TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) Guide: 2026 Rates & Coverage

## Quick answer The TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) is a voluntary, premium-based dental insurance plan for active duty family members and National Guard/Reserve members and their families. It is administered globally by United Concordia Companies, Inc. and is separate from TRICARE’s medical coverage.

*Note: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not the official TRICARE program. Visit TRICARE.mil for official policy and enrollment.*

Details

### Who Manages the Program? As of 2026, the TRICARE Dental Program is managed by **United Concordia**. This is distinct from the TRICARE medical regions (managed by Humana Military in the East and TriWest in the West) and distinct from the retiree dental program (FEDVIP).

### Coverage and Benefits The TDP provides comprehensive dental coverage worldwide. Benefits are categorized by "cost-shares," which is the percentage of the bill you pay: * **Diagnostic & Preventive:** 0% (Cleanings, exams, X-rays). * **Basic Restorative:** 20% (Fillings). * **Endodontic/Periodontic/Oral Surgery:** 30% to 40% depending on pay grade. * **Prosthodontic/Orthodontic:** 50%.

### 2026 Monthly Premiums Premiums for the TDP are based on the sponsor’s military status and the number of people enrolled. For the 2026 plan year (effective May 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026), typical monthly rates follow this structure: * **Active Duty Family (One person):** ~$12.00 – $13.00 * **Active Duty Family (Family):** ~$32.00 – $35.00 * **Selected Reserve/IRR (Sponsor only):** ~$31.00 – $33.00 * **Selected Reserve/IRR (Family):** ~$80.00 – $85.00 * *Note: Specific cents vary slightly each May 1st plan cycle.*

### Maximum Benefit Limits (2026 rates) * **Annual Maximum:** $1,500 per person per contract year for non-orthodontic services. * **Lifetime Orthodontic Maximum:** $1,750 per person. * **Accidental Maximum:** $1,200 per person per year.

### The "Retiree Exception" Retirees and their clinical family members are **not eligible** for the TRICARE Dental Program. Instead, they must enroll in the **Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)**, administered by OPM.

## Who this affects * **Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs):** Spouses and unmarried children. * **National Guard and Reserve:** Both Selected Reserve and Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). * **Guard/Reserve Family Members:** Spouses and children of NG/Reserve personnel. * **Survivors:** Surviving spouses and children of deceased active duty or Reserve sponsors.

## Sources * TRICARE Official Dental Page: https://www.tricare.mil/dental * United Concordia TDP Portal: https://www.uccitdp.com * Defense Health Agency (DHA): https://health.mil * BENEDS (FEDVIP for Retirees): https://www.benefeds.com