Delta Dental of California, Delta Dental Insurance Company, Delta Dental of Pennsylvania and affiliates
Delta Dental of California, Delta Dental Insurance Company, Delta Dental of Pennsylvania and affiliates
California Marketplace dental plans made simple
Explore Delta Dental plans available through Covered California, and understand what to expect before you enroll.
What to know about ACA dental plans in California
Shopping for dental coverage through the Marketplace looks a little different from a standard dental plan. Here's what to know before you enroll.
Consideration | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Health plan pairing | In California, you'll need to purchase a dental plan alongside a qualifying health plan through Covered California. |
| What's your cost | Even if a service is covered, you may still pay part of the cost. This could include a deductible, copayment or coinsurance. |
| Adult coverage vs. pediatric coverage | Adult dental coverage varies by ACA plan. Pediatric dental coverage is included as an essential health benefit, and there are limits on how much families pay out of pocket for covered care. |
| Child out-of-pocket limit | For more details about out-of-pocket limits check the plan brochures linked below. |
Marketplace dental insurance plans in California at a glance¹
Choose what works for you. Whether you're looking for coverage that helps keep you healthy with preventive care or protection for more extensive dental services, there's a plan designed to fit your needs.
What ACA dental plan is best for you: PPO or DHMO?
Delta Dental offers two types of plans through Covered California in CA: PPO plans and DHMO plans.
- With a PPO plan, you can visit any licensed dentist and pay less when you stay in the network. Referrals are not required to see a specialist. A PPO plan tends to work well if you already have a dentist you want to keep or prefer flexibility.
- DHMO plans typically have lower monthly premiums, but you select a skilled primary care dentist from our network. Your primary care dentist will provide most of your treatment and coordinate any necessary specialist referrals. A DHMO plan can be a better fit when keeping the monthly premium low is the priority.
See the in-network plan comparison table below for our specific marketplace dental insurance plans in California.
Adult PPO
Preventive services (cleanings, oral exams, x-rays)
Covered at no cost
Basic services (fillings, tooth removal)
Covered after annual deductible is met
Major services (root canals, crowns, implants)
Covered after annual deductible is met
Annual deductible (waived for diagnostic and preventive services)
$50
Annual maximum
$1,500
Waiting period
Major 6 months, waived with prior proof of coverage
Network rules
Pick from our large network of PPO dentists
How you pay
Plan pays a % coinsurance (e.g., 80%), you pay the rest
Adult DHMO
Preventive services (cleanings, oral exams, x-rays)
Covered at no cost
Basic services (fillings, tooth removal)
Covered with fixed copayments starting at $25
Major services (root canals, crowns, implants)
Covered with fixed copayments starting at $300
Annual deductible (waived for diagnostic and preventive services)
None
Annual maximum
None
Waiting period
None
Network rules
Must choose a DeltaCare USA dentist
How you pay
Fixed copayments $ amounts
| Benefit category | Adult PPO | Adult DHMO |
|---|---|---|
| Preventive services (cleanings, oral exams, x-rays) | Covered at no cost | Covered at no cost |
Basic services (fillings, tooth removal) | Covered after annual deductible is met | Covered with fixed copayments starting at $25 |
| Major services (root canals, crowns, implants) | Covered after annual deductible is met | Covered with fixed copayments starting at $300 |
| Annual deductible (waived for diagnostic and preventive services) | $50 | None |
| Annual maximum | $1,500 | None |
| Waiting period | Major 6 months, waived with prior proof of coverage | None |
| Network rules | Pick from our large network of PPO dentists | Must choose a DeltaCare® USA dentist |
| How you pay | Plan pays a % coinsurance (e.g., 80%), you pay the rest | Fixed copayment $ amounts |
Pediatric PPO
Preventive services (cleanings, oral exams, x-rays)
Covered at no cost
Basic services (fillings, tooth removal)
Covered at 80% after annual deductible is met
Major services (root canals, crowns, implants)
Covered at 50% after annual deductible is met
Annual deductible (waived for diagnostic and preventive services)
$75
Annual maximum
None
Waiting period
None
Network rules
Pick from our large network of PPO dentists
How you pay
Plan pays a % coinsurance (e.g., 80%), you pay the rest
Pediatric DHMO
Preventive services (cleanings, oral exams, x-rays)
Covered at no cost
Basic services (fillings, tooth removal)
Covered with fixed copayments starting at $25
Major services (root canals, crowns, implants)
Covered with fixed copayments starting at $300
Annual deductible (waived for diagnostic and preventive services)
None
Annual maximum
None
Waiting period
None
Network rules
Must choose a DeltaCare® USA dentist
How you pay
Fixed copayments $ amounts
| Benefit category | Pediatric PPO | Pediatric DHMO |
|---|---|---|
| Preventive services (cleanings, oral exams, x-rays) | Covered at no cost | Covered at no cost |
Basic services (fillings, tooth removal) | Covered at 80% after annual deductible is met | Covered with fixed copayments starting at $25 |
| Major services (root canals, crowns, implants) | Covered at 50% after annual deductible is met | Covered with fixed copayments starting at $300 |
| Annual deductible (waived for diagnostic and preventive services) | $75 | None |
| Annual maximum | None | None |
| Waiting period | None | None |
| Network rules | Pick from our large network of PPO dentists | Must choose a DeltaCare USA dentist |
| How you pay | Plan pays a % coinsurance (e.g., 80%), you pay the rest | Fixed copayments $ amounts |
Network availability may vary by zip code.
