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What Is the TRICARE Dental Program? 2026 Guide | TRICARE.com

What Is the TRICARE Dental Program? 2026 Guide | TRICARE.com

The TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) is a voluntary, premium-based plan for military families and reservists. Learn about 2026 rates, coverage limits, and eligibili

What Is the TRICARE Dental Program? 2026 Guide

*Disclaimer: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not an official government platform. For official policy and enrollment, visit TRICARE.mil.*

## Quick answer The TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) is a voluntary, premium-based dental insurance plan for family members of active duty service members and members of the National Guard and Reserve. It is managed by **United Concordia Plus** and provides worldwide coverage for preventive, diagnostic, and restorative dental care.

## Details The TRICARE Dental Program is distinct from TRICARE medical coverage. While active duty service members receive dental care at military dental clinics, their families and reservists must enroll in the TDP and pay monthly premiums to access similar benefits.

### Current Contractor and Service Areas As of 2026, the TDP is administered by **United Concordia Companies, Inc.** Coverage is split into two service areas: * **CONUS:** The 50 United States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. * **OCONUS:** All other locations worldwide.

### 2026 Monthly Premiums Premiums are determined by the sponsor’s military status and the number of people enrolled. For the 2026 plan year (running May 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026), typical monthly rates include: * **Active Duty Family (Single):** ~$12.00 – $13.00 * **Active Duty Family (Family):** ~$31.00 – $33.00 * **Selected Reserve/IRR (Individual):** ~$31.00 – $33.00 * **Selected Reserve/IRR (Family):** ~$80.00 – $85.00 *(Note: Rates adjust annually on May 1st. Always check the United Concordia TDP portal for the exact cent amount.)*

### Coverage Limits and Cost-Shares The TDP utilizes a "Cost-Share" model where the plan pays a percentage and the member pays the rest: * **Diagnostic & Preventive:** 100% covered (no cost to you). * **Basic Restorative (Fillings):** 80% covered (CONUS); 100% (OCONUS). * **Major Restorative (Crowns/Bridges):** 50% covered. * **Orthodontics:** 50% covered (up to a lifetime maximum).

**Annual Maximum:** The plan generally covers up to **$1,500 per person, per contract year** for non-orthodontic services. There is an additional lifetime maximum of **$1,750** for orthodontic treatment.

### Enrollment Requirements Enrollment is not automatic. Sponsors must initiate enrollment through the Beneficial Web Enrollment (BWE) portal. There is a **12-month minimum enrollment period**. If you disenroll before 12 months are up, you may be barred from re-enrolling for a "lock-out" period unless you have a qualifying life event (e.g., PCS, retirement).

## Who this affects * **Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs):** Spouses and unmarried children under age 21 (or 23 if a full-time student). * **National Guard & Reserve:** Both the service members themselves and their family members. * **Individual Ready Reserve (IRR):** Both the service members and their family members. * **Survivors:** Surviving spouses and children of deceased active duty or Reserve sponsors.

*Note: Retirees and their families are NOT eligible for the TDP; they must use the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).*

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil (Dental Plans):** https://www.tricare.mil/dental * **United Concordia TDP Portal:** https://www.uccitdp.com * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** https://health.mil * **Beneficiary Web Enrollment (BWE):** https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/