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TRICARE: Off Base Dental Care Options For Active Duty Troops

Joe Wallace

Under TRICARE, family members have the most flexibility. They can choose between TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, and other options available to them, depending on where they live and where the military member is assigned. Family members also have greater flexibility in dental care.

Those serving on active duty don’t have the same options as family members; they must use TRICARE Prime and typically receive dental care through on-base military clinics.

But in the case of dental services, that’s not always possible, and the active duty member is required to seek approved civilian dental care. What is an active duty TRICARE member to do in cases where they need dental care from an off-base provider?

TRICARE Active Duty Dental Program

The Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP) allows members to use civilian dentists when military care is unavailable or when they are stationed in a remote location. United Concordia administers this program for the Department of Defense. You can access off-base dental care through the ADDP if you meet one of the following requirements:

• You have a referral from a military clinic: If your local military dental clinic cannot provide the required treatment, they will issue a referral for you to see a civilian provider.
• You are on Remote Status: You qualify as a remote member if you live and work more than 50 miles from a military dental treatment facility. This applies to members in CONUS (the 50 United States, D.C., and U.S. territories) and those enrolled in TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas.

You must obtain an Appointment Control Number (ACN) before receiving non-emergency civilian care. An ACN ensures TRICARE pays the provider directly and prevents you from receiving a bill.

• With a Referral: Your military clinic provides the ACN as part of your referral paperwork.
• Without a Referral (Remote Only): Remote members can request an ACN online via the United Concordia ADDP website for routine care.

Specialty and Emergency Care

Specialty treatments, such as root canals and oral surgery, may require a formal authorization regardless of your location.

You do not need an ACN or prior authorization for emergency dental care. Emergency care includes treatment for acute pain, heavy bleeding, or severe infection. After receiving emergency care, you or your dentist should contact United Concordia to ensure the claim is processed properly.

Routine Care Requirements

To use a self-requested ACN for routine care, the treatment must meet specific 2026 guidelines:

• The procedure must be a covered benefit.
• The cost must be less than a specific cap (in the past set at $750 per appointment or procedure)
• The cumulative total for the treatment plan must not exceed a cap (in the past set at $1,500) within 12 months.
• You must use a United Concordia network dentist (for CONUS locations).

Read more: Ultimate TRICARE Guide

How To Request A Referral (ACN)

• Submit an ACN Request Form online for those stationed in CONUS only.
• Call the ADDP contractor, United Concordia, at 866-984-2337 (CONUS) or 844-653-4058 (OCONUS).

What to Know

• Remember, you typically do not need an ACN for qualifying emergency dental care.
• TRICARE makes provisions for emergency dental needs. In many cases, the servicemember’s  military dental clinic has emergency dental procedures you must follow, and you should know those procedures in advance of need.”
• If you are stationed at a remote assignment, you do not need any authorization for emergency care to “relieve pain, treat infection, or control bleeding,” according to TRICARE.mil.

Read more: Ultimate TRICARE Guide