Design and implementation of a Dental Information Retrieval System (DIRS)

Abstract

All Naval dental treatment facilities (DTF) worldwide are required to submit monthly reports containing dental records of treatments provided and overall dental readiness to COMNAVMEDCOM, in Washington, D.C. These reporting requirements are standardized to meet not only the requirements of the Navy, but also as input to the DOD mandated Medical Expense and Performance System (MEPERS). At many commands, this data collection storage and reporting effort is currently performed manually, adding unnecessary additional administrative burden. This thesis develops a computerized database system providing increased accuracy and productivity, and capable of meeting the NAVMED reporting requirements. The Dental Information Retrieval System (DIRS) developed will record all treatments provided for each beneficiary category described in NAVMEDCOMINST 6600.1B, and will facilitate internal external daily, weekly, monthly and annual reporting requirements. An important design consideration is providing the DIRS developed with the requisite capabilities specified by the DTF's, without imposing additional hardware requirements. NAVDENCLINIC Long Beach, CA>, is the sponsoring activity for DIRS, and will serve as the test sited for system implementation. If the system is successful, Director of Dental Services, San Diego, CA>, has indicated interest in the system as a Navy-wide managerial tool.