Comparison of the Most Common Dental Emergencies Seen at Dental Treatment Facilities and the Most Common Oral-Facial Disease Requiring Medical Evacuations of U.S. Army Personnel in Deployed Theaters Since 2000
Abstract
The percentage of dental emergencies (DE) that can be expected in a deployed environment is estimated to be about 12 . Military medical planners need to take into consideration past operations in planning the numbers of general dentists and dental specialists required in theater for future operations and engagements. Planners also need to estimate the level of training needed for these providers and ensure that the appropriate personnel are trained and available for deployment. The most common DE causes involved caries (26.1 ), endodontic issues (20.7 ), and fractured teeth or defective restorations (19.4 ). Oral pathology issues stood out overwhelmingly (37.4 ) as the most common cause for MEDEVAC out of theater. The most common oral facial diseases requiring MEDEVAC differ from the most common DE categories at DTFs. This information provides valuable knowledge, informing medical planners of greatest in-theater needs. The information also guides dental personnel towards on-site triage and treatment of these issues, reduces costs and expenditures, and enhances the dental readiness of the entire force. Further study into this topic is needed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 17, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1182593
Entities
People
- Iram Qureshi
- John Simecek
- Paul Colthirst
- Thamar Sarwar
- Timothy Mitchener
- Yoon Hwang
- Zachary Mcintosh
Organizations
- Naval Medical Research Center