TRICARE Dental for Active Duty: 2026 Guide to ADDP
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## Quick answer Active duty service members (ADSMs) receive comprehensive dental care at no cost, primarily through military dental clinics. If you are stationed away from a military clinic or require specialized care, you are covered by the **TRICARE Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP)**, managed by United Concordia Companies, Inc.
Details
### Care at Military Dental Clinics For most active duty members, the "dental home" is the **Military Dental Clinic (DTF)** on your installation. This is the default location for cleanings, exams, X-rays, and restorative work. You do not pay premiums or copays for care received at a DTF.
### The Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP) If you are stationed more than 50 miles from a military dental clinic (Remote) or if your military clinic refers you to a civilian provider, you use the **ADDP**. * **Managed by:** United Concordia. * **Cost:** $0 out-of-pocket for covered services. * **Authorization:** In most cases, you need a referral or "Appointment Control Number" (ACN) before seeing a civilian dentist.
### What is Covered? For ADSMs, the goal is "Dental Readiness." Coverage includes: * Routine exams and cleanings (every 6 months). * Fillings, root canals, and extractions. * Emergency dental care (available 24/7). * **Orthodontics:** Braces are rarely covered for adults unless they are medically necessary for surgical correction of a physical deformity or to remain "deployable." You must receive specific command and clinical approval.
### 2026 Enrollment and Costs * **Monthly Premiums:** $0 for ADSMs. * **Annual Deductible:** $0. * **Cost Shares:** $0. * **Note for Families:** Active duty *family members* are NOT covered under this plan; they must enroll in the separate TRICARE Dental Program (TDP), which requires monthly premiums.
### Moving/PCS and Overseas If you PCS overseas, your dental care is managed by the military clinic at your new duty station or through the TRICARE Overseas Program via International SOS.
## Who this affects * Active Duty Service Members (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard). * National Guard and Reserve members on **Active Duty orders** for more than 30 consecutive days. * Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). * Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service (USPHS).
## Sources * **TRICARE.mil:** [Dental Care for Active Duty](https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/Dental/ADSM) * **United Concordia (ADDP):** [Active Duty Dental Program Portal](https://addp-ucci.com/) * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** [Dental Readiness Standards](https://health.mil)