TRICARE Dental Coverage: Plans, Cost & Eligibility 2026 | TRICARE.com

*Note: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not the official TRICARE program or the Defense Health Agency. For official policy and enrollment, visit TRICARE.mil.*

## Quick answer TRICARE provides comprehensive dental coverage to active duty service members directly through military dental clinics. All others—including families, retirees, and Guard/Reserve members—must purchase separate dental insurance through the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) or the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).

In detail

Dental coverage under TRICARE is split into three distinct categories based on your beneficiary status. Unlike medical care, dental is often a "buy-in" premium-based product.

### 1. Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs) Active duty members receive full dental care at no cost. * **Stateside:** Care is primarily provided at military dental clinics. If you are in a remote location, the **Active Duty Dental Care (ADDP)** program (administered by United Concordia) manages private-sector referrals. * **Overseas:** Care is provided at overseas military clinics or through authorized civilian providers coordinated by International SOS.

### 2. TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) The TDP is a voluntary, premium-based plan for active duty family members and Guard/Reserve members. It is currently administered by **United Concordia**.

**2026 Monthly Premiums (Example Rates):** * **Active Duty Family (One person):** ~$12.50/month. * **Active Duty Family (Full family):** ~$31.20/month. * **Selected Reserve (Sponsor):** ~$31.20/month. * *(Note: Rates typically adjust annually on May 1st).*

**Coverage Percentages (2026):** * **Diagnostic & Preventive:** 100% covered (no cost-share). * **Basic Restorative (Fillings):** 80% covered. * **Major Restorative (Crowns/Bridges):** 50% covered. * **Orthodontics:** 50% covered (up to a lifetime maximum).

### 3. Retirees and Their Families (FEDVIP) Retired service members and their families are **not** eligible for the TDP. Instead, they must enroll in the **Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)**, managed by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). * You can choose from multiple private carriers (e.g., Delta Dental, Blue Cross Blue Shield, GEHA, MetLife). * Enrollment only occurs during the annual **Federal Benefits Open Season** (late November to early December) or after a Qualifying Life Event (QLE).

Comparison of Dental Coverage 2026

| Feature | Active Duty | TDP (Families/Reserve) | FEDVIP (Retirees) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Administered By** | Military Clinics / United Concordia | United Concordia | Multiple Carriers (via BENEFEDS) | | **Premiums** | $0 | Monthly Premium Required | Monthly Premium Required | | **Annual Max** | None | $1,500 per person | Varies by plan ($1,500–Unlimited) | | **Orthodontics** | Fully Covered | 50% (Lifetime Max ~$1,750) | Varies by plan |

## Who this applies to * **Active Duty:** Coverage is mandatory and provided through the military. * **Active Duty Families:** Eligible for the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP). * **National Guard/Reserve:** Eligible for the TDP (if not on active duty orders). * **Retirees & Families:** Eligible for FEDVIP dental plans only. * **Medally Retired/Survivors:** Eligible for TDP or FEDVIP depending on specific status; survivor transition periods apply.

Common scenarios

**Scenario 1: New Filling.** An Active Duty spouse in the TDP needs a cavity filled (Basic Restorative). The dentist charges $200. Under the 2026 20% cost-share, the spouse pays $40, and United Concordia pays $160.

**Scenario 2: Retired Officer.** A retired Major wants dental coverage for himself and his wife. He misses the FEDVIP Open Season in December 2025. He must wait until the 2026 Open Season to enroll for 2027 coverage, unless he has a Qualifying Life Event like a marriage or losing other dental insurance.

**Scenario 3: Guard Member.** A Selected Reserve member (not on orders) enrolls in TDP. They pay the "Sponsor Only" premium of approximately $31.20 per month (2026 rates) to maintain coverage while in drilling status.

## Related terms * **Cost-Share:** The percentage of the bill you pay out of pocket after the plan pays its share. * **TDP:** TRICARE Dental Program, the specific plan for families and Reservists. * **FEDVIP:** The suite of dental and vision plans available to retirees. * **ADDP:** Active Duty Dental Program, used when an active duty member cannot access a military clinic. * **Open Season:** The specific time of year (usually November–December) when retirees can change or start dental enrollment.

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil Dental Overview:** https://www.tricare.mil/dental * **United Concordia (TDP):** https://www.uccitdp.com * **BENEFEDS (FEDVIP):** https://www.benefeds.com * **Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP):** https://addp-uchi.com