An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News | March 22, 2023

Before Seeing the Dentist, Learn What TRICARE Dental Program Covers

By TRICARE Communications

Whether you’re seeing the dentist for a routine checkup or getting emergency dental care, the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) covers a wide variety of dental services for active duty family members, as well as National Guard and Reserve members and their family members. If you see a network dentist, you’ll only have to pay a cost-share, or a percentage of the total cost of these services.
 
“Who you are, where you live, and the type of service you need determines your cost-share for covered services with a network dentist,” said Doug Elsesser, program analyst with the Defense Health Agency’s TRICARE Dental Program. “If you see a non-network dentist for services TDP covers, you may pay more out of pocket and need to file a claim for reimbursement.”
 
It’s important to know which services TDP covers before your next dental visit. Here’s a look at some of them.
 
Diagnostic services
These are services to monitor you for oral health issues. TDP covers:
  • Two exams in a consecutive 12-month period by the same provider and one additional exam by a different provider
  • One periodontal evaluation in a consecutive 12-month period per office visit
  • Annual X-rays in a consecutive 12-month period per office visit
 
There’s no cost-share for diagnostic services from your regular dentist. If you receive a diagnostic consultation by an additional dentist or go to a dental office after regular hours, you may have a cost-share of 20%.
 
Preventive services
These are services that protect your teeth and gums from decay and infection. The TDP covers two routine dental cleanings in a consecutive 12-month period for each enrollee. It also covers a third dental cleaning for pregnant enrollees and those diagnosed with certain chronic medical conditions. To receive this benefit, you must register in My Account. Other routine preventive services include:
  • Fluoride treatments
  • Space maintainers (fully covered for children under the age 19)
  • Space maintainer care
  • Sealants (fully covered for permanent molars, or back teeth, through age 18)
 
There’s no cost-share for preventive dental care when you see a network dentist.
 
Restorative services
TDP covers many restorative services to repair broken or cracked teeth and to protect teeth against cavities. As noted in the TRICARE Dental Program Handbook, you can get coverage for restorative services needed because of tooth decay, tooth fracture, attrition, erosion, abrasion, or congenital or developmental defects. Cosmetic reasons are excluded.
Covered services include:
  • Amalgam (silver) fillings
  • Resin-based composite (tooth-colored) fillings
  • Crowns
  • Veneers (in some instances)
 
There’s no restorative cost-share for command-sponsored enrollees in the TDP OCONUS service area. All other TDP enrollees have a cost-share of 20%.
 
Other services
Other TDP covered services include:
  • Periodontal services
  • Orthodontic services
  • Endodontic services (including root canals)
  • Oral surgery
  • Implants
 
There are some services TDP doesn’t cover. Always talk to your dentist before getting any major dental procedures to make sure you understand whether recommended procedures are covered, and in what amounts.
 
To learn more about services TDP covers, refer to the TRICARE Dental Program Handbook. You can also go to Benefits or log in to My Account to see a list of what’s covered.
 
Looking for more TDP info, including tips for oral health care? Check out the latest TRICARE Dental Program Health Matters Newsletter
 
Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit the TRICARE Subscriptions page today, and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates, news, and more.
A military health specilist checks the heartbeat of a servicemember

TRICARE Preventive Health Benefits Women Should ...

News
May. 25, 2023

It’s important for all women to get their recommended preventive services. TRICARE covers all clinical...
Read More
Service member poses for photo

5 Tips To Start a Conversation About Getting Men...

News
May. 24, 2023

“How are you?” It’s a question almost everyone answers every day. Like most, your usual response is probably,...
Read More
Medical provider meets with patient

Getting a New Prescription? Check TRICARE Formul...

News
May. 16, 2023

You’re at a medical appointment and you’re getting a new prescription. Before your provider sends an...
Read More
Service member receives vaccine

How COVID-19 Public Health Emergency’s End Affec...

