Formula for success: the role of the MSC officer and the U.S. Army dental care system.

The Army dental care system has seen significant improvements since the Dental Reform Bill of 1977-1978. This bill initiated changes that improved the management and the productivity of the dental care system. Among the many improvements initiated by these reforms was the addition of a Medical Service Corps (MSC) officer as the executive officer. This has been most noteworthy in the successful management of Dental Activities (DENTAC) and Area Dental Labs on Army installations. The job of DENTAC executive officer has become very prestigious and one of the best assignments an MSC officer can receive during his military career. The alliance between the Dental Corps and the MSC officer has been highly successful and rewarding to both parties. The object of this paper is threefold: (a) to review how the dental organization operated before the Reform Bill; (b) to discuss the present role of the dental Executive Officer; and (c) to provide recommendations for the future role of the MSC officer within the Dental Corps.