Can I join with minimum dental work?

2021-02-11T23:32:55-05:00

Teeth don’t hurt but am getting pushed towards dentures by Aspen dental. So I have like 3 or 4 messed up molars an town messed up front teeth an I was thinking it’s a easy fix I’m already in the process of getting my hand tattoo removed an now I went to aspen dental an they’re telling me after 2 hours of trying to do exrays that’s I need all my teeth pulled an I need dentures an my recruiter said I can have dentures but my teeth don’t hurt or bother me there a little messed up on one side an could use work but I don’t think I need all them pulled if they don’t even hurt at all or never even did before hand so I’m getting second opinion form a family dentist that fixes my gfs teeth, all I ever wanted to do is be in the army an they also hit me with a 29,000 bill that I can’t pay for an I guess just want someone’s opinion on what they would do or what could be acceptable because I was thinking I could get my hand tattoo removed an teeth fixedly the minimum, then get ur rest done later that’s not big stuff like chipped teeth an etc but I guess I don’t wanna waste money if I don’t have too

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2021 12:26 AM

2021-02-12T00:26:30-05:00

Anthony Amburgy While you are waiting on replies from other RallyPoint members, you can search on "Dental Work", and then click on "Answers" to find other posts dealing with dental work. Good luck.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Feb 12 at 2021 12:33 AM

2021-02-12T00:33:47-05:00

AR40-501 sets medical fitness for entry (CH2) and retention (CH3).

2–5. Dental
a. Current diseases of the jaws or associated tissues that prevent normal functioning do not meet the standard. Those diseases include, but are not limited to temporomandibular disorders (524.6) and/or myofascial pain that have not been corrected.
b. Current severe malocclusion (524), which interferes with normal mastication or requires early and protracted treatment, or a relationship between the mandible and maxilla that prevents satisfactory future prosthodontic replace- ment does not meet the standard.
c. Current insufficient natural healthy teeth (521) or lack of a serviceable prosthesis that prevents adequate incision and mastication of a normal diet and/or includes complex (multiple fixtures) dental implant systems with associated complications do not meet the standard. Individuals undergoing endodontic care are acceptable for entry in the Delayed Entry Program only if a civilian or military provider provides documentation that active endodontic treatment will be completed prior to being sworn into active duty.
d. Current orthodontic appliances for continued treatment (V53.4) do not meet the standard. Retainer appliances are permissible, provided all active orthodontic treatment has been satisfactorily completed. Individuals undergoing or- thodontic care are acceptable for enlistment in the Delayed Entry Program only if a civilian or military orthodontist provides documentation that active orthodontic treatment will be completed prior to being sworn into active duty.

There is also a DODI that must be complied with. DoDI 6130.03, March 30, 2018 Para 5.8.

Short answer, if you want to join, start the process with a recruiter. This will ultimately be a MEPS determination provided you are otherwise qualified.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2021 8:38 AM

2021-02-12T08:38:56-05:00

As long as you currently do t have an infection and aren’t missing certain teeth in your mouth(mostly molars) then yes you can still join. A good recruiter should just send an applicant to MEPS since They are not a dentist and let the MEPS docs temporarily disqualify them so the docs there could then provide a reason and exactly what needs to get fixed. Then you go get the minimum work done to pass meps and your in. Then the army takes care of your teeth from there.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Feb 13 at 2021 3:16 PM

2021-02-13T15:16:27-05:00

Short answer is don't have any dental work done that isn't absolutely needed. LTC Jason Mackay has the regulatory words in his post. The Aspen Dental folks are providing alternatives for your consideration. They're looking to two things: provide you the best dental health they can with the most functionality; and to make money for their company. We use Aspen, and their recommendations always require careful consideration.

If you make it through the initial physical, complete Basic and AIT, then you can go to the dentist and see what the Army recommends for you--at no charge.