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The experience of deployed dental teams on Operation Herrick: dentists at war in Afghanistan

British Dental Journal volume 230, pages 466–472 (2021)Cite this article

Abstract

Operation Herrick was the British military operation in Afghanistan that occurred between 2002 and 2014; the most recent, large-scale and publicly conducted war in British history. During this time, over 60 British military dental teams deployed as part of the UK Medical Group, their primary role being the treatment of dental emergencies in UK Armed Forces. There are numerous publications citing statistics regarding the rates and nature of dental casualties on operations, their management and how this affects operational capability. This article instead aims to give a more generalised insight into the lived experience of an Army dentist deployed on Operation Herrick.

Key points

  • Details the training and preparation undertaken to fulfil this role.

  • Compares the working environment and clinical duties undertaken on Operation Herrick to that experienced in a home base dental centre.

  • Discusses some of the challenges encountered.

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References

  1. Combes J, Pepper T, Bryce G, MacBeth N. Dental care provision to UK military personnel serving on Operation Herrick in Afghanistan. Part 1: access to dental care. Br Dent J 2018; 225: 1068-1072.

  2. Combes J, Pepper T, Bryce G, MacBeth N. Dental care provision to UK military personnel serving on Operation Herrick in Afghanistan. Part 2: aetiology and management. Br Dent J 2019; 226: 50-54.

  3. Davies T J, McCormick R J. The importance of, and the benefits derived from, forward dental peripatetic clinics in Afghanistan. Br Dent J 2015; 218: 303-306.v

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Major Royal Army Dental Corps, Senior Dental Officer, Dental Centre Bulford, Wiltshire, UK; Senior Dental Officer, Dental Centre Warminster, Wiltshire, UK

    Laura S. McKay

Authors
  1. Laura S. McKay
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Correspondence to Laura S. McKay.

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Cite this article

McKay, L. The experience of deployed dental teams on Operation Herrick: dentists at war in Afghanistan. Br Dent J 230, 466–472 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-021-2738-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-021-2738-0

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