One of the most common points of confusion about military health benefits is dental, because TRICARE’s medical plans do not include routine dental care. Dental is a completely separate benefit, and which program you use depends entirely on who you are. This guide explains the separation and the three different dental systems so you can find the one that fits you. Rules and premiums change, so verify current details before relying on them.
The Short Answer
TRICARE medical coverage does not include routine dental. Dental is separate, and the program you use is based on your category: active duty members use military dental, families can buy the TRICARE Dental Program, and retirees use the federal FEDVIP dental program.
Dental Is Separate From Medical
This is the key point that trips people up. Being enrolled in a TRICARE medical plan like Prime or Select does not give you routine dental coverage. As TRICARE puts it, your dental coverage is based on who you are, and it runs through entirely separate programs with their own enrollment and, in most cases, their own premiums.
The Three Dental Systems
Active duty dental. Active duty service members receive dental care through the military, at dental clinics on base or through the active duty dental program, at no premium to the member.
TRICARE Dental Program. This is a voluntary, premium-based plan, administered by United Concordia, for active duty family members and for National Guard and Reserve members who are not activated, and their families. You enroll for a 12-month commitment and pay a monthly premium that varies by your sponsor’s status and whether you cover one person or a family.
FEDVIP dental. Retirees, their families, and survivors use the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program, a voluntary, enrollee-pays-all program with multiple carriers. You enroll through BENEFEDS during the annual Federal Benefits Open Season or after a qualifying life event. FEDVIP replaced the old retiree dental program several years ago.
How to Enroll
For the TRICARE Dental Program, enroll through United Concordia or milConnect. For FEDVIP, enroll at BENEFEDS during Open Season, typically in the late fall, or after a qualifying life event. Active duty members simply use their military dental benefit. Because premiums and plan choices change each year, check the current rates before enrolling.
A Few Things to Watch
Note that adult children covered under TRICARE Young Adult do not qualify for dental benefits. The TRICARE Dental Program carries a 12-month enrollment commitment, so it is not something to turn on and off month to month. And FEDVIP offers many carriers and plan levels, so it is worth comparing options during Open Season rather than defaulting.
How to Choose Between Dental Options
If you are eligible for more than one path, or comparing plans within FEDVIP, a few factors help you choose. Look at the monthly premium against how much dental care your family typically uses, since a richer plan only pays off if you use enough care. Check the annual maximum, the cap on what the plan pays each year, and any waiting periods before major work like crowns is covered. Confirm your preferred dentist is in the plan’s network, since out-of-network care usually costs more. And weigh coverage for the specific services you expect, such as orthodontics for children, which some plans cover better than others. Comparing these during enrollment, rather than defaulting to the first option, can save real money.
The TRICARE Dental Program
TRICARE dental is separate from TRICARE medical coverage. It works differently, so it helps to understand the structure.
Active duty members receive dental care through the military. Family members and others can enroll in the TRICARE Dental Program, a voluntary plan with a premium. Retirees have a separate option. Which plan applies depends on your status.
Costs and Enrollment
The voluntary dental plan has its own costs. Knowing them helps you decide whether to enroll.
You pay a monthly premium, and there are cost shares for many services. Preventive care like cleanings is often fully covered. Enrollment is separate from your medical coverage, so you must sign up. Review the plan details before enrolling to see if it fits your needs.
TRICARE and Dental FAQs
Is dental included in TRICARE Prime or Select?
No. Dental is always separate from TRICARE medical coverage.
Who runs the TRICARE Dental Program?
United Concordia administers it for active duty families and non-activated Guard and Reserve members and their families.
How do retirees get dental?
Through FEDVIP, the federal dental program, enrolled via BENEFEDS, not through the TRICARE Dental Program.
When can I enroll in FEDVIP?
During the annual Federal Benefits Open Season in the late fall, or after a qualifying life event.
Do Guard and Reserve families get dental?
Yes. They can purchase the TRICARE Dental Program.
Is there a commitment for the TRICARE Dental Program?
Yes, enrollment is a 12-month commitment.
Are TRICARE Young Adult enrollees covered for dental?
No. Dental benefits do not extend to TRICARE Young Adult enrollees.
How do I compare FEDVIP dental plans?
Compare the premium against your expected use, the annual maximum, any waiting periods for major work, and whether your dentist is in-network.
Is orthodontics for my child covered?
Some plans cover orthodontics better than others. If you expect braces, check the orthodontic benefit specifically when choosing a plan.
What happened to the old retiree dental program?
The former TRICARE Retiree Dental Program was discontinued several years ago and replaced by FEDVIP. Retirees, their families, and survivors now enroll in FEDVIP dental through BENEFEDS during Open Season.
