THE IMPORTANCE OF PERIODIC ORAL AND DENTAL EXAMINATION OF AVIATION PERSONNEL

The importance given to space and aviation science has increased with the advanced technological breakthroughs that made the 21st century to be called the "Space Age". As the aviation industry evolved, it was found that exposure to flight conditions and atmospheric pressure alterations has a variety of adverse effects on the physiological and psychological states of aviation personnel. There are several disorders that might cause medical incapacitations and thus jeopardize flight safety in such conditions. Oral, dental, and maxillofacial diseases are among those that, although manifesting locally, affect all bodily systems. For this reason, the diagnosis and treatment of such disorders should be thoroughly evaluated and carried out in accordance with aeromedical concerns. The purpose of this review is to emphasize the importance of periodic aeromedical examinations for the prevention of potential oral and dental health-related diseases, as well as medical issues of aviation personnel that require special attention in terms of flight safety.