News
May. 15, 2023

The Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 expired at the end of May 11. You might be wondering what this...
Read More
A military doctor checks a patient's heartbeat with a stethoscope.

Key Things To Know About Your TRICARE Primary Ca...

News
May. 10, 2023

If you’re a new or longtime TRICARE Prime enrollee, you need to know about your primary care manager (PCM)...
Read More
A photo shows a young man wearing athletic clothes.

Brandon Act Aims to Improve Mental Health Support

News
May. 05, 2023

The Brandon Act aims at improving the referral process for service members seeking a mental health evaluation...
Read More
TRICARE May 18 Webinar

Turning 65 Soon? Sign Up for May 18 TRICARE For ...

News
May. 04, 2023

Most people become entitled to Medicare when they reach age 65. If you or a family member will turn 65 this...
Read More
A military nurse delivers a vaccine to a patient

Know Which Vaccines You Need and How TRICARE Cov...

News
May. 03, 2023

TRICARE covers age-appropriate doses of vaccines, based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)...
Read More

May 25, 2023

TRICARE Preventive Health Benefits Women Should Know

It’s important for all women to get their recommended preventive services. TRICARE covers all clinical preventive services with no out-of-pocket costs to you if you use a TRICARE network provider. But if you’re age 65 or older and you have TRICARE For Life, follow Medicare’s rules for getting preventive care.

May 24, 2023

5 Tips To Start a Conversation About Getting Mental Health Care

“How are you?” It’s a question almost everyone answers every day. Like most, your usual response is probably, “Fine, thanks. How are you?” But if you really think about it, are you fine? Maybe you haven’t been yourself in a while. You’re feeling sad, stressed, lonely, or just not how you want to feel. You’d like to start feeling better but aren’t sure where to start.

May 16, 2023

Getting a New Prescription? Check TRICARE Formulary Search Tool

You’re at a medical appointment and you’re getting a new prescription. Before your provider sends an electronic prescription or gives you a paper prescription, it may be helpful for you and your provider to look up the drug with the TRICARE Formulary Search Tool.

May 15, 2023

How COVID-19 Public Health Emergency’s End Affects TRICARE

The Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 expired at the end of May 11. You might be wondering what this means about the state of COVID-19 or if there are changes to your TRICARE coverage.

May 10, 2023

Key Things To Know About Your TRICARE Primary Care Manager

If you’re a new or longtime TRICARE Prime enrollee, you need to know about your primary care manager (PCM). Your PCM is the health care provider you’ll visit for most of your care. Learn about the role your PCM will play in your health care and your options for choosing or changing your PCM.

May 5, 2023

Brandon Act Aims to Improve Mental Health Support

The Brandon Act aims at improving the referral process for service members seeking a mental health evaluation and allowing them to seek help confidentially, the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness said.

May 4, 2023

Turning 65 Soon? Sign Up for May 18 TRICARE For Life Webinar

Most people become entitled to Medicare when they reach age 65. If you or a family member will turn 65 this year, join us Thursday, May 18, from 1 to 2 p.m. ET for a webinar, “Getting Started With Medicare and TRICARE.”

May 3, 2023

Know Which Vaccines You Need and How TRICARE Covers Them

TRICARE covers age-appropriate doses of vaccines, based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations. When you follow your plan’s rules, you can get these vaccines at no cost. Read on to learn more about getting yourself and your family vaccinated.

May 1, 2023

New TRICARE Dental Program Premiums Start May 1

TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) premium rates go into effect each year on May 1. Premiums are what you pay each month for TDP coverage. The new TDP rates are effective May 1, 2023 through April 30, 2024.

April 18, 2023

Living Overseas? Here’s How TRICARE Covers Telemedicine

Depending on the country they’re in, TRICARE Overseas Program enrollees may be able to get telemedicine care from the comfort of their home. In recent years, the TRICARE Overseas contractor, International SOS, expanded telemedicine services in line with the new telemedicine laws in many countries.

Learn More about COVID-19 and the COVID-19 Vaccine.