I haven't found a sufficient alternative to Delta (then again, I'm just now getting frustrated enough with them to start considering alternative, so am also interested in other people's suggestions). As to cleaning prices, I happen to remember seeing on my last statement of activity from them that my dentist charged the last cleaning at $50 and $30 for 2 x-rays.

Re: Dental Plans I am a student's spouse and do not get my health insurance through the student health plan (SHIP) b/c it is cheaper to buy individual plans. this goes for children of students too. We discovered this option through a flyer posted on our door from Frankel Insurance Services (800/938-1581) and I have been extremely pleased with both the dental and health plans he offers. The dental provider is Denticare and charges $5/month/person. You get one free cleaning with xrays per year and subsequent cleanings are $25 each. It is like an HMO where there are a few providers you must choose from. I won't rave about the office we've used, but it was just fine and money is the biggest issue for us. I'm glad to have the opportunity to say a good word for Frankel Insurance. The UC plan for student families is a big ripoff in comparison (although it is cheaper for the student him/herself).

After gum surgery about eight years ago, I was scheduled for cleaning four times a year, twice with the periodontal office where the surgery was done and twice with my regular dental office. When Delta Dental backed off to paying for two cleanings a year, I asked for and was rescheduled for three cleanings a year, to preserve the situation where I pay for only one cleaning each year.

I was concerned about the relatively deep pockets behind my back molars, so I just went back for a follow up 4-6 weeks after cleaning. The pockets are stable as they have been for several years. ...and each time I go in, it seems I learn something incremental about how best to clean my teeth.

Bottom line: with moderate care, I've been able to maintain my problem areas with three annual cleanings instead of four.

2) We got a SoniCare ultrasonic brush set for Christmas last year, and there was a noticeable improvement for all areas besides the deep pockets. The periodontist recommended SoniCare, my regular office recommended Braun. ...ask your provider. "Your mileage may vary" :-)

My regular office is Dr. Kami's on University Avenue, which many UC folks recommended to me years ago. I called to ask your questions. 3) They charge $70 for a cleaning. I didn't call my perio specialist... 4) The average is two cleanings a year, with 5-15% of their patients requiring three or four cleanings per year. Ultimately your oral care depends on how often and how well you brush, floss, and care for special areas. For me that's a perio-pick -- a toothpick handle. From: Cindy (6/98)

I have been calling for an appt for my 19 month old, and wanted to give you some updates.

Dr. Matsuishi charges $90 for a new appointment. His office makes a first-time, no charge appointment to bring in your child just to get adjusted to the surroundings, then you can make a new appointment. He is a member of Delta Dental. 524-4633

Dr. Bernstein in Berkeley 848-4167 charges $75 for the first exam. He sees adults, and kids ages 3 and over. Yes for Delta Dental.

My family doctor recommended Dr. Denise Bass-Allen, a pediatric dentist in Oakland (763-2022). Very friendly office staff, member of Delta Dental, and charges $40 for a new appointment. They welcome drop-in visits to see the office, etc. and send out new patient packets prior to the visit. Warning: 2 months before a new, non-emergency appointment!