A detailed history of the development of military dentistry in the United States, from beginnings in the early 17th century, through the professionalization of dentistry in the 19th century, dental care on both sides of the Civil War, the establishment of the US Army Dental Corps in 1909, and the expansion of the Corps through World War I and afterward, to the verge of the Second World War.

Dentistry, during the pioneer days of the profession in the United States, had no military status; and there exist only a few unofficial references to dental treatment in the accounts of the first wars in which the country was engaged. A notable exception, however, was the dental treatment accomplished for General George Washington, who experienced dental difficulties during the time he served as Commander in Chief of the Colonial Army and later during his terms as President. Records reveal that Washington had several dentures made by civilian dentists and that he was very much pleased with his dental service. Almost one hundred years passed after the Revolutionary War before there was any official Army recognition of dentistry or legislative action to initiate the organization of an Army Dental Corps. During these hundred years the profession continued to develop and to broaden its scope. The first organized effort to secure dentists for an army was the conscription of these to serve in the Confederate Army in 1864.2 The soldiers of the Confederate armies could not pay for dental freatment in the depreciated currency of the Confederacy since the fee for one gold filling was more than 6 months' pay of a private. Consequently, the Confederate States Congress passed a law for the conscription of dentists who were to have the rank, pay, and allowances to which their position in the Army entitled them, and in addition extra duty pay for extraordinary skill as allowed by The Surgeon General. The rank and pay offered the Confederate dental officers is not recorded. pg 8. JMD.

Even in the relatively specialized field of the history of military medicine, dentistry has received less than its fair share of attention, especially given the debilitating effects of dental problems and the unique logistical problems of dealing with them in the field. The "United States Army Dental Service in World War II" contains a wealth of valuable information on the founding of the Army Dental Corps, its experiences in World War I, and the administrative and morale issues that plagued the Corps during and after its ramp-up during World War II. Most of the book provides a detailed picture of the immense logistical difficulties inherent in delivering quality dentistry to soldiers in training, stationed in remote areas of the world, and in combat zones. The problem was made more acute by the expanded demand for metallic alloys and other materials as part of the war effort. Wartime conditions also stimulated the Corps to develop innovative approaches to its work. The use of more light-weight dental operating chests; the development of an electric dental engine and operating light; and truck-borne dental laboratories, clinics, and operating spaces are just a few of the developments stemming from the World War II experiences of the Corps. Army dentists also made major contributions to their medical colleagues through suggestions for the use of dental materials in developing acrylic resin artificial eyes and hearing aid adapters, and dental impressions techniques in the fabrication of tantalum plates for the repair of skull defects. The "United States Army Dental Service in World War II" will be of interest to medical historians, students of military logistics and administration, military dental personnel, and anyone interested in viewing Army activities in war from a unique perspective. Originally published in 1955. 362 pages. ill.