Dental and Vision

As a benefits-eligible employee, you may elect Delta Dental insurance with or without the Vision Service Plan (VSP). SEIU bargaining unit employees also have the option of Service Employees Benefit Fund (SEBF) dental insurance with or without the SEBF vision plan.

On this page:

Dental Plan

Choose the dental plan that will best meet your needs:

  • The Preventive Plan [PDF] provides coverage for two annual exams and cleanings per calendar year, as well as temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) services. To help maintain your oral health during pregnancy, Delta Dental offers one additional exam and cleaning to pregnant women.
  • The Comprehensive Plan [PDF] provides coverage for services listed in the Preventive Plan, as well as for basic and major restorative services, oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics and prosthodontics. During pregnancy, women may elect either the enhanced benefit for pregnant women in the Preventive Plan or one additional periodontal scaling and root planing per quadrant.

Both Delta Dental options offer two levels of coverage depending on whether the dentist participates in a Delta Dental network. If the dentist does not participate in a Delta Dental network, your out-of-pocket costs will generally be higher. Dentists who do not participate in a network may bill you for the difference between their usual charges and the allowable amount for those services as determined by Delta Dental.

Enrollment in a Delta Dental option is a two-year commitment. A two-year commitment cycle for the University’s dental and vision plans started Jan. 1, 2023. Elections made during calendar year 2024 will be in effect through Dec. 31, 2024, unless you experience a qualified life event change.

Contact Delta Dental Member Services at 800.932.0783 (TTY: 711) or log in to the Delta Dental website for more information.

Vision Plan

If you enroll in dental with vision coverage, vision benefits are provided through Vision Service Providers (VSP). Vision is not available as a separate option.

  • Coverage is provided for routine eye exams, contact lens care, glasses and frames.
  • To view services covered and additional benefits provided, please review your VSP Vision Coverage.
  • Enhanced services are available to diabetics under the Essential Medical Eyecare program.
  • To maximize your plan benefits, use an in-network provider. In addition, review these special offers that you may be eligible for as a VSP member.
  • Enrollment in the combined Delta Dental and VSP vision program is a University-wide, two-year commitment.  Elections made during calendar year 2024 will be in effect through Dec. 31, 2024.  If you experience a qualified family status change mid-year, please contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042 for more information on how to potentially make a change.

Contact VSP Member Services at 800.877.7195 (TTY: 800.428.4833) or visit the VSP website for more details.

Provider Network

You can use any licensed dentist or optometrist, but you will keep your out-of-pocket costs lowest if you use participating providers for your dental and vision care.

Delta Dental gives you access to two networks of participating providers: Delta Dental PPO network and the Delta Dental Premier network. Using a dentist in the PPO network provides the best value. A dentist in the Premier network is the next best option if you can’t find a PPO dentist. Participating dentists in both networks will accept the Delta Dental payment as payment in full for a covered service, so you will usually save when compared to a non-participating dentist. You can search online for participating dentists on the Delta Dental website or call Delta Dental at 800.932.0783 (TTY: 711).

VSP’s network is primarily independent doctors of optometry, but the network does include some retail chains. If you choose to use a non-VSP provider, your coverage is limited. To find a list of participating providers in your area, you can search online on the VSP website or call 800.877.7195 (TTY: 800.428.4833).

Your Cost

  • Most premiums are paid through pre-tax payroll deduction.
  • The monthly contributions listed below are based on the 12-month calendar year. Actual deductions from each paycheck will vary depending upon your deduction cycle (weekly or semi-monthly; academic year or calendar year).

Dental and Vision Monthly Contributions for 2024

Preventive Dental With or Without VisionPreventive DentalPreventive Dental Plus Vision
Employee Only$9.19$13.91
Employee + Spouse/Domestic Partner$22.91$32.36
Employee + Child(ren)$25.92$36.18
Employee + Spouse/Domestic Partner + Child(ren)$42.98$59.37
Comprehensive Dental With or Without VisionComprehensive DentalComprehensive Dental Plus Vision
Employee Only$32.04$36.76
Employee + Spouse/Domestic Partner$74.49$83.94
Employee + Child(ren)$73.58$83.84
Employee + Spouse/Domestic Partner + Child(ren)$114.95$131.34

Submitting a Claim

Participating providers will submit claims on your behalf, and you will pay your share of the cost at the time of your visit. If you use non-participating providers, you may need to pay in full at the time of service and file a claim for benefits.

Should you have any questions, or require accommodations to access any information on this webpage, please reach out to HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042.

Helpful Links


Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within this website is accurate. However, the benefits are governed by legal documents (which, in certain circumstances, may include insurance contracts). If there is any difference between the information in this website and the official documents, the official documents will control. As is the case with all of Syracuse University’s employee benefit plans, the University reserves the right to modify or terminate these benefits at any time.