CAMP JOSEPH T. ROBINSON, NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas Army National Guard has taken a major step toward improving the oral health of its Soldiers by opening its first in-house dental clinic on December 8, 2024. This makes Arkansas only the fourth state in the nation to authorize Army Guard dentists to treat National Guard members while they are on drill or annual training status.
Located within the Troop Medical Clinic at Camp Robinson, the new dental clinic features two treatment rooms and is equipped to provide a range of services, including cleanings, fillings, and other basic dental care. The goal is to ensure Soldiers are dentally fit and ready for deployment at any time.
“This is a game changer for the Arkansas Army National Guard,” said Col. Clint Miller, commander of the Arkansas Army National Guard Medical Command. “The new Dental Treatment Facility not only boosts our capability, but it is also equipped with state-of-the-art technology that surpasses many civilian clinics.”
Col. Miller emphasized that the new clinic also offers a unique benefit to Arkansas Army National Guard dentists, who now have the opportunity to practice their civilian profession while in drill status or during annual training.
“That’s huge,” Miller said. “Typically, this only happens when we’re deployed under Title 10 orders. Now, we have some phenomenal dentists in the Arkansas Army National Guard who will be able to care for Soldiers at no charge.”
The initial setup cost for the dental clinic—including equipment and treatment supplies—was approximately $250,000.
However, Guard officials believe this investment will pay off by improving dental readiness and overall Soldier health.
The Arkansas National Guard’s Dental Readiness Program consists of three key sections designed to monitor and improve the dental health of its Soldiers. The first section involves an annual dental exam, which all Soldiers must undergo as part of their periodic health assessment. Based on the exam, Soldiers are classified into one of three dental readiness categories (DRC). Those classified as DRC 1 or 2 are considered deployable and receive a “Go” for dental health. Soldiers in the DRC 3 category, who need additional dental treatment, are directed to other sections of the program.
As part of this process, Soldiers may also complete a DD Form 2813 (Proof of Dental Examination) if they’ve had a civilian dental exam within the past 90 days. Soldiers who are classified as DRC 1 or 2 can submit this form during their PHA, bypassing the need for a repeat exam.
The new in-house dental clinic addresses the second section of the Dental Readiness Program. It provides immediate care for Soldiers with DRC 3 conditions, offering treatments like cleanings, fillings, and simple extractions. During drill weekends and annual training periods, the clinic can treat 15 to 20 Soldiers per day. The clinic is staffed by trained and certified dentists, as well as dental assistants who are MOS-qualified 68E dental specialists. These assistants are responsible for preparing dental instruments, administering X-rays, and managing patient records.
The third component of the Dental Readiness Program is the Arkansas National Guard Paid Dental Program. This initiative enables Guardsmen to receive more complex treatments, such as root canals and wisdom tooth extractions, at a civilian clinic of their choice. Soldiers can select a clinic closer to their home of record, offering more convenience and flexibility. After scheduling an appointment, Guardsmen notify medical detachment staff, who handle the paperwork, update records, and manage payments.
“The new Paid Dental Program has replaced the old system and gives Soldiers real-time access to care for more advanced dental issues,” Col. Miller explained. “So far, the program has been a success. It has reduced the DRC 3 population to just 2.3%, below the National Guard Bureau’s required metrics. This is a significant achievement for Arkansas and a breakthrough in our dental care efforts.”
The new clinic and its associated programs are already having a positive impact on the dental health of Arkansas Army National Guard Soldiers, ensuring they receive the care they need to remain fit for duty.
“This is an exciting time for Arkansas Army National Guard dentistry,” Col. Miller concluded. “Most importantly, it provides our Soldiers with the dental care they deserve.”
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