Devising a Manpower Model from USAF Recruit Dental Needs
Abstract
Abstract: With a continued focus on readiness, safety, continuous process improvement and efficiency, regular reviews of staffing models must be performed to best allocate staff and 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 US Air Force Recruit Oral Health Surveillance Study 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. Additionally, this study illuminates the fact that general dentists historically perform 74% of specialty procedures which is critical in the effort to ensure readiness. It also offers a provider mix necessary to meet the needs of 10,000 recruits in 180 days. This study is limited by the fact that only cross-sectional data were used therefore should not be used to predict future ongoing dental treatment requirements. Also, only data from enlisted recruits, and not officers, was available, although the latter typically have fewer dental needs upon entry into the Service.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 29, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1182715
Entities
People
- Andrew J. Knudson
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences