TRICARE Dental for Active Duty: Benefits & ADDP Guide | TRICARE.com

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## Quick answer Active duty service members (ADSMs) receive comprehensive dental care primarily through military dental clinics at no cost. If a military clinic is unavailable or if you are stationed in a remote location, your care is managed and paid for through the TRICARE Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP).

Details

### Military Dental Clinics (CONUS and OCONUS) Most active duty members are required to seek dental care at a Military Dental Clinic (DTF). This care is 100% covered, including exams, cleanings, fillings, root canals, and extractions. For members stationed outside the United States, military clinics remain the primary source of care.

### The TRICARE Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP) Managed by United Concordia Companies, Inc., the ADDP is for ADSMs who are: * Stationed in a "remote" location (defined as being more than 50 miles from a military dental clinic). * Referred by a military dental clinic to a civilian dentist for specific specialty care.

Under ADDP, there are no premiums, no deductibles, and no cost-shares for covered services, provided you follow the authorization rules.

### Authorization Requirements (2026 Rules) * **Routine Care:** In remote areas, you can seek routine care (cleanings, exams, fillings) from any network dentist without a prior appointment control number (ACN), though it is recommended to verify eligibility first. * **Specialty Care:** For complex procedures like crowns, bridges, or orthodontics, you **must** obtain a non-availability statement or a referral from a military clinic (if local) or a prior authorization from United Concordia (if remote). Failure to do this will result in the member being held personally liable for the bill.

### Orthodontics Orthodontic treatment (braces) for active duty members is generally only covered if it is deemed "medically necessary" to correct a severe malocclusion or as part of a surgical treatment plan. Cosmetic braces are not covered.

### Emergency Dental Care If you have a dental emergency (severe pain, bleeding, or trauma) after hours: * **Near a military clinic:** Contact the facility's duty officer or go to a military emergency room. * **Remote/Civilian:** You may seek emergency care from any civilian dentist. For 2026, follow-up care must still be coordinated through the ADDP to ensure it is covered.

## Who this affects * Active Duty Service Members (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard). * Commissioned Corps of the NOAA and USPHS. * National Guard and Reserve members on "Active Duty" orders for more than 30 consecutive days.

*(Note: Active duty family members are NOT covered under ADDP; they must enroll in the TRICARE Dental Program, which requires monthly premiums.)*

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil:** [Dental Care for Active Duty](https://www.tricare.mil/HealthPlan/Dental/ADSM) * **United Concordia (ADDP):** [Active Duty Dental Program Portal](https://addp-ucci.com/) * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** [Dental Program Overview](https://health.mil/)