Latest news

• What should you know about returning to the dentist?

  June 2020

  As states have begun relaxing restrictions put in place at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are asking if it’s safe to return to their dentists. On April 30, 2020, the American Dental Association ended its recommendation to postpone dental care. To help you decide if returning to the dentist at this time is right for you, here are some guidelines for scheduling an appointment and what you can expect before and during your visit.

• Using teledentistry to manage oral health

  June 2020

  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, dentists have taken precautions to protect patient health, either by closing their offices temporarily or by establishing certain guidelines for providing care.

• Important information for our Government Programs providers about teledentistry

  April 2020

  The American Dental Association (ADA) and other government agencies recommend postponing elective procedures at this time. Out of respect for these guidelines and for everyone’s health and safety, please use teledentistry to assess your patients for non-emergency consults, as well as for diagnosing emergency situations, before they come into the office.

• A message to Delta Dental customers and patients about coronavirus

  March 2020

  Delta Dental continues to actively monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We have a strategy in place across our organization to address the issue and to make sure you have the latest information. To help you save time and remain as current as possible, our website and Twitter and Facebook platforms will be kept up to date as the situation evolves. Please continue to check those channels for updates.

• A message to Delta Dental providers about the coronavirus (COVID-19)

  March 2020

  We are actively monitoring information about the coronavirus from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Dental Association (ADA) and other public health agencies to provide updates through our website and Twitter and Facebook social media channels. Our top priority is to continue to meet the needs of our providers, customers and enrollees and ensure your health and safety.

• 4 spring tips for a healthy mouth

  March 2020

  Doing some spring cleaning? While you’re busy beating rugs, cleaning curtains and organizing cabinets, don’t forget to check your bathroom counter! Add these four items to your checklist to include dental hygiene in your battle plan.

• 7 vitamins and minerals your mouth needs

  March 2020

  Want healthy teeth and gums? Make sure your diet features these key ingredients. These nutritional building blocks are essential for your dental health.

• All about gum disease

  February 2020

  Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that causes a chronic inflammation of the gums and surrounding tissue. It is the major cause of about 70% of adult tooth loss, affecting nearly 80% of people at some point in their life. Gum disease includes gingivitis (the early stage of gum disease) and periodontitis (a more advanced stage of gum disease).

• Give your child a lifetime of smiles

  January 2020

  Great oral health can last a lifetime, so make sure your child is on the right track by doing your part. Every stage in a child's life comes with different dental needs and responsibilities.

• 5 myths about alcohol consumption and your oral health

  January 2020

  Get the facts! Learn the truth about these alcohol and oral health misconceptions.

• Keeping your heart healthy with better oral care

  January 2020

  Claiming around 610,000 lives each year, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of both men and women in the U.S. Did you know that research has found a link between this deadly disease and the health of your gums?

• Give the gift of oral health this holiday season

  Last Updated November 2019

  This holiday season, don’t let oral health go out the window. Check out these great gift ideas to keep your friends and family members smiling all winter long.

• New year, new you: new year’s resolutions for a healthy smile

  Last Updated November 2019

  With the new year approaching, you may have already begun to think about your New Year’s resolutions. You may be considering resolving to save money, get a better job or lose weight. Many people set new goals about having a healthier lifestyle in the new year. Why not make one of your New Year’s resolutions improving your dental health? .

• Teens and dental opioids: A guide for parents

  July 2019

  Every day, over 40 Americans die from prescription opioid overdoses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The growing opioid crisis has raised awareness that addiction can start with a prescription drug.

• Adult dental health: Healthy aging

  July 2019

  Did you know that gum disease — and not the aging process — is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults? Good oral health habits and a healthy lifestyle can help you keep your gums healthy and your smile bright for a lifetime. Developing a simple daily routine of brushing, flossing and eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is important regardless of age. Here are some tips to help keep your mouth healthy and strong.

