🪥 Does TRICARE Cover Dental?
Navigating TRICARE’s dental coverage can feel like reading military code. But don’t worry—we’ve broken it down by who you are, what plan applies, and what’s covered so you can make clear, cost-effective decisions about your dental care.
📝 Key Takeaways: Quick Answers About TRICARE Dental
| ❓ Question | ✅ Short Answer |
|---|---|
| Does TRICARE include dental? | Yes—but it’s separate from medical |
| Who gets free dental care? | Active duty members only |
| Do families get coverage? | Yes, through the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) |
| Do retirees get TRICARE dental? | No—they must enroll in FEDVIP |
| Is dental included in TRICARE Young Adult? | No—TYA does not cover dental |
👨✈️ Do Active Duty Service Members Get Dental Coverage?
Yes, 100%. If you’re active duty, you receive comprehensive, no-cost dental care through the Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP).
| 🩺 Covered Service | 🪖 Who Gets It | 💰 Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Exams, cleanings, fillings | Active Duty & activated Guard/Reserves | ✅ $0 at military clinics |
| Civilian dental care (if authorized) | Remote/overseas duty stations | ✅ $0 (must be approved) |
| Emergency procedures | Worldwide | ✅ Covered under ADDP |
🧠 Tip: If you’re stationed far from a military clinic, TRICARE will help you access approved civilian dentists—no cost to you.
👪 What About Families of Active Duty Members?
TRICARE doesn’t automatically include dental for spouses or kids. You must enroll in the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP)—a voluntary, low-cost plan managed by United Concordia.
| 🧾 TDP Feature | ✅ What You Get | 💵 Cost to You |
|---|---|---|
| Preventive care | Exams, X-rays, cleanings | 0% cost-share |
| Restorative care | Fillings, crowns, root canals | 20–40% cost-share |
| Orthodontics | Up to $1,750 lifetime max | 50% cost-share |
| Premiums (2025) | Single: $12.10/monthFamily: $31.46/month | Government pays 60% for active families |
💡 Note: The government covers a majority of the monthly premium for active-duty family members, making TDP more affordable than most civilian plans.
🛡️ What If You’re in the Guard or Reserve?
Your coverage depends on whether you’re activated or not.
| 🎖️ Status | 🪥 Dental Coverage | 💰 Who Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Activated (30+ days) | Full dental care through ADDP | ✅ Free at military clinics |
| Not activated | TDP enrollment available | You pay premium (some get subsidy) |
| Family members | Eligible for TDP | Costs vary by Reserve category |
🔍 Insight: If you’re in the Selected Reserve or on mobilization-only IRR status, the government still helps cover premiums—same rates as active families.
🎖️ Do Retirees Get Dental Through TRICARE?
No. Once you retire, you’re no longer eligible for TDP. Instead, you must enroll in the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).
| 🧓 Who’s Covered | 🏢 Plan Type | 💵 What You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Retired military, spouses, survivors | FEDVIP | 100% of premium (no subsidy) |
| Dependents (if eligible) | FEDVIP | Rates depend on plan & provider |
| Typical services | Preventive, restorative, orthodontics | Cost-shares & deductibles apply |
🗓️ Enrollment Reminder: FEDVIP enrollment occurs during the Open Season (Nov–Dec) each year, or within 60 days of retirement.
🚫 Does TRICARE Young Adult (TYA) Include Dental?
No. TRICARE Young Adult covers medical only. If your dependent aged 21–26 needs dental insurance, you’ll need to explore private dental plans or standalone coverage.
| 👤 TYA Enrollee | 🪥 Dental Included? | 🧾 What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Adult child (21–26) | ❌ Not included | Seek private dental insurance |
| Still in school (under 23) | May qualify for orthodontics under TDP if previously enrolled | Must be added under existing family TDP |
💡 Tip: College-aged children can remain on the TDP for dental, but must be full-time students and under age 23.
🧾 What Does the TRICARE Dental Program Actually Cover?
