Chapter 5 - Dental Enrolment Standards and Dental Condition on Enrolment

A-MD-154-000/FP-000

Authority

1. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Chief Dental Officer is the authority for the Dental Enrolment Standards.

Dental Enrolment Standards

2. The review and evaluation of each recruit applicant’s oral health status must describe if there are any limitations which will adversely affect operational capability and / or preclude the individual’s ability to perform and function safely and efficiently in the military environment.
3. All applicants will be assessed on an individual case-by-case basis. In any case in which the rejection of the applicant is recommended by the medical authority due to an oral condition, the evaluation must clearly indicate why the applicant's oral condition precludes functioning in the military and the recommended actions to rectify their oral condition(s) such that they could meet the enrolment standards. In general, any case in which restrictions for recruit applicants are being considered due to oral conditions should be further assessed and confirmed by the Directorate of Dental Services.
4. As a general guideline, the minimum dental standard for enrolment in the (CAF) is considered to be a complement of natural or artificial teeth in sufficient number and occlusal relationship to allow for adequate mastication and communication functions.
5. The partial absence of natural teeth, the presence of caries and/or defective restorations or dental prosthetics do not constitute cause for enrolment rejection. However, there are dental conditions which may result in the rejection of an applicant or deferral of enrolment until the condition is corrected. These conditions are listed in CF H Svcs Gp Instruction 1023-02, Dental Examination - Dental Enrolment Standards.
6. The dental standards for enrolment in the CAF shall apply: to applicants for the Regular Force (Reg F); to applicants for the Reserve Entry Training Program at Service Colleges; to members of the Reserves making application for Component Transfer to the Reg F; and for employment on Reserve Class B service for a period greater than 180 days; on Reserve Class C service; or as active aircrew (including Reserve Class A Divers and Aircrew).
7. Members being considered for employment for Class C service international operations are required to be dentally fit to Dental Fitness Classification 1 or 2, as defined in Canadian Forces Dental Care Program (CFDCP) prior to being selected for Class C service. The dental fitness standards are summarized in detail within Annex B of the CFDCP.

Dental Enrolment Standards Assessment

8. The initial oral assessment of an applicant is normally made during the enrolment medical examination. During this examination, medical personnel are required to make a limited assessment of the oral condition. If the status of the candidate's dental health is of concern, the attending medical personnel are to provide the applicant with a DND 2769 - Orthodontic/Dental Treatment – Information for Recruitment (Annex B). The applicant must submit completed DND 2769 to the medical personnel where it will be included for assessment at the recruit medical office (RMO), Should the RMO have concerns that an applicant does not meet the dental enrollment standard, they will seek necessary collaboration with the Directorate of Dental Services (D Dent Svcs) before enrolment decisions are finalized.

Oral Condition on Dental Enrolment Examinations

9. During the medical enrolment examination, medical personnel complete a limited assessment of the oral condition. Some conditions may not be properly diagnosed until the enrolled member has commenced training and received their dental enrolment examination. The dental enrolment examination is normally conducted at the earliest opportunity by an Royal Canadian Dental Corps (RCDC) oral health care provider, ideally within 90 days of arrival at the recruit school. During the dental enrolment examination, should a dental condition that would normally preclude enrolment be identified, a prompt referral to medical is required for a physical examination in accordance with CF H Svcs Gp Instr 5020-07, Changes of Medical Category or Employment Limitations.