text: Dental Services
  (ATP 4-02.19). It is the most austere form of dental care provided to deployed Soldiers who are engaged in
  tactical operations.
  8-15. Common examples of emergency dental treatments include:
  * Airway management.
  * Hemorrhage control.
  * Stabilization of maxillofacial injuries (fracture stabilization, soft tissue injury/lacerations repair).
  * Simple extractions.
  * Management of maxillofacial infection (antibiotics, incision, and drainage).
  * Interim pulp therapy (pulpectomy).
  * Pain medication.
  * Temporary restorations.
  Essential Dental Care
  8-16. Essential dental care is the dental care necessary to intercept potential emergencies to prevent lost duty
  time and preserve fighting strength (ATP 4-02.19). Essential dental care is the highest category of operational
  dental care available in theater. It enhances the individual Soldier’s combat readiness and can prevent lost
  duty time. It is for these reasons that essential dental care is made readily available. Soldiers who are
  categorized as Class 2 (untreated oral disease) or Class 3 (potential dental emergencies) should receive
  essential care as soon as the tactical situation and availability of dental assets permit.
  8-17. Essential treatments performed by dental officers may include:
  * Basic restorations.
  * Extractions.
  * Definitive pulp therapy (pulpectomy, obturation).
  * Treatment of periodontal conditions.
  * Simple prosthetic repairs.
  Comprehensive Dental Care
  8-18. Comprehensive dental care is the dental treatment to restore and/or maintain a Soldier’s optimal oral
  health, function, and aesthetics (ATP 4-02.19).
  8-19. This category of care is usually reserved for medical support plans that anticipate an extended period
  of reception and training in theater and is also included as a component of the theater hospitalization
  capability. The scope of facilities needed to provide this level of dental support should equal that of theater
  hospitalization medical treatment facility (MTF) capability.
  PRIMARY TASKS
  8-20. Table 8-2 discusses the primary tasks and purposes of the dental services function.
  Table 8-2. Primary tasks and purposes of the dental services function
  Primary task Purpose
  Provide comprehensive Restore an individual to optimal oral health, function, and aesthetics.
  dental care Normally provided in continental United States-support base.
  Provide treatment in austere environments for Soldiers engaged in
  Provide operational dental
  operations. Operational care is provided in the area of operations and
  care
  consists of emergency dental care and essential dental care.