MetLife Federal Dental Plan

Your guide to coverage, benefits, and enrollment

Plan Overview

The MetLife Federal Dental Plan (FDP) is a voluntary, employersponsored dental insurance program designed specifically for U.S. federal employees, retirees, and their eligible dependents. Administered by MetLife, the plan offers a range of preventive, basic, and major dental services, helping members maintain oral health while controlling outofpocket expenses.

Key points of the plan include:

Nationwide network of participating dentists.
Three tiered benefit levels (Basic, Standard, Premier) to match different budget and coverage needs.
Coverage for preventive care at 100% after the annual deductible.
Flexible payment options premiums can be deducted pretax from payroll.
No annual maximum for preventive services; predictable limits for other services.

Who Qualifies?

The plan is open to:

Current federal employees (civilian and uniformed services) who are eligible for Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) or Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
Retirees and annuitants who are eligible for Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) or Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) benefits.
Surviving spouses and eligible dependents (spouse, children up to age 26, and in some cases, disabled adult children).

You do not need to be enrolled in the FEHB to join the dental plan, but most participants choose both for comprehensive health coverage.

Benefits and Coverage

MetLife offers three benefit tiers. Each tier provides a different level of coverage for the same services. Below is a simplified comparison:

Service Category	Basic	Standard	Premier
Preventive (cleaning, exam, Xray)	100% (no deductible)	100% (no deductible)	100% (no deductible)
Basic (fillings, simple extractions)	80% after $50 deductible	80% after $35 deductible	90% after $30 deductible
Major (crowns, bridges, dentures)	50% after $150 deductible	60% after $100 deductible	70% after $75 deductible
Orthodontics (children only)	Not covered	Up to $1,500 lifetime max	Up to $3,000 lifetime max
Annual Maximum (except preventive)	$1,000	$1,500	$2,000

Note: Actual coverage percentages and deductibles may vary by plan year and specific employer contract. Always review your Summary Plan Description for exact details.

Preventive Care

Preventive services are fully covered (no copay) after any required deductible is met. This includes two routine cleanings per year, oral examinations, and a set of diagnostic Xrays. Regular preventive visits are strongly encouraged because they reduce the likelihood of more expensive procedures later.

Basic Services

Basic services address common dental problems such as cavities, simple extractions, and periodontal maintenance. The plan typically reimburses a high percentage after a modest deductible, helping keep routine treatment affordable.

Major Services

Major restorative procedures, like crowns, bridges, and dentures, are covered at a lower percentage and often subject to a higher deductible. The annual maximum limits the total outofpocket cost you can incur each year for these higherexpense services.

Orthodontics

Orthodontic coverage is available only on the Standard and Premier tiers and is limited to children under age 19. The lifetime maximum applies to the entire course of treatment, so families should consider this when deciding on a tier.

Cost & Payment Options

Premiums for the MetLife Federal Dental Plan are deducted pretax from your payroll, which can lower your taxable income. Premium amounts vary based on the benefit tier you select, your employment status (employee vs. retiree), and the number of eligible dependents covered.

Typical Monthly Premiums (2025 rates)

Basic Tier $13.00 for employee only, $21.00 for employee + spouse, $30.00 for family.
Standard Tier $22.00 for employee only, $35.00 for employee + spouse, $48.00 for family.
Premier Tier $30.00 for employee only, $47.00 for employee + spouse, $65.00 for family.

Retirees often pay a slightly higher perperson rate because the employer contribution is lower or absent.

Additional Costs

Deductibles: Vary by tier and service category.
Copayments: After the deductible, you pay the applicable percentage of the allowed fee.
Nonnetwork providers: Visiting a dentist outside the MetLife network may result in reduced reimbursement or none at all.

How to Enroll

Enrollment is handled through the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) portal or your agencys human resources office. Follow these steps:

Log into OPMs portal during the annual Open Season (typically early November) or during a qualifying life event.
Navigate to Benefits Dental and review the MetLife plan options.
Select the tier that best matches your needs and add eligible dependents.
Confirm your selections and submit the enrollment form.
Your premium will be deducted from your paycheck beginning the first pay period after enrollment is processed.

If you miss Open Season, you can still enroll during a qualifying life event such as marriage, birth of a child, or loss of other coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a dentist who participates in the MetLife network?

While you can see any dentist, using a network provider ensures you receive the plans contracted rates and maximum reimbursement. Outofnetwork visits may result in higher outofpocket costs.

2. How often can I get a cleaning?

The plan covers two cleanings per year at 100% after any deductible. Additional cleanings are considered extraordinary and are billed like a standard preventive visit.

3. What happens if I reach my annual maximum?

Once you hit the annual maximum for basic and major services, you become responsible for 100% of any additional covered dental expenses until the next plan year.