Dental Care
Dental care is distinct from medical care. As a result, the types and amounts of coverage
are different, as noted below.
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Hot Tip:
Many fraternal associations provide access to group life, health, and dental
insurance at competitive rates.
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Before you separate: Early in your transition process, you and your family should
have routine dental checkups. You should also ensure that your family members obtain necessary
treatment under the TRICARE Family Member Dental Plan prior to your expiration of eligibility for
the program. If problems are found early enough, work can be completed prior to separation, at
little or no cost to you. Emergencies will also be taken care of until your separation.
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Hot Tip:
Shortly after you separate
The VA provides one-time dental care for veterans if you apply within 90 days after
separation. However, you will not receive dental care if the military provided a dental
examination and treatment within 90 days prior to your separation.
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TRICARE Dental Program
The TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) is offered by the Department of Defense (DoD) through the
TRICARE Management Activity (TMA). United Concordia Companies, Inc., administers and
underwrites the TDP for the TMA. The TDP is a high-quality, cost-effective dental care benefit
for eligible family members of all active duty uniformed Service members; as well as members of the
Selected Reserve and Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) and their eligible family members.
TRICARE Retiree Dental Program. The TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP) is
offered by the Department of Defense (DoD) through the TRICARE Management Activity (TMA). The
Federal Services division of Delta Dental Plan of California, located in Sacramento, California,
administers and underwrites the TRDP for the TMA. The TRDP offers comprehensive,
cost-effective dental coverage for uniformed services retirees and their eligible family
members.
The TRDP will also make available a premium-based dental insurance program for military
retirees, members of the Retired Reserve receiving a retired pay, un-remarried surviving spouses,
and dependents. Eligible beneficiaries will pay the full cost of the dental insurance
coverage. TRDP will feature a basic dental care and treatment, to include diagnostic services,
preventative services, basic restoration services, endodontics, surgical services, and emergency
services. Retiring members should explore this program, depending on their future employer's
health benefits package.
Retirees: You should check with your local military dental facility regarding
dental services.
Following separation: You will need to obtain dental insurance from your new
employer or through a private insurer.
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Hot Tip:
DELTA Dental terminates upon separation from the Service. To learn more about your
entitlement to dental care, contact your VA regional office. For more information regarding
the Retiree Dental Program: consult the TRICARE web site
www.tricare.mil or call 1.800.866.8499.
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