Provision of dental care in the military medical service of the armed forces of the Russian Federation during a military operation

Abstract

This article analyzes the scope of services provided by a dentist within the military medical service of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation during a modern armed conflict. The study included two stages: a prospective stage involving patient care (preventive oral cavity examinations in citizens mobilized for military service) and a retrospective analysis of dental care provided by the military medical service during a military operation (data from preventive examinations, oral sanitation plans for armed forces personnel, and reports from senior dentists of military districts). It has been established that the need for oral sanitation among career military personnel averages 72% and reaches up to 81% among volunteers and citizens mobilized for military service, increasing the workload for both military and hospital dentists. On average, 85.4% of armed forces personnel require outpatient dental care, with each individual having an average of 5.6 teeth requiring treatment: 3.8 for caries, 0.8 needing endodontic treatment, 1 tooth requiring extraction, and 7.4 teeth needing restoration among those requiring prosthetics. It was noted that the critical factors were the nature of combat operations, the workload of medical evacuation stages, and the availability of various resources in the regimental aid station or the medical company of a brigade. These factors often hinder the full deployment of dental equipment and the ability to provide treatment for oral disorders, both on an elective and emergency basis. Satisfactory conditions for this type of medical care are achievable only in a dental office within a separate medical battalion or a special task medical detachment. To improve the provision of dental care to armed forces personnel by the military medical service of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation during a military operation, the authors propose the following. Dental offices should be equipped with portable turbine dental units, which have proven to be highly effective in real combat conditions, and with portable dental X-ray machines to significantly improve the quality of diagnostics and treatment of dental disorders. In addition, given the challenges of restocking medical consumables, dentists should ensure their timely requisition and monitoring their receipt, since only 36.6% of medical units are equipped with standard dental consumables, necessitating urgent measures to establish a stable supply system.

Keywords

military operation / dentist / dental health / dental kit / dental treatment needs / dental care provision / elective and emergency dental care / medical evacuation stage

References

[1] Alimskiy AV, Nikonenko VG. Indicators of the incidence of major dental diseases in cadre servicemen and their need for various types of specialized care. Economics and Management in Dentistry. 2007;(1):45–47. (In Russ.)

[2] Алимский А.В., Никоненко В.Г. Показатели пораженности основными стоматологическими заболеваниями кадровых военнослужащих и нуждаемость их в различных видах специализированной помощи // Экономика и менеджмент в стоматологии. 2007. № 1. С. 45–47.

[3] Alimskiy AV, Nikonenko VG. Indicators of the incidence of major dental diseases in cadre servicemen and their need for various types of specialized care. Economics and Management in Dentistry. 2007;(1):45–47. (In Russ.)

[4] Gunepin M, Derache F, Dychter L, et al. Dental barotrauma in french military divers: results of the pop study. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2015;86(7):652–655. doi: 10.3357/AMHP.4197.2015

[5] Gunepin M., Derache F., Dychter L., et al. Dental barotrauma in french military divers: results of the pop study // Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2015. Vol. 86, N 7. Р. 652–655. doi: 10.3357/AMHP.4197.2015

[6] Gunepin M, Derache F, Dychter L, et al. Dental barotrauma in french military divers: results of the pop study. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2015;86(7):652–655. doi: 10.3357/AMHP.4197.2015

[7] Zheleznyak VA, Grebnev GA, Savvateev VA. Proposals to improve the provision of dental care in remote military garrisons of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. In: Actual issues of maxillofacial surgery and stomatology: materials of the All-Russian Scientific and practical conference dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Prof. V.A. Malyshev. Saint Petersburg: VMA; 2022. P. 82–86. (In Russ.)

[8] Железняк В.А., Гребнев Г.А., Савватеев В.А. Предложения по совершенствованию оказания стоматологической помощи в отдаленных военных гарнизонах Вооруженных сил Российской Федерации // Актуальные вопросы челюстно-лицевой хирургии и стоматологии: материалы Всероссийской научно-практической конференции, посвященной 100-летию со дня рождения профессора В.А. Малышева. Санкт-Петербург: ВМА, 2022. С. 82–86.

[9] Zheleznyak VA, Grebnev GA, Savvateev VA. Proposals to improve the provision of dental care in remote military garrisons of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. In: Actual issues of maxillofacial surgery and stomatology: materials of the All-Russian Scientific and practical conference dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Prof. V.A. Malyshev. Saint Petersburg: VMA; 2022. P. 82–86. (In Russ.)

