CDA fights on behalf of member dentists.

Benefit plan challenges are a top concern for the majority of CDA members, causing serious disruptions in dentists’ ability to carry out treatment plans and patients’ ability to receive the care they need. We’re committed to holding plans accountable and moving toward adequate standards and more meaningful dental coverage. 

CDA’s pursuit of benefit plan reform includes legal action, legislative advocacy, trusted news on emerging issues, expert-led education and member resources.

How can you get involved?

What legal action is CDA taking?

Delta Dental of California’s 2023 changes to reimbursement rate structure and provider agreements have a significant impact on many members’ practices. One of CDA’s actions is litigation to require Delta Dental to honor its contractual obligations inherent in the Participating Dentist Agreement between Delta and its participating providers. CDA is also challenging whether the Delta Dental board of directors has violated its legal responsibilities, referred to as fiduciary duties.

Timeline

  • December 2022: CDA files legal action against Delta Dental in San Francisco Superior Court.
  • April 2023: CDA files First Amended Complaint with additional claims and plaintiffs.
  • September 2023: The Superior Court rules that there are sufficient allegations to proceed with case. Court grants CDA and individual plaintiffs the opportunity to amend some of the claims with additional facts for consideration. Factual discovery to continue. 
  • November 2023: CDA files second amended complaint with additional facts.
  • December 2023: DDC response to second amended complaint.
  • April 2024: Hearing set for ruling on motions.

News & Updates

Judge clears CDA to sue Delta Dental on behalf of members

A San Francisco Superior Court judge ruled last month that CDA and individual dentist-plaintiffs could proceed on their claim that Delta Dental breached the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing in adopting the 2023 contractual amendments.

Dental benefit resources for CDA members

from specialized experts

Call 800.232.7645 or email an analyst

Past legal and legislative victories

 

In 2018, CDA achieved a favorable settlement on behalf of dentists – and their right to fair dealings – in our litigation against Delta Dental. During five years of hard-fought litigation, we successfully blocked Delta’s attempt to reduce reimbursement rates for the Premier Plan, saving providers more than $600 million. CDA has also driven multiple legislative wins on behalf of plan transparency, accountability and provider reimbursements.