scope:

Applies to personnel working in dental spaces ashore and afloat. The provisions of this instruction are in compliance with the requirements of references (a) through (c).

Purpose.

To establish policy and guidelines for the provision of orthodontic care at Navy medical treatment facilities (MTF) and dental treatment facilities (DTF). This instruction is a complete revision and should be reviewed in its entirety.

a. Orthodontic treatment for active duty Service members (ADSM) can be initiated to restore masticatory function lost due to dental disease or injury sustained while on active duty, or to correct a malocclusion or a malrelation of the jaws, which has a direct effect on the individual's health or performance of duty.

b. Orthodontic treatment can be initiated or continued for eligible dependents of active duty personnel living and deceased, who during their period of skeletal development are living in areas where civilian orthodontic care is not available.

c. Orthodontic treatment can be initiated for individuals as a means to enhance learning and provide didactic and clinical adjunctive support for Navy dental training programs.

d. Orthodontic treatment can be provided to all eligible recipients on a space available basis per reference (a), which amended section 1077 of Title 10, U.S. Code, with the most severe cases given priority. Reference (b) and reference (c) Manual of the Medical Department, chapter 6, article 6-53 further delineates eligibility and priority of care.