[10] Methodological recommendations on the provision of dental care in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. Moscow: GVMU; 2016. 110 p. (In Russ.)

[11] Методические рекомендации по оказанию стоматологической помощи в Вооруженных силах Российской Федерации. Москва: ГВМУ, 2016. 110 с.

[12] Methodological recommendations on the provision of dental care in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. Moscow: GVMU; 2016. 110 p. (In Russ.)

[13] Shelepov AM, Soldatov IK, Ignatov MU, et al. Role of army dentist for health keeping in armed forces of Russian Federation. Bulletin of the Russian Military Medical Academy. 2014;3(47):160–163. EDN: SNWMEP

[14] Шелепов А.М., Солдатов И.К., Игнатов М.Ю., и др. Роль врача-стоматолога войскового звена в охране здоровья военнослужащих Российской Федерации // Вестник Российской военно-медицинской академии. 2014. № 3. С. 160–163. EDN: SNWMEP

[15] Shelepov AM, Soldatov IK, Ignatov MU, et al. Role of army dentist for health keeping in armed forces of Russian Federation. Bulletin of the Russian Military Medical Academy. 2014;3(47):160–163. EDN: SNWMEP

[16] Trishkin DV, Kryukov EV, Alekseev DE, et al. Military field surgery. National Manual. Moscow: GEOTAR-Media; 2024. 1056 p. EDN: AYGYWM doi: 10.33029/9704-8036-6-VPX-2024-1-1056

[17] Тришкин Д.В., Крюков Е.В., Алексеев Д.Е., и др. Военно-полевая хирургия. Национальное руководство. Москва: ГЭОТАР-Медиа, 2024. 1056 с. EDN: AYGYWM doi: 10.33029/9704-8036-6-VPX-2024-1-1056

[18] Trishkin DV, Kryukov EV, Alekseev DE, et al. Military field surgery. National Manual. Moscow: GEOTAR-Media; 2024. 1056 p. EDN: AYGYWM doi: 10.33029/9704-8036-6-VPX-2024-1-1056

[19] Smagina VV. Provision of medical care to victims of mine blast wounds during the WWII, Afghan war and the NWO In: Patriotic education of youth: problems of history and modernity: a collection of materials of the II All-Russian scientific-practical conference with international participation. Rostov-on-Don: Rostov State Medical University; 2024. P. 164–172. (In Russ.)

[20] Смагина В.В. Оказание медицинской помощи пострадавшим от минно-взрывных ранений в период ВОВ, Афганской войны и СВО // Патриотическое воспитание молодежи: проблемы истории и современности: сборник материалов II Всероссийской научно-практической конференции с международным участием. Ростов-на-Дону: Ростовский государственный медицинский университет, 2024. С. 164–172.

[21] Smagina VV. Provision of medical care to victims of mine blast wounds during the WWII, Afghan war and the NWO In: Patriotic education of youth: problems of history and modernity: a collection of materials of the II All-Russian scientific-practical conference with international participation. Rostov-on-Don: Rostov State Medical University; 2024. P. 164–172. (In Russ.)

[22] Samokhvalov IM, Kryukov EV, Markevich VY, et al. Ten surgical lessons of the initial stage of a military operation. Military Medical Journal. 2023;344(4):4–10. EDN: DSYIAP doi: 10.52424/00269050_2023_344_4_4_4

[23] Самохвалов И.М., Крюков Е.В., Маркевич В.Ю., и др. Десять хирургических уроков начального этапа военной операции // Военно-медицинский журнал. 2023. Т. 344, № 4. С. 4–10. EDN: DSYIAP doi: 10.52424/00269050_2023_344_4_4

[24] Samokhvalov IM, Kryukov EV, Markevich VY, et al. Ten surgical lessons of the initial stage of a military operation. Military Medical Journal. 2023;344(4):4–10. EDN: DSYIAP doi: 10.52424/00269050_2023_344_4_4_4

[25] Morris WO. Military dentist. J Law Ethics Dent. 1989;2(2):88–93.

[26] Morris W.O. Military dentist // J Law Ethics Dent. 1999. Vol. 2, N 2. Р. 88–93.

