(3) Procedures. Soldiers are required to have a dental fitness examination
upon reaching their first permanent duty station and annually thereafter. The soldier's
dental fitness classification will be determined at each examination to prioritize dental
care. Personnel in dental fitness Class 3 will receive expedited treatment to remove
them from this unsatisfactory dental classification by treating probable dental
emergency conditions. Dental records will be screened once a year and on arrival at a
new permanent duty station to ensure accuracy of the dental fitness classification and
encourage treatment of Class 3 soldiers.
c. Preventive Dentistry Program for Children. The preventive dentistry
program for children (PDPC) establishes a fluoride mouth rinse program at DoD
dependent schools. When resources permit, each child is also provided an annual oral
screening examination, topical application of an anticariogenic agent, and oral health
instruction.
d. Clinical Preventive Dentistry Program. Preventive dentistry counseling
and dental prophylaxes are provided to active duty soldiers and other eligible
beneficiaries under this program.
e. Community Preventive Dentistry Program. This program includes
community water fluoridation, fluoride supplements, and a system for reporting
suspected child abuse or neglect.
3-19. SUMMARY
a. The Army DC was established by law in 1911 although dentists had served
with the Army since 1901. The DC is composed exclusively of commissioned officers
who are graduates of accredited dental schools and who practice the science of
dentistry to support the AMEDD mission of maintaining the health of the Army and
conserving its fighting strength.
b. The Chief of the DC is also the Assistant Surgeon General for Dental
Services. There are dental surgeons on the staffs of the major tactical commands who
advise on dental matters.
c. Because of the tremendous dental workload in the Army, personnel are given
dental treatment on a priority basis depending both on the needs of the individual and
those of the Army.
d. In a theater of operations, dental service is provided by dental personnel
assigned to medical units or to dental cellular teams. Those assigned to units primarily
provide emergency dental treatment designed to keep soldiers on duty. Routine dental
treatment is provided by personnel of mobile dental teams that move to locations where
they can treat their patients during periods when combat has eased. These teams
provide routine dental treatment and are allocated on the basis of the number of troops
in the area.
MD0004
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