Delta Dental PPO vs Premier 2026: Network & Cost
Quick Answer
AI SummaryDelta Dental PPO offers greater provider flexibility with in-network access to 150,000+ dentists nationwide, while Delta Dental Premier provides lower premiums and simpler plans but with a smaller network of 65,000+ dentists and higher out-of-pocket costs at non-network providers.
Read full verdictChoose Delta Dental PPO if you value maximum provider choice, want to see any dentist with reasonable out-of-pocket costs, or live outside the Premier network area. Choose Delta Dental Premier if you're budget-conscious, willing to stay within a smaller network, and prioritize lower monthly premiums over provider flexibility.
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Choose Delta Dental PPO if
Best pickConsumers who want maximum flexibility, have established dentist relationships, live in rural areas, or have specific dental care needs
Choose Delta Dental Premier if
Cost-conscious individuals who are willing to stay within-network, live in well-populated areas, and have routine dental needs without complex procedures
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Key Differences at a Glance
- In-Network Provider Count:✓ Delta Dental PPO wins(150,000+ dentists vs 65,000+ dentists)
- Average Monthly Premium (Individual):✓ Delta Dental Premier wins($20-$35 vs $35-$50)
- Out-of-Network Coinsurance:✓ Delta Dental PPO wins(20-40% vs 40-50%)
Key Facts & Figures
8 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Delta Dental PPO | Delta Dental Premier | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Network Provider Count(dentists) | 150,000+ | 65,000+ | |
| Monthly Premium (Individual Plan)(USD) | $35-$50 | $20-$35 | |
| Coinsurance for Non-Network Providers(%) | 20-40% | 40-50% | |
| Annual Deductible(USD) | $0-$150 | $0-$100 | |
| Annual Maximum Benefit(USD) | $1,200-$1,500 | $1,000-$1,200 | |
| Preventive Care Coverage(%) | 100% | 100% | |
| State Coverage Availability(states) | All 50 states | 43 states | |
| Basic Restorative Coverage (fillings)(%) | 80% | 80% |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- 150,000+ dentists(winner)In-Network Provider Count65,000+ dentists
- $35-$50Average Monthly Premium (Individual)$20-$35(winner)
- 20-40%(winner)Out-of-Network Coinsurance40-50%
- $0-$150Deductible Range (Annual)$0-$100
- $1,200-$1,500(winner)Annual Maximum Benefit$1,000-$1,200
- 100% (cleanings, exams, X-rays)Preventive Coverage100% (cleanings, exams, X-rays)
- All 50 states(winner)Geographic Service Availability43 states
- In-Network Provider Count
Delta Dental PPO
150,000+ dentists(winner)
Delta Dental Premier
65,000+ dentists
- Average Monthly Premium (Individual)
Delta Dental PPO
$35-$50
Delta Dental Premier
$20-$35(winner)
- Out-of-Network Coinsurance
Delta Dental PPO
20-40%(winner)
Delta Dental Premier
40-50%
- Deductible Range (Annual)
Delta Dental PPO
$0-$150
Delta Dental Premier
$0-$100
- Annual Maximum Benefit
Delta Dental PPO
$1,200-$1,500(winner)
Delta Dental Premier
$1,000-$1,200
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Delta Dental PPO | Delta Dental Premier |
|---|---|---|
| In-Network Provider Count(dentists) | 150,000+(winner) | 65,000+ |
| Monthly Premium (Individual Plan)(USD) | $35-$50 | $20-$35(winner) |
| Annual Deductible(USD) | $0-$150 | $0-$100(winner) |
| Coinsurance for Non-Network Providers(%) | 20-40%(winner) | 40-50% |
| Annual Maximum Benefit(USD) | $1,200-$1,500(winner) | $1,000-$1,200 |
| Preventive Care Coverage(%) | 100% | 100% |
| Basic Restorative Coverage (fillings)(%) | 80% | 80% |
| State Coverage Availability(states) | All 50 states(winner) | 43 states |
Pros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
Delta Dental PPO
Pros
Cons
Delta Dental Premier
Pros
Cons
Frequently Asked Questions
9 questions
PPO plans have a much larger network (150,000+ vs 65,000+ dentists), allowing you to see more providers while maintaining lower out-of-pocket costs for non-network care (20-40% vs 40-50%). Premier plans cost less monthly ($20-$35 vs $35-$50) but require staying within-network to avoid high costs.
PPO plans allow you to visit any licensed dentist, but you'll pay less (typically 20-40% coinsurance) if you see an in-network provider. Out-of-network care is covered at a lower reimbursement rate, making the patient responsibility higher.
Yes, likely. Premier's lower monthly premiums ($20-$35 vs $35-$50) and lower deductibles save on regular preventive visits. However, if you need restorative work (fillings, crowns), Premier's higher out-of-network coinsurance (40-50%) could cost more if your dentist isn't in-network.
Yes, both plans cover preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays) at 100% with no coinsurance when using in-network providers. This includes two cleanings and exams per year for routine preventive maintenance.
Delta Dental PPO is better for major work because it has a higher annual maximum benefit ($1,200-$1,500 vs $1,000-$1,200) and lower out-of-network coinsurance. If you need extensive treatment and want flexibility in choosing specialists, PPO's larger network and better coverage depth protect you better.
Delta Dental PPO is better on network size and coverage depth, but not on price. It includes 150,000+ in-network dentists versus 65,000+ under Premier, caps out-of-network coinsurance at 20-40% rather than 40-50%, and carries a higher annual maximum of $1,200-$1,500 against Premier's $1,000-$1,200. Premier wins on cost, with individual premiums of $20-$35 a month compared with $35-$50 for PPO.
Premier's drawbacks are a smaller network of roughly 65,000 dentists, out-of-network coinsurance of 40-50%, and a lower annual maximum benefit of $1,000-$1,200. That combination means a member whose preferred dentist falls outside the network can pay noticeably more per procedure, and anyone needing extensive restorative work may exhaust the yearly cap sooner than under a PPO plan.
Neither plan is universally better; the choice turns on provider access versus premium cost. PPO suits people who want maximum dentist choice, live outside the Premier network footprint, or anticipate major treatment, thanks to its larger network and $1,200-$1,500 annual maximum. Premier suits budget-focused members who mainly use preventive care and can stay in-network, since premiums run $20-$35 monthly with deductibles of $0-$100.
No, they are separate Delta Dental networks with different economics. PPO contracts with 150,000+ dentists and reimburses out-of-network care at 20-40% coinsurance, while Premier's network is about 65,000 dentists with 40-50% out-of-network coinsurance. Premiums differ too: $35-$50 monthly for individual PPO coverage versus $20-$35 for Premier. Both cover in-network preventive cleanings, exams, and X-rays at 100%.
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