The California Dental Association (CDA) is stepping up its legislative efforts in 2026 with the introduction of two bills aimed at reforming dental insurance plans across the state. The proposals focus on improving network access and transparency, issues that have long frustrated both dentists and patients.
Assembly Bill 1629 addresses the problem of inadequate dental plan networks, which often leave patients struggling to find care. The bill requires all dental plans to honor patients’ assignment of benefits (AOB) requests. This ensures that patients can see out-of-network dentists while allowing the insurance plan to pay the provider directly, reducing financial burden and streamlining access to care.
The second bill, AB 2029, calls for the creation of an online provider portal. This platform would be accessible to all dental offices, regardless of network participation, and provide accurate benefit estimates for patients. Dentists would also be able to request prior authorizations and track claims status through the portal, addressing long-standing issues with inconsistent pretreatment estimates.
“We had a big win last year with the dental plan reform bill protecting dentists from predatory virtual credit card practices,” said CDA President Dr. Robert Hanlon. “But there’s more work to be done. These new bills push for greater accountability and transparency from dental plans, which benefits both dentists and their patients.”
These legislative efforts are part of the CDA’s ongoing Fix Our Dental Insurance campaign, which highlights the limitations of current dental plans in providing meaningful coverage.
Network Gaps and Patient Challenges
California dental patients face ongoing challenges in accessing care. State law requires plans to maintain adequate networks, ensuring general and specialist dentists are available. Yet nearly half of Californians with commercial dental insurance are enrolled in plans governed by federal law, which are not included in the state’s network adequacy assessments. This gap leaves many patients with incomplete access to care.
Patients who see out-of-network providers often must pay upfront, even when an AOB request has been submitted. AB 1629, authored by Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco), seeks to address these issues by requiring insurers to report provider network information and comply with AOB requests. Dr. Hanlon described the bill as “a big step toward making dental plans function like real insurance.”
AB 1629 is a revised version of last year’s AB 371, adjusted to address concerns about state implementation costs that had previously stalled the legislation.
Improving Coverage Estimates
Dental offices also face challenges in providing patients with accurate cost estimates. Current pretreatment estimates from dental plans often differ from final coverage amounts, leaving patients with unexpected bills. AB 2029, introduced by Assemblymember LaShae Sharp-Collins (D-San Diego), requires all plans to provide standardized coverage information through an online portal.
“This bill brings much-needed transparency to dental plans,” Hanlon said. “Dentists can give patients clearer estimates of out-of-pocket costs, which is especially crucial for complex procedures.”
The CDA’s legislative push underscores a broader effort to reform dental insurance in California, aiming to reduce financial and administrative barriers while improving patient care and provider accountability.