Beginning March 1, all general dentistry currently located at Ireland Army Health Clinic, Fort Knox Ky., will move to Jordan Dental Clinic, also located on the installation. With the decrease of active duty troops stationed at Fort Knox, the work load for dental providers has decreased and the current number of troops to treat doesn't warrant staffing two clinics.
According to Col. David Ferguson, the Dental Health Activity commander on post, another effect of a smaller workload is that it can decrease a dentists' ability to maintain critical clinical skills. And by moving providers to fill staffing shortfalls at other posts, dental readiness at the gaining location can be increased.
"By moving underutilized personnel, we maintain the health of the force and sustain a ready medical force," he explained. "The consolidation of general dentistry assets (in) one clinic ensures the Dental Health Command can more efficiently support Cadet Summer Training, and the dental needs of permanent party currently assigned at Fort Knox."
The general dentistry section that will be moved from Ireland consists of two general dentists, one registered dental hygienist, and several dental assistants. The services they offer include dental examinations, cleanings, fillings, crowns, and bridges.
"Additionally, we will move the periodontist currently located at Jordan to the Ireland dental clinic in order to enhance his ability to sedate surgical patients until facility renovations at Jordan dental clinic are completed. The oral surgeon at Ireland will remain at his current location," Ferguson added.
The second phase of the downsizing will include the elimination of classic dental specialties over the next 18 months as those providers leave the military or move to other posts, but at this point Ferguson said he didn't expect to lose any of the support personnel who are "critical to our success."
The dental specialties affected are endodontics--root canals; prosthodontics which includes crowns, bridges, dentures, partial dentures; periodontics--gum surgery, and oral surgery.
Dental clinics, which treat active duty personnel, will be busy with this transition through the spring but Ferguson said the leadership is fully engaged to make sure that any changes don't affect patient safety.
"Our entire workforce shares a single-minded focus on identifying potential problems and high-risk situations before they lead to an adverse event," he added.
Aside from seeking care at a new location, patients should not see a difference in the way their care is delivered unless they are referred to the civilian network for specialty care.
"But it's important to know that general dentistry will remain at Fort Knox, nothing about that will change," he explained.
He added that as they lose classic specialists, patients who require specialty dental work will be referred to network civilian specialists through the Tricare Active Duty Dental Program, much like they are in the medical community. United Concordia is the ADDP administrator for the Department of Defense.
For more information or to ask questions please call 502-624-3754.
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