Clinical use of dental classification: U.S. Marines.

This article summarizes some of the challenges encountered and accomplishments achieved by the 2nd Dental Battalion/Naval Dental Center, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, while preparing U.S. Marines for deployment. Due to the intense operational tempo after recruit training, there is limited access to patients for required treatment prior to deployment. The utilization of Military Medical Support Office funding and other command initiatives introduced during Operation Iraqi Freedom are used to ensure that all Marine Expeditionary Units are deployed with high levels of Operational Dental Readiness.