At Washington Dental Service, a Delta Dental plan, managing costs is a primary focus. Our unique contractual arrangements with our participating dentists allow us to maximize the value of our clients’ dental benefits dollars. This unique relationship with nearly nine out of 10 dentists in Washington state is the cornerstone of the “Delta Difference.”

Washington Dental Service uses a unique filed fee system, rather than a fee schedule, for claims reimbursement. Our contractual arrangements with our participating dentists protect employers and employees from unexpected fee increases for dental services. These dentists agree to pre-file their fees with us and receive payment directly from us based on their pre-approved fees. This not only helps control premium costs, but protects employees from out-of-pocket costs beyond stated deductibles and copayments.

As part of our overall cost-containment strategy, Washington Dental Service ties participating dentists' fee increases to the Seattle-area Consumer Price Index (CPI). Published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the CPI reflects annual changes in a "market basket" of goods and services. This tie has resulted in lower average fee increases for Washington Dental Service participating dentists over time, compared to the overall average of our competitors. Increases over the five-year period ending in October 2008 averaged just 3.5 percent.