TRICARE Dental Coverage: 2026 Guide for Military Families

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## Quick answer TRICARE dental coverage is delivered through three distinct programs depending on your status: Active Duty Dental Care (ADDP) for those in uniform, the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) for families and reservists, and the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) for retirees. Most beneficiaries must enroll and pay a separate monthly premium to access dental benefits.

Details

### Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP) Active duty service members (ADSMs) receive primary dental care at military dental clinics. If clinic care is unavailable or the member is in a remote location, the **Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP)**, administered by **United Concordia**, covers private-sector care. * **Cost:** $0 out-of-pocket for covered services. * **Authorization:** Most private-sector care requires a referral/authorization from United Concordia or a military dental clinic.

### TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) This is a voluntary, premium-based plan for active duty family members, Selected Reserve, and Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) members. It is managed by **United Concordia**.

**2026 Monthly Premiums (Estimated for Plan Year May 1, 2026 – April 30, 2027):** * **Active Duty Family (Single):** Varies by year — check TRICARE.mil for current rates. * **Active Duty Family (Family):** Varies by year — check TRICARE.mil for current rates. * **Selected Reserve/IRR:** Premiums are higher for these categories as the government subsidy is lower.

**Coverage Tiers:** * **Diagnostic & Preventive:** 100% covered (no cost-share). * **Basic Restorative (Fillings):** 80% covered (20% cost-share). * **Major Restorative (Crowns/Bridges):** 50% covered (50% cost-share). * **Orthodontics:** 50% covered up to a lifetime maximum ($1,750 as of current policy).

### Retiree Dental (FEDVIP) Since 2019, retirees and their families are no longer eligible for the TDP. Instead, they must enroll in the **Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)**, managed by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). * **Providers:** Beneficiaries can choose from several private carriers (e.g., Delta Dental, Blue Cross Blue Shield, MetLife). * **Enrollment:** Can only occur during the Federal Benefits Open Season (held annually in the fall) or after a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). * **Costs:** Monthly premiums and cost-shares vary significantly based on the specific carrier and plan tier selected.

### Pharmacy Integration If a dentist prescribes medication (such as antibiotics or pain relief), these are filled through the **Express Scripts** pharmacy benefit, not the dental plan. Standard TRICARE pharmacy copays apply.

## Who this affects * **Active Duty Service Members:** Automatic coverage via military clinics or ADDP. * **Active Duty Family Members:** Must enroll in TDP; monthly premiums apply. * **National Guard/Reserve:** Eligible for TDP (Selected Reserve pays a higher share than Active Duty). * **Retirees & Families:** Eligible for FEDVIP; not eligible for TDP. * **Survivors:** Eligible for TDP at active duty family rates for a specific period, then may transition to FEDVIP.

## Sources 1. **TRICARE.mil Dental Overview:** https://www.tricare.mil/Dental 2. **United Concordia (TDP Administrator):** https://www.uccitdp.com 3. **BENEFEDS (FEDVIP Enrollment):** https://www.benefeds.com 4. **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Access-Cost-Quality-and-Safety/TRICARE-Health-Plan/Dental-Care