Brush up on TRICARE's dental programs Published May 1, 2007 By Jenna Holtz TriWest Healthcare Alliance EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Don't give oral health the brush-off. TRICARE has two dental programs that can keep everyone smiling. The TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) and TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP) are voluntary, premium based dental benefits programs that offer cost-effective dental services for eligible TRICARE beneficiaries. Dental services include: · Preventive · Emergency Services · Diagnostic · Restorative · Prosthodontic · Endodontic · Periodontic · Orthodontic (eligibility requirements and limitations apply) · Oral Surgery Services may require applicable deductibles, maximums, co-payments, waiting periods and limitations. TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) Offered through United Concordia, the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) is TRICARE's dental coverage for all eligible family members of active duty sponsors, as well as the Selected Reserve, Individual Ready Reserve, National Guard and their family members. The TDP is an affordable, portable program that makes it easy to obtain and maintain good oral health. The cost-effective benefit provides beneficiaries worldwide with comprehensive dental coverage. To be eligible for TDP, sponsors must have at least 12 months remaining on their service commitment at the time of enrollment. Beneficiaries with questions regarding TDP should contact United Concordia, Inc. at www.tricaredentalprogram.com, 1-800-866-8499, or send an email inquiry to conus@ucci.com. TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP) Managed by Delta Dental of California, TRDP offers comprehensive, cost-effective dental coverage for uniformed services retirees and their eligible family members. TRDP offers coverage for many diagnostic and preventive services, such as exams and cleanings. Other treatments, like periodontics, are covered but require a cost-share. TRDP eligible beneficiaries include: · members of the uniformed services (including the Retired Reserve/Guard) who are entitled to retirement pay, including those age 65 and over · members of the retired Reserve and Guard, including those in the "grey area," who are entitled to retired pay but will not begin receiving it until age 60 · current spouses of enrolled members · children of enrolled members, up to age 21 (or to age 23 for full-time students, or older if they become disabled before losing eligibility) · the surviving spouse who has not remarried and the eligible children of: o a deceased member who died while eligible for coverage as described above o a deceased active duty member who died while on active duty for a period of more than 30 days and whose family members are not eligible, or are no longer eligible for dental benefits under the Family Member Dental Plan. Enrolled members can receive covered treatment anywhere in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Canada. For more information on TRDP, please contact Delta Dental of California at www.trdp.org or dial (888) 838-8737. TriWest Healthcare Alliance does not manage TDP or TRDP. Beneficiaries should contact United Concordia or Delta Dental of California for assistance.