TDP offers wide-ranging benefits, including preventive, emergency, and specialty services. However, limits and cost-shares apply.
| 🦷 Service Type | 🪥 Coverage Details | 💵 You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Exams, cleanings, sealants | 2 per year | $0 (no cost-share) |
| Fillings, crowns, bridges | Covered with cost-share | 20–40% depending on rank |
| Root canals (endodontics) | Covered | Cost-share applies |
| Braces (orthodontics) | For dependents under 21 (or 23 in school) | 50% cost-share, $1,750 lifetime max |
| Accident-related care | Covered up to $1,200/year | Cost-share may apply |
| Implants & oral surgery | Covered if medically necessary | Pre-auth may be required |
🚨 Reminder: Cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening are not covered unless medically required.
🌐 Does TRICARE Dental Work Overseas?
Yes, but the process is different. Overseas families can use TDP, but online enrollment isn’t available, and cost-shares may differ by location.
| 🌍 Overseas TDP | 🌐 Key Facts | 🧭 How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Most countries | Check with TDP for supported regions |
| Enrollment | Paper/mail only | No online sign-up for OCONUS |
| Network access | Fewer in-network providers | Higher chance of upfront costs |
| Emergency care | Covered | Submit claims after care |
✈️ Tip: If stationed abroad, always keep a dental emergency plan and contact info for your regional TRICARE contractor.
🧠 Key Considerations Before You Enroll in TRICARE Dental
| ⚠️ Factor | 🧠 Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| No retroactive coverage | Dental services before enrollment won’t be reimbursed |
| Pay-ahead system | First premium is due upfront; automatic payments preferred |
| Minimum enrollment | TDP requires 12-month commitment unless waived |
| Missed payment = lockout | Lapses in payment can block re-enrollment for a full year |
| Use network dentists | Out-of-network providers may require reimbursement and cost more |
📆 2025 Update Highlights
| 🔄 Change | 📌 Detail |
|---|---|
| Premium decrease (Nov 2024 – Feb 2025) | Single: $12.10, Family: $31.46 |
| Contract extension | United Concordia continues as TDP administrator |
| Next adjustment | New premium rates begin March 1, 2025 |
✅ Final Word: Does TRICARE Cover Dental?
Yes—but it’s not automatic. Whether you’re active duty, a family member, a reservist, or a retiree, your dental coverage depends on your military status. Here’s your quick guide:
| 👥 Beneficiary | 🦷 Dental Program | 💡 Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Active Duty | ADDP | $0 |
| Active Duty Family | TDP | $12.10+ with cost-shares |
| Guard/Reserve | ADDP (if activated), TDP (otherwise) | Variable |
| Retirees | FEDVIP | Full premium paid by retiree |
| TYA Enrollees | No dental included | Use private plan |
Need more help? Visit tricare.mil or uccitdp.com to check eligibility, compare premiums, and find in-network dentists.
FAQs
Comment: “If my spouse retires this year, do we lose our TRICARE Dental right away?”
Yes—once your spouse retires, you and your family are no longer eligible for the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP). You must transition to FEDVIP (Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program) for continued dental coverage.
| 🧾 Change in Status | 🚫 What Ends | ✅ What You Need to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Retirement from active duty | TRICARE Dental (TDP) coverage | Enroll in FEDVIP dental during retirement or Open Season |
| TDP auto-termination | Typically ends at retirement month’s end | Check effective dates to avoid gaps |
| Dental care after retirement | Not covered under TRICARE unless FEDVIP is chosen | Visit benefeds.com to select a plan |
🧠 Tip: You have a 60-day window from the retirement date to enroll in FEDVIP without waiting for the annual Open Season.
Comment: “Why does my dental premium change when my Reserve husband is activated?”
Because TRICARE subsidizes a portion of the premium only during activation. When your spouse is on active duty orders for over 30 days, you pay just 40% of the total cost—the rest is paid by the government.
| 🎖️ Military Status | 💰 Monthly Premium Share | 🏛️ Who Pays What |
|---|---|---|
| Not activated (traditional Guard/Reserve) | 💯 100% by sponsor | Full family premium = $31.46/month |
| Activated (30+ days) | ✅ 40% paid by you✅ 60% paid by TRICARE | Premium = $12.10/month (single) or discounted family plan |
📌 Note: Premium adjustments occur automatically through DEERS. Confirm your service member’s status is updated to avoid overpaying.
