TRICARE Dental Coverage Limits & Annual Maximums (2026) | TRICARE.com

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## Quick answer TRICARE dental coverage is separate from medical coverage and is provided through three distinct plans depending on your status. Coverage limits range from no-cost comprehensive care for active duty members to a $1,500–$2,000 annual maximum per person for family members and retirees.

Details

### Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs) Active duty members receive the most comprehensive coverage with essentially **no annual dollar limits** for necessary dental care. Most care is provided at military dental clinics. if referred to civilian care via the Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP) managed by United Concordia, the military covers the full cost of authorized treatment.

### TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) This is a premium-based plan for active duty family members, Guard/Reserve members, and their families. It is managed by **United Concordia**. * **Annual Benefit Maximum:** For the 2026 plan year, the limit is **$1,500 per person** per contract year for non-orthodontic services. * **Orthodontic Lifetime Maximum:** There is a **$1,750 lifetime maximum** per person. * **Accidental Limit:** There is a separate **$1,200 annual maximum** for dental care required due to an accident. * **Preventive Services:** Cleanings and exams do not typically count against your $1,500 annual maximum.

### TRICARE Retiree Dental (FEDVIP) Since 2019, retirees and their families are no longer covered by a "TRICARE" dental plan. Instead, they must enroll in the **Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)**, managed by OPM. * **Limits:** Coverage limits vary by the specific provider you choose (e.g., Delta Dental, Blue Cross Blue Shield, MetLife). * **Standard vs. High Options:** Most "High" plans in 2026 offer **unlimited annual maximums** or limits around $2,000–$3,000, while "Standard" plans typically cap coverage between $1,200 and $1,500. * **Orthodontic Limits:** Lifetime limits usually range from $2,000 to $3,500 depending on the carrier.

### General Exclusions Across all plans, TRICARE and FEDVIP generally do not cover: * Cosmetic dentistry (whitening, veneers). * Services deemed not medically or dentally necessary. * Treatment started before your eligibility date.

## Who this affects * **Active Duty Service Members:** Full coverage, no specific dollar caps for authorized care. * **Active Duty Family Members:** Subject to the $1,500 TDP annual limit. * **National Guard and Reserve:** Subject to TDP limits (if enrolled). * **Retirees and Families:** Subject to the specific limits of their chosen FEDVIP plan. * **Survivors:** Eligible for TDP (with government-paid premiums for a specific period) or FEDVIP.

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil Dental Overview:** https://www.tricare.mil/dental * **United Concordia (TDP Contractor):** https://www.uccitdp.com * **BENEFEDS (FEDVIP Portal):** https://www.benefeds.com * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** https://health.mil/Custom-Navigation/Directives-and-Policies