Helping to Meet the Dental Health Care Needs of the Nation: The Potential Role of the Dental Service of the Veterans Administration’s Health Care System

Abstract

This report has been prepared for the Chief Medical Director of the Veterans Administration's Department of Medicine and Surgery by the Advisory Council on Dentistry. The council is composed of members of the dental profession named by the Chief Medical Director to advise him through the Assistant Chief Medical Director for Dentistry on issues pertinent to the dental care of veterans, dental research and education, and other related matters involving the activities of the department. Within the framework of that charge, and under the chairmanship of Dr. Donald J. Galagan, the council has examined, reported, and made recommendations regarding the activities of the Veterans Administration's dental health care system. This report also covers the relationship of the dental service to the agency's total health care system, its current activities, and its future potential role in helping to meet the dental health care needs of the nation. As prepared, this report presents the studied opinion of the Advisory Council on Dentistry, and does not necessarily represent the official policies or plans of the Veterans Administration. However, it does establish certain principles, outlines, and ideas and makes recommendations thought to be worthy of consideration by the agency. It is anticipated these will be published to engender greater public understanding of the Veterans Administration Dental Service and its potential for the future.