About this Unit
The United States Army Dental Activity (DENTAC) units were established to provide comprehensive dental care to soldiers and military beneficiaries, ensuring the dental readiness of Army personnel worldwide. Originating in the 1970s, DENTACs operate at major Army installations, serving as the local command for dental treatment facilities and personnel. Their mission encompasses routine dental care, emergency services, and deployment support, directly contributing to overall force health protection. Over the decades, DENTACs have adapted to advances in dental medicine and operational requirements, playing a vital role in preserving the Army’s combat effectiveness and quality of life.
Historical Facts
• Origin of DENTAC: DENTAC stands for Dental Activity, a U.S. Army unit responsible for providing dental care to soldiers and ensuring dental readiness for deployable forces.
• First Establishment: The concept of organized dental units in the Army dates back to World War I, but the formal DENTAC structure was established in the 1970s for better management of dental services on Army posts.
• Worldwide Presence: DENTAC units are stationed at major U.S. Army installations around the world, including Germany, Korea, and throughout the continental United States.
• Readiness Mission: One of DENTAC’s primary missions is to ensure that soldiers meet dental readiness standards before deployment, minimizing non-battle injuries related to oral health.
• Humanitarian Operations: DENTAC personnel often participate in humanitarian missions, providing dental care to underserved populations in the U.S. and abroad, such as through the Innovative Readiness Training program.
• Advanced Dental Technology: DENTACs are equipped with state-of-the-art dental equipment, and Army dentists are trained in advanced procedures, including maxillofacial trauma often seen in combat situations.
• Role in Research: Army DENTAC units contribute to dental research, including the development of field-expedient dental tools and the study of oral health’s impact on overall soldier performance.
• Notable Firsts: The first Army female dental officer, Dr. Blanche Gumprecht, paved the way for women in military dentistry, and today DENTAC units are diverse and inclusive.
• Deployment Support: DENTACs maintain Dental Readiness Teams that can deploy rapidly with combat units, providing emergency dental care in field conditions.
• Recognition and Awards: Many DENTAC units have received Army Superior Unit Awards for excellence in patient care, readiness, and innovation in military dentistry.