[27] Morris WO. Military dentist. J Law Ethics Dent. 1989;2(2):88–93.

[28] Eruchin IA. Volume 3. Experience of Medical Support of Troops in Afghanistan 1979-1989. Moscow: MMCH N.N. Burdenko; 2003. 275 p. (In Russ.)

[29] Ерюхин И.А. Том 3. Опыт медицинского обеспечения войск в Афганистане 1979–1989 гг. Москва: ГВКГ им. акад. Н.Н. Бурденко, 2003. 275 с.

[30] Eruchin IA. Volume 3. Experience of Medical Support of Troops in Afghanistan 1979-1989. Moscow: MMCH N.N. Burdenko; 2003. 275 p. (In Russ.)

[31] Kovalevskiy AM, Iordanishvili AK. Structure of oral cavity morbidity among conscripts and officers of the Russian army. Military Medical Journal. 1996;317(10):19–21. EDN: ZGHOOD

[32] Ковалевский А.М., Иорданишвили А.К. Структура заболеваемости полости рта у призывников и офицеров Российской армии // Военно-медицинский журнал. 1996. Т. 317, № 10. С. 19–21. EDN: ZGHOOD

[33] Kovalevskiy AM, Iordanishvili AK. Structure of oral cavity morbidity among conscripts and officers of the Russian army. Military Medical Journal. 1996;317(10):19–21. EDN: ZGHOOD

[34] Iordanishvili AK, Kuvshinova AK, Muzikin MI, et al. Problematic issues of dental rehabilitation after gunshot wounds of the face and jaws. In: December readings on forensic medicine at RUDN University: current issues of forensic medicine and general pathology: collection of materials of the All-Russian scientific and practical conference with international participation, dedicated to the 55th anniversary of the department of forensic medicine Medical Institute of Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia. Moscow. PFUR; 2020:116–118. (In Russ.)

[35] Иорданишвили А.К., Кувшинова А.К., Музыкин М.И., и др. Проблемные вопросы стоматологической реабилитации после огнестрельных ранений лица и челюстей // Декабрьские чтения по судебной медицине в РУДН: сборник материалов Всероссийской научно-практической конференции с международным участием, посвященной 55-летию кафедры судебной медицины Медицинского института Российского университета дружбы народов. Москва: РУДН, 2020. С. 116–118.

[36] Iordanishvili AK, Kuvshinova AK, Muzikin MI, et al. Problematic issues of dental rehabilitation after gunshot wounds of the face and jaws. In: December readings on forensic medicine at RUDN University: current issues of forensic medicine and general pathology: collection of materials of the All-Russian scientific and practical conference with international participation, dedicated to the 55th anniversary of the department of forensic medicine Medical Institute of Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia. Moscow. PFUR; 2020:116–118. (In Russ.)

[37] Trishkin DV, Krukov EV, Chuprina AP, et al. Guidelines for the treatment of combat surgical trauma. Saint Petersburg: Military-Medical Academy; 2022. 373 p. (In Russ.)

[38] Тришкин Д.В., Крюков Е.В., Чуприна А.П., и др. Методические рекомендации по лечению боевой хирургической травмы. Санкт-Петербург: ВМА, 2022. 373 с. EDN: MHOUOD

[39] Trishkin DV, Krukov EV, Chuprina AP, et al. Guidelines for the treatment of combat surgical trauma. Saint Petersburg: Military-Medical Academy; 2022. 373 p. (In Russ.)

[40] Solosin VV, Kuzmin SA, Vyalcin SV, Grigoreva LK. Organization of first aid to wounded servicemen in the zone of armed conflict. Disaster Medicine. 2023;(3):53–56. EDN: NMBBHI doi: 10.33266/2070-1004-2023-3-53-56

[41] Солосин В.В., Кузьмин С.А., Вяльцин С.В., Григорьева Л.К. Организация оказания первой помощи раненым военнослужащим в зоне вооруженного конфликта // Медицина катастроф. 2023. № 3. С. 53–56. doi: 10.33266/2070-1004-2023-3-53-56

[42] Solosin VV, Kuzmin SA, Vyalcin SV, Grigoreva LK. Organization of first aid to wounded servicemen in the zone of armed conflict. Disaster Medicine. 2023;(3):53–56. EDN: NMBBHI doi: 10.33266/2070-1004-2023-3-53-56

