USMA Offer letter "dental qualification"

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Sedona-Rock

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Jan 10, 2017
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In DS's appointment package was the offer letter which mentioned "dental qualification at the time of enrollment". What can that mean? I don't recall dental being part of the physical exams (he passed medically with no waivers needed)? We don't want him to forego other opportunities if WP says he isn't qualified "dentally" once he has done R-Day. He had braces when he was younger. Anybody run into this or know what it means in a practical sense?
 
Sedona-Rock said:
In DS's appointment package was the offer letter which mentioned "dental qualification at the time of enrollment". What can that mean? I don't recall dental being part of the physical exams (he passed medically with no waivers needed)? We don't want him to forego other opportunities if WP says he isn't qualified "dentally" once he has done R-Day. He had braces when he was younger. Anybody run into this or know what it means in a practical sense?
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Welcome to the Army.

He must be medically qualified on R Day. This is usually a non issue. Once he accepts his appointment many, many new requirements will appear in his portal. Such as what boots to get, security clearance forms, background checks, etc.

One of those items is a dental form and x-rays. The instructions will explain exactly what must be done, but basically he will need a full set of dental x-rays including panographic and a form for the dentist to complete. It is possible your dentist already has everything needed and just has to fill out the form and give you copies of x-rays. If he has been getting regular dental care, there will be no surprises. The most common issue is wisdom teeth. At this age sometimes they are just now coming in. If there is any issue get them taken care of ASAP.

This was a source of frustration for me when my DS was appointed - the burden placed on the candidates in order to save money. When I had my medical exam over thirty years ago, I reported to a military base and spent most of the day going through a very thorough exam - dental, physical, vision, EKG, urine/blood, etc.
 
Thanks very much, that is really helpful. So looks like DS should accept the appointment as soon as the portal allows and get all this stuff under. Thanks again.
 
Please pay attention to the correspondence. You might be asked to show up with a Pan X on R-Day. Your child might be asked to have his/her wisdom teeth removed prior to R-Day. Just do whatever they tell you to do.
My USMA 2016 had to have all four wisdom teeth pulled (while we were living in a lower middle income country) and show up with the clean 'after' Pan X. It was a nightmare but he got through it.
 
DS has had consistent dental care including braces (off now) with what the orthodontist refers to as a "permanent" retainer. Is that considered "disqualifying"? He wears a nightime retainer. Any knowledge on this is appreciated. I suspect many parents have had this same situation. Thanks in advance.
 
Sedona-Rock said:
DS has had consistent dental care including braces (off now) with what the orthodontist refers to as a "permanent" retainer. Is that considered "disqualifying"? He wears a nightime retainer. Any knowledge on this is appreciated. I suspect many parents have had this same situation. Thanks in advance.
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No, a removable nighttime retainer is not disqualifying.
 
Thanks for the reply about the removable nighttime retainer. What about the "permanent' retainer (happens to be on the lower set in front).
 
It would be nice to know what is disqualified before other offers are turned down. What about dental bonding due to a broken front tooth?
 
Sedona-Rock said:
Thanks for the reply about the removable nighttime retainer. What about the "permanent' retainer (happens to be on the lower set in front).
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Sorry, I was referring to a removable retainer that is used for life after braces are removed - it is put in at bedtime and taken out upon waking. That is permitted. I'm not sure if the permanent retainer you describe is something different.
 
The Dental letter for accepted students requires a panoramic xrays taken within the last 12 months. My DS had his last set in April of 2016. It will be within 12 months if I send it in now, but when he shoes up for R day it will be older than that. Does anyone know idf we should have them done again?
 
DrMom said:
Please pay attention to the correspondence. You might be asked to show up with a Pan X on R-Day. Your child might be asked to have his/her wisdom teeth removed prior to R-Day. Just do whatever they tell you to do.
My USMA 2016 had to have all four wisdom teeth pulled (while we were living in a lower middle income country) and show up with the clean 'after' Pan X. It was a nightmare but he got through it.
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Ack! Son took the forms to the dentist. I didn't read them as he tells me that he's got it covered. He had his 4 impacted wisdom teeth out last June but the Pan X won't reflect that. I'm assuming USMA will notify if he needs another one done.
 
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Update - called the dental clinic this morning and his Panax date was fine but he needs an updated one to reflect the wisdom teeth removal. Going to the dentist this afternoon for a new x ray. :)
 
Sedona-Rock said:
Thanks for the reply about the removable nighttime retainer. What about the "permanent' retainer (happens to be on the lower set in front).
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Not sure about USMA, but USAFA did not have any problems with DD's permanent retainers - upper and lower - small wires behind the front teeth. No waiver or remedial needed.
 
Sedona-Rock said:
Thanks for the reply about the removable nighttime retainer. What about the "permanent' retainer (happens to be on the lower set in front).
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Regarding 'permanent' retainers, I thought I read somewhere that since they don't require regular care, IE doctor appointments & upkeep, that they are OK. I certainly hope that is the case as my DS has one on the bottom front teeth along with a removable one for his upper teeth that he wear 3-4 nights a week.
 
Hebaragi said:
Where can I get the clarification on Permanent Retainers for USAFA?
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Permanent retainers, the small wires behind the top and lower front teeth, are not an issue at USAFA. DD has them and caused no problems or additional questions.
 
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