The Rewarding Experience of Serving as a US Air Force Dentist.

Providing care to service members and veterans as an active duty United States Air Force (USAF) dentist is a unique and rewarding experience that can be quite different from the private sector. As a USAF officer, I balance military and dental responsibilities, which has taught me to be flexible and adaptive. Virtually every dentist in the dental corps (DC), unless they are a resident, holds some form of a leadership position, whether that be overseeing clinic operations, the laboratory, an infection control program, or so on. The USAF doesn't just build clinicians, it builds leaders.

Unique challenges in naval military dentistry.

Divers are regularly exposed to a unique and changing environment that dentists must consider when treating such patients. This review focuses around two case studies encountered in naval dentistry: (i) diving barotrauma (pressure-induced injury related to an air space); and (ii) scuba diving mouthpiece-related oral conditions. Each condition is described by its effect on the oral cavity and in particular the teeth. Then we generally review the latest literature on the different effects of scuba diving on the diver's head, face and oral regions and emphasize methods of dental disease prevention, diagnostic tools and treatment guidelines.

What are the possible barriers and benefits to the use of dental therapists within the UK Military Dental Service?

Introduction All dental service delivery organisations and their workforce need to adopt more efficient and effective delivery models including increased skill-mix.Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the possible barriers/benefits to the utilisation of dental therapists (DTs) in the UK Military Dental Service.Method An explanatory mixed-methods study of sequential design was conducted using purposive sampling of dentists and DTs in the Defence Military Service. Electronic questionnaires (25) were sent to dentists and DTs with an overall response rate of 80% (15/18 dentists and 6/7 DTs). Following analysis of the questionnaires, seven semi-structured interviews (four dentists, three DTs) were thematically analysed.Results All dentists and DTs agreed that DTs could play a positive role within the Defence Military Service, but the barriers and benefits of their use centred on the six main themes of: leadership, delegation, new ways of working, scope of practice, skill-mix and utilisation.Conclusions To address the barriers and maximise the benefits of using DTs, effective leadership at the organisational, dental centre and individual levels is required. This leadership is key to unlocking the benefits of improved teamwork, increased skill-mix and maximised use of all dental care professionals within the Defence Military Service.

La Especialidad Fundamental Odontología como integrantedel Cuerpo Militar de Sanidad en la Fuerzas Armadas Españolas: Historia y cometidos / The Fundamental Speciality of Dentistry as an integral part of the Military Health Corps in the Spanish Armed Forces: History and tasks

El estudio del marco normativo que determina la creación de la Especialidad Fundamental Odontología, como componente delCuerpo Militar de Sanidad de los Cuerpos Comunes de la Defensa, en la Fuerzas Armadas Españolas, permite abordar los cambioshistóricos que tanto en sus cometidos y funciones han afectado a la Odontología Militar en España desde su creación hasta la actualidad y poder comprender así sus capacidades presentes y futuras. (AU)

The study of the regulatory framework that determines the creation of the Fundamental Odontology Specialty, as a component ofthe Military Health Corps of the Common Defense Corps, in the Spanish Armed Forces, allows addressing the historical changesthat both in its tasks and functions have affected to Military Dentistry in Spain from its creation to the present day and thus be ableto understand its present and future capabilities. (AU)

Hygiène bucco-dentaire des militaires des unités d'élites des forces de défense et de sécurité du Mali / Oral hygiene of the military of the elite units of the defense and security forces of Mali

