AF Form 2160B: Health Record - Dental (White)

AF Form 2160B: Health Record – Dental (White) | USAF MTF – AF Form 2160B, titled Health Record – Dental (White), serves as a specialized color-coded folder or jacket used exclusively by United States Air Force (USAF) Medical Treatment Facilities (MTFs) and Dental Treatment Facilities (DTFs) to organize and store dental health records. This form is part of the standardized terminal digit filing system for Service Treatment Records (STRs) and dental records in the Air Force Medical Service.

What Is AF Form 2160B?

AF Form 2160B is the white-colored outer jacket (or folder) designated for the 60-69 range in the terminal digit filing system based on the last two digits of a patient’s Social Security Number (SSN) or DoD ID. It functions as a physical container for dental documentation within the broader health record system.

In USAF dental and medical administration:

The form helps maintain organized, color-coded dental health records alongside other AF Forms 2100B–2190B series.
Dental records include treatment notes, radiographs, examinations (such as AF Form 696 or SF 603/603A), and related administrative documents.
It supports patient administration functions performed by dental assistants and records personnel.

Key details:

Color: White (for terminal digits 60-69).
Purpose: Outer jacket for dental health records in hard-copy filing systems.
Restriction: For use by USAF Medical Treatment Facilities ONLY. It is not intended for general public, civilian, or non-USAF use.
Related forms: Part of a color-coded series, including AF Form 2150B (Blue, 50-59), AF Form 2170B (Brown, 70-79), and others up to AF Form 2190B (Red, 90-99). Orange (2100B) through Red jackets cover the full 00-99 range.

This physical form supports the transition and hybrid use alongside electronic health records (EHR) systems like those in the Military Health System (MHS), though many facilities increasingly rely on digital equivalents.

How AF Form 2160B Fits into USAF Dental Records Management?

USAF dental services follow AFPD 47-1 (Dental Services) and AFMAN 47-101 (Managing Air Force Dental Services). These policies emphasize dental readiness for deployment, force health protection, and proper record-keeping to support individual medical readiness (IMR).

Terminal Digit Filing System: Dental records staff select the appropriate colored jacket based on the last two digits of the sponsor’s SSN:

60-69 → White AF Form 2160B.

Labeling instructions (applied with black pen or marker):

Patient’s name (last, first, middle initial).
Relationship code/Family Member Prefix (FMP) from DEERS (e.g., 20 for sponsor, 30 for spouse).
SSN or DoD ID (with the last digit often redacted or taped over for privacy/security reasons, especially for PRP/PSP personnel).
Additional markings for special programs if applicable.

Dental health records remain the property of the U.S. Air Force. The Dental Squadron Commander (or equivalent) typically acts as the official custodian. Records may be released only under authorized circumstances, such as via DD Form 2870 (Authorization for Disclosure of Medical or Dental Information), following HIPAA and DoD privacy rules (DoDM 6025.18).

Common documents filed inside:

Dental examination forms (e.g., AF Form 696).
Treatment chronologies (SF 603/603A).
Radiographs and digital imaging records.
Oral health assessments and preventive care notes.
Deployment-related dental clearances.

Who Uses AF Form 2160B and Why It Matters?

Primary users: Dental assistants, records technicians, and providers in USAF MTFs/DTFs.
Target audience: Active duty Airmen, Guardians, family members, and other beneficiaries receiving care at Air Force dental clinics.
Importance: Proper use ensures:
- Quick retrieval of dental history for treatment planning.
- Compliance with infection control, privacy, and records management standards (AFMAN 33-363).
- Support for dental readiness classifications required for deployments and worldwide assignments.
- Accurate tracking of care in both physical and electronic systems.

Civilian or separated veterans generally do not access this form directly. Retired or separated Airmen should contact the appropriate records custodian (e.g., Department of Veterans Affairs or AF STR Processing Center) for copies of their dental records.

How to Access or Download AF Form 2160B?

The official source for Air Force forms is the Air Force e-Publishing website (www.e-publishing.af.mil). Search for AF Form 2160B or related dental record jackets there.

Direct download links (provided for convenience; always verify the latest version on the official site):

Note: These links point to collections or physical form packages. Confirm the exact form number on e-Publishing, as forms are occasionally updated. Only authorized USAF personnel at MTFs should use the form in official capacity.

For guidance on dental records procedures:

Refer to QTP 4Y0X1-5 (Dental Assistant Specialty – Patient Administration) for step-by-step training on filing and labeling.
Consult local MTF dental records section for implementation details.

Best Practices for Handling USAF Dental Records

Verify patient identity and DEERS eligibility before filing.
Use black ink for permanent entries; follow strict labeling protocols.
Maintain privacy — limit access to authorized personnel only.
Transition to electronic systems where possible (e.g., MiPACS for digital radiographs).
Dispose of or archive records according to the Air Force Records Disposition Schedule (RDS) in AFRIMS.
For disclosures: Complete DD Form 2870 and route through the dental records manager.

Accurate records management directly supports Air Force dental readiness goals under AFPD 47-1, helping ensure Airmen remain deployment-eligible and receive high-quality care.

Additional Resources for USAF Personnel

Air Force e-Publishing: Search for AF Forms 2100B–2190B series and dental-related publications.
AFMAN 47-101: Managing Air Force Dental Services.
AFI 41-210: TRICARE Operations and Patient Administration Functions.
Local Dental Squadron or MTF Patient Administration for hands-on assistance.

Important Disclaimer: This article provides general information based on publicly available USAF training and policy documents. It is not a substitute for official guidance. Always consult your local USAF Medical Treatment Facility, Dental Records section, or e-Publishing for the most current instructions. AF Form 2160B and related jackets are restricted to official use within USAF MTFs.

If you are a USAF dental or medical professional seeking training on patient administration or records management, review the Dental Assistant Specialty Qualification Training Packages (QTPs) available on e-Publishing.

For veterans or family members needing copies of dental records, submit authorized requests through the appropriate channels (e.g., TRICARE, VA, or AFPC records release processes).

Last updated context: Information drawn from USAF e-Publishing documents and training materials current as of available publications (e.g., 2018 QTPs and supporting instructions). Check e-publishing.af.mil for any revisions.