The primary mission of the dental clinic is to support the dental
treatment needs of active duty patients, thus ensuring maximum wartime
readiness. After accomplishing and maintaining this readiness
posture, the Base Dental Surgeon can specify clinical time periods for treatment
of non-active duty patients. Family members are encouraged to enroll
in the United Concordia Dental Plan. Active duty members have
priority for dental services, and this prevents the clinic from having
appointment hours for treating family members and retirees. This situation is
not likely to change in the future.
Even though you may be
enrolled in TRICARE, you are not automatically enrolled in a dental
plan. United Concordia Companies, Inc. is the dental administrator
for the TRICARE Dental Program. It is a voluntary comprehensive
dental plan available to family members of active duty uniformed services
personnel. When the active duty member (sponsor) enrolls family
members in the Family Member Dental Plan, a monthly premium is paid through
payroll deduction. The plan has cost shares, maximums and limitations
similar to a typical civilian dental group plan. The amount covered
by the plan ranges from 100% to 50%, depending on the type of
service.
Members and retirees are
encouraged to utilize the United Concordia Family member dental
plan. Detailed coverage and enrollment information are contained in
the Benefit Booklet. Sponsors and family members may call United
Concordia's toll free Customer Service Department at (888) 622-2256, Monday
through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. eastern standard
time. United Concordia handles the enrollment
process. Enrollment must be initiated by the sponsor and is
accomplished by completing an enrollment form. Forms are available by
calling United Concordia to request a form, by accessing their website (see
Contacts/Links), or by visiting your health benefits advisor or military
personnel office. With the initial enrollment application, all new
enrollees must submit a payment equal to the members portion of one month's
premium. For more information about this dental plan call or visit
the TRICARE office.
When making an appointment, verify that
the dental provider is currently a participating provider for the United
Concordia Dental Plan. A list of local dentists participating in this
plan is available from the Dental Clinic on base, and from the website listed in
Contact/Links.
Appointment availability at the Los Angeles
AFB Dental Clinic is extremely limited for family members and retired
personnel. There is no after-hours dental care available at the LAAFB
dental clinic. All active duty personnel with dental problems that
can not be delayed until the next duty day should seek care at a local civilian
hospital or dentist. Any active duty person seeking after-hours
emergency care MUST report to the Dental Clinic on the next duty day for
follow-up treatment.
The number for appointments at the dental clinic at
LAAFB is (310) 363-0962.