Comment: “Can I get braces covered through TRICARE Dental for my teenager?”
Yes, but only under the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP), and there are strict age and cost limits. Orthodontic care is covered at 50% cost-share for dependents under 21 (or under 23 if enrolled full-time in college).
| 😁 Orthodontics Coverage | 🎯 Eligibility | 💵 Coverage Details |
|---|---|---|
| Covered under TDP | Dependent <21 or <23 if full-time student | ✅ 50% cost-share |
| Lifetime cap | Applies to each dependent individually | 🧾 $1,750 max per person |
| Braces, retainers, etc. | Must be medically necessary | Pre-authorization may be required |
🧠 Tip: Get a pre-treatment estimate from your orthodontist and submit it to United Concordia for benefit confirmation before starting.
Comment: “If I skip a dental premium, do I lose coverage right away?”
Yes. TDP operates on a pay-ahead system, so if you miss a premium, your plan is terminated, and you’ll be locked out for 12 months—unless you qualify for a special enrollment exception.
| ⚠️ Missed Payment | 🛑 Consequence | 🔁 Re-enrollment Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Late or missed premium | Immediate cancellation | 🕒 No back-pay option |
| Coverage ends | The last day of the paid month | New application required next cycle |
| 12-month lockout | Applies unless due to qualifying event | PCS move or death may allow early re-enroll |
💡 Advice: Set up automatic payments via payroll allotment or EFT to avoid accidental loss of coverage.
Comment: “How does TRICARE dental work if I live overseas?”
TDP does offer overseas dental coverage, but the process is different from CONUS care. There are no online enrollment options, and you may need to pay upfront and submit claims for reimbursement.
| 🌍 Overseas Dental (OCONUS) | 📌 Key Info | 💵 Payment Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment | Must be done by mail | Paper form only |
| Dental network | May be limited or unavailable | Out-of-network may apply |
| Claim process | Patient pays → submits for reimbursement | Keep itemized receipts |
| Cost-shares | Same as U.S., but currency exchange may affect | Varies by region and type of care |
🧭 Tip: Use TDP’s OCONUS customer service to locate approved providers and streamline reimbursement instructions.
Comment: “Is implant surgery covered under TRICARE dental?”
Implants can be covered under TDP, but only when medically necessary, and pre-authorization is often required. Cosmetic placement or elective replacement options are not covered.
| 🦷 Procedure | ✅ Coverage Status | 🧠 What You Need |
|---|---|---|
| Dental implant (with bone loss or trauma) | Covered when deemed necessary | Pre-determination & documentation |
| Cosmetic implant (no medical reason) | ❌ Not covered | Consider alternative like bridge or partial |
| Surgical extraction or graft | May be included with implant case | Submit treatment plan to United Concordia |
📌 Dentist Tip: Before treatment, ask for a predetermination letter to confirm how much of the cost will be covered—and what your share will be.
Comment: “Can my college-aged child stay on TRICARE Dental if they’re still in school?”
Yes, but only up to age 23, and they must be enrolled full-time in college. The dependent must also be part of your family’s existing TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) policy—new individual enrollments aren’t allowed after age 21.
| 🎓 Student Dependent | 📋 Eligibility Rules | 🦷 Dental Coverage Path |
|---|---|---|
| Age 21–23 | Must be full-time student | Eligible to remain on TDP |
| Over age 23 | Regardless of student status | ❌ Not eligible for TDP |
| Not in school after 21 | Coverage ends unless medically extended | Explore private insurance options |
| Previously enrolled in family TDP | Coverage continues if uninterrupted | Update status in DEERS to avoid issues |
📎 Tip: Always verify student status in DEERS. If it lapses or isn’t updated, TDP eligibility ends automatically.
Comment: “Does TRICARE Dental cover sedation or anesthesia during oral surgery?”
