Did you know that there is a connection between the health of your gums and teeth and the health of your body? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionchronic diseases, such as diabetes, can increase the risk of periodontitis. It is a type of gum disease that causes severe gum infection and can lead to tooth loss. This means it is especially important for those with chronic conditions to exercise good oral health and see the dentist as directed. And that’s where it is TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) can help.
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with a chronic condition, you qualify for additional dental services when you enroll in TDP Wellness Program.
How does the TDP Wellness Program work?
The TDP Wellness Program provides enhanced dental benefits to help you treat periodontal disease. They come at no extra cost. To qualify, you must be diagnosed with one of the following conditions:
- Rap
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Wolf
- Mouth cancer
- Organ transplantation
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Covered gingivitis services your dentist may recommend include an additional periodontal maintenance service per year and scaling and radical designwhich is a deep cleaning of your teeth to remove tartar and plaque from under your gums and at the root of your tooth. Depending on the severity of your gum disease, your dentist may recommend periodontal surgery. Your wellness benefit covers up to four of these periodontal procedures.
“Getting the right care and treatment for gum disease is vital,” said Doug Elsesser, program analyst with the Defense Health Agency’s TRICARE Dental Program. “Therefore, we encourage all eligible TDP enrollees to explore their dental care options through the TDP Wellness Program.”
You may or may not need these extra services, but your dentist can recommend which procedures can help your oral condition. Enrollees who are pregnant are automatically entitled to an additional third dental cleaning in a consecutive 12-month period with the TDP Wellness Program.
If you have any questions about covered services, you can contact your TDP contractor, United Concordia Companies, Inc.
How do I enroll in the TDP Wellness Program?
To reap the benefits of your wellness, you’ll need to do it first register online through my account. The process is quick and easy. To get started, follow these steps:
- Go to the TDP website and log in to “My account” with your Level 2 DS connection.
- Then select Manage My Wellness.
- Add your medical condition.
Don’t have Level 2 DS Connection? Visit Using a DS connection to get one or upgrade the one you have. Once you’ve enrolled in the TDP Wellness Program, talk to your dentist about your medical condition and your additional TDP benefits. Remember, you can sign up to use the TDP Wellness Program at any time after your TDP coverage begins.
As you make your dental care a priority, don’t forget to practice good oral hygiene while at home. Issue 2 of TRICARE Dental Program Health Matters Newsletter is full of tips to keep your teeth healthy and strong. And the TDP Dental Health Center has several wellness newsletters to help you maximize your oral health if you have a chronic condition.
“These wellness newsletters highlight the connection between oral health and diabetes, heart disease and many other chronic conditions,” Elsesser added. “It’s another great resource for those enrolled in the TDP Wellness Program.”
To learn more about the TDP Wellness Program, visit TDP website. Need help finding a dentist near you? Use it Find a Dentist resource. And be sure to check it out TRICARE Dental Program Handbook for a look at other TDP-covered services to help you take charge of your dental health.
