AF Form 935B: Plaque Index & Bleeding Point Record Guide

AF Form 935B: Plaque Index & Bleeding Point Record Guide – AF Form 935B, officially titled Plaque Index/Bleeding Point Record, is a specialized dental documentation tool used by the U.S. Air Force Dental Service. Released on March 1, 1985, and still in use, this form helps track oral hygiene metrics during routine examinations, periodontal assessments, and treatment planning for active duty members, reservists, and other eligible beneficiaries.

Service members stationed across the U.S. and overseas rely on accurate dental records for deployment readiness, as poor oral health can lead to emergencies far from care facilities. Understanding and properly using AF Form 935B supports better patient outcomes and compliance with Air Force dental protocols.

What Is AF Form 935B and Why Does It Matter?

This one-page form records plaque accumulation and bleeding points (indicators of gingival inflammation) for individual teeth. It includes fields for patient identification (Name, SSN), date, missing teeth notation, and a detailed tooth-by-tooth charting grid.

Key purposes include:

  • Quantifying plaque levels to evaluate oral hygiene effectiveness.
  • Documenting bleeding on probing (BOP), a key sign of gingivitis or periodontitis.
  • Tracking progress over time during periodontal therapy or maintenance visits.
  • Supporting comprehensive dental records alongside forms like SF 603/603A and other AF 935 series documents.

In the Air Force, dental readiness directly impacts mission capability. Forms like 935B help clinicians monitor and improve oral health, reducing risks of pain, infection, or non-deployable status.

How AF Form 935B Is Used in Air Force Dental Clinics?

Dental assistants and hygienists typically complete the form during prophylaxis, periodontal screening, or recall appointments. The process generally involves:

  1. Patient Identification — Enter name, SSN, and date (subject to Privacy Act via DD Form 2005).
  2. Tooth Charting — Note missing teeth. Score plaque presence/amount and bleeding points per tooth surface (often using disclosing agents for visibility).
  3. Scoring — Record indices for surfaces (buccal, lingual, mesial, distal). Common systems include dichotomous (present/absent) or graded scales for plaque thickness and bleeding severity.
  4. Summary and Notes — Calculate overall indices if needed and add clinical observations.

This data integrates into the patient’s electronic or paper record in systems like MHS GENESIS for longitudinal tracking.

Download the official AF Form 935B here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_sg/form/af935b/af935b.pdf

Understanding Plaque Index and Bleeding Points in Dentistry

Plaque Index measures bacterial biofilm buildup on teeth. Common methods (adapted in military settings) include:

  • O’Leary Plaque Control Record — Disclose plaque and record presence/absence on surfaces for a percentage score.
  • Silness & Löe Plaque Index — Scores thickness at the gingival margin (0–3 per surface).

Bleeding Point Record (or Bleeding on Probing) assesses inflammation. A probe gently inserted into the sulcus checks for bleeding within seconds. Higher bleeding sites indicate poorer gingival health and higher risk for periodontal disease.

Why these metrics matter:

  • Plaque causes gingivitis, which can progress to periodontitis if untreated.
  • Regular scoring motivates patients and objectively measures improvements from better brushing, flossing, and professional care.
  • In military contexts, it supports fitness-for-duty assessments alongside tools like DD Form 2813.

Target scores often aim for low plaque percentages (e.g., under 20–25% for good control) and minimal bleeding sites.

Benefits of Consistent Use of AF Form 935B

  • Improved Patient Education — Visual records help explain hygiene needs to service members.
  • Treatment Planning — Guides scaling, root planing, or referral decisions.
  • Compliance and Readiness — Contributes to overall dental classification and deployment eligibility.
  • Research and Quality Improvement — Aggregated data can inform base-level oral health programs.

For dental teams, mastering this form ensures standardized care across Air Force facilities worldwide.

Tips for Completing and Optimizing AF Form 935B

  • Use disclosing solutions for accurate plaque visualization.
  • Be consistent in probing technique (standard pressure, typically 25g).
  • Document changes between visits to show progress.
  • Combine with patient education on oral hygiene techniques.
  • Ensure secure handling per HIPAA and Air Force privacy rules (AFI 41-200, etc.).

Civilian dentists supporting TRICARE or Guard/Reserve personnel may encounter similar metrics, though the exact AF Form 935B is service-specific.

Conclusion: Essential Tool for Air Force Oral Health Excellence

AF Form 935B remains a foundational document in U.S. Air Force dentistry for precise, actionable recording of plaque and bleeding data. Whether you’re a dental professional, commander ensuring unit readiness, or service member maintaining peak health, proper use of this form contributes to better smiles and mission success.

For the latest official version and related guidance, visit the Air Force e-Publishing site or consult your local dental clinic. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene isn’t just about passing inspections—it’s about lifelong health.

This article is for informational purposes. Always refer to official Air Force instructions and current e-Publishing resources for procedural guidance.