This post was sponsored by the MetLife TRICARE Dental Program as part of an Ambassador Program for Influence Central.’
As kids, my sister and I smacked into each other while playing. Head-to-head. There was blood everywhere. I broke half of my tooth. She ended up having to get a root canal in stages over a few months. It’s something that left me with a deep appreciation for my teeth. I protect them like a crazy person. Namely, because I have no stomach for any more dental issues.
With November and Military Family Appreciation Month now a memory, it’s an important time to stop and make sure that your family is taken care when it comes to dental health. After all, Christmas is just around the corner and that means candy. And cookies. And… cavities.
When I was first married, I assumed (as many do, I’m sure) that dental was a benefit much like TRICARE: you go on base, you see someone, you’re taken care of. Until I realized that I wasn’t actually enrolled in dental. When you’re a new military spouse, it’s easy to overlook dental care– so much is coming at you all at once– or to let it get shoved to the bottom of the pile of forms and things to do. When I enrolled in DEERS, no one told me that I would have to apply separately for dental.
Of course, that’s not a problem… I just didn’t know!
Before you freak out (like I did), it’s important to note that being enrolled in DEERS and being a dependent does not automatically enroll you in a dental program, like it does for TRICARE. It is super, super easy to access MetLife TRICARE Dental Plan (TDP) benefits and it’s just as easy to use it at the dentist. (Seriously, I’m not just saying that! We were very pleased with how quick the process was.) All you need is a phone or website and your sponsor.
The TDP is specifically for dependents (spouses and children); however, if your sponsor is in the National Guard or Reserves, they are also able to enroll and take advantage of the benefit. Active duty sponsors have dental care on base.
Your MetLife TRICARE Dental Plan benefits are also very reasonably priced and are extremely competitive with other dental benefit programs. My favorite part? I was able to choose a competent, personable, fantastic dentist in our area who is in-network and has stellar ratings from other patients. I can actually walk to her office. (I’m over the moon about her!)
What the TDP offers you:
- Two cleanings and two exams per year at no cost, when a network dentist is seen
- Sealants on permanent molars for children through the age of 18, with a 20% cost share
- Orthodontic coverage for children up to the age of 21 (or 23 if a full-time student) with a 50% cost share, and a $1,750 Lifetime Maximum Benefit per enrollee
- Space maintainers – fully covered for patients under the age of 19 with no cost share
- Two topical fluoride applications, covered in a consecutive 12-month period at no cost, when a network dentist is seen
- $1,300 Dental Program Annual Maximum per enrollee per plan year
- $1,200 Accidental Annual Maximum per enrollee per plan year
- 1 athletic mouth guard per consecutive 12-month period, with a 50% cost share
How to enroll:
Your sponsor must enroll you, so make sure that you have them enroll through Beneficiary Enrollment. You can check out information about the TDP through the MetLife TRICARE Dental Facebook page or the website.
