What is the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP)? Definition & Costs

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

## Definition The TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) is a voluntary, premium-based dental insurance plan for active duty family members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families.

## What it means in practice While active duty service members receive dental care at military dental clinics, their families and Reserve component members are not automatically covered for dental care under TRICARE medical plans. To get coverage, these beneficiaries must enroll in the TRICARE Dental Program, which is currently administered by United Concordia Companies, Inc. (UCCI).

In practice, this means paying a monthly premium that varies based on the sponsor’s military status and the number of family members enrolled. For the 2026 plan year, premiums are structured differently for active duty families versus Selected Reserve and Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) members. Once enrolled, the plan covers 100% of the cost for routine preventive care, such as cleanings and exams. For more complex procedures like fillings, root canals, or braces, the plan uses a cost-share model where the member pays a percentage (usually 20% to 50%) and the insurance covers the rest.

The plan features a maximum annual benefit (typically $1,500 per person per year for non-orthodontic care) and a lifetime orthodontic maximum (typically $1,750 per person). It is important to note that the TDP is a global benefit; however, if you are stationed OCONUS (outside the continental United States), the program operates under "command-sponsored" rules to determine how much of the cost is covered when seeing host-nation dentists.

## Related terms * **FEDVIP:** The Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program, which replaced the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program for retired service members and their families. * **Cost-Share:** The percentage of the total cost of a dental service that the beneficiary must pay out-of-pocket after any deductible is met. * **Active Duty Family Member (ADFM):** The spouse or child of a service member on active duty; these individuals are the primary eligibility group for the TDP. * **United Concordia (UCCI):** The private insurance company currently contracted by the Defense Health Agency to manage the TRICARE Dental Program. * **Premium:** The fixed monthly amount paid to keep the dental insurance policy active, regardless of whether services are used.

## Sources * TRICARE.mil: [TRICARE Dental Program Overview](https://www.tricare.mil/tdp) * United Concordia: [TRICARE Dental Program Beneficiary Portal](https://www.uccitdp.com/) * Defense Health Agency: [Dental Care Benefits](https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Access-Cost-Quality-and-Safety/Access-to-Healthcare/Dental-Care)