# Dental Care for Our Troops Act

This bill makes dental care free for members of the Selected Reserve—the part-time military personnel who serve in the National Guard and Reserve forces. Right now, these service members have to pay premiums and copayments to get dental coverage through TRICARE, the military's health insurance program. This bill eliminates those charges completely, giving them access to dental benefits at no cost.

The Selected Reserve includes people who serve part-time but are ready to be called up for active duty when needed. They're different from full-time active duty soldiers, and currently they don't get the same dental benefits. This bill creates a dedicated dental plan just for them and makes it completely free—no monthly premiums to pay and no copayments when they actually go to the dentist. They'd get coverage for basic dental care like cleanings, exams, and other services that are already covered under TRICARE's standard dental plans.

The practical impact is straightforward: part-time military members would save money on healthcare costs and have better access to preventive dental care. This could help catch dental problems early and keep their teeth healthy without worrying about bills. For the military, it's an investment in keeping reserve forces healthy and ready to serve. The bill essentially recognizes that these service members deserve the same dental support as their full-time counterparts, removing a financial barrier to getting the care they need.