Introduction: L'hygiène orale représente l'ensemble des mesures prises pour garder la cavité́ orale propre et saine en maintenant les surfaces dentaires dépourvues de plaque et de tartre. L'objectif de cette étude était d'évaluer l'hygiène buccodentaire des Unités d'Élites des forces de défense et de sécurité du Mali. Méthodologie : Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale descriptive qui s'est déroulée du 01 Septembre 2020 au 30 Aout 2021 dans le service d'Odontologie de l'Infirmerie Hôpital de Bamako (IHB). La population d'étude était constituée de militaires en service dans les différentes Unités d'Élites des corps d'Armée du Mali venus en consultation dans le service d'Odontologie et par d'autres Unités dans leur Quartier Général (QG) compte tenu de leur confidentialité. Résultats : Dans cette étude, la tranche d'âge 30 ­ 39 ans était la plus représentée avec 49,2%. Les sous-officiers étaient les plus représentés avec 55,0%. Parmi les Unités d'Élites, la CIR représentait 34,8%. Pour le brossage des dents, 85,9% se brossaient les dents. Par rapport au nombre de brossage par jour, 54,7% se brossaient les dents 1 fois par jour. Tandis que 48,1% se brossaient les dents avec une brosse de type Medium. Pour le saignement après le brossage, 42,6% avaient un saignement après le brossage. Conclusion: Cette étude a montré que les militaires avaient une connaissance sur l'hygiène buccodentaire car ils se brossaient majoritairement 1 à 2 fois par jour. Toutefois, beaucoup de militaires présentaient un saignement après brossage. Devant cette situation, une nouvelle orientation de la politique de santé bucco-dentaire basée sur l'odontologie préventive s'impose afin d'améliorer la santé et la qualité́ de vie de ces militaires

Introduction: Oral hygiene represents all the measures taken to keep the oral cavity clean and healthy by keeping the dental surfaces free of plaque and tartar. The objective of this study was to evaluate the oral hygiene of elite units of the defense and security forces of Mali. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that took place from September 01, 2020, to August 30, 2021, in the odontology department of Bamako Military Hospital. The study population involved soldiers of various Elite Units of the Armed Forces of Mali who came for consultation in the odontology service. Results: In this study, the 30-39 age group was the most represented with 49.2%. NCOs were the most represented with 55.0%. Among Elite Units, the CIR accounted for 34.8%. For tooth brushing, 85.9% brushed their teeth. Regarding the number of brushings per day, 54.7% brushed their teeth once a day. While 48.1% brushed their teeth with a medium brush. For bleeding after brushing, 42.6% had bleeding after brushing. Conclusion: This study showed that the military had knowledge of oral hygiene because they brushed mostly 1 to 2 times a day. However, many soldiers had bleeding after brushing. Faced with this situation, a new orientation of the oral health policy based on preventive odontology is necessary in order to improve the health and quality of life of these soldiers

Efectividad en reducción de unidades formadoras de colonias con soluciones desinfectantes en tina ultrasónica / Effectiveness in reducing colony forming units with disinfecting solutions in an ultrasonic vat

En la práctica clínica, los odontólogos se encuentran expuestos al riesgo de infecciones, que se transmiten a través de instrumentos contaminados con exudados. Instrumentos en contacto con el personal deben estar esterilizados o sometidos a un proceso de desinfección. Se realizó un estudio transversal-prospectivo a 30 pacientes, de los que se tomaron tres muestras con espejos estériles, pasando por fondo de saco, carrillos y lengua, después las muestras se desinfectaron, se realizó el hisopado de cada espejo y se incubó en agar tripticaseína-soya (TSA) 24 horas a 37 oC. Pasadas 24 horas se realizaron diluciones en tubos Eppendorf, y se sembraron en cajas de Petri con agar sangre, se incubaron por 48 horas a 37 oC; se contabilizaron las unidades formadoras de colonias (UFC) y registraron para su análisis. Al obtener los resultados se encontró que ID 213 tuvo mayor reducción con una media = 62.5 en comparación con Zeta 1 Ultra, media = 89.23, y control, media = 164.50, de igual manera se observó una diferencia en reducción de UFC/mL entre ID 213 con respecto a Zeta 1 Ultra con significancia de 0.012. Ambos desinfectantes resultaron efectivos, pero se estableció que ID 213 utilizando la tina ultrasónica resulta más efectivo en la reducción de UFC, que Zeta 1 Ultra (AU)

In clinical practice, dentists are exposed to the risk of infections, which are transmitted through instruments contaminated with exudates. Instruments in contact with personnel must be sterilized or subjected to a disinfection process. A cross-sectional-prospective study was carried out in 30 patients. From which three samples were taken with sterile mirrors, passing through cul-de-sac, cheeks and tongue, later the samples were disinfected with disinfectants, each mirror was swabbed and incubated in TSA 24 hours at 37 oC. After 24 hours, dilutions were made in Eppendorf tubes, and they were seeded in Petri dishes with blood agar, they were incubated 48 hours at 37 oC; CFUs were accounted for and recorded for analysis. When obtaining the results, it was found that ID 213 had a greater reduction with mean = 62.5 compared to Zeta 1 Ultra mean = 89.23 and control mean = 164.50, in the same way a difference in reduction of CFU/mL was observed between ID 213 with respect to Zeta 1 Ultra with significance of 0.012. Both disinfectants were effective but it was established that ID 213 using the ultrasonic tub is more effective in reducing CFU, than Zeta 1 Ultra (AU)

Dentistry and the British Army: 1661 to 1921.

