Skip subpage navigation
The Military Health System is responsible for the overall oral health and readiness of service members - both active and the Reserve component. Additionally, the MHS offers dental insurance plans that all other TRICARE beneficiaries can purchase if they choose. TRICARE Dental Options.
Dental Care for Service Members
Oral health classifications determine if a service member is deployable. To learn more, see the Policy on Standardization of Oral Health Readiness Classifications.
| Class |
Description |
Deployable? |
| 1 |
Patients with a current dental examination and don't require dental treatment or evaluation. |
Yes |
| 2 |
Patients with a current dental examination, who require non-urgent dental treatment or evaluation that are unlikely to result in dental emergencies within 12 months. |
Yes |
| 3 |
Patients who require urgent or emergency dental treatment. |
No |
| 4 |
Patients who require periodic dental examinations or patients with unknown dental classifications. |
No |
Active Duty Service Members
Active duty service members, including activated Reserve component members, get most dental care from military dental clinics.
Reserve Component Members
The Reserve Health Readiness Program is a Department of Defense, Defense Health Agency program that helps to supplement the Reserve Components' readiness mission and satisfy key deployment requirements by providing medical and dental services to all Reserve Component forces. Dental exams and treatment are provided based on a member's Service component.
- Reserve component members may qualify to purchase one of TRICARE's voluntary dental insurance plans, based on his or her military status (see below).
- If a dental injury is incurred in the line of duty, service members also qualify for Line of Duty Dental Care through the ADDP.
Dental Care for All Others
All others can purchase a dental plan offered through TRICARE or the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program based on their beneficiary status. Visit the TRICARE website to learn more.
You also may be interested in...
Infographic
Jan 13, 2022
Dental care isn't just about your kids - don't put off your own care. Schedule your trip to the dentist. http://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/Dental/TDPTRICARE.mil #dentalhealth
Infographic
Jan 13, 2022
Your teeth are your tools for eating - not opening bottles or packages. Stick to using your hands to open containers.#dentalhealth
Infographic
Jan 13, 2022
Dental and oral health is critical to overall readiness, and poor dental hygiene and preventive practices can impact deployability. #dentalhealth
Infographic
Jan 13, 2022
A force that is not dentally prepared may see a fivefold increase in deployed dental emergencies. Regular dental care is needed to maintain readiness and deployability. #dentalhealth
Infographic
Jan 13, 2022
Drinks and foods high in sugar can lead to damage to your teeth. Skip the soda to protect your teeth. http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/adult-oral-health/tips.htmlCDC.gov #dentalhealth
Article
Aug 24, 2021
MHS and Military OneSource presents a discussion about Dental Health.
Article
Dec 16, 2020
The need for family dentistry at Fort Irwin was the result of losing their network civilian dentist on base last spring.
Congressional Testimony
Oct 4, 2019
.PDF |
13.40 MB
H.R. 5515 NDAA for FY 2019, Section 713
Video
Jul 3, 2018
Before his midnight ride, Paul Revere was an amateur dentist. See how his work during the Revolutionary War inspired the use of dental identification on the battlefield and beyond.
You are leaving Health.mil
The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense of non-U.S. Government sites or the information, products, or services contained therein. Although the Defense Health Agency may or may not use these sites as additional distribution channels for Department of Defense information, it does not exercise editorial control over all of the information that you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this website.
You are leaving Health.mil
View the external links disclaimer.
Last Updated: February 13, 2024