Attch_1_HT9402-DHA-TDRAW-RFI-3_Family_Member_Dental_Wellness_Classification_(DWC).docx

TRICARE Dental Readiness and Wellness (TDRAW) Request for Information Solicitation HT9402-DHA-TDRAW-RFI-3 Family Member Dental Wellness Classification (DWC)

DHA is considering the development of a DWC epidemiological tracking system for family members and is requesting recommendations on how best to collect and analyze the data. Please respond to each of the questions below.

1. DHA currently tracks dental readiness for Active Duty and Selected Reserve members utilizing the Dental Readiness Classification (DRC) definitions listed below (DRC 1 or 2 are considered dentally ready to deploy). While deployability is not an issue for family members, DHA believes a similar tracking system may help qualify and quantify the severity of dental disease among family members and better track those who utilize dental services to correct dental disease, as well as better track those who utilize preventive services. Thus, a family member classification would be focused on wellness, not deployability. Considering this purpose, would you recommend using a classification system similar to DRC which would be revised to suit family members? If not, what type of classification system would you recommend?

Military DRC tracking system:

DRC 1: Patients who obtained a dental examination within the last 12 months, who do not require dental treatment or reevaluation. Class 1 patients have all treatment complete, to include obtaining their annual dental cleaning (and fluoride treatment that is provided during their annual exam as clinically indicated). Class 1 patients are worldwide deployable.

DRC 2: Patients with a current dental examination, who require non-urgent dental treatment or reevaluation for oral conditions, which are unlikely to result in dental emergencies within 12 months. Class 2 patients are worldwide deployable.

DRC 3: Patients who require urgent or emergent dental treatment for oral conditions, which are likely to result in dental emergencies within 12 months. Class 3 patients normally are not considered to be worldwide deployable.

DRC 4: Patients who have not had a dental examination within the past 12 months or patients with unknown dental classification. Class 4 patients normally are not considered to be worldwide deployable.

Contemplated DWC tracking system for Family Members:

DWC 1: Patients who obtained a dental examination within the last 12 months, who do not require dental treatment or reevaluation. Class 1 patients have completed all treatment, to include obtaining their annual dental cleaning (and fluoride treatment that is provided during their annual exam as clinically indicated). These patients are considered to be dentally well.

DWC 2: Patients with a current dental examination, who require non-urgent dental treatment or reevaluation for oral conditions, which are unlikely to result in dental emergencies within 12 months.

DWC 3: Patients who require urgent or emergent dental treatment for oral conditions, which are likely to result in dental emergencies within 12 months.

DWC 4: Patients who have not had a dental examination within the past 12 months or patients with unknown dental classification.

It is also important to note that, if DHA were to implement a DWC tracking system, each attending network dentist would need to provide the required information as part of the dental examination process for assigning a Family Member a DWC. For example, see attached DD Form 2813 for the instructions currently used by the military to assist civilian dentists in providing the required information for assigning a DRC to a Member.

2. What types of data collection options would support DHA’s potential family member DWC classifications?

3. How could the DWC classification data be analyzed to ensure its fidelity?

Responses HT9402-DHA-TDRAW-RFI-3 DWC Questions Page 2 of 2