Does tooth decay affect military service eligibility? Many people wonder about this question. This article will provide you with detailed information about oral health standards for military enlistment. Join My Auris Dental Clinic to discover whether tooth decay can impact your ability to fulfill military service, thereby helping you prepare best for your health when participating in military service.
Can You Join the Military with Tooth Decay?
Many young people preparing for military service health examinations often wonder: can you join the military with tooth decay? To answer accurately, it is necessary to refer to the Classification Table of Dental and Maxillofacial Diseases in Appendix I of Circular 105/2023/TT-BQP issued by the Ministry of National Defense.
Latest Regulations on Tooth Decay and Military Service Conditions
According to the provisions of Circular 105/2023/TT-BQP, the condition of tooth decay will be assessed based on the degree of decay (grade 1, 2, 3) and its impact on chewing ability, thereby classifying health scores and rankings as follows:
Degree of Tooth Decay
Regulation and Health Score
Conclusion
Only grade 1 – 2 tooth decay, no grade 3 decay, little impact on chewing ability
Score 2
Classified as health type 2, eligible for military service
≤ 3 teeth with grade 3 decay
Score 2
Still health type 2, can proceed with military service normally
4 – 5 teeth with grade 3 decay
Score 3T
Classified as health type 3, may still be called for enlistment
6 teeth with grade 3 decay
Score 4T
Classified as health type 4, temporarily deferred from enlistment
≥ 7 teeth with grade 3 decay
Score 5T
Classified as health type 5, must be temporarily deferred from military service
Thus, whether tooth decay allows you to join the military depends on your health condition, the degree of tooth decay, and the number of decayed teeth. If you only have mild tooth decay, such as grade 1 or 2, are in good health, and your chewing function is not affected, you can still enlist normally.
However, in cases of extensive tooth decay, especially grade 3 decay in 4 or more teeth, the Health Examination Council will carefully consider, in conjunction with other assessments, to make an appropriate decision for each individual.
Can you join the military with tooth decay?
What Health Category is Assigned for Tooth Decay During Military Service Examination?
When undergoing a health examination for military service, many people worry: will tooth decay disqualify me? The answer is that tooth decay during military service examination will be assigned a specific health category, based on Article 9 of Joint Circular 16/2016/TTLT-BYT-BQP issued by the Minister of Health and the Minister of National Defense.
How health scores are assigned according to Joint Circular 16/2016/TTLT-BYT-BQP:
Score 1: Very good health
Score 2: Good health
Score 3: Fair health
Score 4: Average health
Score 5: Poor health
Score 6: Very poor health
Health scores are given based on 8 criteria in the military service health examination form, according to health standards in Table No. 1, Table No. 2, and Table No. 3 of Appendix 1. The classification of military service health is as follows:
Health Category 1: All 8 criteria score 1
Health Category 2: At least 1 criterion scores 2
Health Category 3: At least 1 criterion scores 3
Health Category 4: At least 1 criterion scores 4
Health Category 5: At least 1 criterion scores 5
Health Category 6: At least 1 criterion scores 6
According to Item 19, Table No. 2, Appendix I accompanying the aforementioned Circular, the degree of tooth decay affects the health score (1 to 6) as follows:
No.
Degree of Tooth Decay
Health Score
Notes
1
Grade 1 – 2 tooth decay, no or little impact on chewing ability
2
2
≤ 3 teeth with grade 3 decay
2
3
4 – 5 teeth with grade 3 decay
3
4
6 teeth with grade 3 decay
4T
T: Temporary
5
≥ 7 teeth with grade 3 decay
5T
T: Temporary
For cases marked with T (temporary), meaning an acute illness or requiring treatment, the Council will direct the individual to a hospital for treatment and re-examination. If there is doubt about assigning a score, the citizen will be sent to a specialized hospital for a more accurate conclusion, with a maximum conclusion time of 7 – 10 days.
Note:
If the highest score criterion is marked with T, the health classification section must also include T. The name of the disease must be clearly stated in Vietnamese, potentially accompanied by the international term in parentheses. The Military Service Health Examination Council is the authority responsible for the final health classification.