Between 1661 and 1921, Britain witnessed significant changes in the prevalence of dental caries and its treatment. This period saw the formation of the standing British Army and its changing oral health needs. This paper seeks to identify these changes in the Army and its dental needs, and place them in the context of the changing disease prevalence and dental advances of the time. The rapidly changing military and oral health landscapes of the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century bring recognition of the Army's growing dental problems. It is not, however, without years of campaigning by members of the profession, huge dental morbidity rates on campaign and the outbreak of a global conflict that the War Office resource a solution. This culminates in 1921 with, for the first time in 260 years, the establishment of a professional Corps within the Army for the dental care of its soldiers; the Army Dental Corps is formed.

Odontología Militar en la Operación Balmis. Retos, actividades realizadas y lecciones aprendidas / Military Dentistry in Operation Balmis. Challenges, activities carried out and lessons learned

Revisión sistemática de las actividades relacionadas con la odontología militar española y su intervención directa o indirecta durante la pandemia por SARS-Cov-2. Se describen las actividades realizadas durante la fase de formación específica en la fase de formación técnica de los alféreces odontólogos a distancia. En este artículo se analizan los problemas afrontados en las consultas dentales, las necesidades de adiestramiento y los requerimientos logísticos que requieren los protocolos odontológicos de actuación en una emergencia sanitaria de estas características tanto durante la fase de pandemia como en la postpandemia

Systematic review of activities related to Spanish military dentistry, and its direct or indirect actuation during the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic. The activities carried out during the specific training phase in the technical remote training phase of cadet ensigns curriculum are described. This article analyzes the problems faced in dental consultations, training needs and the logistical requirements demanded by the dental protocols for action in a health emergency of these characteristics, both during the pandemic phase and in the post-pandemic phase

A Survey of US Air Force General Dentists Regarding Computer-aided Design/Computer-aided Manufacturing Usage.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to survey all United States Air Force (USAF) general dentists regarding their experience with computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) while in a dental school. Dental school graduation year and location was compared to the type and amount of CAD/CAM training and clinical experience during dental school to better understand the differences and influence of this technology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey consisting of six questions was sent through e-mail to 546 general dentists in the AF Dental Corps in 2018 of which 306 replied (56% response rate). RESULTS: Dentists who graduated in 2005 or earlier and between 2006 and 2009 stated they did not receive CAD/CAM training in dental school, while more respondents in the group of graduation years 2014-2017 stated that they did receive training. About 11% of the respondents who graduated in 2014-2017 completed 6-10 restorations and 9% completed 11 or more restorations compared to the other year groups. More respondents who graduated from a dental school in the southwest and southeast regions of the United States reported completing more restorations compared to other school regions. CONCLUSION: Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing is now becoming a prevalent curriculum in US dental schools, both as a core requirement and an elective. Its training platforms varied from lectures and literature reviews to preclinical laboratory. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: More respondents in the groups of graduation years 2014-2017 had completed more CAD/CAM restorations compared to other year groups; however, most of the respondents did not feel their training was sufficient enough to use CAD/CAM technology independently.

