Methods: Dental files of soldiers (n=11,053) from several combat military camps, who completed 8 months of basic training during 2006-2007, were analyzed for frequency and type of dental injuries and etiology of dental trauma.
Results: The incidence of dental trauma occurred during basic training was 1.07% per 8 months (incidence of 1.61% per year). The most frequently traumatized tooth was the right maxillary central incisor (46%), most prevalent type of injury was a non-complicated crown fracture (45%), and most frequent etiology was the personal weapon (53%), with a tendency towards a right-sided injury caused by the weapon.
Conclusions: The incidence of dental traumatic injuries during combat basic training was higher compared to the incidence of dental traumatic injuries among army personnel as found in other studies. Weapon can be a major risk factor for soldiers during their basic training.