Employee Dental Benefits
Dental benefits for state employees: Open Enrollment September 14–October 9, 2026 (coverage effective January 1, 2027)
Starting January 1, 2027, employees will have more dental choices to help you live well. Eight plan options will provide more ways to find affordable care, keep the dentist you trust and get the treatments your family needs. Review plan options and enroll during Open Enrollment, September 14 – October 9, 2026, for coverage effective January 1, 2027.
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At a glance
- Active state employees and their eligible dependents may be eligible to enroll in state-sponsored dental insurance.
- Open Enrollment is September 14 – October 9, 2026. Coverage for plans selected during Open Enrollment begins January 1, 2027.
New for 2027
Plan options overview
Beginning January 1, 2027, eight dental plan options will be available across two carriers: six PPO plans (Delta Dental and MetLife) and two prepaid DHMO plans (Delta Dental and MetLife).
- Expanded choice: The number of PPO options has doubled with the addition of MetLife, giving more plan choices and more opportunities to match coverage to your needs.
- Better access: Additional provider networks and more in‑network options increase the chances of keeping your dentist and lowering out‑of‑pocket costs.
- Enhanced benefits: Some plans include improved benefits (like implant coverage and advanced imaging) to support comprehensive care.
- More plan choices mean more options to match coverage to your budget and care needs so you and your family can focus on health, not worry about cost.
Plans ending December 31, 2026 – What to do
- DHMO (prepaid) plans administered by Western Dental, Premier Access and MetLife Enhanced end December 31, 2026. Current coverage under these plans remains active through December 31, 2026.
- During Open Enrollment (September 14 – October 9, 2026), choose a 2027 plan. If you do not choose a plan by October 9, 2026:
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- Employees currently in a DHMO (prepaid) plan will be auto enrolled into MetLife Select DHMO.
- Employees currently in a Delta Dental PPO plan will continue their enrollment (see new plan names below).
Which plan is right for me?
An employee’s collective bargaining designation, classification and/or qualifying months of state service determine which plans are available.
|
2027 Delta Dental Plans |
2027 MetLife Plans |
Good fit if you… |
|
DeltaCare USA DHMO |
Select DHMO (Formerly MetLife Enhanced, MetLife Standard) |
Want lower predictable costs, mostly need routine care, are comfortable using network dentists only and don’t need out-of-state coverage |
|
PPO Standard (Formerly “Delta Dental PPO”) |
PPO Access |
Mostly need preventive care like exams and cleanings, don’t expect major dental work and want a lower payroll deduction |
|
PPO Essential* (Formerly “Delta Dental PPO Plus Premier Basic”) |
PPO Core |
Want a balance between monthly cost and coverage, expect occasional dental work |
|
PPO Premium* (Formerly “Delta Dental PPO Plus Premier Enhanced”) |
PPO Plus |
Expect major dental work, want the richest coverage available and prefer lower out-of-pocket costs when you need care |
DHMO (Prepaid) quick facts
- Must use an in-network dentist listed by the plan (DHMO networks are California-based).
- Premiums are covered by the state and more predictable costs.
- Good fit if you want lower payroll deductions and are comfortable using a network dentist.
PPO (Preferred Provider) quick facts
- In-network dentists provide the best savings; out-of-network care is available at higher cost.
- Balances flexibility and cost.
- Good fit if you want the option to see other dentists while saving in-network.
- Plans can be utilized nationwide.
*Indemnity quick facts
- No network required; you can see any dentist. However, you will save more if you see a PPO dentist.
- Offers maximum flexibility but often higher out-of-pocket costs for non-network care.
- Plans can be utilized nationwide. Good fit if you travel frequently or need to keep an out-of-network dentist.
How to enroll
Step 1: Review plans & networks
Compare benefits, costs and provider networks. Confirm whether your dentist is in the plan’s network before you enroll. Verify your eligibility to enroll in selected plan by contacting your departmental personnel office.
Step 2: Enroll during Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment runs September 14 – October 9, 2026. Enroll or make changes by submitting the STD 692 form to your departmental personnel office.
You can also make changes during a permitting event (for example: marriage, divorce, birth of a child, etc.). Contact your departmental personnel office to confirm whether your event qualifies.
Step 3: Use your benefits in 2027
Coverage for plans selected during Open Enrollment becomes effective January 1, 2027. Choose a dentist and schedule your twice-yearly dental cleanings.
If you do not enroll by October 9, 2026:
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- Delta Dental PPO enrollees will continue their enrollment for 2027 (see new plan names).
