52nd DS helps simplify off-base dental care

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Larry Roth
  • 52nd Dental Squadron
Big changes are coming soon to the 52nd Medical Group here. 

Although the dental squadron is committed to the highest levels of care for all the members of the 52nd Fighter Wing, the upcoming deployments, facility modifications and personnel changes will likely have an impact on the amount of care we offer to non-active duty beneficiaries. 

We look forward to continuing to care for as many active-duty family members as possible, but we know that we will not be able to meet the needs of everyone, everyday. 

Fortunately there is already a program in place that augments the dental services provided by military clinics for active duty family members. It's called the TRICARE Dental Program. This is the same program that is available to active-duty family members while stationed stateside, although the co-pays overseas are actually less than in the states. This means that those overseas usually pay less money out-of-pocket than those stateside. In fact, most routine care requires no co-payment at all. 

There are many benefits available to those who sign up for the TRICARE Dental Program. Not only does it cover the care provided here in the local area, it also extends coverage to your family members while back in the states where military care usually is not available at all. 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 100 percent covered, up to the $1,200 yearly maximum. 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 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 that are on the TRICARE-approved provider list. Each office must go through an extensive survey before it can be added to the approved list. Requirements include: 
* The provider speaks English 
* The provider is a graduate of a dental school 
* The provider possesses a current German dental license 
* The provider wears a mask and gloves during treatment 
* The provider sterilizes instruments 

To sign family members up for the program, visit www.TRICAREdentalprogram.com and follow the menu. You can enroll online, or print off the forms and mail or fax them in. 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 monthly Leave and Earnings Statements. All new enrollees must remain enrolled in the program for at least 12 months. Current monthly premiums are $11.05 for one family member and $27.63 for multiple family members. 

More specifics about the overseas TRICARE benefits can be found at www.europe.tricare.osd.mil, including names, phone numbers and addresses of approved local providers. 

The dental clinics at both Spangdahlem and Bitburg can also help answer questions about the TRICARE Dental Program and provide provider lists. For more information, call 452-8333 or visit one of the base Dental Clinics.