Dentists in the Great War.
The photograph above was taken at the display while on a visit to the Army Museum in Bandiana, Albury-Wodonga.
Men serving on the front lines during the Great War 1914-1918 needed not only medical care for wounds and injuries but dental care as well. The Australian Medical Corps included dentists in their ranks, although a dentists "toolkit" on the front line consisted of little more than a pair of pliers for pulling teeth. Many dentists served in the Great War and were a vital part of keeping the Anzacs fit and well.
Poor dental hygiene and cracked teeth were a major problem during the Gallipoli Campaign. The terrible pain could keep troops out of action for weeks or months on end. More serious dental conditions could lead to infection and even see soldiers given a medical discharge.
Dentists played an increasing role as the war progressed, though it was not until well after the outbreak of the Second World War that the Royal Australian Army Dental Corps was officially established in 1943.