- DHMO enrollees will be auto-enrolled into MetLife Select DHMO.
Eligibility and effective dates
Who may enroll
Eligible employees and their dependents may enroll within the first 60 days of employment and during annual Open Enrollment. An employee’s collective bargaining designation, classification and/or qualifying months of state service determine which plans are available.
Eligible represented employees in Bargaining Units 1 through 21 (except Bargaining Units 2, 7, 8, 16, 17, 18, 19 and excluded employees) who have fewer than 24 qualifying months of state service may enroll in a state‑sponsored prepaid (DHMO) dental plan. To enroll in a PPO plan, those employees must complete 24 qualifying months of state service without a permanent break during that period. After completing the 24‑month qualifying period, those employees have 60 days to enroll in an eligible PPO plan.
Contact your departmental personnel office with questions about bargaining‑unit eligibility or how qualifying months are calculated.
New hires, rehires and permitting events
New hires generally may enroll within their first 60 days. Rehire and permitting-event rules vary by situation. Contact your departmental personnel office for confirmation.
Coverage effective dates
Coverage selected during Open Enrollment is effective January 1, 2027. Contact your departmental personnel office for effective dates related to hire/rehire or permitting events.
Costs and premiums
Where to find premiums
Employer contribution varies by plan and number of dependents. Please refer to the Virtual Library Dental Bookshelf for more information on dental premiums for each plan. Premiums for 2026 are posted for reference; final 2027 rates will be posted once available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my dental plan at any time?
No. You can only change dental plans during the annual Open Enrollment or when you experience a permitting event. Your departmental personnel office can help you determine if you have a permitting event that qualifies for a dental plan change.
Can I cancel my dental benefits?
Yes, you may cancel your dental benefits at any time; however, you cannot re-enroll back into a dental plan until the next Open Enrollment unless you have a permitting event.
My spouse and I are both state employees. Can we cover each other on our state-sponsored dental plans?
No. Dual/split coverage is not allowed for state employees, this includes employees who are enrolled in union sponsored dental plans, retirees, and employees enrolled in CSU or UC sponsored dental plans. Please contact your departmental personnel office for more information.
My dependent child is going to turn 26 years old. Do I have to delete them from my dental benefits?
Yes, this is a mandatory deletion, and you must submit a completed Std.692 to your departmental personnel office requesting to delete the 26-year-old dependent as this deletion does not take place automatically. If your dependent is disabled, a disability certification (CalPERS HBD 34) is required to ensure disabled dependent remains covered in your dental benefits. Please submit the completed HBD 34 to your departmental personnel office before your dependent turns 26 to prevent any lapse in dental coverage.
How do I delete my child once they turn 26 years old?
The deletion of your 26-year-old dependent is not automatic. You must inform your department’s personnel office and submit a completed Dental Plan Enrollment Authorization Form (STD.692) within 60 days of the event taking place for your dental deductions to be updated.
I’m retiring soon. Do my dental benefits carry over automatically into retirement?
No, you must submit a Dental Enrollment Authorization Form (Std. 692) to your departmental personnel office along with your retirement package within 120 days of your retirement separation.
Once I’ve selected a dental plan, may I change dental plans if my dentist cancels their contract with the dental carrier?
No. You may only change dental plans outside the annual Open Enrollment period if you experience a permitting event. For example, if you move to an area where your dental plan is more than 50 miles from your residence, you may enroll in another plan. If you have any questions, contact your department’s personnel office. You can obtain a list of in-network or contracted dentists by visiting your dental plan provider’s website.
What should I do if I have a problem or complaint regarding my dental plan or dentist?
Many problems can be resolved by contacting your dental plan’s customer service department. You should also refer to the complaint procedure outlined in your dental plan evidence of coverage booklet, which is available from your department’s personnel office or your dental carrier.
What should I do if the payroll deduction for my dental plan is incorrect or is not shown on my warrant stub?
When you enroll in a state-sponsored dental plan or change the coverage, it is important to carefully check your pay warrant to verify that the premium is being paid to the correct dental plan. If the deduction is incorrect, or has not started by the effective date, report the discrepancy to your department’s personnel office as soon as possible for this issue to be resolved.
Can a surviving spouse add other dependents during open enrollment?
Yes, but only if the dependents had a relationship to the deceased employee prior to the employee’s death. For example, the surviving spouse may add a child who is born after the employee’s death.
Prepaid Plans
If I enroll in a prepaid dental plan, will I receive an identification card?
