Organization and administration of the United States Air Force Dental Service

The United States Air Force was established as an independent department in 1947 and in 1949 became responsible for its own medical support. In 1951 the dental division was renamed the USAF Dental Service and 432 dental officers were transferred to it from the Army. The dental service now provides a world-wide oral health service from 286 fixed dental centers having a total of over 2200 treatment rooms. The backbone of the service is the general dental practitioner and great stress is laid on the preventive aspects of the service. Eight specialty areas are recognized and in-service training, supplemented by specialist training in civilian institutions provide the trained professional resources required. The facilities for the provision of dental services comprise clinics with multiple treatment rooms for each dentist and adequate space for oral hygienists and support and administrative services. Equipment follows the modern trend towards 4-handed seated practice by the dental team.