US Army, Dental Materials, SUBCOURSE MD0502, EDITION 100, Survival Medical Manual

US Army, Dental Materials, SUBCOURSE MD0502, EDITION 100, Survival Medical Manual

"For there was never yet a philosopher
that could endure the toothache patiently."
William Shakespeare

The lines above hold as true today as when written more than three centuries ago!

Consider these quotations as they apply to a fighting soldier of the United States
Army and you can readily understand the importance of military dentistry. A rifleman or squad leader with neglected teeth threatens the efficiency of the entire platoon. A toothache can impair physical and mental powers or even knock a man out of action. Servicemen must stay healthy, and your job, as a dental specialist, is to help keep them physically fit. The Dental Service is charged specifically with the conservation of oral health and with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of oral diseases, injuries, and deficiencies among military personnel.

This subcourse deals with the composition, property, use, and manipulation of
materials used in the dental profession. This basic information is vital for the fulfillment of your role in assisting the dental officer toward the successful accomplishment of the mission of the Army Dental Service.