The Dental Career Field provides paraprofessional support in the delivery of dental health care to authorized beneficiaries both in-garrison and in a deployed environment. This includes assisting in general dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, prosthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, orthodontics, and pediatric dentistry. In addition, services are provided in dental radiology, preventative dentistry, dental laboratory, and office administration/practice management.
Excluded from this career field are functions of operating medical facilities and paraprofessional medical care of authorized personnel. These functions are included in the Medical Career Field (4X).
1. Specialty Summary. Assists the Chief of Dental Services (CDS) in the overall management and operation of dental services. Related DoD Occupational Subgroup: 133000.
2. Duties and Responsibilities:
2.1. Manages dental clinic and laboratory activities. Reviews correspondence, reports, and records for accuracy. Develops and analyzes statistical controls; implements improved clinical procedures and work methodology. Manages the annual operating budget and conducts profit analysis. Develops, coordinates, and implements administrative and ancillary training programs.
2.2. Administers unit self-assessment program. Inspects and evaluates dental practices and procedures ensuring compliance with Air Force and civilian oversight agency guidelines. Interprets inspection findings; reports deficiencies, recommended corrective actions, and outstanding accomplishments to the CDS.
3. Specialty Qualifications:
3.1. Knowledge. Knowledge is mandatory of oral and dental anatomy; fundamentals of physiology; dental therapeutics; systemic diseases; medicines; dental materials and instruments; sterile/infection control techniques; dental treatment room or laboratory procedures; preventative dentistry; dental radiology, dental practice management, budgeting, and dental administrative duties.
3.2. Education. Completion of high school or college level courses in biology, chemistry, dental practice management, and business administration is desirable.
3.3. Experience. For award of AFSC 4Y090, qualification in and possession of AFSC 4Y071, 4Y071H, or 4Y072 is mandatory. Also, experience is mandatory in functions such as general clinic and/or laboratory procedures, dental practice management, budgeting, and dental administration.
For specific information regarding a career in the dental career field in the N.D. Air National Guard, please contact a recruiter at 1-800-972-8825.