TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- U.S. Air Force Reservists looking to maintain a healthy smile and deployment readiness have options through the TRICARE Dental Program.
The voluntary insurance program, administered by MetLife, is an affordable option for comprehensive dental coverage and to complete annual dental exam requirements critical to deployment readiness.
“An annual dental exam is a requirement, but self-provided insurance is a condition of employment,” said Chief Master Sgt. Regina Buckhalter, 349th Medical Group superintendent.
During annual exams with a civilian provider, a Department of Defense Form 2813 should be provided to the dentist by the member. The DD Form 2813 has standardized categories that describe the Citizen Airmen’s dental health for worldwide duty.
“It’s worth the minimal cost of insurance for preventative care,” said Chief Master Sgt. Gloria Portillo-Leaños, 349th Aerospace Medicine Squadron superintendent. “Sitting in the dentist’s chair for maintenance may prevent being categorized in three or four, which impedes deployment readiness.”
Following an annual exam, the DD Form 2813 is provided to the Unit Health Monitor by the Reservist, who works directly with 349th AMDS to ensure the form is filed in the member’s record.
“The member really needs to be in concert with the UHM and provide proper documentation,” said Buckhalter. “It is the member’s responsibility keep track of when their appointment is due.”
The UHM also assists the member with scheduling a dental exam with a military provider, which is provided at no cost once every three years. Reservists assigned to Travis Air Force Base, California, visit David Grant U.S. Air Force Medical Center for this appointment.
When Reservists are put on 30 days or more of orders, they are entitled to coverage under the TRICARE Active Duty Dental Program.
In most circumstances, the change in insurance coverage happens automatically.
“To ensure a smooth transition, the member should call TRICARE to verify their insurance has transitioned, particularly if they are deploying or if they have family members,” said Portillo-Leaños. “Additionally, the Reservist will need to work with their UHM and 349th AMDS to have their records transferred. The Dental Clinic at DGMC will not make an appointment until the records have transferred.”
To apply for dental coverage, Reservists should visit
https://www.metlife.com/individual/dental-insurance-center/index.html or call 1-855-638-8371.
For additional questions or to submit a DD Form 2813, 349th AMDS can be reached by email at 349amds.medicalsched@us.af.mil.