Effect of Storage Condition in a Conex Box on the Properties of Dental Local Anesthesia for Field Use in the Army

Storage and transportation of dental supplies in the Army often does not meet the manufacturers recommendation, especially during field exercises or deployments. Conex box is a type of cargo container that is utilized to transport and store supplies. Temperature and humidity are typically elevated in these type of storage containers. Often, dental materials are stored in the Conex box for a prolonged period before its usage and possibly affect the desired outcomes for the materials' use. Non-compliance of the storage recommendation from the manufacturers may arise a concern of changes to the physical/chemical property of the anesthetic such as pH of its contents. Wasted dental supplies due to improper storage can have a negative impact on dental readiness and represent a financial loss to the Army.