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

PARSIPPANY, NJ (September 22, 2004) – Standard & Poor's (S&P) recently affirmed Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey's (Delta Dental) AA- counterparty credit and financial strength ratings for the fifth consecutive year. The company's capital position, earnings and business position were cited as the major rating factors.

Delta Dental's continued high ratings are especially meaningful in the context of a challenging economy. The company has maintained a superior level of capital adequacy, which provides both flexibility and growth opportunities. Earnings, which increased 50 percent from the previous year, came from a balance of underwriting gains and investment income.

"The brokers and consultants we work with feel confident when offering Delta Dental to their clients because of our financial strength and stability," said president and CEO Walter VanBrunt. "We have been operating in New Jersey for thirty-five years, and some of our sister Delta Dental Plans have been around for fifty years. We are proud of the fact that Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey remains one of the most highly rated dental plans in the country."

In addition to the economic assessment, Delta Dental was also evaluated on its business position. It received a ranking of "good" based on a variety of factors including size, market share and competition. The company is the largest provider of group dental benefits in New Jersey and has the largest network in the state. Furthermore, through its access to the Delta Dental Plans Association's national network, Delta Dental also offers access to the largest dental network in the country.

"As a single-line carrier, our expertise remains focused on offering the best quality dental benefits to our clients," said VanBrunt.

Studies show that dental coverage continues to be a popular benefit among employees, ranking second only to medical benefits. A properly designed benefits plan has the potential to positively impact the retention of valued staff. Delta Dental is able to offer a variety of programs that make it easy, affordable and convenient for employers to provide comprehensive dental benefits through a strong commitment to innovation and cost-sharing arrangements, and business partnerships with sister Delta Dental Plans.

"Delta Dental's mission is to promote oral health to the greatest number of people by providing accessible dental benefit programs of the highest quality, service and value," said VanBrunt. "Continued strong S&P ratings affirm that we are a sound company to do business with."

About Delta Dental
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 offers seamless dental benefits administration for employer groups throughout the country and the largest network of credentialed dentists in the nation. For more information visit us on the Web at www.deltadentalnj.com.