Dental Readiness for National
Guard/Reserve Members
What is dental readiness?
Dental readiness refers to a service member's
dental health as it relates to his/her worldwide
deployment status.
Why do I need to be dentally
ready for deployment? DOD Directive
6490.2, Chapter 4.1 states that "All Service
members, Active, National Guard, and Ready Reserve be
physically and mentally fit to carry out their missions."
Furthermore, US Congress is fully aware of the impact
dental readiness has on deployment capability, and
recently clarified in the Fiscal Year 2006 National
Defense Authorization Act that "dental care
is included in the medical readiness tracking and
health surveillance program…" This means that
service members' dental readiness will be
tracked and reported to appropriate authorities.
How do I know if I am
qualified to deploy? The Department
of Defense (DoD) has standardized dental
classifications for all uniformed DoD personnel
in a Health Affairs Memorandum titled Policy on
Standardization of Oral Health and Readiness
Classifications, dated 4 Jun 02. The classifications
note that members in oral health Class 1 (no
dental treatment needed) or Class 2 (minor
dental treatment needed) are worldwide deployable,
while members in Class 3 (urgent or emergent
dental care required) or Class 4 (unknown
dental condition or require a periodic dental examination)
are not worldwide deployable.
How do I ensure I am worldwide
deployable (Class 1 or Class 2)?
First, ensure that you have a periodic dental examination.
A good rule of thumb is to have an examination either
annually or a within year after your last dental treatment
appointment. TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) enrollees
are entitled to two dental examinations (and
cleanings!) per year. The
TDP Benefit Booklet contains specific information
regarding examinations and cleanings.
Next, if you are treated by a civilian dentist, have
him/her complete
DD Form 2813, Department of Defense Active
Duty/Reserve Forces Dental Examination. You will
then provide this form to your unit/appropriate
authority. Members receiving an examination in the
military dental system do not require this form.
Finally, ask your dentist what treatment is
required to ensure your ability to deploy. If you
require dental care, your dentist should prepare a
treatment plan that outlines what you need to
attain Class 1 or Class 2 status to meet this deployment
requirement.
