TRICARE Dental Costs & Premiums 2026 Guide | TRICARE.com

*TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense or the official TRICARE program. For official policy and enrollment, visit TRICARE.mil.*

## Quick answer TRICARE dental costs represent two different systems: active duty service members receive care at no cost, while family members and retirees pay monthly premiums and cost-shares through the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) or the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). For most families in 2026, monthly premiums range from $12 to $32 per person depending on the sponsor's status.

Details

### Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs) Active duty personnel generally receive all dental care at military dental clinics at no cost. If an ADSM is in a remote location, they are covered under the TRICARE Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP) administered by United Concordia, which also carries $0 out-of-pocket costs for authorized care.

### TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) The TDP is the voluntary plan for active duty family members, Guard/Reserve members, and their families. It is managed by **United Concordia**.

**2026 Monthly Premiums (Estimated):** * **Active Duty Family (Single):** ~$12.30 * **Active Duty Family (Family):** ~$31.80 * **Selected Reserve/IRR (Single):** ~$30.50 * **Selected Reserve/IRR (Family):** ~$79.50

**Cost-Shares (The percentage you pay):** * **Diagnostic & Preventive:** 0% * **Basic Restorative (Fillings):** 20% * **Complex Restorative (Crowns/Bridges):** 50% * **Orthodontics:** 50% (up to a lifetime maximum per person) * **Endodontics/Periodontics:** 30%–40% (depending on pay grade)

### Retirees and Their Families (FEDVIP) Retirees do not use the TRICARE Dental Program. Instead, they must enroll in the **Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)**, managed by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

Costs for FEDVIP vary significantly because you choose between multiple private carriers (e.g., Delta Dental, Blue Cross Blue Shield, MetLife, United Healthcare). * **Premiums:** Depend on your zip code and the specific "Standard" or "High" plan you select. * **Direct Billing:** Unlike TDP, FEDVIP premiums are typically deducted from your retirement pay.

### Coverage Limits Most TRICARE dental plans (TDP) have an **Annual Benefit Maximum** of approximately $1,500 per person per contract year for non-orthodontic services. There is also a separate **Lifetime Orthodontic Maximum**, usually capped at $1,750 per person.

## Who this affects * **Active Duty Family Members:** Eligible for TDP premiums and cost-shares. * **National Guard and Reserve:** Eligible for TDP (higher premiums than active duty families). * **Retirees and Families:** Eligible for FEDVIP dental plans. * **Survivors:** Eligible for TDP with specific subsidized premium rates for a set period.

## Sources 1. **TRICARE.mil Dental Overview:** https://www.tricare.mil/Dental 2. **United Concordia TDP Site:** https://www.uccitdp.com 3. **BENEFEDS (FEDVIP Enrollment):** https://www.benefeds.com 4. **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Health-Readiness/Dental-Health