A prepaid plan requires you and your eligible dependents to use a dentist from a specific list of dentists who contract with your selected prepaid carrier. These prepaid dentists are located in California. Dentists are paid a flat fee for each member assigned to their offices. Most basic services are covered at no cost. The monthly premium is fully paid by the State and there is no premium deducted from your monthly pay warrant.

The State-sponsored Delta Dental Preferred Provider Option (PPO) plan provides services through its network of participating dentists, although you can see any dentist of your choice world-wide and still be covered. Your present dentist may be a PPO member of Delta Dental, however, not all Delta Dentists are members of the PPO network. If you receive services outside of the PPO network, your share of the dentist's fees will be substantially higher. You are encouraged to contact Delta Dental or obtain information via the Delta Dental web site to ensure that there is a PPO provider available in your service area. Your costs for services are based on a fee-for-service agreement between Delta and the PPO provider. The plan sets the limits that it will pay for each specific type of dental treatment. Members are responsible for paying any remaining balance that might be due based on the type of dental treatment they receive. A monthly premium copayment will be deducted from your monthly pay warrant. The monthly premium copayment amount will vary depending on the number of enrolled dependents.

An indemnity plan does not use a provider network and enrollees are allowed to select a dentist of their choice throughout the United States and worldwide. The plan sets the limits that it will pay for each specific type of dental treatment. Members are responsible for paying any remaining balance that might be due based on the type of dental treatment they receive. A monthly premium copayment will be deducted from your monthly pay warrant. The monthly premium copayment amount will vary depending on the number of enrolled dependents.