Yes, certain types of anesthesia are covered under TDP when they are medically necessary and part of a covered dental procedure—such as surgical extractions or implant placement. General anesthesia for routine cleanings or minor fillings is not covered.
| 🛌 Type of Sedation | ✅ Covered Under TDP? | 📌 Conditions for Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Local anesthesia (e.g., lidocaine) | ✅ Yes | Standard with most procedures |
| Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) | 🟡 Sometimes | Covered for complex pediatric care only |
| IV sedation or general anesthesia | ✅ When medically necessary | Must be tied to surgical treatment |
| Oral conscious sedation | ❌ Not typically covered | Considered elective for most services |
💡 Dentist Tip: Ask your provider to submit a pre-treatment estimate before scheduling if sedation is part of the plan. It helps avoid surprise billing.
Comment: “If I switch from TRICARE Prime to Select, does my dental coverage change?”
No. TRICARE dental coverage is not linked to your medical plan (Prime, Select, or otherwise). Whether you have Prime or Select, dental is still a separate voluntary program—you must enroll in the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) to have dental benefits.
| 🩺 TRICARE Medical Plan | 🦷 Automatic Dental Included? | 🧾 Dental Enrollment Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| TRICARE Prime | ❌ No | ✅ Yes, through TDP or FEDVIP (for retirees) |
| TRICARE Select | ❌ No | ✅ Must enroll separately |
| TRICARE for Life (TFL) | ❌ No dental coverage | ✅ FEDVIP enrollment required |
| TRICARE Young Adult | ❌ Dental not included | ❌ Not eligible for TDP |
📌 Reminder: Don’t wait for dental needs to arise—enroll proactively to avoid coverage gaps.
Comment: “Does TRICARE cover dentures for retirees under FEDVIP?”
Yes—most FEDVIP dental plans do include dentures, either full or partial, but coverage amounts and frequency rules vary widely depending on the plan and provider you choose.
| 🦷 Denture Type | 📝 Covered by FEDVIP? | 📉 Cost Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Full dentures | ✅ Yes, with most plans | Coinsurance often 30–50% |
| Partial dentures | ✅ Typically included | Replacement every 5–7 years |
| Implant-supported dentures | 🟡 Plan-specific | May require pre-auth |
| Repairs or relines | ✅ Covered in intervals | Limits apply per calendar year |
🧠 Enrollment Tip: Review plan documents closely. Some FEDVIP carriers offer higher annual maximums and shorter waiting periods for major services like dentures.
Comment: “Will accident-related dental care be covered under TRICARE Dental?”
Yes. If the dental injury is caused by an accident (e.g., car crash, fall), the TRICARE Dental Program provides separate accident-related coverage, up to $1,200 per person per year.
| 🚑 Dental Trauma Coverage | 🆘 Included in TDP? | 🧾 Coverage Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Broken tooth from injury | ✅ Yes | Up to $1,200 annually |
| Oral surgery due to accident | ✅ Covered when related to trauma | Must be coded correctly |
| Cosmetic restoration | ❌ Not covered unless medically necessary | Veneers/whitening not included |
| Multiple injuries in one year | ✅ Covered up to max | Additional costs are out-of-pocket |
📄 Claims Tip: Be sure your provider documents the injury as trauma-related and uses the correct claim codes for accident coverage to apply.
Comment: “Can I coordinate TRICARE Dental with another private dental plan?”
Yes. If you have dual dental coverage, you can coordinate benefits—but TRICARE Dental (TDP) will act as either primary or secondary based on the other plan’s status and enrollment date.
| 🔄 Dual Coverage Scenario | 📋 Who Pays First? | 📎 Claim Submission Order |
|---|---|---|
| TDP + employer dental plan | Employer plan is primary | Submit claim to employer first, then TDP |
| TDP + spouse’s dental plan | Earlier effective date is primary | Depends on birthday rule (for dependents) |
| Two private dental plans | Not applicable to TDP | Coordination is between private carriers |
| TDP only | TRICARE is sole payer | Submit directly to United Concordia |
💬 Planning Tip: Always notify both carriers when you have dual coverage. Coordination of benefits can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, but rules vary.
Comment: “Do I have to wait to use my TRICARE Dental coverage after enrolling?”
Yes, but the wait depends on when you submit your enrollment. TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) coverage begins the first day of the next month if you enroll on or before the 20th of the current month. Enrolling after the 20th pushes the start date an extra month ahead.
| 🗓️ Enrollment Date | 🚀 Coverage Starts | 💳 First Payment Due |
|---|---|---|
| On/before 20th | 1st of next month | Due at enrollment |
| After 20th | 1st of second following month | Pay first premium upfront |
| Retroactive coverage? | ❌ Not available | No reimbursement for prior services |
🔐 Tip: Avoid delays—if your family has an upcoming cleaning or dental work, enroll before the 20th so you’re covered in time.