• Don’t wait on a toothache

  July 2019

  That sore tooth you’re rubbing absentmindedly? You might want to get it checked out. Not only is the pain annoying, but left untreated, a toothache could lead to a host of nasty problems, including sepsis.

• How seasonal allergies can affect your oral health

  July 2019

  When allergy season is in full swing, your dental health may not be on the top of your mind. But a case of hay fever can make an impact on your teeth and gums. Here’s what to look out for and how to protect your mouth.

• The link between migraines and oral bacteria

  July 2019

  If you’re suffering from migraines, you might want to talk to your dentist about it. There may be a connection between certain oral bacteria and migraines, according to a 2016 study. This type of bacteria increases nitric oxide in the bloodstream, which can trigger a migraine. Although your medical doctor should be a priority when it comes to migraine treatment, there is an additional way to keep yourself strong and fight this pain: regular visits to the dentist.

• Dental health care for Alzheimer’s patients

  June 2019

  Dental health problems in Alzheimer’s patients can lead to pain, unmanageable behavior and extensive dental treatment. Yet, the dental needs of Alzheimer’s patients are often overlooked, usually for very understandable reasons: the patient’s forgetfulness results in unintentional dental neglect; medications may cause chronic “dry mouth” (reduction in the healthy flow of saliva) that can lead to tooth decay; patients and their families lose contact with their dentist because they are focused on other health issues.

• Healthy smile, healthy you: The importance of oral health

  June 2019

  Regular dentist visits can do more than keep your smile attractive — they can also tell dentists a lot about your overall health, including whether or not you may be at risk for chronic disease.

• Fluoridated water credited for improved dental health

  April 2019

  Fluoridated water is credited as one of the reasons why Americans' dental health has improved over the years. Dental fillings, for instance, have decreased 50 percent since 1959.

• Go for a green dental routine

  April 2019

  Make Earth Day every day. Incorporate these tips into your daily life so you can enjoy a healthier mouth and planet.

• Why your dental hygienist is valuable to your oral health

  April 2019

  A dental hygienist is one of your first lines of defense when it comes to oral health care. Since they talk with you before, during and after your dental exams, hygienists are true partners of your dentist — helping you to understand the best ways to manage your oral health.

• 7 vitamins and minerals your mouth needs

  March 2019

  Want healthy teeth and gums? Make sure your diet features these key ingredients. These nutritional building blocks are essential for your dental health.

• 4 spring tips for a healthy mouth

  March 2019

  Doing some spring cleaning? While you’re busy beating rugs, cleaning curtains and organizing cabinets, don’t forget to check your bathroom counter! Add these four items to your checklist to include dental hygiene in your battle plan.

• Give your child a lifetime of smiles

  January 2019

  Great oral health can last a lifetime, so make sure your child is on the right track by doing your part. Every stage in a child's life comes with different dental needs and responsibilities.

• What you need to know about cleft lip and palate

  January 2019

  Every year, about 4,440 babies in the United States are born with a cleft lip, according to the CDC. About 2,650 are born with a cleft palate. Among the most common birth defects, cleft lip and cleft palate occur when the sides of the lip and roof of the mouth don’t fuse together properly.

• All about gum disease

  January 2019

  Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that causes a chronic inflammation of the gums and surrounding tissue. It is the major cause of about 70% of adult tooth loss, affecting nearly 80% of people at some point in their life. Gum disease includes gingivitis (the early stage of gum disease) and periodontitis (a more advanced stage of gum disease).

• No Card, No Worries!

  December 2018

  Don’t worry about carrying another card in your wallet or keeping track of another document in your files.

• 5 tips to keep teeth healthy over the holidays

  December 2018

  No matter how much you love your dentist, he or she probably doesn’t top the list of people you want to spend quality time with over the holidays. Follow these five tips to steer clear of emergency trips to the dentist’s office this season.

• Where’s my ID card?

  December 2018

  If you’re new to Delta Dental and you enrolled during open season, you’ll receive a welcome letter and ID cards in the mail in the beginning of January.

• Welcome, new enrollees

  February 2018

  Make the most of your plan by following these easy steps.

