Dental

Dental at the 81st Medical Group - Keesler Air Force Base consists of Dental and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. For more information, please visit the individual health services.

Services Provided

General Dentistry

Dental treatments such as:

• Restorative (Fillings, Crowns, Bridges)
• Prosthetic (Dentures)
• Endodontic (Root Canal) Therapy
• Periodontal (Gum) Therapy
• Exodontia (Extraction of Teeth)

We also perform:

• Examinations
• Radiographs (X-Rays)
• Diagnosis
• Specialty Care

In some instances, patients may have specific dental needs that make them suitable for specialty care such as:

• Periodontics
• Prosthodontics
• Endodontics
• Orthodontics
• Oral Maxillofacial Surgery (more information below)
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Priority of Care
• Active Duty

The primary mission of the 81st Dental Squadron is to maximize the dental readiness and oral health of active duty members. Priority for access to care within any Air Force Dental Clinic is governed by Air Force Manual 47-101. A policy letter establishing priority for care categories of active duty personnel is available at the reception area of the dental clinic.

Space Available (command-sponsored dependents)

By Air Force Instruction, non-urgent dental care for all non-active duty patients is limited to "Space Available" care. Availability of appointments for non-active duty beneficiaries varies greatly throughout the year.

Important Information

Dental Sick Call

Sick Call is available Monday through Friday (duty days): 7 - 11:30 a.m.; Sick Call check-in 7 - 8 a.m.
For after-hours dental emergencies, patients will need to contact The Emergency Room at (228) 376-0500.

Dental Emergencies

The following are usually considered dental emergencies:

• Severe Pain
• Severe Swelling
• Uncontrollable Bleeding

Acute TraumaThe following are generally NOT considered to be dental emergencies:
Loose teeth (adult or baby teeth) unless associated with trauma/injury
Loose permanent or temporary crowns and/or broken fillings or teeth that occur while eating (may be seen during Sick Call hours)

Children in the Dental Clinic

Parents may accompany their child/children into the dental treatment room if deemed medically necessary by a provider. Other children under the age of 12 may not be left unsupervised in the waiting area or be brought back to the dental treatment room.

Dental Options Outside of Military Dental Clinics

For dental care outside of a military dental clinic, TRICARE offers dental coverage for service members, families and survivors. Additionally, retired service members, their families, and certain survivors may qualify to purchase dental coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program.
To learn more and see which plan you may use, visit www.tricare.mil/dental