Medical Question?

[ELCID05]

Does a having a cavity cause someone to go into a med down status? I was just wondering whether or not you are considered med downin the time in between your dental exam in your flight physical and your appointment to have a cavity filled. I appreciate any insight anybody has.

 

[TheBubba]

It all depends on what the dentists says. In my case: I had to get two cavities filled. I wasn't med down. Just so you know, you'll be med down for 24 hrs after you get the cavity filled.

 

[zab1001]

I believe so. At least someone I know didn't get an up-chit until they had it filled...no biggie..

Josh

Are you even talking about someone in a flying billet on flying status?

 

[zab1001]

Again, are you talking about a commissioned officer in a flight program?

 

[zab1001]

Yeah, we're talking about some IN flight training, ON flight status. Not someone waiting for initial approval. You're out of your element here.

Generally, the Dental Hobby Shop will keep you clear until after the work is done, and that depends on what exactly they had to do. I've more than one time when I needed a filling and told the Doc I needed to wait until after a qual phase or operational requirement. I stayed up until I had the time to get it taken care of.

 

[Gatordev]

Yeah, we're talking about some IN flight training, ON flight status. Not someone waiting for initial approval. You're out of your element here.

Generally, the Dental Hobby Shop will keep you clear until after the work is done, and that depends on what exactly they had to do. I've more than one time when I needed a filling and told the Doc I needed to wait until after a qual phase or operational requirement. I stayed up until I had the time to get it taken care of.

Ditto. Generally a non-issue. Another "technique" is to be scheduled to fly the same day as your flight physical, which allows you to play the "I can't get my shots today" card.

 

[Fly Navy]

Dental Hobby Shop

LOL ain't that the truth.

 

[ELCID05]

Thanks for the insight. I was just wondering because I am getting close to starting API and after this initial 7 month wait I don't want to be put in a med down status and get a further delay. I may just wait and get it taken care of after API while I'm in my next 2 month wait. If there are any glaring issues with this logic please set me straight.

 

[zab1001]

There's a difference between being med down for flight duty and med down for swimming (which I assume you mean). Docs have more options than you might think. Just get it taken care of. Waiting could create a more serious problem that could affect your time in Primary.

 

[P3 F0]

As far as the original question goes, it also depends on where you are. I'm in a joint flying billet right now in the DC area and no one in the medical community seems to know (or care) anything about up/down chits. Much different than when I was on an actual Navy Base.

 

[Schnugg]

You are down 24 hours...only if you get novacaine.

At least that's what happened to me. I had an ACM hop that afternoon...and said "no novacaine...just drill it." He did, and I flew.

On a related topic...for the old guys...."Is it safe? Is it safe?"

 

[Brett327]

On a related topic...for the old guys...."Is it safe? Is it safe?"

One of Olivier's weirdest roles. Whoever wrote that scene was a genius.

Brett

 

[HeyJoe]

One of Olivier's weirdest roles. Whoever wrote that scene was a genius.

Brett

I shudder even thinking of it.

 

[Gatordev]

No one ever gets the joke when I say that. I'm glad someone else "knows."

 

[Brett327]

No one ever gets the joke when I say that. I'm glad someone else "knows."

That's such a classic reference, but it does often go unrecognized - kids these days.

Brett