Apoyos sanitarios externos requeridos durante la mision Enhanced Forward Presence III (Letonia) / External health supports required during Enhanced Forward Presence III mission (Latvia)

ANTECEDENTES Y OBJETIVOS: En julio de 2016 se dio luz verde a la operacion eFP (Enhanced Forward Presence), con el objetivo de proveer de defensa a los paises balticos miembros de la OTAN, frente a Rusia. Espana desplego un contingente en Letonia, cuya sanidad la compuso una celula de estabilizacion y un enfermero de enlace. En caso de necesitar apoyos sanitarios se acordo hacer uso del ROLE 1 canadiense o los servicios sanitarios civiles letones. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar los apoyos sanitarios externos requeridos durante la mision Enhanced Forward Presence III. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se llevo a cabo un estudio transversal. Se utilizaron los 78 casos de la mision eFP-III en los que hubo que gestionar apoyo externo. El analisis estadistico se llevó a cabo a traves del GNU PSPP Statistical Analysis Software version 1.2.0-g0fb4db. RESULTADOS: Los resultados se expresaron en frecuencias. Se hallo relacion significativa entre el tipo de apoyo requerido y el tipo de medios (militares o civiles) utilizados para su resolucion. El apoyo más numeroso fue el odontologico, seguido del radiodiagnostico y de la fisioterapia. El mayor número de apoyos correspondió a hombres, escala Militares Profesionales de Tropa y Marineria, resueltos por medios militares y en una unica consulta. Los medios militares resolvieron la mayoria de los casos para los que contaron con la especialidad concreta necesaria

ANTECEDENT AND OBJECTIVES: In July 2016, the eFP (Enhanced Forward Presence) operation was given a green light, with the aim of providing defense to the Baltic countries members of NATO, against Russia. Spain deployed a contingent in Latvia, whose health consisted of a stabilization cell and a liaison nurse. In case of needing health support, it was agreed to use the Canadian ROLE 1 or the latvian civil health services. The objective of this study was to analyze the external health support required during the Enhanced Forward Presence III mission. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out. The 78 cases of the eFP-III mission were used in which external support had to be managed. Statistical analysis was carried out through the GNU PSPP Statistical Analysis Software version 1.2.0-g0fb4db. RESULTS: The results were expressed in frequencies. A significant relationship was found between the type of support required and the type of means (military or civil) used to resolve it. The most numerous support was the dentist, followed by radiodiagnosis and physiotherapy. The largest number of support corresponded to men, Professional Military Troop and Maritime scale, resolved by military means and in a single consultation. The military media resolved most of the cases for which they had the necessary concrete specialty

Luxacion temporomandibular. Maniobra de Nelaton: exposicion de un caso y revision de la literatura / Nelaton maneuver in anterior temporomandibular dislocation. A case report and literature review

La luxación de la articulación temporomandibular (ATM) es un trastorno que generalmente se desconoce y que supone un reto para el personal sanitario que lo recibe. La etiología es variable. Puede producirse de manera espontánea por causas relacionadas con la apertura de la boca como el bostezo, risa, canto, entre otros. Clínicamente el paciente presenta boca abierta en forma de bostezo, estado de ansiedad y dolor. El tratamiento de elección es su reducción mediante la maniobra de Nelaton, que debe realizarse a la mayor brevedad. Se presenta un caso de un paciente con luxación anterior bilateral de la ATM al que se le realiza maniobra de Nelaton con éxito, sin la necesidad de administración de relajantes y analgésicos en el momento de su ejecución

A dislocation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is an event that, despite being unusual, supposes a challenge for the health's personnel. The etiology is variable and can occur spontaneously due to causes related to the opening of the mouth such as yawning, laughing, singing... Clinically the patient has an open mouth in the form of yawning, anxiety and pain. The treatment of choice is its reduction through the Nelaton maneuver that must be carried out as soon as possible. We present a case of a patient with a bilateral anterior dislocation of the TMJ who underwent successful Nelaton maneuvers, without the need for administration of relaxants and analgesics at the time of execution

Avances en anestesia local y su utilidad en el ámbito de la odontología militar: mesilato de fentolamina / New advances in local anesthetics and their applications in military dentistry: phentolamine Mesylate

