Improving deployment readiness with anywhere dental care

Deployment readiness of our service personnel in the garrison is a top priority. Poor dental health is making a surprising number of service members non-deployable across the Department of Defense. The virtual medical center uses existing telecommunications capabilities to provide service personnel and their families with virtual access to a full dental support team with extensive self- services wherever they are. It adds the personnel, capabilities and expertise that are needed to improve dental readiness, but are difficult and inefficient to provide in person at each location.

The virtual medical center streams data continuously into the system of record via remote health monitoring, connects specialists across any location, and provides a common view for coordinated action. Even the Internet of Things is linked. A smart toothbrush, for example, monitors and coaches a service member’s tooth brushing in near real time. It shows when to brush longer, where to brush harder, and arrest progressive tooth decay to arrest progressive tooth decay. Whatever is needed for dental care comes to service personnel directly for convenience and compliance. Apps, text messages and virtual video visits keep service personnel on track and motivated to follow prevention programs and treatment plans.

Teleconsultations bring the right specialists together at each level of care, regardless of location. For example, a dentist on base at Fort Hood can get input easily from a remotely located, board-certified civilian endodontist and the system of record is continuously updated.

Staying connected to better dental health means staying ready and deployable. That’s why we’re everywhere you are, with anywhere care that aims to improve outcomes.