The Army Dental Officer is responsible for the maintenance of the British Army's dental health, which is recognised as being an important part of the overall medical fitness required for all Servicemen and women.

They have a considerable degree of clinical freedom to carry out the particular course of treatment that is felt necessary for the patient.

The choice of treatment is based on clinical considerations rather than being restricted by the financial dictates of general dental practice.

Additionally, rapport can be built up between operator and patient that is essential, but not easy to maintain amidst the pressures of a busy civilian practice.

Advice from senior colleagues and specialists is always available, but the final decision usually rests with the Dental Officer. As a result, his work becomes more rewarding and satisfying.

Training

As well as being a dentist, the RADC officer is never allowed to forget that he or she is a holder of the Queen's Commission.

All officers are expected to maintain these standards and uphold military discipline. None of these obligations is likely to be burdensome in today's modern British Army, but it is important that dentists who might be considering applying for a commission in the RADC should understand and accept the implications of Service life.

Clearly a balance must be achieved between military and technical expertise. An RADC officer's training and individual career planning is aimed towards this.

Having been accepted for a commission in the RADC, training begins with two weeks at the Defence Dental Services Training Establishment, Aldershot, on the Dental Officer Military Introductory Course (DOMIC).

The course is designed to give the new dental officer an insight into Army organisation and the RADC itself. It also helps to prepare the officer, both mentally and physically, for the  Army Medical Services Entry Officers Course (EOC), where dental officers are given an overall picture of their role in the Army. 

There, in the company of other professionally qualified officers, they are taught basic military, survival and weapon handling skills.  The training strenuous and demanding, but most officers find it an interesting and valuable experience on which they can look back at with pride.

It is only after these courses have been successfully completed, covering a total of approximately 14 weeks, that the Dental Officer is considered to be fully trained to carry out military duties, and ready to move to his or her first posting.

Cadetships

A limited number of cadetships are available for dental students. To be eligible, they must be studying at a Dental School in the United Kingdom for a registrable dental qualification.

Successful applicants are appointed commissions as probationary Second Lieutenants (RADC) and receive the appropriate pay and allowances for the rank.

All applicants for a Dental Cadetship must attend an Army Officer Selection Board (AOSB), and have a medical examination to determine their fitness for the grant of a commission.