Delta Dental of California has introduced a 15 dollar weekly administrative fee for dentists who choose to receive reimbursement by paper check, and on July 8, 2026 the American Dental Association formally opposed the charge. The ADA argues that dentists should be able to pick their payment method without a penalty, warning that the fee shifts insurer costs onto practices and, ultimately, patients. For family and pediatric offices already managing thin margins, the practical question is whether to absorb the fee, switch to electronic funds transfer, or push for state protection.
What is Delta Dental's new paper check fee?
Delta Dental of California announced a separate administrative charge of 15 dollars per week for any dentist who continues to request paper check reimbursements instead of electronic payment. The change was communicated to providers by newsletter in early July 2026. The Delta Dental of California enterprise operates across nine states plus Washington, D.C., including California, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware, and West Virginia, so the policy reaches a large share of participating practices.
Key facts and figures
- The fee is 15 dollars per week for dentists who choose paper check reimbursement (American Dental Association, 2026).
- The ADA formally opposed the fee on July 8, 2026 (ADA News, 2026).
- Delta Dental of California operates in nine states plus Washington, D.C. (ADA News, 2026).
- The recommended no fee alternative is electronic funds transfer, or EFT (ADA News, 2026).
Why is the ADA opposing the charge?
The ADA opposes the fee because it treats a basic payment choice as a billable service and pushes administrative costs from the insurer onto the dental practice. The association frames the issue as one of provider choice and access, arguing that penalizing paper checks raises the real cost of delivering care. ADA leaders tied the concern directly to practices in smaller markets.
"Supporting choice for providers ensures that these practices remain viable in all settings, both urban and rural." ADA President Richard Rosato, D.M.D., and Executive Director Nader Nadershahi.
Shelley Olson, D.D.S., chair of the ADA Council on Dental Benefit Programs, added that the burden does not stop at the practice door: "Charging for paper checks increases the costs for patients to receive healthcare and for providers to administer it."
How is this different from a virtual credit card fee?
This charge targets paper checks, but it is part of the same broader trend that has made virtual credit card payments controversial. With a virtual credit card, an insurer sends a single use card number that the practice processes like any card payment, which means the office often pays processing fees of roughly 2 to 5 percent on the reimbursement. Electronic funds transfer moves money directly into the practice bank account and generally avoids those charges. The table below compares the three common reimbursement paths.
| Payment method | Typical cost to the practice | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paper check | 15 dollars per week under the new Delta Dental of California policy | Previously standard and free; now carries an administrative fee |
| Virtual credit card | Card processing fees, often around 2 to 5 percent | Convenient for insurers, but the percentage fee can exceed a flat charge on large claims |
| Electronic funds transfer (EFT) | Generally no added fee | The ADA points to EFT as the no cost alternative |
What can dental practices do about the fee?
The ADA has encouraged dentists to take three practical steps: contact Delta Dental directly to object, notify their state insurance commissioner, and work with their state dental association on legislation that protects payment choice. Many practices are also reviewing whether switching to EFT makes sense, since it avoids both the paper check fee and the percentage cost of virtual credit cards. This dispute sits alongside a wave of state level action on payment rules, which we cover in our report on state dental insurance reforms in 2026.
For independent and family practices weighing the change, the decision often comes down to cash flow and staff time. A busy office such as La Prada Family Dentistry in Garland, Texas processes reimbursements from multiple insurers each week, so even a modest per week charge can add up over a year and is worth modeling before renewal.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Delta Dental's paper check fee?
Delta Dental of California is charging 15 dollars per week to dentists who continue to receive reimbursement by paper check, according to the ADA.
Does the fee apply everywhere?
The fee applies within the Delta Dental of California enterprise, which operates in nine states plus Washington, D.C. Other Delta Dental member companies set their own policies, so practices should confirm the rules for their specific payer.
What is the no cost alternative?
The ADA points to electronic funds transfer, or EFT, which deposits reimbursement directly into a practice bank account and generally avoids added fees, unlike paper checks under the new policy or virtual credit cards with their processing charges.
Has the ADA taken a formal position?
Yes. On July 8, 2026 the ADA formally opposed the paper check fee and urged dentists to contact Delta Dental, notify state insurance commissioners, and support protective legislation.
Updated July 2026.
