Army: Go to the dentist or face jail

SOLDIERS who fail to turn up for dental appointments face seven days in a military prison – as the Army tries to prevent illness and absence due to tooth decay.

The new regulations are part of drive to cut the numbers declared unfit for deployment.

The ultimate sanction of up to a week in prison is intended for those who repeatedly miss appointments.

Previously, fines or reduction of leave or privileges were handed down to persistent offenders.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said last night: ‘It is very important that serving personnel have good oral fitness so that they are passed fit to deploy.’