Dental care provision to UK military personnel serving on Operation Herrick in Afghanistan. Part 2: aetiology and management

Key Points Shows that molar teeth are responsible for the vast majority of significant dental morbidity in UK Service personnel and that first molars and lower wisdom teeth are responsible for the majority of 'severe' morbidity. Highlights that UK military dentists and civilian dentists working for the military practise early, definitive, operative/surgically orientated management of irreversible pulpitis, periapical abscess and other conditions, using antibiotics sparingly. Explains that reducing morbidity − especially that due to third and first molars − and maintaining oral surgical skills are key in military dentistry.