Yes. Shortly after your eligibility is established by your dental plan and you have selected a dentist, you will receive an identification card. The card is a reminder of which dental office you selected. Please confirm the address and telephone number of your selected dental office with your dental plan carrier.
What if there are no participating dentists in my service area for any of the prepaid plans?
If you are unable to locate a participating provider within 50 miles of your residence, contact the plan’s customer service for assistance or visit their website for a list of in-network dental providers in your area. If it is determined that there are no prepaid providers in your service area, contact your department’s personnel office for further assistance.
What happens if I am enrolled in a prepaid plan and move out of California?
The state-sponsored prepaid plans are only offered in California. Before you move out of the state, contact your department’s personnel office to change your dental plan. Please work with your department’s personnel office for assistance in changing your dental plan before your move so there is no lapse in dental coverage for further assistance.
May I choose any dentist I want if I enroll in a prepaid plan?
No. Your choice is restricted to dentists who have contracted with your plan. Contact the dental plan directly or visit their website to obtain a list of the participating dentists or to verify whether a particular dental provider is on the plan’s list.
Once I have selected a prepaid dentist and/or dental office, do I have to remain there?
No. If for any reason you feel you need to change to a new dentist, simply contact your dental plan. The customer service representative will assist you in locating another dentist from the plan’s list of participating dental providers. You can also visit the dental plan’s website to obtain a list of in-network dentists in your area.
What happens if my dentist decides to no longer participate in my prepaid plan?
Your dental plan will notify you if your dentist stops participating in the prepaid plan. You will be provided with the name of a new dentist or given the opportunity to select another participating dentist within 50 miles of your residence. If you are unable to locate another participating dentist in your service area, contact your dental plan.
Do I have to pay monthly premiums for my dependents or myself if I enroll in a prepaid plan?
No. The State of California pays 100 percent of the monthly premium for you and your dependents enrolled in a prepaid dental plan.
Do I have to pay an annual deductible if I am enrolled in a prepaid plan?
No. There is no annual deductible for prepaid dental plans.
What cost share can I expect to pay if I enroll in a prepaid plan?
Depending on the type of dental service performed, you could be charged a co-payment. Co-payments are payable at the time the service is rendered. For a listing of covered dental services and applicable co-payments, please visit the Virtual Library and navigate to the “Dental Bookshelf” to locate the most recent dental handbook. To obtain a complete fee schedule for the plan you are enrolled in, you can visit the dental insurance’s website by logging in to your account.
What actions should I take in an emergency if I am enrolled in a prepaid plan?
Contact your dentist or dental office as soon as possible. If the emergency occurs after normal business hours, you are advised that there is no plan provider available, or you are more than 50 miles from your selected plan provider, you may receive treatment for the relief of pain from any non-plan provider. You must call your dental plan before obtaining out-of-area emergency care. Your plan will reimburse up to $400 per enrolled member per calendar year for emergency services.
How do I access specialist services?
The prepaid plans offer services in most dental specialties, including periodontics (treatment of diseased gums and bones), endodontics (root canal therapy), and oral surgery procedures. If your dental provider refers you to a specialist, the referral must be approved by the prepaid dental plan.
Do my dependents have the same level of benefits that I do in my prepaid plan?
Yes, your dependents have the same level of benefits as you do.
If I am not currently enrolled in a prepaid plan, what things should I consider before I decide to change dental plans?
Is it important to you to maintain your current dentist?
If your answer is no, enrolling in a prepaid plan and selecting one of its participating dental providers may be a good choice for you.
Is the location of your dentist an issue for transportation purposes?
If your answer is yes, you may want to review the list of participating dental providers for each prepaid plan. You may find a provider within easy access by car or public transportation.
Are your out-of-pocket dental costs a significant financial consideration?
If your answer is yes, you should be aware that the prepaid plans have no monthly premium cost share or annual deductible and most services are provided at little or no cost to you.
Do you live outside of California?
If your answer is yes, you need to be aware that the prepaid plans are only available in California.
How can I find out more about the state-sponsored prepaid dental plans?
Before changing plans, it is recommended that you request a copy of the plan brochure and list of participating dental providers for any plans you are considering. Review this information and select a dentist from the provider list prior to changing plans. For more information or to obtain a list of each plan’s member dentists, please call or visit the websites listed below:
Prepaid Dental Plans
DeltaCare USA
P.O. Box 1803
Alpharetta, GA 30023
(800) 225-3368
www.deltadentalins.com/state/
Premier Access
8890 Cal Center Drive
Sacramento, CA 95826
(888) 534-3466
www.socdhmo.com
MetLife*
P.O. Box 14410
Lexington, KY 40512-4401
(866) 837-2364
www.metlife.com/safeguard/soc/
*Benefits provided by SafeGuard Health Plans, Inc., a MetLife company.
