JOURNAL ARTICLE

Oral Health Status of New Zealand Defence Force Recruits.

Published In: Military Medicine, 2023, v. 188, n. 3/4. P. e804 1 of 3
Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3
Authored By: Naysmith, k E; Page, L A Foster; Tong, D C; Thomson, W M 3 of 3

Abstract

This article focuses on the oral health status of new recruits and officer cadets entering the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) over a 13-month period, highlighting implications for operational deployment. The study found that while recruits’ overall oral health was acceptable, with a mean Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) score of 3.0, nearly 70% had dental caries and two-thirds required some form of periodontal treatment. Notably, almost 60% of recruits had one or more potentially problematic third molars—teeth that were unerupted or partially erupted with impactions—posing a risk for dental emergencies during deployment. These findings support the NZDF’s need for careful dental assessment and possible removal of third molars before deployment to minimize non-combat-related withdrawal due to dental issues.

Additional Information

Source:Military Medicine. 2023/03, Vol. 188, Issue 3/4, pe804
Document Type:Article
Subject Area:Health and Medicine
Publication Date:2023
ISSN:0026-4075
DOI:10.1093/milmed/usab385
Accession Number:162697150
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