TRICARE Dental Insurance is a voluntary dental plan designed for military families and certain Reserve and National Guard members. Unlike the automatic medical coverage provided by TRICARE, dental coverage requires separate enrollment. This insurance helps cover many dental services, making it easier and more affordable for military families to maintain good oral health.
Types of TRICARE Dental Insurance Plans
There are two main types of TRICARE Dental Plans:
Single Plan: Covers one individual, such as one active-duty family member or one National Guard or Reserve member or their family member.
Family Plan: Covers all family members registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) as military dependents. When a family plan is chosen, all eligible family members over age 1 must be enrolled. Children under 1 are automatically enrolled after their first birthday.
Active-duty service members themselves do not enroll in TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) because they receive dental care directly from military dental facilities. The program mainly benefits family members and Reserve/National Guard members not on active duty.
Advantages of TRICARE Dental Insurance
Affordable Premiums: Monthly costs are relatively low, with single coverage costing about $12.36 and family coverage around $32.13 for active-duty families (rates may vary based on status).
Comprehensive Coverage: Covers preventive, restorative, and emergency dental care, including cleanings, fillings, extractions, and orthodontics with certain limits.
Nationwide Access: Dental care can be received from any licensed dentist who accepts the plan, offering flexibility.
Automatic Enrollment for Children: Children under age 4 are automatically enrolled when other family members are enrolled, ensuring early dental coverage.
Managed by a Trusted Provider: The program is managed by United Concordia Companies, Inc., ensuring quality administration and customer service.
Coverage of TRICARE Dental Insurance
TRICARE Dental Insurance covers a wide range of dental services:
Preventive Care: Routine cleanings, exams, and X-rays.
Basic Restorative Services: Fillings, simple extractions, and root canals.
Major Restorative Services: Crowns, bridges, dentures.
Orthodontics: Lifetime maximum of $1,750 per enrollee, with age limits.
Accident Coverage: Up to $1,200 annually per person for dental injuries.
Annual Maximum Benefit: $1,500 per person per contract year.
Coverage includes cost-sharing, meaning beneficiaries pay a portion of the costs depending on their military pay grade and the type of service. For example, oral surgery cost shares range from 30% to 40% depending on rank.
Related Costs of TRICARE Dental Insurance
Monthly Premiums: Vary by plan type and beneficiary status. Active-duty families pay $12.36 for single coverage and $32.13 for family coverage monthly (as of early 2025).
Cost Shares: Beneficiaries pay a percentage of the allowed fee for dental procedures. The percentage depends on the procedure and military pay grade.
Annual Maximums: The plan covers up to $1,500 per year per person, so costs beyond this limit are out-of-pocket.
Enrollment Requirements: Minimum enrollment period is 12 months, with payments due upfront and then monthly via allotment or electronic transfer.
Failure to pay premiums on time results in loss of coverage and a one-year waiting period before re-enrollment is allowed.
Advantages and Disadvantages of TRICARE Dental Insurance
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Affordable monthly premiums for military families | Not available for active-duty service members themselves |
| Comprehensive coverage including orthodontics | Annual maximum benefit limits coverage to $1,500 per year |
| Nationwide access to participating dentists | Cost shares may be high for some procedures depending on rank |
| Automatic enrollment for children under age 4 | Requires separate enrollment and payment from medical coverage |
| Managed by a reputable company with good customer service | Coverage may not include all dental procedures, some exclusions apply |
Conclusion
TRICARE Dental Insurance offers military families and eligible Reserve and National Guard members a valuable and affordable way to maintain dental health. It covers a broad range of dental services with reasonable premiums and cost-sharing. However, it has limits like annual maximums and requires active enrollment and timely payments. Understanding the plan’s coverage, costs, and enrollment rules helps beneficiaries make the most of their dental benefits and avoid unexpected expenses.
