text: Chapter 8
  LEVELS OF DENTAL SUPPORT
  8-5. There are three levels of dental support, previously known as levels of dental care, within the AO.
  These levels are defined primarily by the relationship of the dental assets supporting the patient population
  within each level. These levels of dental support are exclusive and not synonymous with the medical roles
  of care. Reference paragraphs 1-32 through 1-47 for more discussion on the medical roles of care.
  LEVEL 1 DENTAL SUPPORT
  8-6. The first dental care a Soldier receives is provided by Level 1 dental support (previously known as
  unit-level dental care). This level of support consists of those services provided by dental personnel organic
  to the supporting medical companies and special forces groups (SFGs).
  8-7. This level of support provides operational dental care to Soldiers during a range of military operations
  from dental assets in a direct support relationship to an area support task. Major emphasis is placed on those
  measures necessary for the patient to return to duty or to stabilize them and allow for their evacuation to the
  next role of medical care.
  LEVEL 2 DENTAL SUPPORT
  8-8. Level 2 dental support (previously known as hospital-level dental care) consists of those services
  provided by the hospital dental staff to minimize loss of life and disability resulting from oral and
  maxillofacial injuries and wounds. The hospital dental staff provides operational dental care and preventive
  dental care to all injured or wounded Soldiers, as well as the hospital staff. The hospital dental staff will not
  normally provide Level 1 dental support to organizations outside of the hospital, however they will direct
  patients to the Level 3 dental support activity.
  8-9. Emphasis is placed on those measures necessary for the patient to return to duty or to stabilize them
  and allow for their evacuation to the next role of medical care. If needed the hospital dental staff can
  coordinate with the dental company (area support) (DCAS) for patient consultation and treatment.
  LEVEL 3 DENTAL SUPPORT
  8-10. Level 3 dental support (previously known as area dental support) is provided for units that do not have
  organic dental assets or those patients being referred by the Level 2 dental support. This level of support is
  provided by the DCAS.
  8-11. The DCAS provides operational dental care and has dental assets which can deploy, when and where
  necessary, to provide augmentation and/or reinforcement to the area support squads.
  CATEGORIES OF DENTAL CARE
  8-12. Dental service planning must include the consideration of two categories of dental services in joint and
  multinational operations. Operational dental care is provided within the area of operations (AO), and
  comprehensive dental care is provided in the support base, normally found only in fixed facilities, out of
  theater such as in the joint security area or the strategic support area. These categories are not absolute in
  their limits; they are the general basis for defining the dental service capabilities available at the different
  AHS roles of care.
  OPERATIONAL DENTAL CARE
  8-13. Operational dental care is the dental care provided for deployed Soldiers in theater consisting of
  emergency dental care and essential dental care (ATP 4-02.19).
  Emergency Care
  8-14. Emergency dental care is the care given for the relief of oral pain; diagnosis and treatment of infections;
  control of life-threatening oral conditions (hemorrhage, cellulitis, or respiratory difficulties); and treatment
  of trauma to teeth, jaws (maxilla/mandible), and associated facial structures is considered emergency care