Accurate summary of DoDMERB wisdom-teeth policy?

RLTW

RLTW

15-Year Member
Joined
Dec 18, 2008
Messages
178
Is this an accurate summary of the DoDMERB policy regarding removal of wisdom teeth for incoming USMA new cadets?

1. Get required current new dental information
(“West Point Instructions for Candidates Offered Admission: Class of 2015, pg 7)
“dentist completes the required examination form, and makes new Panorex and Bitewing radiographs, etc.”

2. If recommended by dentist, have all wisdom teeth removed
( “West Point Instructions for Candidates Offered Admission: Class of 2015, pg 7)
“prior to reporting to West Point, cadet candidates should ensure that all correctable dental disease is addressed, and treatment completed.”

3. Preferably, remove wisdom teeth sufficiently prior to R-Day to allow for full recovery
(from various SAF posts)

4. Do not report wisdom teeth removal unless something goes awry
(from various SAF posts)

5. Once the dentist/oral surgeon has released the candidate back to full activities, get a letter from them explaining what procedure the candidate went through and send it to DoDMERB.
(from various SAF posts)
 
DoDMERB does not conduct an dental exam with a dentist any longer. We also do not take panorex or bite wing xrays. This decision was made by the Department of Defense (DoD) in 2002.

Any and all treatment, medcial, dental, psychological, etc., is a decision between the applicants and their providers. No DoD or Service official will recommend/not recommend treatment of any kind. All we can say is if the applicant does this, this is the effect on their medical status in relation to their admission/accession.

There are many surgeries, procedures, treatment, etc., that will move a medically qualified candidate to one that does NOT meet standards and would "probably" NOT be waived. I will not respond to a laundry list of "what if's" but one example. An applicant that undergoes PRK/LASIK in Jun, when their Academy starts in Jul, will NOT be admitted.

Specifically with wisdom teeth. If they are removed, without complication, and a sufficient period of time transpires for appropriate healing, that would be OK. How do you know, the dentist/oral surgeon is told "I will be required to start rigorous training at XXXXX on this date XXXXX. I will not have time for any dental follow-up due to an elective procedure from this date to that date (approximately 6-10 weeks). If what the Doc says that can be done safely and without even getting close to having any interference with the above, then the applicant may choose to accomplish whatever...TOTALLY THE APPLICANT CHOICE.:thumb:
 
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