COMDTINST 6000.2 — Dental Program For Military Service Personnel

COMDTINST 6000.2 governs dental health care provision, policy, and operations for eligible beneficiaries in the Coast Guard.

Search COMDTINST 6000.2

  • Publication number: COMDTINST 6000.2
  • Title: DENTAL PROGRAM FOR MILITARY SERVICE PERSONNEL
  • Date: 4/24/2025
  • Proponent: CG-1K

View COMDTINST 6000.2 on armypubs.army.mil


It addresses Defense Health Agency facilities, emergency, routine, and accessory treatment, non-federal care, dental officers, and dental training. It requires approval and care coordination in specified circumstances and sets dental examination and provider requirements.

Applies to: All Coast Guard unit commanders, commanding officers, officers- in-charge, deputy/assistant commanders, and chiefs of headquarters staff elements must comply with the provisions of this Instruction.

Topics covered

  • Defense Health Agency dental facilities
  • Emergency dental treatment
  • Routine dental treatment
  • Accessory dental treatment
  • Non-federal dental care
  • Dental examinations
  • Dental officer training
  • Dental therapist and hygienist practice

Questions and answers

Does emergency dental treatment under COMDTINST 6000.2 need prior approval?

Emergency dental treatment DOES NOT need prior approval.

Is prior approval required for civilian care for non-emergent conditions?

Health care in civilian medical facilities for non-emergent conditions is not authorized without prior approval from a Coast Guard Dental Officer (DO).

Where should Coast Guard personnel receive care when another DHA facility is needed?

The closest DHA treatment facility having the appropriate capabilities shall be used for nonemergency health care.

What dental care must Coast Guard AD and Reserve personnel on orders of more than 30 days receive?

Coast Guard AD and Reserve personnel (on AD orders for more than 30 days) shall be enrolled in AD TRICARE Prime, assigned a Primary Care Manager (PCM), and receive health care, including dental care, at that organization to which the member is assigned.

Who must receive annual Type 2 dental examinations?

Annual Type 2 dental examinations shall be conducted on all active duty (AD) and reserve (Selected Reserve, or SELRES, and participating Individual Ready Reserve, or IRR) military personnel collocated with dental examiners (e.g. Coast Guard DOs, Department of Defense (DoD) DOs, or civilian contract dentists). (paragraph 2)

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