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

PARSIPPANY, NJ (September 25, 2003) – Standard & Poor's recently affirmed Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey's (Delta Dental) AA- counterparty credit and financial strength ratings for the fourth consecutive year. The analysis was based on the company's extremely strong capitalization, excellent earnings and good business position.

Standard & Poor's predicts a stable outlook for Delta Dental, New Jersey's and Connecticut's leading dental benefits carrier.

"Four years of high ratings from Standard & Poor's validates the merits of our extensive dental provider networks and our approach to quality and customer service," said Delta Dental President and CEO Walter VanBrunt. "We understand that accessibility, value and cost containment are of paramount importance to our customers, especially in a challenging economy. The S&P ratings confirm that we are a strong company to do business with."

Standard & Poor's analysis noted that Delta Dental is extremely well capitalized, which allows for both flexibility and growth. According to the report, Delta Dental's membership is expected to increase in 2003. "We will continue efforts to upgrade our customer service systems to ensure we are providing the best service using leading-edge technology," said VanBrunt.

A nationwide poll conducted in 2002¹ found that demand for employer-sponsored dental benefits remains high, despite overall concerns with the nation's healthcare system. Studies have also shown that when employees maintain a higher level of oral health, their employers experience cost and productivity benefits. Companies who contract with Delta Dental to offer benefits are partnering with a financially secure entity, and also offering their employees a quality, highly valued product.

¹Survey conducted by Taylor Nelson/Sofres Intersearch as part of a broader market research study for Delta Dental Plans regarding American attitudes about dental benefits.

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.