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Orthodontics

Policy on Access to Care

The primary mission of the Department of Orthodontics is to support the residency training program at the Naval Postgraduate Dental School (NPDS). Treatment provided is limited on a referral basis. Qualification and treatment priority for orthodontic care is determined according to BUMEDINST 6670.2A

Eligible patients referred to orthodontics are screened with an evaluation appointment prior to being accepted into the program. This initial screening is not a guarantee that the patient will be accepted as an orthodontic patient. The following criteria must be met before an evaluation appointment will be made:
  1. Patient must be an eligible beneficiary, enrolled in DEERS, and present a valid DOD identification card.
  2. Active duty patients must present a paper or electronic dental record to include a referral note made by the referring dentist.
  3. Patients must be stationed in the local area with enough time complete the entire course of treatment prior to their Project Rotation Date (PRD). Normal treatment time is two years and may require between 24 to 40 appointments.
  4. Patients must be in non-deployable billet.
Orthodontic cases appropriate for residents to treat typically involve limited treatment that can be accomplished in less than twenty-four months. Such cases include isolated molar up-righting, dental extrusion to facilitate restoration, and resolution of minor anterior crowding or spacing. Cases that exceed these levels of complexity need to be treated by an orthodontist.

Contact Information

NPDS - Orthodontics
Naval Medical Leader and Professional Development Command
Naval Postgraduate Dental School
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Building 1
Naval Support Activity - Bethesda
 (301) 295-5451
DSN: 295-5451

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