Objetivo: Describir el mecanismo de acción del mesilato de fentolamina (MF), que es un producto poco conocido en España, capaz de revertir el efecto de los anestésicos locales empleados en odontología, enumerar sus indicaciones y analizar su efectividad y seguridad. Fuentes de datos: se ha realizado una revisión bibliográfica en las principales bases de datos médicas así como en buscadores genéricos. Selección de estudios: Se ha seleccionado los estudios clínicos, llevados a cabo desde su aprobación como medicamento de uso en el campo odontológico, que han sido realizados en los países donde se comercializa con la misma formulación que en España. Recopilación de datos: Se han obtenido datos sobre el tiempo medio de reducción del efecto anestésico y sobre la incidencia de efectos adversos. Síntesis de datos: Todos los estudios muestran una eficacia y presencia de reacciones adversas similares, en relación con la administración del MF y de un placebo, independientemente de la forma en que se ha llevado el estudio. Discusión: El uso del MF en la actuación clínica diaria, debe ser una decisión del profesional basada en la evidencia científica y en el coste-beneficio de su administración, debiendo seleccionar que pacientes son susceptibles de su administración. Conclusiones: El MF es un medicamento eficaz y seguro en la reducción del efecto anestésico y con indicaciones tanto en el ámbito de la odontología civil como militar

Objective: Describing the mechanism of action of the Phentolamine Mesylate (PM), which is not a so well known product in Spain, capable of reversing the effect of local anesthetics used in dentistry, highlighting its indications and analizing its effectiveness and safety. Data sources: A literature review has been carried out in the main medical databases as well as in generic search engines. Selection of studies: Clinical studies have been selected, carried out since its approval as a medicine for use in the dental field, which have been tested in the countries where it is marketed with the same formula as in Spain. Data collection: Data was obtained on the average time of reduction of the anesthetic effect and on the incidence of adverse reactions. Data synthesis: All studies show an efficacy and presence of similar adverse reactions, related to the administration of PM and of a placebo, regardless of the way in which the study was conducted. Discussion: The use of the PM in the daily practice, should be a decision that must be taken by the professional based on the scientific evidence and the cost-benefit of its administration, having to select which patients are susceptible to its administration. Conclusions: PM is an effective and safe medicine in the reduction of the anesthetic effect and with indications both in the field of civil and as in military dentistry

Asistencia odontológica a bordo del Buque de Aprovisionamiento al Combate "Cantabria" durante la operación de mantenimiento de la paz Sophia 2017 / Dental aid on board the Supply Combat Support Ship A-15 "Cantabria" during Sophia peace keaping operation 2017

OBJETIVO: Analizar la asistencia odontológica prestada a bordo del Buque de Aprovisionamiento para el Combate (B.A.C.) A-15 "Cantabria" durante su despliegue como buque de mando de la Operación de Mantenimiento de la Paz (OMP) EUNAVFOR MED SOPHIA 2017, desde el 21 de agosto y el 20 de diciembre del mismo año (122 días). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal descriptivo retrospectivo de incidencias acumuladas y tratamientos de las patologías odontológicas ocurridas entre el 21 de agosto y el 20 de diciembre de 2017 a bordo del B.A.C. A-15 "Cantabria". Las variables categóricas se expresaron en frecuencias absolutas, relativas y porcentuales, también se extrapolan los resultados de las causas de emergencias dentales con el índice de 1000 soldados/año. RESULTADOS: Las emergencias bucodentales que se atendieron en el gabinete de odontología del buque ocurrieron en 67 de los militares destinados o comisionados a bordo, 28,88% de la población. La patología que mostró más incidencias fue la gingivitis con un 22,32% seguido de la caries primaria con un 16,96%. CONCLUSIONES: Las patologías bucodentales presentan una alta incidencia durante los despliegues navales de la Armada. La gingivitis y la caries fueron las principales causas de asistencia odontológica. El personal de sanidad a bordo de buques que no dispongan de odontólogo deberían estar familiarizados con las emergencias bucodentales más comunes. Se deben realizar planes de prevención de la salud bucodental para las dotaciones de los buques e identificar a la población de riesgo a la que dirigir las estrategias preventivas y/o Planes de Prevención en Salud Oral

OBJECTIVE: Analyze and quantify odontological emergencies on board the Supply Combat Support Ship A-15 "Cantabria", as flagship during EUNAVFOR MES Sophia peace keaping operation 2017, during the period from 21st August to 20th December, 2017 (122 days). MATERIAL AND METHOD: Transversal, descriptive, retrospective study of incidences and their treatments was carried out from 21st August to 20th December, 2017 on board the Supply Combat Support Ship A-15 "Cantabria" with 232 military. The categorical variables were expressed in absolute, relative and percentage frequencies, as well as the results are extrapolated with the index of 1000 soldiers / year. RESULTS: Oral emergencies that were attended in the warship's dental office occurred in 67 of the military personnel assigned or commissioned on board, 28.88% of the total sample (232). The pathology that showed the most incidences was gingivitis with 22.32% followed by primary caries with 16.96% of the total. CONCLUSIONS: Oral pathologies present a high incidence during the Spanish Navy deployments. Gingivitis and caries were the main causes of dental care. It is necessary that health personnel on board ships that do not have dentists are familiar with the most common oral emergencies. Oral health prevention plans must be carried out for the provisions of the naval vessels and identify risk population to direct the "oral health" policies