• Diabetes and oral health

  November 2018

  November is American Diabetes Month. Understand the link between diabetes and dental health.

• Brush up on brushing and flossing techniques

  November 2018

  Brushing and flossing are important parts of your daily routine. But to get the most benefit, you have to do it correctly.

• 5 tips for a smile-friendly Thanksgiving

  October 2018

  As you enjoy dinner this Thanksgiving, keep your teeth and gums healthy with smart food choices.

• September is Healthy Aging Month

  September 2018

  Did you know that gum disease – and not the aging process – is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults?

• Oral and overall health – get the connection

  September 2018

  Your dental health is part of a bigger picture: whole-body wellness.

• 5 reasons to floss every day

  August 2018

  You know brushing twice a day is important. But do you floss? And, no, twice a month doesn’t count. Here’s why you shouldn’t write off this essential step.

• Game plan for healthy teeth

  August 2018

  To win the dental health game, it’s important to understand the players and the field. Proper hygiene, diet and lifestyle are all key components of your oral health.

• 5 reasons to floss every day

  August 2018

  You know brushing twice a day is important. But do you floss? And, no, twice a month doesn’t count. Here’s why you shouldn’t write off this essential step.

• 5 summer tips for healthy teeth

  July 2018

  This summer, stay hydrated and healthy. But think carefully when you choose your beverage – some drinks can increase your risk of tooth decay.

• Recipe: Frozen fruit pops

  July 2018

  This refreshing snack can keep you cool on a summer day, with no sugar added! Plus, it’s easy to make at home.

• Healthy smile, healthy you: The importance of oral health

  June 2018

  Regular dentist visits can do more than keep your smile attractive – they can also tell dentists a lot about your overall health, including whether or not you may be at risk for chronic disease.

• How your dentist can help diagnose the causes of your headaches

  June 2018

  Regular visits to your dentist can involve much more than just checking for cavities and practicing how to floss.

• How seasonal allergies can affect your oral health

  May 2018

  Here’s what to look out for and how to protect your mouth.

• 5 summer sports that require mouthguards

  May 2018

  Although high-contact sports, such as football and basketball, typically come to mind when we think of mouthguards, pearly whites need protection during warm-weather sports as well.

• Go for a green dental routine

  April 2018

  Make Earth Day every day. Incorporate these tips into your daily life so you can enjoy a healthier mouth and planet.

• Oral cancer: What you need to know

  April 2018

  Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer, accounting for 30,000 newly diagnosed cases each year — and 8,000 deaths.

• Good Dental Health is Vital to Good Overall Health

  April 2018

  Did you know that more than 120 different diseases are first detected in the mouth? And that going for your annual dental exams can actually help in detecting heart disease, diabetes, pancreatic cancer and more?

• Make the Most of Your VADIP Benefits in 2018

  April 2018

  Looking to take full advantage of your dental coverage? Follow these simple tips to keep your smile bright and your wallet on budget.

• 3 Back to School Tips

  January 2018

  It’s the start of a new school year, and your kids are set with new clothes and school supplies. But don’t forget about oral health! Add these dental health tips to your back-to-school checklist.

• Under the influence: your teeth on drugs

  January 2018

  You already know that drug abuse is bad for your health. From heart problems to cancer, street drugs can cause serious health risks, if not death. But did you know that drugs can harm your teeth as well? Here’s a look at the dangers six substances pose to your oral health.

• 5 myths about alcohol consumption and your oral health

  January 2018

  Get the facts! Learn the truth about these alcohol and oral health misconceptions.

• New year, new you: New Year's resolutions for a healthy smile

  January 2018

  Why not make one of your New Year's resolutions improving your dental health?

• The “tooth” about candy: It’s not all bad

  December 2017

  If your sweet tooth won’t let you forget it’s National Candy Month, go ahead and indulge a little — just remember to choose wisely. We’ve listed the best and the worst choices to help you make a good decision:

• No Card, No Worries!

