917:10 FIELD DENTAL DETACHMENT

• Unique Role: The 917/10 Field Dental Detachment is a specialized military unit responsible for providing dental care and oral health services to soldiers in the field, ensuring combat readiness and overall troop health. • Part of the Royal Australian Army Dental Corps (RAADC): The unit operates under the RAADC, which was formally established in 1943 to address dental needs during World War II. • Operational Deployments: Members of the 917/10 Field Dental Detachment have supported Australian Defence Force operations in various theatres, including East Timor, the Solomon Islands, and the Middle East. • Mobile Dental Capability: The detachment is equipped with deployable, self-contained dental clinics that can be set up in austere environments, allowing treatment in remote or forward areas. • Humanitarian Missions: The unit has participated in humanitarian assistance missions, providing dental care to local populations during disaster relief operations in the Asia-Pacific region. • Training and Innovation: The detachment regularly trains alongside other medical and support units to maintain readiness and has pioneered techniques for field dentistry under combat conditions. • Dental Casualty Prevention: Through preventative care and education, the unit reduces non-battle injuries and evacuations due to dental emergencies, a significant factor in maintaining force strength. • Historical Milestone: During the Vietnam War, field dental detachments like the 917/10 played a crucial role in supporting Australian and allied troops, often operating close to the front lines. • Integration with Multinational Forces: The unit has collaborated with allied dental units during joint exercises and peacekeeping operations, contributing to international defence cooperation. • Veteran Legacy: Many members of the 917/10 Field Dental Detachment have gone on to prominent roles in civilian dentistry, bringing their field experience and innovations to the broader community.