The organization of the Department of Defense in relation to the administration of the armed forces dental services in the United States.

In 1947 the organization that became the Department of Defense was established. During the ensuing years the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health and Environment (ASD (H & E)) evolved. On the staff of the Assistant Secretary (H & E) is a Special Assistant for Dental Affairs. In concert with the military departments and their Surgeons General, policies and programs are developed to provide the highest possible quality of health care by a totally voluntary, professionally satisfied, efficient and effective medical service to all for whom the military services are responsible.