42 North Dental TRICARE Accepted: 2026 Patient Guide
## Quick answer 42 North Dental is a dental support organization (DSO) that manages dozens of dental practices across New England and New York. While individual offices within their network may participate in the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP), they do not accept TRICARE medical insurance for routine dental work. To see a 42 North provider, you must typically be enrolled in the TRICARE Dental Program administered by United Concordia.
*Note: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense. For official policy, visit TRICARE.mil.*
In detail
42 North Dental operates over 100 locations, including well-known brands like **Gentle Dental**, **Great Expressions**, and **Dental Health Professionals**. Because dental care is separate from medical care in the military health system, "accepting TRICARE" in this context specifically refers to the **TRICARE Dental Program (TDP)**.
### How it works with 42 North Dental Most 42 North Dental offices are considered "Participating Providers" with **United Concordia Plus**, the contractor for the TRICARE Dental Program. This means if you visit a location like Gentle Dental, they will file claims on your behalf and accept the United Concordia negotiated rate as payment in full (plus your applicable cost-share).
### Coverage and Costs (2026 Plan Year) Under the current T-5 contract (which affects how West region beneficiaries are handled, though 42 North is primarily in the East region under Humana Military), dental rates for the TDP are standardized.
| Service Category | TDP Network Cost-Share (E-1 to E-4) | TDP Network Cost-Share (E-5 & Above) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Diagnostic & Preventive | 0% | 0% | | Basic Restorative (Fillings) | 20% | 20% | | Oral Surgery / Endodontics | 30% | 40% | | Periodontics / Crowns | 50% | 50% | | Orthodontics | 50% | 50% |
*2026 rates based on current United Concordia fee schedules.*
### Geographic Footprint 42 North Dental is concentrated in the **East Region** (Humana Military territory). Their primary states of operation include: * Massachusetts * New Hampshire * Maine * Connecticut * New York
### Direct Care vs. Private Practice If you are an Active Duty Service Member (ADSM), you generally must receive care at an on-base military dental clinic. You can only visit a 42 North Dental location if you receive a specific referral through the **Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP)**, also managed by United Concordia.
Who this applies to
* **Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs):** Eligible to use 42 North locations if enrolled in the TRICARE Dental Program. * **National Guard/Reserve Members:** Eligible if they pay the monthly premium for the TDP. * **Active Duty Service Members:** Only applies if they have a "Remote" designation or an official referral from a military dental clinic. * **Retirees:** Retirees do not use the TDP. They must use the **FEDVIP** program (Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program). Many 42 North locations accept FEDVIP plans like Delta Dental or MetLife.
Common scenarios
**Scenario 1: Routine Cleaning for a Spouse** An Army spouse in Boston visits a Gentle Dental (a 42 North brand) for a 6-month cleaning. Because diagnostic and preventive services have a **0% cost-share** in 2026, the spouse pays $0 out of pocket, and Gentle Dental bills United Concordia directly.
**Scenario 2: A Filling for a Reserve Member** A Navy Reservist in New Hampshire needs a cavity filled. They are enrolled in TDP. The total negotiated cost is $150. Based on the 2026 cost-share of 20% for basic restorative work, the Reservist pays **$30** at the 42 North office, and TRICARE covers the remaining $120.
**Scenario 3: Major Crown for a Senior NCO's Child** The child of an E-7 in Maine requires a porcelain crown at a 42 North practice. Under 2026 TDP rules, major restorative work has a **50% cost-share**. If the negotiated rate is $800, the sponsor pays **$400**.
Related terms
* **United Concordia:** The private insurance company that currently holds the contract to administer the TRICARE Dental Program. * **TDP (TRICARE Dental Program):** The voluntary, premium-based dental insurance plan for military families and reservists. * **Cost-Share:** The percentage of the total bill that the patient is responsible for paying. * **Premium:** The monthly fee paid to keep the dental insurance active (deducted from the sponsor’s pay). * **DSO (Dental Support Organization):** A business entity like 42 North Dental that provides non-clinical support to dental practices.
## Sources * **TRICARE Dental Program (United Concordia):** https://www.uccitdp.com/ * **TRICARE.mil Dental Overview:** https://www.tricare.mil/Dental * **42 North Dental Official Site:** https://www.42northdental.com/ * **BENEDS FEDVIP (For Retirees):** https://www.benefeds.com/