If a prepaid dental plan after May 3, 1983, offers group prepaid dental service for sale in this state, and the plan limits the provider dentists to designated dentists or groups of designated dentists, whether through regular dental insurance coverage, dental service plan coverage, or through a health maintenance organization or any other service plan organization, the employer or other entity that provides the plan for the benefit of its employees or members shall also offer to the employees or members, including their eligible dependents, the option of selecting alternative coverage that permits the covered persons to obtain dental services from any licensed dentist of their choice. In providing the alternative coverage, the employer or other entity shall pay for the dental benefits to the same extent as provided in the plan, but in no event shall it be required to pay for or contribute towards the provision of alternative coverage an amount greater than the premium or cost it pays or contributes to under the plan.