TRICARE Dental Coverage: 2026 Guide to Plans & Costs
*Note: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not the official TRICARE program. For official policy and enrollment, visit TRICARE.mil.*
## Quick answer Most TRICARE health plans do **not** include comprehensive dental coverage; it is managed through separate premium-based programs. Active duty service members receive dental care at military clinics, while family members and retirees must generally enroll in the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) or the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).
Details
### Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs) ADSMs are the only group with comprehensive dental care included as part of their health benefit. They typically receive care at military dental clinics. If an ADSM is stationed in a remote location, they use the **Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP)** managed by United Concordia, which coordinates care with private dentists at no cost to the member.
### Active Duty Family Members (TDP) Family members are not automatically covered. They must enroll in the **TRICARE Dental Program (TDP)**, which is a voluntary, premium-based plan managed by United Concordia. * **2026 Monthly Premiums:** Varies by sponsor status (Active Duty, Selected Reserve, or IRR) — check TRICARE.mil for current rates. * **Coverage:** Includes 100% of diagnostic and preventive services. It covers 50%–80% for restorative, endodontic, and periodontic services. * **Orthodontics:** Has a lifetime maximum (typically $1,750 per person).
### Retirees and Their Families (FEDVIP) Retired service members and their families are **not** eligible for the TRICARE Dental Program. Instead, they must purchase dental insurance through **FEDVIP** (Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program), managed by OPM. * **Enrollment:** Can only be done during the annual Federal Benefits Open Season (mid-November to mid-December) or after a Qualifying Life Event. * **Carriers:** Beneficiaries can choose from several private providers like Delta Dental, Blue Cross Blue Shield, or MetLife. * **2026 Rates:** Premiums and copays vary significantly based on the specific carrier and the "Standard" vs. "High" plan chosen.
### National Guard and Reserve * **Selected Reserve/Individual Ready Reserve (IRR):** Eligible to enroll in the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) by paying monthly premiums. * **On Active Duty Orders:** If activated for more than 30 consecutive days, the member is treated as Active Duty and receives care at military clinics or via ADDP.
## Who this affects * **Active Duty Service Members:** Automatic coverage via military clinics/ADDP. * **Active Duty Family Members:** Must enroll in TDP. * **Retirees & Families:** Must enroll in FEDVIP. * **Guard/Reserve Members:** Eligible for TDP (unless on active orders). * **Survivors:** Eligible for TDP (transitional) or FEDVIP depending on status.
## Sources * **TRICARE.mil:** [Dental Care Overview](https://www.tricare.mil/Dental) * **United Concordia:** [TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) Portal](https://www.uccitdp.com/) * **BENEFEDS:** [FEDVIP for Retirees](https://www.benefeds.com/) * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** [Dental Program Fact Sheets](https://health.mil/)