More than 240 armed forces dental experts from 25 countries gathered in northeast China Tuesday to discuss their military drill -- and other dental procedures -- at the 2006 World Military Dental Congress.

 

During the two-day conference in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi Province, they will discuss changes in the military dentistry system, dental health services, equipment for field operations and treatment of dental injuries.

 

The congress is sponsored by the Health Department of People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Logistics Department.

 

Most of the delegates agreed that dental services were playing a more important role in the modern forces.

 

"Dental services are extremely important in the modern army, because we find dental diseases in every country, in all soldiers, in all military services," said Col. Timothy Jones of the US Directorate of Combat and Doctrine Development AMEDD Center and School.

 

The center's statistics showed 20 percent of personnel suffered serious dental problems after one-year service.

 

"Modern science and technologies have changed our view of health and our demand for health services," said Li Jianhua, director of the Health Department of PLA General Logistics Department.

 

"With the ever increasing importance of dental care and prevention of dental diseases in the military medical support, extensive international collaboration is widely required," said Li.

 

The World Military Dental Congress was founded in 1904. China joined in 2004, and became one of the seven executive members in 2005.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 20, 2006)