DELTA DENTAL PLAN OF NEW JERSEY RECEIVES 'AA-' RATING FROM STANDARD & POOR'S FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR

PARSIPPANY, NJ (July 18, 2001) – Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey (Delta Dental) has just completed Standard & Poor's most comprehensive analysis and received an AA- counterparty credit and financial strength ratings for the second straight year. The strong ratings solidify Delta Dental's position as New Jersey's leading dental benefits carrier, and makes the company the most attractive alternative for businesses looking to improve benefits packages through the implementation of a dental plan.

Based upon the analysis, Standard & Poor's predicts a stable outlook for Delta Dental, citing its extremely strong capitalization, excellent earnings, and good business position as major ratings factors. Delta Dental has also been designated a Security Circle insurer, which means that it voluntarily underwent Standard & Poor's comprehensive analysis and was assigned a rating in one of the top four categories for financial security.

In the analysis, Standard & Poor's noted that Delta Dental is extremely well capitalized, giving the company a capital adequacy ratio in excess of 400%. This indicates that the not-for-profit dental benefits carrier clearly has the financial capacity to meet policyholder obligations. It also noted that Delta Dental is well positioned for continued growth, anticipating a 10% increase in membership in 2001.

"To maintain our status as New Jersey's leading and largest dental benefits carrier, we consistently evaluate every aspect of our operation to ensure the quality and accessibility of our services, the satisfaction of our members, and the financial stability of our business," said Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey President and CEO Walter VanBrunt. "Earning high ratings from Standard & Poor's for two consecutive years allows us to confirm to our clients that we are a secure, well-established company. This is especially meaningful in a time when many other companies and businesses are facing turbulence and financial uncertainty."

The rating and affirmations are another reason for companies to contract with Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey for employee dental benefits. In addition to enjoying the security of partnering with a financially stable company, companies that contract with Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey may improve employee retention and workplace efficacy by offering employees access to the nation's largest dental network.

Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey, Inc., is New Jersey’s leading and largest dental benefits carrier, providing coverage to more than one million people through contracts with employers in New Jersey and Connecticut. The Delta Dental Plan system is a national network of independently operated, not-for-profit dental service corporations specializing in providing dental benefits programs for employee groups throughout the country. For more information visit us on the Web at www.deltadentalnj.com.