1. As used in this act:
"Carrier" means an insurance company, health service corporation, hospital service corporation, medical service corporation, dental service corporation, dental plan organization, or health maintenance organization, authorized to issue or act as an administrator of dental plans in this State.
"Dental plan" means a benefits plan which pays or provides dental expense benefits for covered services and is delivered or issued for delivery in this State by or through a carrier either on a stand-alone basis or as part of other coverage including, but not limited to, health benefits coverage.