FALLS CHURCH, VA, February 1, 2023 - Are you an active duty family member without dental coverage? Or a National Guard or Reserve member? If yes, the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) provides dental coverage around the world. And you may be eligible for TDP benefits.
 
TDP is a voluntary dental plan. If you’re eligible, you can enroll in TDP at any time. The important thing to remember is that you must enroll in TDP for dental coverage.
 
“Enrolling in a TRICARE health plan doesn’t mean you’re automatically enrolled in a dental plan,” said Doug Elsesser, program analyst with TDP. “TRICARE medical and dental plans require separate enrollment. If you want dental coverage and you’re eligible for the TRICARE Dental Program, you must enroll separately.”
 
The TDP covers a wide variety of dental services, including two routine exams and two routine cleanings in a consecutive 12-month period. Check out the TDP website to learn about other dental services covered under the program.
 
Read on to learn if you’re eligible for TDP and how you can enroll and maintain your coverage.
 
TDP Eligibility
As outlined in the TRICARE Dental Program Brochure, you can enroll in TDP if you’re:

• An active duty family member

• A National Guard or Reserve member

• A National Guard or Reserve member family member

 
If you’re a National Guard or Reserve member, you can enroll in TDP unless you’re on active duty or you’re covered by the Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP). (You get active duty dental benefits if you’re on active duty orders for more than 30 days or covered by TAMP.)
 
If you aren’t one of these individuals, go to Dental Plans to learn about your dental coverage options.
 
How To Enroll
There are three ways to enroll in TDP. Sponsors can enroll themselves or family members online through Beneficiary Web Enrollment. Once you’re logged in, choose the “Dental” tab. This option isn’t available overseas.
 
You can also enroll by phone:

• CONUS (inside continental U.S.): 844-653-4061

• OCONUS (outside continental U.S.): 717-888-7400 (toll) or 844-653-4060 (toll-free)

 
To enroll by mail, visit the TDP website, scroll to “How to Enroll in the TRICARE Dental Program,” and download the TRICARE Dental Program Enrollment/Change Authorization Form. Fill out the form and mail it with your first monthly premium to United Concordia, the TDP dental contractor at:
 
United Concordia
TRICARE Dental Program
P.O. Box 645547
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-5253
 
The start of your TDP coverage depends on the date United Concordia receives your request. If United Concordia receives your TDP enrollment by the 20th of the month, your coverage starts on the first day of the next month. If they receive your enrollment after the 20th of the month, your coverage starts on the first day of the second month.
 
Maintaining Coverage
Once enrolled, you’re committed to 12 months of coverage, unless you qualify for an exception. After you have been enrolled for 12 continuous months, you can continue on a month-to-month basis. You must pay monthly dental premiums until your coverage ends. Your coverage will end if you fail to pay your premiums. In this case, you won’t be able to reenroll for one year.
 
You can use the Find a Dentist Tool to locate a TDP network dentist in the CONUS service area. A similar tool is available to find a dentist in the TDP OCONUS service area. Remember that not all dental services are covered by TDP. It’s always a good idea to check your coverage before getting care with your dentist.
 
Want to learn more about TDP benefits? Check out What’s Covered and the TRICARE Dental Program Handbook.