US ARMY AREA DENTAL LABORATORY, FORT SAM HOUSTON
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Distinctive Unit Insignia
A gold color metal and enamel device 1 5/16 inches (3.33 cm) in width overall consisting of a gold inverted equilateral triangle bearing a maroon three-lobed figure and supporting on its horizontal side a white winged sword hilt, all but the upper edge of the wings and the pommel of the sword hilt contained within a maroon disc with white areas to left and right of the triangle containing a network of gold lines; below the disc and attached at either side by gold stylized dental clasps, a semi-circular maroon scroll inscribed in gold with the words "RESTORE AND PRESERVE" and at center between the disc and scroll a gold V-form.
Maroon and white are the colors associated with the Army Medical Department and gold represents the material widely used in dental restorations. White further alludes to the purity and cleanliness in medicine and is also the color of healthy teeth and dental porcelain. The inverted triangle represents fixed prosthodontics and the threefold mission of the Area Dental Laboratory: research, education and prosthetics. The device within the triangle represents restoration of dental defects. The disc refers to a globe symbolizing the worldwide extent of the unit's services. The gold V-form between the disc and scroll represents the precision attachments often used in fixed prosthodontics. The motto scroll with its supports indicates the foundation upon which the unit builds its prosthodontics (crowns, restorations, bridges and dentures) and the arms at the end scroll represent removable prosthodontics.
The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 2 September 1982.