FALLS CHURCH, Va.  –   Did you know that TRICARE has a dental health newsletter? It’s called the TRICARE Health Matters Dental Newsletter, and it’s full of information about the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) and oral health. The latest issue of the newsletter is now online. If you’re enrolled in the TDP, you may receive the newsletter in the mail or by email.
 
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) and the TDP contactor, United Concordia, publish this newsletter four times a year.
 
“The goal of the newsletter is to help TDP enrollees make the most of their dental benefits,” said Robert Agnello, deputy director of Digital Communications at the DHA. “You can also learn a lot about taking care of your oral health.”
 
Topics in the latest newsletter include:

• Getting to know your TDP benefits
• Caring for your oral health in adulthood
• How sealants help prevent cavities
• Connections between diabetes and oral health
• Using other dental insurance

 
Dental coverage is separate from your TRICARE health plan coverage. Your dental coverage options are based on who you are. The TDP is a voluntary dental plan for active duty family members and National Guard and Reserve members and family members. Your sponsor must have at least 12 months of military service left for you to enroll, as outlined in the TRICARE Dental Program Handbook. The TDP is available worldwide.
 
Retirees, their family members, and certain others may be eligible to purchase dental coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management administers this program.
 
To learn more about your dental coverage options, check out the TRICARE Dental Options Fact Sheet. And be sure to subscribe to TRICARE emails to get future newsletters delivered right to your inbox.