Western Dental
530 South Main Street, 6th Floor
Orange, CA 92868
(866) 859-7525
www.westerndental.com/state-of-ca
If you decide to change dental plans, you must choose your dentist from a list of participating dentists.
Indemnity Plans
What is my Delta Dental PPO Premium and Essential, and MetLife PPO Core and Plus group number?
Your Delta Dental PPO plus Premier group number is 9949.
Will I receive an ID card?
Your dental insurance will send you an identification card indicating your dental group number. When you or a covered dependent goes to the dentist, you will need to provide your Social Security number of the main enrollee. The dental office will verify your eligibility and covered benefits directly with your dental insurance.
Do I have to complete a claim form when I go to a dentist?
Although claim forms are required, the forms will be completed for you at no charge if you receive services from a participating dentist. If you receive services from an out of network dentist, you may be required to complete the forms yourself or pay a fee to have the dentist’s office complete them for you.
How do I obtain an evidence of coverage booklet for the plan I am enrolled in?
When you enroll in a dental plan, your dental insurance mails you an evidence of coverage booklet with your ID card. If you do not receive your booklet, contact your dental plan directly, or log in to your account to obtain an evidence of coverage booklet.
As an active employee, I was enrolled in the Delta PPO Premium, and MetLife Plus. Do these plans continue if I retire?
No. When the dental enrollment is processed by CalPERS, the plan is changed to the MetLife Core, or Delta PPO Essential.
What is the level of benefits under these indemnity plans?
For a summary of the benefits available please visit the Virtual Library and navigate to the “Dental Bookshelf”.
For a detailed explanation of the limitations and exclusions of the plan you are enrolled in, please refer to the evidence of coverage booklet.
What if my dentist leaves the Delta Dental network?
If your dentist is no longer in the Delta Dental network, you have options. Please read this guide and visit the Delta Dental website for answers to common questions about out-of-network care.
Preferred Provider Plans
What if my dentist leaves the Delta Dental network?
If your dentist is no longer in the Delta Dental network, you have options. Please read this guide and visit the Delta Dental website for answers to common questions about out-of-network care.
What is my PPO group number for Delta Dental and MetLife?
Your PPO group number is 9946.
Will I receive an ID card?
No. When you or a covered dependent goes to the dentist, you will need to provide your Social Security number of the main enrollee. The dental office will verify your eligibility and covered benefits directly with your dental plan.
Do I have to complete a claim form when I go to a PPO dentist?
Although claim forms are required, the forms will be completed for you at no charge if you receive services from a participating PPO dentist.
If you receive services from an out of network dentist, you may be required to complete the forms yourself or pay a fee to have the dentist’s office complete the forms for you. The dental office should be able to provide you with the claim form or you may contact your dental plan to have a claim form sent to you.
How do I obtain an evidence of coverage booklet for the PPO plan?
When you enroll in the PPO plan, your dental insurance will mail you an evidence of coverage booklet with your ID card. If you do not receive your booklet, contact your dental plan to request an evidence of coverage booklet for the plan you are enrolled in. Evidence of coverage booklets are also available on your dental plan’s website.
What coverage is provided under the PPO plan?
For a summary of the benefits available please visit the Virtual Library and navigate to the “Dental Bookshelf”.
For a detailed explanation of the limitations and exclusions please refer to the evidence of coverage booklet.
Contacts and resources
Carrier contact information
DeltaCare USA
(800) 225-3368
www.deltadentalins.com/state
Delta Dental
(800) 225-3368
www.deltadentalins.com/state/
MetLife
(Benefits provided by SafeGuard Health Plans, Inc., a MetLife company)
(866) 837-2364
www.metlife.com/safeguard/soc
Premier Access (ending December 31, 2026)
(888) 534-DHMO (888-534-3466)
www.socdhmo.com
Western Dental (ending December 31, 2026)
(866) 859-7525
www.westerndental.com/state-of-ca
Virtual Library
Find information on benefit plan options, including new features, enhancements and costs in the Virtual Library.
COBRA and continuation coverage
As a state employee enrolled in state-sponsored benefits, you should be aware of your COBRA rights in the event that you lose coverage due to a qualifying event. Learn more.
