If levels of narcotics, alcohols, and/or controlled drugs are maintained in the
dental clinic, they must be controlled and accounted for in accordance with ARs 40-61
and 710-2. Procedures include maintaining a Narcotic and Controlled Drug Record,
monthly inventories by a disinterested officer, and storage under lock and key when not
in use. The oral surgery service is the largest user of these items. The chief of this
service is responsible for controlling and accounting for these items.
2-13. DENTAL GOLD, PLATINUM, AND SILVER ALLOY
Special handling and accounting controls are required for dental gold, platinum,
and silver alloy. Precautions should be taken to prevent their loss, waste, or
unauthorized use. Materials should be kept in locked safes when not in use. A ledger
or a written account will be maintained of dates of amounts received, amounts used,
and the resulting balances on hand.
2-14. SCRAP DISPOSAL
Provisions for the disposal of scrap dental metals and alloys are given in DOD
4160.21-M. Every 6 months (or when 20 troy ounces of gold, 100 troy ounces of silver
amalgam, or 10 troy ounces of platinum are accumulated), the scrap must be turned in
to the medical supply officer. Command policies may vary from, but not exceed, these
limits. Scrap must be weighed before turn-in. It will be receipted for by a turn-in slip
that becomes a part of the responsible dental officer's supply file.
2-15. LINEN EXCHANGE
The supply section of the dental clinic is responsible for operating a linen
exchange system. Soiled linen is usually turned in and clean linen picked up at a
hospital or a unit linen exchange at specified periodic intervals. These intervals may be
daily or longer. The usual procedure is to exchange soiled items for clean items. In
fixed non-deployed dental facilities, the hospital picks up and delivers linen for the
clinics.
Section II. LABORATORY PROCEDURES
2-16. GENERAL
All dental specialists should be familiar with dental prosthetic procedures. Most
Army dental clinics have a dental laboratory specialist, but many are too small to have
such a specialist authorized.
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