The Royal Canadian Dental Corps during World War II

The first Canadian dentists served in the Boer War (1899-1902). The Decree #98 of July 2nd 1904 was signed under the pressure of the Canadian Dental Association and it helped the creation of 18 dental surgeon positions within the army. Then, the dentists were promoted to the rank of Honorary Lieutenants. On May 13th 1015, the decree #63 allowed the creation of a dental corps within the Canadian army. 30 officers served in the Corps and they were assisted by 74 non-commissioned officers and other officers. On that same year, the first dental clinic was implemented in Toronto. At the end of the war, 223 officers were still serving assisted by 459 non-commissioned officers and other officers. During the war, dental care was carried out 2.2 million times. 60 000 soldiers were demobilised within the month that followed the end of the war. A substantial effort had been made to improve the health of their mouths. Then, once the demobilisation was over, the dental corps was formally dissolved. On June 15th 1921, the dental corps of the Canadian army was implemented again, but this time, as a non-permanent active militia.