A Retrospective, Radiographic Outcomes Assessment of 1960 Initial Posterior Root Canal Treatments Performed by Endodontists and Dentists.

INTRODUCTION: The Air Force Dental Service has established evidence-based treatment standards for endodontics, including 3-dimensional filling of the canal system, cuspal coverage restoration of endodontically treated posterior teeth, and use of rubber dam. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the effect of these standards on outcomes of initial posterior root canal treatments (RCTs) completed by Air Force (AF) and civilian dentists with and without accredited postgraduate training. METHODS: Treatment and follow-up radiographs of AF members who had an initial posterior RCT completed in 2011 were evaluated. A survey of all radiographs was performed to determine the (1) RCT obturation quality, (2) healing of periapical pathosis, and (3) presence and quality of cuspal coverage restorations. RESULTS: A total of 2262 RCTs were examined, with 1960 RCTs meeting inclusion criteria for at least 1 evaluation category. For RCT obturation quality, 1810 RCTs were evaluated, and 96.0% were considered adequate. For cuspal coverage restorations, 1856 RCTs were evaluated, and of these 2.7% were inadequately restored. Healing of periapical pathosis was 91.5% and 85.7% for AF and referred civilian providers, respectively. Survivability was 94.4% for endodontists, 95.3% for AF general dentists with additional training, 87.9% for AF general dentists without additional training, and 78.4% for civilian general dentists. Overall, survivability was 94.1% for a follow-up period ranging up to 47 months, with a mean of 27 months. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective, radiographic analysis, evidence-based practices as followed in the Air Force Dental Service and accredited postgraduate training resulted in improved treatment outcomes.

Asistencia odontológica a bordo del Buque de Asalto Anfibio «Galicia» durante la operación de mantenimiento de la paz Atalanta 2015. Incidencias en la primera rotación / Dental aid on board the Amphibious Assault Ship «Galicia» during Atalanta peace keeping operation 2015. Incidence rate in first rotation

OBJETIVOS: Analizar y cuantificar las diferentes emergencias odontológicas que tuvieron lugar durante la primera rotación de la Operación de Mantenimiento de la Paz (OMP) ATALANTA 2015 a bordo del Buque de Asalto Anfibio (BAA) «Galicia». MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo longitudinal de incidencias acumuladas de las patologías y tratamiento realizados entre el 20 de abril de 2015 a 1 de julio del mismo año (73 días). RESULTADOS: La patología que mostraron más incidencias fue la caries con un 40% y la gingivitis 31,3% del total. Las restauraciones/obturaciones y las tartrectomías fueron los tratamientos más realizados con un 44% y 28% respectivamente. La patología se acumuló en un cuarto de la población (25,6%). Los pacientes que mostraron más incedencia (95,3%) fueron los destinados en el BAA «Galicia». CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados obtenidos vienen a confirmar que las emergencias bucodentales presentan una alta incidencia. La patología y la necesidad de asistencia se acumulan en un grupo poblacional que sería conveniente su identificación para diagnóstico y tratamiento en fases previas al despliegue. Se observó como la mejora en la oferta o el fácil acceso de los servicios odontológicos incrementó la demanda de asistencia. La caries y las enfermedades gingivales, son sin duda, las lesiones que requirieron más necesidad de asistencia. Estos resultados de confirmarse en próximos estudios, pueden ayudar a dirigir a que las políticas de «salud oral» y el «perfil del Oficial Odontólogo» se adapten mejor a las necesidades asistenciales de la población diana

