BUMED  on  matters  involving  enlisted  personnel assigned to Navy Medicine. As such, the mission of this   office   is   to   advise,   assist,   centralize,   and coordinate policy development and guidance on dental technician  matters.  Such  policies  and  guidance include  career  progression,  training,  distribution, advancement, and employment of DT personnel. FORCE MASTER CHIEF OF BUMED The BUMED Force Master Chief is the principal enlisted advisor to the Chief of BUMED.  He keeps the Surgeon  General  advised  of  existing  or  potential situations, procedures, and practices that affect the enlisted   men   and   women   (Dental   Technicians, Hospital Corpsman, and deployable medical systems personnel  [DEPMEDS])  of  Navy  Medicine.  The Force  Master  Chief  takes  precedence  over  all  other enlisted  members  within  Navy  Medicine. NAVAL DENTAL CENTERS Naval dental centers (NAVDENCENs or NDCs) are  established  shore  activities  that  are  located throughout  the  world.  They  provide  comprehensive dental services to Navy and Marine Corps personnel of the operating forces and shore activities, and other authorized  personnel  in  the  assigned  geographic  area as  prescribed  by  title  10,  U.S.  Code,  and  other applicable directives. NDCs can be divided into three types based on size and function as shown in figure 1-1. Naval dental centers will also: Ensure that all assigned military personnel are both aware of and properly trained for the performance of their contingency and wartime duties. Ensure that the clinic and its component facilities are  maintained  in  a  proper  state  of  material  and personnel readiness to fulfill wartime and contingency mission plans. Conduct  appropriate  education  programs  for assigned personnel to ensure both military and dental health. care standards of conduct and performance are achieved and maintained. Participate as essential elements of the Navy and Triservice Regional Health Care System. Cooperate with military and civilian authorities in matters pertaining to public health, local disasters, and other emergencies. Dental Technicians must be able to recognize and know the chain of command where they work. All of the positions in figure l-l work together as a team to efficiently and, effectively operate a naval dental center. Commanding Officer The commanding officer (CO) of a naval dental center will be a dental corps officer. The commanding officer is responsible for the professional care and services provided to patients in the clinic and for the safety and well-being of the entire command. The CO is  also  vested  with  complete  military  jurisdiction within the clinic and over those branch dental clinics under his authority. Executive Officer The executive officer (XO) of a naval dental center will be a dental corps officer. In the absence of the CO, the XO will assume command. The XO conforms to the policies and orders of the CO and must keep the CO informed  of  all  significant  matters  pertaining  to  the command.  The  XO  will  be  primarily  responsible under the CO for the organization, performance of duty, operational readiness, provision of dental care services, training plan, and good order and discipline of the entire command. Command Master Chief The command master chief (CM/C) is the senior enlisted adviser to the commanding officer for all matters relating to enlisted policy. The CM/C works with  the  executive  officer  in  communicating  and carrying out command policy. OPNAVINST 1306.2 broadly  outlines  the  authority  and  responsibilities  of the  CM/C.  General  duties  of  the  CM/C  include maintaining   and   promoting   effectiveness   and efficiency  of  the  chain  of  command.     Serves as principal advisor to the commanding officer on all matters pertaining to welfare, health, job satisfaction, morale, utilization, training of enlisted personnel, and promoting good order and discipline. Director for Dental Center Administration The director for dental center administration will be a medical service corps officer. The director is the principal staff advisor to the CO via the XO for the coordination  and  efficient  operation  of  all  functions relating  to  budget  planning,  supply,  equipment, 1-2