The only other piece, not yet mentioned, is that if you sign up with the TRDP off the bat (with no or only small gap from Tricare Dental to Retiree) you don't have to worry about any "freeze-outs" for existing conditions.

Not a biggie if you only see the dentist twice a year for checkups, might be worth the $118/month premium if you've got a family of yuck-mouths.

Tricare retired dental is over $100 a month, more than medical. Stupid. As soon as I could, after finishing kid's delta brace experience started while still on AD, I went to UAL's plan and added eyeglass coverage for family. Way more options and cheaper too, by a lot. Still use Costco and Zinni for most glasses but use coverage for exams.