[43] Kassebaum NJ, Smith A, Bernabe Е, et al. Global, regional, and National Prevalence, incidence, and disability-adjusted life years for Oral conditions for 195 countries, 1990-2015: a systematic analysis for the global burden of diseases, injuries, and risk factors. J Dent Res. 2017;96(4):380–387. doi: 10.1177/0022034517693566

[44] Kassebaum N.J., Smith A., Bernabe E., et al. Global, regional, and National Prevalence, incidence, and disability-adjusted life years for Oral conditions for 195 countries, 1990–2015: a systematic analysis for the global burden of diseases, injuries, and risk factors // J Dent Res. 2017. Vol. 96, N 4. P. 380–387. doi: 10.1177/0022034517693566

[45] Kassebaum NJ, Smith A, Bernabe Е, et al. Global, regional, and National Prevalence, incidence, and disability-adjusted life years for Oral conditions for 195 countries, 1990-2015: a systematic analysis for the global burden of diseases, injuries, and risk factors. J Dent Res. 2017;96(4):380–387. doi: 10.1177/0022034517693566

[46] Miroshnichenko YuV, Bunin S.A, Golubenko RA, et al. Results and prospects of scientific support of improvement of the medical supply of troops (forces). Bulletin of the Russian Military Medical Academy. 2014;(2(46)):248–256. EDN: SFEXIL

[47] Мирошниченко Ю.В., Бунин С.А., Голубенко Р.А., и др. Итоги и перспективы научного сопровождения совершенствования системы медицинского снабжения войск (сил) // Вестник Российской военно-медицинской академии. 2014. № 2(46). С. 248–256. EDN: SFEXIL

[48] Miroshnichenko YuV, Bunin S.A, Golubenko RA, et al. Results and prospects of scientific support of improvement of the medical supply of troops (forces). Bulletin of the Russian Military Medical Academy. 2014;(2(46)):248–256. EDN: SFEXIL

[49] Miroshnichenko YuV, Ivchenko EV, Kononov VN, et al. Prospective directions for innovative development strategies in pharmacy in the military health system of the Russian Federation. Bulletin of the Russian Military Medical Academy. 2022;24(1):179–188. EDN: TSMOOO doi: 10.17816/brmma101106

[50] Мирошниченко Ю.В., Ивченко Е.В., Кононов В.Н., и др. Перспективные направления инновационного развития фармации в военном здравоохранении России // Вестник Российской военно-медицинской академии. 2022. Т. 24. № 1. С. 179–188. EDN: TSMOOO doi: 10.17816/brmma101106

[51] Miroshnichenko YuV, Ivchenko EV, Kononov VN, et al. Prospective directions for innovative development strategies in pharmacy in the military health system of the Russian Federation. Bulletin of the Russian Military Medical Academy. 2022;24(1):179–188. EDN: TSMOOO doi: 10.17816/brmma101106

[52] Romanov RP, Galiev KF, Kudryavceva AYu, Sorkina OA. Assistance to patients with wounds of the maxillofacial region. Problems of Scientific Thought. 2023;11(1):72–78. EDN: LGDCZJ

[53] Романов Р.П., Галиев К.Ф., Кудрявцева А.Ю., Соркина О.А. Помощь пациентам при ранениях челюстно-лицевой области // Проблемы научной мысли. 2023. Т. 11, № 1. С. 72–78. EDN: LGDCZJ

[54] Romanov RP, Galiev KF, Kudryavceva AYu, Sorkina OA. Assistance to patients with wounds of the maxillofacial region. Problems of Scientific Thought. 2023;11(1):72–78. EDN: LGDCZJ

[55] Soldatov IK. Organization of the provision of dental care to assigned contingents in the territorial medical support system of the military district [dissertation]. Saint Petersburg; 2015. 234 p. (In Russ.)

[56] Солдатов И.К. Организация оказания стоматологической помощи прикрепленным контингентам в территориальной системе медицинского обеспечения военного округа: дис. … канд. мед. наук. Санкт-Петербург, 2015. 234 с.

[57] Soldatov IK. Organization of the provision of dental care to assigned contingents in the territorial medical support system of the military district [dissertation]. Saint Petersburg; 2015. 234 p. (In Russ.)

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Eco-Vector