Posted on Jul 13, 2015
Should Guard/Reserve Members have to pay for yearly Dental Exams?
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Should the Guard pay for a members mandatory yearly dental exam or should the member have to pay. Why or why not?
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Health
Health
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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I've been in the Air Guard for 13 yrs now, and served 2 States in that time. I've always felt that since it is a military requirement, the military should cover it. We also have to have a 5 year exam, which our unit dentist "sometimes" performs, but if they are unable, the member has to use a certain group of outside providers. Their insurance might not be accepted at those providers, so member could incur much higher expenses. I've got a couple folks that got LOC & LOR because they didn't have insurance and couldn't get the problems fixed. Pretty unfair if you ask me....and you did. Military requirement should equal military money.
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Nice to see the Army does pony up an exam. The Navy Reserve does exams as well. For years I had the best of both worlds. I'd pick up my dental record and have my dentist out in town (also a Navy Dentist) just fill that one out as well when I got my regular exams and cleaning. It made life easier.
I will say the Guard is established under different statues, hence there are likely variations in what they provide. I wouldn't be surprised if medical is run differently.
I will say the Guard is established under different statues, hence there are likely variations in what they provide. I wouldn't be surprised if medical is run differently.
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COL Vincent Stoneking
I have done the same (had my personal dentist fill out the form) for at least the last 14 years or so. I paid out of pocket, but it was easier and covered under my civilian insurance anyway. I have seen a military dentist exactly once in that time, when I destroyed a molar and needed a replacement while in Iraq.
The option has always existed, while I have been in, to have a military dentist perform the annual exam for both the guard and reserve.
The option has always existed, while I have been in, to have a military dentist perform the annual exam for both the guard and reserve.
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Doesn't the Guard do that? For the Army Reserve, we had to be 100% on our medical readiness so they paid for an exam. Any work would have to be paid by the Soldier but at least the exam was free.
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SSgt (Join to see)
I have been in the air guard for 7 years now and a side from the exam I got at basic and right before my deployment I have paid for every one of them
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CW2 (Join to see)
SSgt (Join to see) - National Guard like Army Reserve can call LHI and get their free annual dental exam. You'd then submit your signed attendance voucher to your unit for pay (if funds are available) but at least He exam is free. If they find issues that impede your deployment readiness then they'll schedule you for any additional appointments at the army's expense for you to be covered.
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