Dental care availability limited

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- With the permanent change of station season in full swing, appointments for routine dental care at the base clinics are at a premium. There are several dental offices in the local area on the TRICARE-approved provider list. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jenifer Calhoun)

Dental care availability limited

Published June 19, 2009
By the 52nd Dental Squadron

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- With the permanent change of station season in full swing, appointments for routine dental care at the base clinics are at a premium. Due to active duty priority of care standards established by Air Force policy, access to family member dental care will be extremely limited during the next few months. However, that doesn't mean family members have to wait to see a dentist.

There is a program in place to take care of active-duty family members' dental needs -- the TRICARE Dental Program. This benefit covers 100 percent of most routine dental care fees. Hundreds of family members already take advantage of this program, and the feedback is excellent.

There are several dental offices in the local area on the TRICARE-approved provider list. Each office goes through an extensive survey before it's added to the approved list. Some of the things looked at include proper dental credentials, sterilization techniques and English proficiency.

More specifics about the overseas benefits can also be found online at www.europe.tricare.osd.mil, including names, phone numbers and addresses of approved local providers. For additional information, call the dental clinic 452-8228.