  December 2017

  Don’t worry about carrying another card in your wallet or keeping track of another document in your files.

• Green is for money, the environment … and online tools!

  December 2017

  With the convenient online self-service tools available at your fingertips, you can save money and help the environment, too. Take some time to navigate around this website and check out these easy-to-use “green” features:

• Managing gum disease can improve your heart health

  December 2017

  Heart disease claims some 610,000 lives each year and has become the nation’s No. 1 killer of both men and women. Research has found a link between this deadly disease and your dental health—specifically, the health of your gums.

• Memorial Day caps off a month of appreciation for our military

  December 2017

  The month of May has been designated by Congress as National Military Appreciation Month, a time to pay special attention to and salute our armed services members, both past and present.

• Sports mouthguards help prevent oral injuries

  December 2017

  Keeping your smile protected doesn’t end with a visit to the dentist and good oral hygiene. If you or your child is active in sports you could be missing one key component of protection. Mouthguards.

• Mind your “peas and cukes” during National Nutrition Month

  December 2017

  To celebrate National Nutrition Month in March, Delta Dental offers a list of some of the foods you should eat — and some you should avoid — to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

• During Cancer Awareness Month, think about getting an oral cancer screening

  December 2017

  If you’ve been looking for your dental plan ID card, we have good news for you: You don’t need one! Just tell your dental office that you have coverage through Delta Dental’s Federal Employees Dental Program and provide your name, date of birth, and the federal employee’s social security number (or alternate ID number).

• Recipe: Spooky-licious Pumpkin Soup

  October 2017

  This warm soup is the perfect dish to fill you up on a cold October evening. With no added sugar, it relies on the natural sweetness of pumpkin and cream. Pumpkin is a rich source of vitamins A and C, essential ingredients for healthy gums.

• Start the school year with a smile: 3 back-to-school tips

  August 2017

  It’s the start of a new school year, and your kids are set with new clothes and school supplies. But don’t forget about oral health! Add these dental health tips to your back-to-school checklist.

• We heard you! A new processing policy makes it easier to remember your cleanings & exams

  June 2017

  You asked, and we listened. As of June 1, 2017, we changed the way we process your annual cleanings and exams. Instead of two cleanings and exams in a rolling 12-month consecutive period you’ll now get two cleanings and exams in a calendar year.

• Can swimming hurt your teeth?

  June 2017

  Unlike boxing or football, swimming doesn’t usually have a bad reputation with dentists. But spending too much time in the pool or ocean can affect your mouth. Here’s how.

• “Financial literacy” applies to dental coverage, too

  April 2017

  April has been designated as Financial Literacy Month, making it the perfect time to remind you how to make the most of your benefits under Delta Dental’s Federal Employees Dental Program.

• No time to exercise? Find out how you can fit it into your daily routine

  April 2017

  April has been designated as Financial Literacy Month, making it the perfect time to remind you how to make the most of your benefits under Delta Dental’s Federal Employees Dental Program.

• These fun dental facts will keep you smiling

  April 2017

  We all know that the path to good oral health is serious business. But why not have some fun along the way? Here are some interesting facts about the history of dentistry that we’ve gathered from various sources. Enjoy!

• Defeat Monster Mouth

  February 2017

  February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. This year, the American Dental Association (ADA) is asking people to “Defeat Monster Mouth.”

• FAQ: How many cleanings per year are covered under Delta Dental’s Federal Employees Dental Program?

  January 2017

  Both the Standard and High plans in Delta Dental’s Federal Employees Dental Program cover (pay for) two cleanings in a rolling, 12-consecutive-month period (not the same as a calendar year). This time limitation is designed to encourage you and your dentist to maintain a regular schedule for your routine cleanings and other preventive services.

• Delta Dental Awarded Contract to Provide Voluntary Benefits for Eligible Veterans

  January 2017

  Delta Dental of California announced its selection by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to continue as a dental benefits administrator for the Veterans Affairs Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) through December 31, 2021.