BUMED on matters involving enlisted personnel assigned to Navy Medicine. As such, the mission of this office is to advise, assist, centralize, and coordinate policy development and guidance on dental technician matters. Such policies and guidance include career progression, training, distribution, advancement, and employment of DT personnel.
The BUMED Force Master Chief is the principal enlisted advisor to the Chief of BUMED. He keeps the Surgeon General advised of existing or potential situations, procedures, and practices that affect the enlisted men and women (Dental Technicians, Hospital Corpsman, and deployable medical systems personnel [DEPMEDS]) of Navy Medicine. The Force Master Chief takes precedence over all other enlisted members within Navy Medicine.
Naval dental centers (NAVDENCENs or NDCs) are established shore activities that are located throughout the world. They provide comprehensive dental services to Navy and Marine Corps personnel of the operating forces and shore activities, and other authorized personnel in the assigned geographic area as prescribed by title 10, U.S. Code, and other applicable directives. NDCs can be divided into three types based on size and function as shown in figure 1-1.
Naval dental centers will also:
Ensure that all assigned military personnel are both aware of and properly trained for the performance of their contingency and wartime duties.
Ensure that the clinic and its component facilities are maintained in a proper state of material and personnel readiness to fulfill wartime and contingency mission plans.
Conduct appropriate education programs for assigned personnel to ensure both military and dental health. care standards of conduct and performance are achieved and maintained.
Participate as essential elements of the Navy and Triservice Regional Health Care System.
Cooperate with military and civilian authorities in matters pertaining to public health, local disasters, and other emergencies.
Dental Technicians must be able to recognize and know the chain of command where they work. All of the positions in figure l-l work together as a team to efficiently and, effectively operate a naval dental center.
The commanding officer (CO) of a naval dental center will be a dental corps officer. The commanding officer is responsible for the professional care and services provided to patients in the clinic and for the safety and well-being of the entire command. The CO is also vested with complete military jurisdiction within the clinic and over those branch dental clinics under his authority.
The executive officer (XO) of a naval dental center will be a dental corps officer. In the absence of the CO, the XO will assume command. The XO conforms to the policies and orders of the CO and must keep the CO informed of all significant matters pertaining to the command. The XO will be primarily responsible under the CO for the organization, performance of duty, operational readiness, provision of dental care services, training plan, and good order and discipline of the entire command.
The command master chief (CM/C) is the senior enlisted adviser to the commanding officer for all matters relating to enlisted policy. The CM/C works with the executive officer in communicating and carrying out command policy. OPNAVINST 1306.2 broadly outlines the authority and responsibilities of the CM/C. General duties of the CM/C include maintaining and promoting effectiveness and efficiency of the chain of command. Serves as principal advisor to the commanding officer on all matters pertaining to welfare, health, job satisfaction, morale, utilization, training of enlisted personnel, and promoting good order and discipline.
The director for dental center administration will be a medical service corps officer. The director is the principal staff advisor to the CO via the XO for the coordination and efficient operation of all functions relating to budget planning, supply, equipment,
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