DELTA DENTAL TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE WEEK

PARSIPPANY, NJ (September 25, 2001) – Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey (Delta Dental) has planned a week-long celebration in observance of National Customer Service Week, which will be held October 1st-5th. A series of events under the theme "It's All About U" will be held at Delta Dental's Parsippany headquarters and will highlight the importance of exceptional customer service needed to maintain the company's role as the state's leading and largest dental benefits carrier.

Delta Dental's celebration will begin with a special kickoff breakfast. Employees will also be treated to a luncheon featuring a video entitled "Work Team & The Wizard of Oz," which deals with celebrating the diversity each person brings to a team. Other activities include contests to encourage teamwork, departmental scavenger hunts, and creative interpretation of customer service week. A luncheon will be held on October 3rd to thank Delta Dental associates for their ongoing efforts in maintaining strong customer relations.

"National Customer Service Week honors the commitment to professionalism and superior service exhibited by our employees each and every day," said Walter VanBrunt, President and CEO of Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey. "Our customers rely on efficient, friendly responses to inquiries, whether they are contacting us by phone or e-mail. We believe that the level of service we provide has been a major factor in the 95 percent annual renewal rate we've enjoyed."

Customer Service Week, which was first celebrated in 1988, is an event that is devoted to recognizing the importance of customer service and honoring those in the profession. In 1992, the U.S. Congress proclaimed Customer Service Week a nationally recognized event. It is now celebrated annually by thousands of companies in North America, including Delta Dental, which uses the opportunity to reward representatives, boost morale, raise company-wide awareness of the important role that customer service plays in the company's success, and let customers know about the company's commitment to customer satisfaction.

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. Information about Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey is available on the Internet at www.deltadentalnj.com.