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.

"For additional information on maintaining deployable status, view the article TRICARE Dental Program Helps National Guard and Reserve Members Maintain Deployable Status".

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.