SECURING FOR SEA

Performing dental procedures at sea is one unique aspect of shipboard dentistry. The securing procedures greatly differ from shore-based dental treatment facilities (DTFs) compared to dental departments at sea. Within the dental department on a ship are hundreds of projectiles that can become mobile if the ship starts to roll or pitch. This can cause bodily injury, thousands of dollars of damage, and the possibility of broken dental delivery systems or X-ray equipment, which could shut down the dental department.

The type of ship determines how much it will roll or pitch. Larger ships, such as an aircraft carrier (nuclear) (CVN) or (CV), generally will not be affected unless very high seas are present. All other ships can be affected with any type of degree of roll or pitch.

Various materials are used to secure pieces of equipment. Rope, bungee cords, and locking bars are just a few examples used to secure equipment. A partial list, which may not include all items in your department, but need to be secured, is discussed next.

When securing for high seas, the following items should be secured:

Desks, desk drawers, file cabinets, ^computer equipment, printers, and the like.

The dental delivery system that includes the dental chair, light, and bracket table. Ensure the dental chair is locked into position and the dental light and bracket table are tied down and not mobile.

X-ray and processing equipment. Remove any fixer, developer, and water to avoid contamination or spillage.

Mobile dental cabinets.

Prosthodontics and surgical equipment.

Provider's and assistant's chairs.

Oxygen and compressed air tanks.

SUPPLY AND EQUIPMENT

Without the proper amount of dental supplies and equipment on a ship, the dental department's operational readiness to treat patients could become compromised. Proper planning, inventory, and maintenance are essential for the operation of the dental department.

STOCK RECORD CARDS

Dental departments must maintain Stock Record Cards (SRCs) Afloat (NAVSUP Form 1114). Your supply petty officer will prepare and maintain these SRCs on all dental supplies and equipment to reflect an accurate account of the current inventory, location of the item(s), and other management data. The supply petty officer under normal circumstances will issue your supplies and equipment. If you do take supplies or equipment from the dental store room or supply locker, ensure that you notify the supply petty officer so he or she can record the materials you took on the stock record card. Supply procedures are found in the CINCLANTFLT OR CINCPACFLTINST 6600.2 and in NAVSUP P-485. An appropriate automated supply data system that produces the necessary information such as posting receipts, issues, and orders may substitute for the stock record card.

DENTAL STOREROOM/SUPPLY LOCKERS

The Dental Officer (dental department head) takes charge of and is responsible for the dental storeroom and supply lockers, keeping custody of the key(s) or assigning custody of those key(s) to a designated representative such as a supply petty officer.

Storerooms and lockers should always be clean and organized. Proper temperatures should be monitored to avoid deterioration of dental products. Rotation of the stock and using products before the expiration date has expired are critical to patient care.

AUTHORIZED DENTAL ALLOWANCE LIST (ADAL)

The Authorized Dental Allowance List (ADAL) is a document published by the Medical Logistics Command, which consists of a specific list of dental material requirements for each type and class of ship or _{unit assigned.} The ADAL (formerly titled Initial Outfitting List) indicates the authorized inventory of equipment and supplies standardized throughout the fleet and represents the minimum quantities of consumable items to be maintained on board at all times. Each dental department must maintain at least:

The authorized allowance of dental equipment.

The minimum quantity of medical and dental supplies required on board.

A level of spare parts determined by routine replacement as documented on the Medical/ Dental Equipment Maintenance Record (NAVMED 6700/3).

Proper stock objectives. Normally stock objectives for extended deployments should contain all of the materials specified in the ADAL plus an additional 90 days worth of supplies. The dental department head, with approval of the force dental officer, determines supply augmentations necessary to support embarked USMC dental officers on extended deployments. Departments may need non-ADAL items to meet anticipated requirements during a specific cruise.

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

A major cause of equipment failure is the quality of care and how the equipment is used. Proper preventive maintenance by operators will prolong the economic life of the equipment, avoid costly repairs, and provide safe, dependable equipment. Operators (Dental Technicians) are responsible for performing preventive maintenance before, during, and after operation of the equipment. Review and retain instruction pamphlets accompanying each piece of equipment. You should also become thoroughly familiar with the equipment before you operate it. You should always inspect the equipment for cleanliness, missing or broken knobs, frayed electrical cords, and so forth. If you should have a minor problem with a piece of equipment, check with your LCPO or LPO before attempting to correct it. Major repair problems will be reported to the fleet dental equipment repair technician.