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The First Gulf War: Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm (17 January-28 February 1991)

British Dental Journal volume 230, pages 435–443 (2021)Cite this article

Abstract

The First Gulf War was triggered by Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein, invading and brutally occupying Kuwait, triggering an international response. A coalition of UN-sponsored allies, led by the USA, assembled to liberate Kuwait. The forces in the region included a British contingent, initially focusing on an Armoured Brigade, but eventually expanding to an Armoured Division, supported by maritime and air components. The Army presence included Royal Army Dental Corps officers and soldiers in clinical roles, but also as medical sub-unit commanders. A brief account of the field organisation of the Army Medical Services and the varied roles played by dental personnel leads into a short clinical report which provides epidemiological information on the dental health of the force and data on the treatment carried out. A description of the preparation for war is followed by a personal narrative of the land campaign.

Key points

  • Iraq's invasion of Kuwait triggers an international response.

  • The British Army contingent includes RADC personnel, carrying out clinical duties and also in command appointments.

  • The dental health of the force and the treatment carried out.

  • An account of the campaign to liberate Kuwait.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Major General (Retired) Late Royal Army Dental Corps, Retired Dental Officer, London, UK

    Ewan B. Carmichael

  2. Colonel Commandant Royal Army Dental Corps, Regimental Headquarters Royal Army Dental Corps, Surrey, UK

    Quentin Anderson

Authors
  1. Ewan B. Carmichael
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  2. Quentin Anderson
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Correspondence to Ewan B. Carmichael.

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Carmichael, E., Anderson, Q. The First Gulf War: Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm (17 January-28 February 1991). Br Dent J 230, 435–443 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-021-2733-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-021-2733-5

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