The basic organization of the Department of the Navy (DON) is very important to new members of the Navy. Knowing the organizational structure will help you understand the reasons for certain policies and procedures. The Basic Military Requirements Training Manual (BMR TRAMAN) provides the organizational breakdown and applicable explanations for the Navy. It also includes the basic organizational shipboard elements. The information provided in this chapter complements those organizations that are explained in the BMR. It is highly recommended that you thoroughly understand these organizations before reading the rest of this chapter. With this information you will be able to clearly see how the mission, establishment of the Dental Technician (DT) rating, Navy enlisted classifications, and the organization of the Dental Corps affect your role as a dedicated and professional Navy Dental Technician.
The DT rating has a twofold mission. Your primary function is to assist Navy dental officers in providing dental care to personnel of the uniformed services, active duty Navy and Marine Corps, and other persons authorized by law to receive dental treatment. The objective of this dental care is to prevent or remedy diseases, disabilities, and injuries of the teeth, jaws, and related structures, which may directly or indirectly interfere with the operational readiness and the performance of military duties. During combat, mass casualty, or emergency situations at sea or ashore, DTs must, when directed, integrate with medical personnel and perform paramedical assignments. This assistance will include, but not be limited to, aid in the care, treatment, and evacuation of mass casualties in combat or a disaster.
Emergency care or treatment that you may provide will include artificial respiration, treatment of shock, control of hemorhage, bandaging and splinting, cleansing and treatment of wounds, maintenance of patient airway, and preparation of casualties for movement. DTs in an emergency care scenario will be under the direct supervision of the cognizant Navy Medical Corps officer, if present. Details of casualty care and emergencies are discussed in later chapters.
The Medical Department of the Navy is composed of the Medical Corps (MC), Dental Corps (DC), Medical Service Corps (MSC), Nurse Corps (NC), the Hospital Corps (HC), and the Dental Technician (DT) rating. As members of the Navy Medical Department, Dental Technicians should be familiar with the responsibilities of the Chief of Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED).
The Chief of BUMED is tasked with the responsibility of ensuring personnel and material readiness of shore activities as assigned by the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to; developing health care policy and providing primary and technical support of all shore-based treatment facilities and operating forces of the Navy and Marine Corps. The Chief of BUMED is located in Washington, DC, and reports to the CNO. Medical treatment facilities (MTFs) and dental treatment facilities (DTFs) throughout the Navy report to the responsible line commanders (RLCs) and BUMED.
The Chief of the Dental Corps works directly for the Chief of BUMED and develops, coordinates, evaluates, advises, monitors, and represents the Medical Department on policies, plans, and requirements affecting Navy dental officers.
The Chief acts as the Medical Department's spokesperson for all dental professional matters relating to military and civilian counterparts.
The Director of Medical Department Enlisted Personnel is the principal advisor to the Chief of
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