*For plan-specific details like basic services, major services (root canals, crowns, implants, orthodontics) and waiting periods² for both adults and children, explore plan brochures for California.
Plan brochures (PDFs)
PPO Plans - Family Dental Plan
PPO Plans - Children's Dental PPO for Small Businesses
PPO Plans - Family Dental PPO for Small Businesses
DHMO Plans - Family Dental DHMO
DHMO Plans - Children's Dental DHMO for Small Businesses
DHMO Plans - Family Dental DHMO for Small Businesses
The family plan brochures include both adult and pediatric benefits.
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When to enroll in an exchange marketplace dental plan
You can sign up for a Marketplace dental plan during the yearly Open Enrollment period. In California, Open Enrollment runs from November 1, 2026, through January 31, 2027. To have coverage start on January 1, 2027, you must enroll by December 31, 2026.
You may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you experience a qualifying life event, such as getting married, having a baby or losing other health or dental coverage.
Enrollment dates and rules vary by state and individual circumstances. Visit HealthCare.gov to check enrollment deadlines and options available in your area.
How to find your ACA dental coverage in California
- Shop for dental plans in California at Covered California. Note that most exchanges require you to enroll in a medical plan before you can get a dental plan.
- Check your timeline to make sure you enroll during the annual Open Enrollment Period.
- Get additional questions answered by reaching out to a customer service representative at Covered California.
Looking for coverage outside of California?
Find plans by state.
Are you a business owner?
Learn more about ACA-compliant plans for small businesses.
Connect with a trusted dentist.
Yours may already be in our network!²
Have questions about our ACA dental insurance plans in California? We have answers.
Coverage depends on the plan and, for children, whether the procedure is medically necessary. Pediatric dental coverage through Covered California must include basic and major services for children under 19, but cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening typically aren't covered, and orthodontia (braces) is usually covered only when medically necessary rather than for cosmetic straightening.
Most Marketplace dental plans available in California through Covered California do not cover dental implants. These plans usually help pay for services like cleanings, fillings, crowns and tooth extractions and don't have waiting periods for preventive care.
If you need to replace a missing tooth, some plans may cover dentures or bridges. Check each plan's coverage details before you enroll.
People who are eligible to enroll through their state's Health Insurance Marketplace can enroll in an ACA Marketplace dental plan through Covered California. Eligibility is based on where you live and other factors.
No. While the Marketplace can offer financial assistance if you qualify, anyone in California who's a U.S. citizen or lawfully present immigrant can use it to shop for health and dental coverage, regardless of income.
It's a good option if you're:
- Self-employed
- An independent contractor or a gig worker
- Work part-time or for an employer that doesn't offer health benefits
- Are an early retiree not yet eligible for Medicare
- Want an alternative to a pricey employer-sponsored plan
No, in California you can’t buy a stand-alone Marketplace dental plan through Covered California without also enrolling in a health plan. If you need dental coverage but already have health insurance through another source (like an employer), a dental plan purchased directly from an insurer outside the Marketplace may be a better fit.
Check out our Find a Dentist tool to search for dentists in your area. Select the network for your preferred plan: either Delta Dental PPO™ or DeltaCare® USA. You’ll likely save the most if you choose the Delta Dental PPO network for the Delta Dental PPO plan and the DeltaCare USA network for the DeltaCare USA (DHMO-type) plan.
You can also search by dentist or practice name, specialty, languages spoken, gender, office hours and which dentists are accepting new patients.
ACA Marketplace dental insurance in California can help lower the cost of dental care by covering services such as cleanings, exams, fillings, crowns, root canals and tooth extractions. There are no waiting periods for preventive care. Coverage, costs and benefits vary by plan. Compare plans through your state's Health Insurance Marketplace or Covered California to find the option that best meets your needs.
¹This benefit information is only a summary and not intended or designed to replace or serve as the plan policy. Limitations may apply for some benefits; some services may be excluded from the plan.
²Limitations and exclusions apply. Please see your plan booklet or policy for a complete description of plan benefits, limitations and exclusions.
Delta Dental PPO is underwritten by Delta Dental Insurance Company in AL, DC, FL, GA, LA, MS, MT, NV and UT and by not-for-profit dental service companies in these states: CA - Delta Dental of California; PA, MD - Delta Dental of Pennsylvania; NY - Delta Dental of New York; DE - Delta Dental of Delaware; WV - Delta Dental of West Virginia. In Texas, Delta Dental Insurance Company provides a Dental Provider Organization (DPO) plan.
DeltaCare USA is underwritten in these states by these entities: CA - Delta Dental of California; DC, FL - Delta Dental Insurance Company; MD, TX - Alpha Dental Programs, Inc.; NV - Alpha Dental of Nevada, Inc.; UT - Alpha Dental of Utah, Inc.; NY - Delta Dental of New York; PA - Delta Dental of Pennsylvania. Delta Dental Insurance Company acts as the DeltaCare USA administrator in all these states. These companies are financially responsible for their own products. The plan is a dental HMO in CA and TX. You may view the DDIC Network Access Plan, as required by the Health Benefit Plan Network Access and Adequacy Act, online at deltadentalins.com. You may also contact us by calling 800-422-4234 to request a copy.
Delta Dental is a registered mark of Delta Dental Plans Association.