Dear BSDS Member,
Just in case you missed it, please see the email below from CDA President, John Blake, DDS regarding the recent legal action that CDA filed against Delta Dental:
Dear members and colleagues:
As president of the California Dental Association, I’m writing today to share that CDA is now pursuing litigation against Delta Dental of California on behalf of our members and our greater community of dental professionals and their patients.
Why is CDA taking legal action?
Based on analysis of adjustments to Premier and PPO provider agreements that Delta Dental has announced, effective Jan. 1, 2023, as well as individual reports from CDA members, it appears that Delta Dental failed to adequately consider the basis for and impact of these changes and has failed to offer sufficient justification for its actions.
CDA is challenging, among other things, whether Delta Dental honored its legal and contractual obligations to providers and whether its board has violated its fiduciary duties.
What do CDA members need to know?
Litigation takes time, and we anticipate it could take at least a year or more to resolve. The next steps are contingent on Delta Dental’s response to the lawsuit. Delta Dental’s contract changes became effective at the beginning of the new year. This filing alone may not put a stop to fee reductions or contract amendments.
How can you keep connected to the next steps?
For additional details, refer to our online Delta Dental Legal Action FAQ.
Log in to access dental benefit plan resources any time at cda.org or contact a Practice Support analyst for assistance during normal business hours.
Challenges with dental benefit plans are a top concern for CDA members. Our volunteer leaders and staff are keenly aware that the current benefit structure is not working – for patients or for dentists.
While this litigation is one step toward increasing transparency and accountability, significant work is needed to develop a quality, standardized and meaningful dental benefit plan requirement that meets the oral health needs of Californians.
We’ll keep you informed of developments in this litigation and continue to make support available when working with dental benefit plans.
In appreciation of your membership in organized dentistry,
John Blake, DDS
CDA President