United States Military Dental Service Corporation pitches in

    Feb. 9, 2004
    USMDSC is establishing a network of dental colleges, dental hygiene schools, and dental professionals to provide mass screenings for all Reserve components, as the first phase of its services.

    USMDSC has come into existence to serve the military's need for dental service across the United States. As United States Military Dental Service Corporation, the Wilmington-based private sector company is staffed by professionals committed to the required care military personnel need.

    USMDSC is establishing a network of dental colleges, dental hygiene schools, and dental professionals to provide mass screenings for all Reserve components, as the first phase of its services. Despite the availability of civilian and Federal dental insurance, obtaining accurate dental evaluations continues to present a challenge for the military. As many as one-third of Reserve component members require dental services when mobilized.

    Partnering with schools enables USMDSC dentists to provide screenings at locations accessible to reservists on scheduled weekends. The company estimates that as many as 250 reservists could be reviewed on duty days, daily, at such facilities. Additionally, it will provide a mobile unit program through schools that can bring screenings to Reserve unit-training sites.

    USMDSC operations come under the purview of the Program Office of the Federal Strategic Health Alliance (FEDS_HEAL), which is an affiliation of the U. S. Army Reserve, the Veterans Health Administration, and the Department of the U. S. Army Services Division of Federal Occupational Health.

    USMDSC plans to develop care phases in addition to screening. Future activity may include the addition of installation dental support, especially where dental service is scaled back or no longer provided for both Reserve and active duty personnel.

    Information about USMDSC may be obtained by calling (877) 585- 8529 or faxing (215) 672-7485.