DELTA DENTAL TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE WEEK

PARSIPPANY, NJ (September 30, 2002) – Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey has scheduled a week-long celebration in observance of National Customer Service Week, which will be held October 7-11. A series of events under the theme of "Human Touch" will be held at Delta Dental's Parsippany headquarters and will highlight the importance of the stellar customer service needed to maintain the company's role as the state's leading dental benefits carrier.

A highlight of the week will be an activity allowing non-Customer Service associates within the company an opportunity to partner on the phone with a Customer Service representative. Conducted at 15-minutes intervals throughout the week, this exercise will allow for an exchange of ideas by the two parties on how to better service the customers and strengthen communication skills. This opportunity will be available in the Flagship, Customer Service, and Premium Billing Departments.

On October 4, Delta Dental employees will attend a luncheon featuring a presentation by Bruce Silverman, Senior Vice President, Claims, who will discuss HIPAA rulings and the impact of HIPAA on customer service. Throughout the following week, Walter VanBrunt, President and CEO, will thank Delta Dental employees for their continued dedication to excellent customer service.

"Delta Dental's National Customer Service Week celebration is a small way of saying thank you to our employees for all that they do and to our clients for recognizing the value of the services we provide," said VanBrunt. "Maintaining strong corporate values and a positive work environment has a direct impact on the quality of service we extend to our clients. Ultimately, this commitment to excellence affects client retention rates as well as Delta Dental's solid financial ratings and positive outlook."

Delta Dental's recognition of National Customer Service Week will begin on October 7 with a bagel breakfast. Games and activities that focus on customer service are also planned. The company will show its appreciation to clients by including a special message of thanks as part of this month's billing process.

Customer Service Week, which was first celebrated in 1988, is an event 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 and it is now celebrated annually by thousands of companies in North America. Delta Dental 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 and Connecticut's leading 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.