Cases ineligible for military enlistment according to dental standards
Latest Dental Standards for Military Service Eligibility
During the military service recruitment examination, in addition to factors such as age, general health, or ethics, dental standards for military service are a key factor. According to Appendix 1 of Joint Circular 16/2016/TTLT-BYT-BQP, specific maxillofacial diseases that disqualify individuals from military service are clearly listed. If you or a loved one are preparing for enlistment, please note the following to avoid being disqualified for dental reasons:
Cases ineligible for military enlistment according to dental standards:
6 or more teeth with grade 3 decay – characterized by severe tooth destruction, pain, affecting chewing function.
If there are 7 or more teeth with grade 3 decay, the risk of not meeting requirements is even higher.
Loss of 5 to 7 teeth, especially if there are fewer than 3 large molars or incisors among them, and chewing ability remains 50% or more – also a reason for disqualification.
If more than 7 teeth are lost, including more than 3 large molars or incisors, and chewing ability is below 50%, then military enlistment requirements are definitely not met.
Periodontitis affecting 6–11 teeth, accompanied by grade 2, 3, or 4 tooth mobility, affecting chewing ability and causing continuous pain.
If periodontitis affects 12 or more teeth, this is considered a severe level, not meeting the standards for service in the military environment.
5–6 teeth with pulpitis, pulpal necrosis, or periapical periodontitis (whether inflamed or treatment completed) are still ineligible for military service.
Individuals with chronic recurrent oral ulcers that do not heal after multiple treatments – prone to recurrence and affecting long-term health.
Cases of stable bilateral chronic parotitis also require careful examination.
If chronic parotitis on one or both sides is unstable, you will be assessed as not meeting health requirements.
Individuals with chronic temporomandibular joint arthritis – affecting ability to open mouth, eat, and communicate.
Individuals with unoperated unilateral or bilateral cleft lip will not be enlisted.
Cleft palate, cleft soft palate, or complete cleft – are serious congenital deformities affecting speech and eating functions. Even if benign tumors have been surgically removed, if there are facial deformities (such as ameloblastoma, fibrous osteoma, hemangioma), military service is still not permitted.
Effective Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay to Be Ready for Military Service
Tooth decay is one of the common oral diseases that can affect overall health and the military service process. To reduce the risk of developing the disease and ensure health eligibility, you need to pay attention to the following tooth decay prevention methods:
Proper Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene is the most important step to clean plaque and prevent tooth decay. Maintain the habit of brushing your teeth 2 – 3 times/day, after meals, using a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging your gums. When brushing, use gentle pressure, in a circular motion or from top to bottom to effectively remove plaque.
Additionally, combine with dental floss, dental picks, or a water flosser to remove remaining food particles, especially in the molar area – where plaque easily accumulates and is an ideal environment for decay-causing bacteria to thrive.
Oral hygiene
Establish a Scientific Nutrition Regimen
A balanced diet plays an essential role in preventing tooth decay. You should limit consuming pastries, candies, and carbonated soft drinks, as these foods can increase plaque buildup, making tooth decay more likely.
Instead, eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to naturally clean your oral cavity and aid digestion. Simultaneously, supplement with calcium and vitamin D rich foods such as shrimp, crab, fish, fresh milk, plant-based milk, and cheese to strengthen bone and tooth health, making tooth enamel more robust and reducing the risk of damage.
Regular dental check-ups every 6 months – 1 year
Regular Check-ups at a Reputable Dental Clinic
Don’t forget to get your teeth checked regularly, every 6 months to 1 year, at quality dental facilities. Regular check-ups will help you monitor your oral health, detect any pathologies early, and thus provide timely solutions to prevent dangerous complications. This is also an important condition to ensure you meet the standards for military service.
When is the Military Service Health Examination Period?
According to the provisions of Clause 7, Article 8 of Circular 105/2023/TT-BQP, the military service health examination period takes place from November 1st to December 31st annually. The Ministry of National Defense may adjust this period depending on the actual situation.
National defense is considered a sacred duty of every citizen. Through this article, we hope readers have found answers to the question of whether tooth decay affects military service eligibility. It is important for each individual to proactively protect their health to successfully fulfill their duty to the country, contributing to the cause of national defense.
With regulations on the military service health examination period, health examinations will help assess each citizen’s ability to serve in the military, ensuring everyone is healthy enough to participate in military service. Please pay attention to the information in Circular 105/2023/TT-BQP from the Ministry of National Defense to better understand the process and timing of military service examinations, thereby preparing best for this sacred duty.
