AR 40-35 The DENCOM Clinical Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Program
- Include caries, tobacco, periodontal and oral cancer risk assessment in Initial, Periodic and Comprehensive Oral Evaluations
- Sealants should be considered in both children and adults as a preventive measure.
- Blood pressure readings that indicate hypertension should be referred to appropriate medical facilities and followed-up at subsequent appointments.
- When indicated, the patient should be informed of risk of skin and lip cancer from sun exposure.
- Mouthguards should be included in the treatment plan when soldiers are at risk for maxillofacial injuries from sport, recreation, or occupation.
- At the annual examination and all other dental encounters, dental providers should be alert to the signs of family abuse and neglect. When there are signs consistent with abuse and neglect, providers are required to report these findings using appropriate Army protocols (AR 600-18).
- Fluoride therapy should be provided based upon risk assessment to determine the method, dose, and frequency.
- Perform individual oral hygiene instruction – Identify plaque as a cause of caries and periodontal disease. Advise patients on plaque control. When appropriate, information on maintaining oral health in a field environment should be included.
- Perform nutrition counseling – Provided to individuals when indicated by risk assessment. There should be an emphasis on the relationship caries and periodontal risk to the type of food, carbohydrate content, frequency and timing of intake.
- Perform tobacco risk counseling – ASK all patients about the type and frequency of use; ADVISE on the adverse effects, especially as it relates to oral cancer and periodontal health; ASSESS their willingness for cessation; ASSIST in setting a quit date; and ARRANGE for organized tobacco intervention services by referral as necessary.
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