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) and (b).

Purpose.

Establishes policy and guidelines for the provision of orthodontic care at Naval military treatment facilities (MTFs) based on the following criteria:

a. Orthodontic treatment for active duty members 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 and deceased active duty personnel, 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. To initiate or provide continued orthodontic treatment for all eligible recipients on a space available basis per reference (a) which amended section 1077 of title 10 United States Code, with most severe cases given priority. Per reference (b), active duty members have priority at all MTFs.