TRICARE enhances dental benefit for pregnant women Published Aug. 18, 2008 By Ric Carlson 21st Medical Group PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- In response to research indicating the increased risk of dental disease during pregnancy, TRICARE Management Activity recently approved a maternity dental benefit for mothers-to-be. Through United Concordia, the dental contactor for the active duty family member dental plan, all pregnant TRICARE Dental Program enrollees are authorized an additional cleaning at no cost. Prior to the approved enhancement, which became effective in June, the TDP coverage allowed for two cleaning procedures in a consecutive 12-month period. The modification allows for a third cleaning for mothers-to-be in the 12-month period. The American Dental Association stresses that maintaining good oral health is an important part of overall health, especially during pregnancy. Research suggests there may be a correlation between maternal gum disease and pre-term and low birth weight babies, and pregnant women with gum disease may be more likely to develop gestational diabetes. For more information about dental health during pregnancy, visit www.ada.org/public/topics/pregnancy-faq.asp, and for more information about the TRICARE Dental Program visit www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/Dental/Dental Program.