Comment: “Are sealants for my kids covered under TRICARE Dental?”
Yes—dental sealants are fully covered for children under age 18 through TDP. Sealants protect against decay, especially on back molars, and they do not count toward your annual maximum.
| 🦷 Preventive Service | 👶 Age Limit | 💵 Cost to You |
|---|---|---|
| Sealants | Under 18 | ✅ $0 (no cost-share) |
| Fluoride treatments | 2 per year, under age 14 | ✅ $0 |
| Routine cleanings & exams | 2 per year | ✅ Covered 100% |
| X-rays | As clinically necessary | ✅ Covered (some limits apply) |
🧠 Pediatric Note: Sealants can last up to 10 years. Ask your provider to check them during checkups to ensure they’re intact.
Comment: “What if my family moves—will we lose our TRICARE dental coverage?”
Not necessarily. Coverage continues through PCS (Permanent Change of Station) moves—but you must update your address in DEERS and verify your provider network after relocation.
| 📦 PCS Move Step | 🔍 What to Do | 💬 Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Update DEERS | Log in at milConnect or visit ID office | Ensures eligibility and correct region |
| Check dental provider availability | Use United Concordia’s “Find a Dentist” tool | Avoid surprise out-of-network charges |
| Transfer appointments | Ask current office to forward records | Prevents treatment delays or duplication |
🧾 Tip: Your premium doesn’t change during a PCS, but cost-sharing and dentist availability may differ based on region.
Comment: “Does TRICARE Dental cover crowns and bridges?”
Yes, but only when clinically necessary and after applicable cost-shares are applied. These procedures are considered major restorative services, meaning a percentage will come out-of-pocket depending on sponsor’s pay grade and duty status.
| 🦷 Procedure | ✅ Covered Under TDP | 💵 Approximate Cost-Share |
|---|---|---|
| Crowns | ✅ Yes | 50% for E-5+40% for E-4 and below |
| Bridges | ✅ Yes | Same as crowns, pre-auth may be required |
| Temporary crowns | ❌ Not typically covered | Often included by provider in procedure fee |
| Replacements (same tooth) | ✅ Once every 5 years | Clinical documentation required |
💡 Dental Office Tip: Ask for a pre-determination of benefits—your provider can submit treatment plans to United Concordia to estimate exact out-of-pocket costs.
Comment: “How do I check if my dentist is in-network with TRICARE Dental?”
The TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) is managed by United Concordia, which offers an online “Find a Dentist” tool. This database shows which providers are in-network, helping you avoid higher fees or the hassle of filing reimbursement claims.
| 🧑⚕️ Provider Type | 🔎 What It Means | 💵 Impact on Costs |
|---|---|---|
| In-network dentist | Contracted with United Concordia | ✅ Lower rates, direct billing |
| Out-of-network dentist | Not part of TDP network | ❌ May require upfront payment, higher cost |
| PPO providers | Offer additional discounts | ✅ Potential savings for services not fully covered |
| Specialists (e.g., endodontists) | May or may not be in-network | Always check ahead of time |
🧭 Tip: Visit uccitdp.com and search by ZIP code. Call ahead to confirm they’re still active in the network.
Comment: “Can I use TRICARE Dental for a second opinion on a procedure?”
Yes. TDP beneficiaries can seek second opinions, and the cost is typically covered like any other dental consultation—as long as the dentist is in-network and the visit is related to a covered service.
| 👥 Type of Visit | ✅ Is It Covered? | 📄 Documentation Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Second opinion consultation | ✅ Yes, if medically indicated | Diagnosis or proposed treatment plan |
| Repeat X-rays | ✅ May be covered if recent films unavailable | Frequency limits may apply |
| Additional opinions beyond two | 🟡 Might not be covered | Must be medically justified |
💬 Note: Inform your second-opinion provider that this visit is consultative—not for treatment—to avoid service denials or claim confusion.
