Delta Dental of Iowa - Delta Dental of Iowa financial rating upgraded to “Excellent”

January 5, 2009

Delta Dental of Iowa financial rating upgraded to "Excellent"
12-22-05

ANKENY IA, December 22, 2005--Delta Dental of Iowa (DDIA) has received a financial strength rating of A- ("Excellent) from A.M. Best, a leading worldwide insurance rating and information agency.

The Ankeny-based dental insurance provider has been upgraded from its previous rating of B++ ("Very Good"), and its rating outlook is stable.

"DDIA has reported favorable earnings over the past few years, primarily driven by the risk market, which is approximately one quarter of its book of business," the report reads. "A.M. Best believes the support of a strong network gives DDIA a substantial competitive advantage in accessing dental providers and ultimately controlling dental costs, which allows DDIA to maintain a leading market share in its service area."

"Delta Dental of Iowa goal is to provide a strong network of dental care providers for our customers and to control dental costs, and we are pleased A.M. Best has recognized these advantages with Delta Dental's upgraded rating to A-" said Donn Hutchins, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Iowa.

A.M. Best Co., established in 1899, is the world's oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit A.M. Best's Web site at www.ambest.com.

Delta Dental of Iowa is the largest and most experienced provider of dental benefits in the state. The Iowa company is a member of the Delta Dental Plans Association, a national organization of not-for-profit Delta Dental member companies. The national association is the largest dental benefits carrier in the nation, providing coverage to more than 45 million people in nearly 76,000 employer groups.