Devising a Manpower Model from USAF Recruit Dental Needs
Abstract
Regular reviews of staffing models must be performed to best allocate resources, provide required care and ensure mission dentally ready Airmen. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore a potential new staffing model by using existing data from the 2018 Air Force Recruit Oral Health Study (AFROHS) and applying existing USAF dental provider practice patterns. Methods: Average time to complete procedures as well as Current Dental Terminology (CDT) code-based practice patterns for each type of dental specialty were extracted from historical data collected by the USA Corporate Dental Application database (CDA). These data and patterns were then applied to data from the 2018 AFROHS which provided the types and quantities of existing treatment needs of 1,216 incoming recruits. Results: Meeting all identified treatment needs of 10,000 recruits within 180 days would require 35 General Dentists, 14 Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons, 8 Prosthodontists, 6 AEGD-1 trained dentists, and other disciplines. Conclusions: A new potential staffing model is similar to the current model with an emphasis on the role of general dentists. These findings do not suggest policy, but could offer leadership some evidence in the context to support manpower allocations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 30, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1106696
Entities
People
- Andrew J. Knudson
- James F. Knowles
- Kraig S. Vandewalle
- Scott P. Irwin