If you had dental coverage when you stopped working, then you can keep this coverage at the COBRA premium for up to 18 months. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can enroll in retiree dental coverage instead of continuing coverage with COBRA or after your 18 month COBRA coverage ends. To switch from COBRA to retiree dental, you must contact Benefits Administration and submit an application to enroll in the retiree dental plan before the expiration of your COBRA coverage.
Full eligibility rules for retiree dental can be found at https://www.tn.gov/partnersforhealth/other-benefits/dental.html.