Insider Update

Updated January 2026.

Our members’ overall health and wellness is at the heart of what we do at Delta Dental. That’s why we offer Smileway® Wellness Benefits¹ — expanded dental coverage if members or their covered dependents have been diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.

Group clients can continue to show their commitment to better health for their employees through this program that offers additional cleaning or gum care services for members with qualifying medical conditions.

SmileWay Wellness Benefits not only helps members stay healthy, but it can also help your clients avoid the costs of more serious dental procedures that can be required without additional preventive care. 
 

14 covered conditions, better health

The health of teeth and gums is tied to overall wellness, and members with certain chronic medical conditions may benefit from additional teeth and gum cleanings. Regular dental maintenance and care can help prevent further health complications among people with chronic conditions.

That's why our PPO plans offer the option for groups to add enhanced coverage with SmileWay Wellness Benefits.² Covered members and their dependents who have been diagnosed with any of the following 14 chronic conditions will qualify:
 

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) 
• Cancer
• Chronic kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• HIV/AIDS
• Huntington’s disease
• Joint replacement
• Lupus
• Opioid misuse and addiction
• Parkinson’s disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sjögren’s syndrome
• Stroke
   

What’s covered under SmileWay Wellness Benefits

After they opt in to SmileWay Wellness Benefits, Delta Dental PPO members with qualifying chronic conditions are eligible for the following coverage:
 

• 100% coverage each calendar or contract year for one periodontal scaling and root planing (deep cleaning to treat gum disease) — per quadrant 
• 100% coverage each calendar or contract year for a total of four procedures from the following list (any combination):
  • Prophylaxis (teeth cleaning) 
  • Periodontal maintenance (cleaning to monitor and treat inflammation and infection after past gum surgery or treatment) 
  • Scaling in presence of moderate or severe gingival inflammation (plaque removal)
  
  

How members opt in

Opting in is simple, fast and free. For groups with this benefit, members who have been diagnosed with any of the qualifying chronic conditions can log in to their Delta Dental account and select Benefits programs to find registration details. 
 

How to add SmileWay Wellness Benefits to a plan

This benefit is available as an add-on for all mid-size and large group plans with Delta Dental PPO. It’s also included on most small business PPO plans.

Chronic diseases cost U.S. employers an average of $4,798 a year in lost productivity because of chronic conditions. The average annual productivity loss per employee with chronic conditions is estimated at $4,798. When employees keep up with regular cleanings, they can reduce the symptoms and complications of their chronic conditions.

Talk to your Delta Dental representative about adding Delta Dental’s SmileWay Wellness Benefits to your group clients’ plans.