Director for Dental Center Administration

The director for dental center administration will be a medical service corps officer. The director is the principal staff advisor to the CO via the XO for the coordination and efficient operation of all functions relating to budget planning, supply, equipment,

Figure 1-1.\Organizational charts of three types of naval dental centers.

material, manpower, civilian personnel matters, enlisted training, and the implementation of policy and standards pertaining to management functions.

Director of Branch Dental Clinics

The director of a branch dental clinic is a dental officer who is the senior leader at each branch dental clinic. Each branch should have one director who is responsible for providing comprehensive, high quality outpatient oral health care to eligible beneficiaries. They are assigned by and are responsible to the commanding officer for the coordination of clinical and administrative services, via the executive officer. All orders issued by the director of a branch dental clinic will be regarded as proceeding from the commanding officer.

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DENTAL TECHNICIAN RATING

The DT rating was first established by the Secretary of the Navy on 12 December 1947. On 2 April 1948 the rating became effective, authorizing Dental Technicians to wear the dental rating badge. Dental Technicians and Hospital Corpsmen now make up Occupational Field XIV (14), Health Care. Figure 1-2 illustrates the dental rating badge.

DTs have earned an enviable reputation over the years. Past and present members of the DT rating have been, and continue to be, a responsive and dedicated force of professional men and women, integrally and loyally committed to operational readiness and the health and well-being of Navy and Marine Corps personnel, ashore and afloat, around the world. Your professional, technical, and contingency skills are and will continue to be an essential element in accomplishing the mission of the Navy Medical Department. The dental health care mission of the DT rating and the supportive services you provide can never be taken lightly, and are vital to the personnel you serve.

ASSIGNMENTS

Basic Dental Assistants are assigned to assist dental officers in naval dental centers, naval hospitals, dental departments of ships and stations, naval mobile construction battalions (NMCBs), and Fleet Marine Force (FMF), and dental battalions and companies. Assignments to duty stations are made by the DT detailers and are made on the basis of billet structure,

Figure 1-2.\Dental rating badge.

personnel qualifications, and the desires of each member. As a basic dental assistant, you will be qualified to perform numerous general duties.