Going Green Army Style
By the USAR Dental Bytes Team
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The media is full of commentaries urging the nation to go green to save energy and protect the environment. The Army also has a need for Soldiers to "go green" when it comes to readiness. That includes gaining and maintaining dental fitness class 1 or 2--the absence of dental conditions that could cause a dental emergency within a year. Such conditions can compromise mission accomplishment and negatively impact overall heath while causing pain and discomfort. Dental fitness is a key force protection initiative!
To assist Select Reserve (SELRES) Soldiers in attaining "go" (green) status the ARMY SELRES Dental Readiness System (ASDRS) has been established. ASDRS allows SELRES Soldiers to receive examination and receive treatment of potentially emergent conditions (class 3 conditions). The ASDRS program defines all SELRES Soldiers as early deployers making examination and class 3 care available to them without cost. The intent is to prevent the need for examination and treatment of class 3 conditions upon alert.
The ASDRS program is an important adjunct to other dental health promotion initiatives. The TRICARE Dental Plan (TDP) provides SELRES Soldiers the opportunity to purchase low cost dental insurance to facilitate comprehensive dental care. Through the TDP Soldiers can achieve class 1 dental fitness status and the absence of dental disease. Free oral health education outreach provided by USAR Dental Bytes electronic newsletters is available 24/7 to all USAR Soldiers and their Families at www.usardentalbytes.com year round. These electronic newsletters provide a collection of news items and helpful information to assist Soldiers and their Families in making wise choices on diet, dental hygiene practices, regular professional care, and avoidance of harmful habits.
The combination of ASDRS, TDP, and Dental Bytes is creating the highest level of dental fitness in the Reserve Components ever. USAR Soldiers can receive access to ASDRS through the Reserve Health Readiness Program (RHRP).
Call 1-800-666-2833 or contact your Unit Administrator for more information.
