CoverCapy / Dental Insurance / Delta Dental / Networks
Inside Delta Dental · networks

Three Delta products, three very different visits

When someone says "I have Delta," they could mean a DHMO with copays and an assigned dentist, a PPO that lets you see anyone, or the larger Premier network. The product decides what you pay at the chair. Tap each to see how it works.

Is DeltaCare USA the same as Delta Dental PPO?
No, they are completely different products. DeltaCare USA is a dental HMO: fixed copays, an assigned dentist, referrals, no annual maximum, and no out-of-network benefit. Delta Dental PPO lets you see any dentist with coinsurance, a deductible and an annual maximum, and the best savings in network. Premier is the larger fee-for-service network paired with most PPO plans. You save most at a PPO dentist, a little less at Premier, and the least (with possible balance billing) outside Delta entirely.
Pick a product

How each Delta network actually works

Select a card to load its full profile. The bar shows roughly how much flexibility each gives you.

Delta Dental PPO

Preferred provider
Where you save

The Delta savings ladder

On a PPO plan you pay the least at a PPO dentist, a little more at a Premier dentist, and the most at a dentist with no Delta contract, who can also balance bill you. Illustrative, your plan sets the exact numbers.

PPO dentistcontracted PPO fees
You pay least
Premier dentisthigher set fees, still protected
A little more
Non-Delta dentistno contract, may balance bill
You pay most

Bars compare out-of-pocket cost for the same service, not premium. In-network PPO and Premier dentists cannot balance bill you; a non-Delta dentist can.

Dual network

How a PPO plan pays at each network

Many Delta PPO plans are dual-network, giving you both PPO and Premier access. The "Delta Dental PPO Plus Premier" product is the same idea.

You visitHow it paysYour cost
A PPO dentistReimbursed at PPO feesLowest
A Premier dentistReimbursed at Premier or PPO fees, depending on plan setupMiddle
A non-Delta dentistNo fee contract, dentist sets any price, balance billing possibleHighest

Group plans can also add a network differential, for example preventive care at 100% at PPO dentists, 90% at Premier, and 80% out of network, to steer members in network.

Have an HMO, want freedom?

Upgrading from DeltaCare USA to a PPO

If you have a DeltaCare USA HMO, you may not be stuck with it. Some Medicare Advantage carriers like SCAN let you pay extra for an optional PPO buy-up, and many employer menus let you choose a PPO at open enrollment. The path to any-dentist freedom is usually a PPO option from the same sponsor, at a higher premium. See DeltaCare USA vs Delta Dental PPO, side by side.

Medicare & SCAN options

Common questions

What is the difference between DeltaCare USA and Delta Dental PPO?
DeltaCare USA is a dental HMO: you use an assigned in-network dentist, pay fixed copays, need a referral for specialists, and have no deductible or annual maximum but no out-of-network benefit. Delta Dental PPO is a preferred-provider plan: you can see any dentist, pay coinsurance after a deductible up to an annual maximum, need no referral, and save the most at an in-network PPO dentist. DeltaCare USA trades flexibility for low, predictable cost; PPO trades a higher premium for any-dentist freedom.
Is DeltaCare USA a PPO?
No. DeltaCare USA is a dental HMO (DHMO), not a PPO. It uses fixed copays, an assigned primary dentist and referrals, and covers care only inside its network. A Delta Dental PPO is a separate product that lets you see any dentist.
What is Delta Dental Premier?
Delta Dental Premier is Delta's larger, older fee-for-service network. Premier dentists agree to set fees (generally higher than PPO fees) and cannot balance bill plan members, but your out-of-pocket savings are smaller than at a PPO dentist. Many PPO plans are dual-network, giving you both PPO and Premier access.
Can I upgrade from DeltaCare USA to a PPO?
Sometimes, depending on who sponsors your plan. Some Medicare Advantage carriers such as SCAN let members use DeltaCare USA at no extra cost or pay extra for an optional PPO buy-up. Many employer plans also let you choose a PPO option during open enrollment. Check your Evidence of Coverage or call member services.
Do Delta Dental dentists balance bill?
In-network PPO and Premier dentists cannot balance bill plan members, because they agreed to set fees with Delta. A non-Delta dentist has no contract and may charge any amount and balance bill you. This is why staying in network protects you from surprise charges.
Transparency

Sources & last reviewed

Checked against official Delta Dental and SCAN materials on June 24, 2026. Product rules vary by plan and state; confirm yours before enrolling.

Delta Dental, DHMO vs PPO: what's the difference · deltadental.com
DeltaCare USA HMO dental plan · deltadentalins.com
PPO and Premier: how the dual network works · deltadentalins.com
SCAN Health Plan, Delta Dental benefit · scanhealthplan.com