 by August 2025.
Fewer dentists are leaving the network. In December 2024, 329 dentists left, but by August 2025, only 215 had left. This means that less than 1% of the dentists used by State of California members were impacted, a decrease from last year.
Delta Dental has also added 1,019 new dentists to the California network so far in 2025. In all of 2024, 1,405 new dentists were added. At the current rate, 2025 is expected to meet or slightly beat last year’s numbers. Overall, the number of new dentists joining the network in California is higher than the number leaving, so the network continues to grow heading into 2026.
Does my dental plan cover routine cleanings?
Our plans cover two free cleanings per year. Preventive care does not count toward your maximum, so your benefits go further.
