LESSON 1
THE ARMY DENTAL CARE SYSTEM
1-1.
GENERAL
The Army Dental Care System is composed of officers of the Dental Corps,
selected officers of the Medical Service Corps (MS), assigned enlisted personnel in the
military occupational specialty (MOS) of 91E Dental Specialist, Additional Skill Identifier
(ASI) N5--Dental Laboratory Specialist, ASI X2--Preventive Dentistry Specialist, and
civilian personnel. Civilian personnel include civilian dentists, chair-side dental
assistants, dental hygienists, expanded functions dental assistants (EFDAs), and
administrative personnel. The capabilities of the Army Dental Care System are
enhanced at some installations by volunteer workers under the Red Cross Volunteer
Worker Program. The Dental Corps is composed exclusively of commissioned officers
who are qualified doctors of dental medicine (DMD) or of dental surgery (DDS). All
professional phases of the practice of dentistry are performed by these dental officers.
The mission of the Army Medical Department (AMEDD) is to maintain the health of the
Army and to conserve its fighting strength. Since oral disease and/or injury can produce
casualties, the attainment and maintenance of oral health is an essential element of the
AMEDD mission. The Army Dental Care System is charged with the diagnosis,
prevention, and treatment of oral diseases, injuries, and deficiencies among military
personnel and, in certain areas, dental care of family members, retired military
personnel, and Department of the Army (DA) civilians.
1-2.
BRANCHES OF DENTISTRY
Dentistry is the branch of medical science and art concerned with the prevention,
diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the teeth and adjacent tissues. It is also
concerned with the restoration of defective and missing tissues. As dentistry has
advanced, its practice has become increasingly complex with the evolvement of many
specialties within the profession. This specialization is evident in the functional
organization of the professional branch of Army dental clinics. The degree to which
such organization is established depends mostly upon the size of the clinic, the mission,
and the availability of personnel. A typical dental clinic consists of oral examination and
diagnosis service (oral medicine), preventive dentistry, operative dentistry, oral surgery,
and prosthodontics. Depending upon the mission and the personnel available, the clinic
may also include periodontal, endodontic, pedodontic, orthodontic, and oral pathology
services.
a. Oral Examination and Diagnosis Service. This branch of dentistry includes
the examination and evaluation of the patient's oral region and general health status. It
also includes the establishment of the proper sequence of any needed treatment.
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