Summary

The number of dentists, mechanics and orderlies serving in the NZDC in the war varied considerably at different times, but the following figures are interesting. Taking 697 as the number of dentists on the register at the beginning of the war, and remembering that many of these, through age, health or location were debarred from service, the creditable number of 215 were mobilised in the NZDC for varying periods. Practically every experienced dental page 37 mechanic in the Dominion who was fit for service was also mobilised at some time or other. The number of men and women who served as orderlies is difficult to assess but the strength of the NZDC for the three services at 31 March 1945 was:

Officers	NCOs and Males	Other Ranks Females	Total
137*	341	95	573

On the whole the staffing system worked satisfactorily and the balance between military and civilian requirements was well maintained.