OBJECTIVE: Analyze and quantify odontological emergencies onboard during first rotation in Peace Keeping Operation ATALANTA 2015 in the Amphibious Assault Ship «Galicia». MATERIAL AND METHOD: A longitudinal descriptive research of incidences and their treatments was carried out, from 20th April to 1st July 2015 (73 days). RESULTS: The most common pathology was caries with 40% and gingivitis 31,3% of the total. Restorations/Fillings and tartar removal were the most frequently carried out treatments during the study period with 44% and 28% respectively. A quarter of the population were affected by some ondontological pathology (25,6%). 95,3% of the patients were crew of the Amphibious Assault Ship «Galicia». CONCLUSIONS: Results confirm that odontological emergencies show a high incidence. The pathology and the need for assistance accumulate in a population group, that would be convenient identify them for diagnosis and treatment in previous deployment phases. It was observed that easy access to odontological services increased the demand of it. Caries and gingivitis disease, are undoubtedly, the injuries which required most of the need for assistance. If the data is confirmed the «oral health» policies and the profile of the Dental Officer must be adapted to improve the care of the target population

Comparing human resource planning models in dentistry: A case study using Canadian Armed Forces dental clinics.

OBJECTIVES: To compare two methods of allocating general dentists to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) dental detachments: a dentist-to-population ratio model and a needs-based model. METHODS: Data obtained from CAF sources were analysed to compare models. Times assigned to treatment plan procedures were used as a proxy for treatment needs. Full-time equivalents (FTEs) were used as an indicator for the number of dentists allocated to each detachment. FTE values were adjusted for military dentists to account for time spent on compulsory nonclinical duties. The paired-samples t test was used to assess differences between the models for all clinics (dental detachments) and by clinic size. RESULTS: The dentist-to-population ratio model for the CAF population (n=68 183) estimated an allocation of 83.25 FTE general dentists to CAF dental detachments. Based on a systematic sample of the CAF population (n=2226), the needs-based model estimated the requirement for 64.71 FTE general dentists. The average difference between models was 0.71 FTE (SE=0.273), which was statistically significant (P=0.015). In terms of differences by clinic size, differences were more pronounced in clinics serving more than 4000 CAF personnel (2.63 FTEs, SE=0.613, P=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: The findings reveal differences between estimation models of <1 FTE, with higher estimates produced from the dentist-to-population ratio model. A larger difference was found in clinics with larger populations. The perceived overestimation of dental human resource requirements suggests that changing to a needs-based model may result in cost savings.

[Dental health and the combat readiness].

Oral diseases are still amongst the most common human ailments in the western world and in Israel. Acute dental illness may cause intense pain, malaise, nutrition impairment, disturbance and loss of operative activities. The article reviews the literature from the last two decades regarding dental classification of military service candidates, incidence of acute dental conditions and emergency treatment needs in military population, and dental preparation programs for military recruits.

[Research in military dentistry in the Israeli Medical Corps].

The article reviews selected studies conducted in the Dental branch of the Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps in the topics of dental caries, prosthodontics, periodontics, dental trauma and maxillofacial injuries, aviation dentistry and diving dentistry, dental managing and health economics, decision making in military dentistry, dental anxiety, oral medicine in military population, temporomandibular disorders, and dental-related lifestyle and health behavior.

[Dental care to the Israeli Defense Forces' fighters].

The combat soldiers of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) get comprehensive dental care. The service of a combat soldier in the IDF can be divided into two periods: the period of training that includes basic training and advanced training lasting six to eight months, followed by a period of operational activity within the framework of the battalions. Throughout his service, the combat soldier is exposed to dental disease including dental caries, periodontal disease and dental trauma attributed to his terms of service with low availability to maintain adequate oral hygiene in high intensity training. There is no available data as to the dental status of new recruits. This information is needed in order to determine the level of oral and dental health among combatsoldiers in order to guarantee operational continuity. Every recruit undergoes a full dental examination in order to determine his level of oral and dental health. From this point on, dental treatment is offered and performed according to the level of oral and dental health, in order to treat the most severe levels. The dental treatment is carried out so that throughout his service, the combat soldier is summoned to various dental clinics: the base unit training clinic, clinics serving the Brigades and experts clinics. All the factors mentioned above, are designed to help increase the provision of therapy, and lead to an increase in the number of fighters who receive comprehensive dental care.