TRICARE Dental: Coverage, Plans, and 2026 Rates | TRICARE.com

## Quick answer TRICARE dental coverage is not a single plan, but a set of different programs based on your military status. Active duty service members get care at military dental clinics, while family members and National Guard/Reserve members must enroll in the **TRICARE Dental Program (TDP)**, a voluntary, premium-based insurance plan. Retirees and their families are eligible for dental coverage through the **FEDVIP** program managed by OPM.

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### Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs) Active duty members receive comprehensive dental care at no cost. This is primarily delivered through military dental clinics (Direct Care). If you are stationed in a remote location where military dental care is unavailable, the **TRICARE Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP)**, currently managed by United Concordia, coordinates care with civilian dentists.

### TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) The TDP is the commercial insurance plan for active duty family members (ADFMs), Selected Reserve, and Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) members. As of 2026, it is administered by **United Concordia**.

* **Costs (2026 Rates):** Monthly premiums vary based on the sponsor’s status and the number of people enrolled. Historically, these range from approximately $12/month for a single active duty family member to over $100/month for certain reserve families. * **Coverage:** * **100% covered:** Diagnostic and preventive services (cleanings, exams, X-rays). * **60%–80% covered:** Basic restorative services (fillings). * **50% covered:** Major services (crowns, bridges, dentures) and Orthodontics (up to age 21 or 23 if a full-time student). * **Annual Maximum:** $1,500 per person per contract year (varies by plan year—check TRICARE.mil for current rates).

### Retirees and Their Families Retirees and their family members are **not** eligible for the TRICARE Dental Program. Instead, they can purchase dental insurance through the **Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)**. * **Enrollment:** You must enroll during the annual Federal Benefits Open Season (typically mid-November to mid-December) or after a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). * **Providers:** Several carriers offer FEDVIP plans, including Delta Dental, MetLife, and GEHA. Costs and coverage levels vary significantly depending on the carrier and zip code.

### Overseas Dental Care In the West and East regions (CONUS), TDP uses a network of United Concordia providers. For those OCONUS (overseas), the TDP provides coverage through International SOS and local host-nation providers. In many overseas remote locations, family members may be seen at military dental clinics on a space-available basis, but TDP enrollment is still recommended.

## Who this affects * **Active Duty Service Members:** Covered via military clinics or ADDP. * **Active Duty Family Members:** Eligible for the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP). * **National Guard and Reserve:** Selected Reserve and IRR members are eligible for TDP. * **Retirees & Families:** Eligible for FEDVIP (not TDP). * **Survivors:** Eligible for TDP (first 3 years are at the active duty premium rate).

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil Dental Overview:** https://www.tricare.mil/dental * **United Concordia (TDP Administrator):** https://www.uccitdp.com * **FEDVIP (BENEFEDS):** https://www.benefeds.com * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** https://health.mil/