Dental care in Germany is kein problem Published Sept. 28, 2011 52nd Medical Dental Operations Squadron SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- For active-duty members, obtaining dental care while stationed in Germany is simple -- just visit your local military dental treatment facility. If you're a family member, things aren't always straightforward. Military dental treatment facilities in Germany can provide limited care for family members on a space-available basis. Whether or not a given dental military facility has available space depends on a variety of factors including location, deployments, and current manning levels. The dental squadron here is committed to the highest level of care for all the members of the 52nd Fighter Wing. However, upcoming deployments, facility modifications, and personnel changes will likely have an impact on the amount of care that can be offered to family members. Fortunately, the TRICARE Dental Program augments the dental services provided by military clinics for active duty family members. This is the same program available to active - duty family members while stationed in the U.S. with a number of added benefits. The co-pays overseas are actually less than in the States. This means that there is usually less money out-of-pocket than and most routine care requires no co-payment at all. There are many benefits available to those enrolled in the TRICARE Dental Program. Not only does it cover the care provided here in the local area, it also extends coverage to family members while in the U.S., where military care usually is not available. Family members in the program can be seen twice a year for dental exams, cleanings and needed X-rays at no cost. Sealants, routine fillings, oral surgery and many other procedures are also covered up to $1,200 annually. Even half the cost of braces is covered for eligible family members overseas. Using the program has been made easier since non-availability referral forms are no longer necessary except for orthodontics and implant dentistry. An additional benefit of using this TRICARE Dental Program is the assurance of seeing the same provider for each dental visit. Right now, there are more than a dozen dental offices on the local economy in the Spangdahlem-Bitburg area on the TRICARE-approved provider list. Requirements for host-nation dentists to be included on the approved provider list include: The provider speaks English The provider is a graduate of dental school The provider possesses a current German dental license The provider follows proper infection control techniques, including wearing a mask and gloves during treatment and sterilizing instruments There are even TRICARE-preferred providers that will file the insurance claims that wont request payment other than cost share at the time of service. To sign family members up for the program, go to www.TRICAREdentalprogram.com. The first month's premium can be paid at the time of enrollment with a credit card. After that all premiums will be automatically deducted from the active-duty member's leave and earnings statement. All new enrollees must remain enrolled in the program for at least 12 months. If the family members were enrolled in the program in the U.S. and did not disenroll when they came to Europe, they are still enrolled. Find out for sure by checking your sponsor's LES. Current monthly premiums are $12.69 for one family member and $31.72 for multiple family members. For more information, visit www.europe.tricare.osd.mil or, call 49-6302-67-6358. The dental clinics at both Spangdahlem and Bitburg can also help answer questions about the TRICARE Dental Program and will provide you the list of approved and preferred host nation dentists.