Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 7/11/2009

Question
Hello, thank you for your devoting your time to this purpose. I am in the process of applying to the HPSP/HSCP program and attend PA school in order to join as a medical officer in the Navy. I have a concern however. About a year ago, my two front teeth were chipped and to corret the situation, I had crowns put on those teeth. Unfortunatly, one of the teeth has some significant pain and I am affraid of possibly having to have it extracted. Will this cause me to get kicked out of the Navy? Otherwise my gums and teeth and jaw bone are all healthy and I made it through Meps with no problem regarding dental. If I had to have the teeth extracted in the Navy or while in school, would the Navy do this and maybe put in an implant or bridge, or will it just cause me to be disqualified?

Answer
Dear Daniel --

You may have your tooth extracted and wear a bridge with a replacement tooth or an implant.  Neither will keep you from being a medical officer in the military as long as your teeth and gums are otherwise healthy.

If you have already joined the Navy, the dental care is excellent.  The dentists will recommend the best course of treatment for you to eliminate the pain, but still give you well working and good looking teeth.

Good luck to you.  Thank you for volunteering to be a PA.