The unit is based out of Camp Foster and falls under the command of the 3rd Marine Logistics Group and the III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Ensure dental readiness and optimize dental health for all beneficiaries while supporting operational and humanitarian mission.

The 3rd Dental Battalion was activated on November 1, 1979, at Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan and assigned to the 3rd Force Service Support Group, Fleet Marine Forces, Pacific.

Both companies served in the Republic of Vietnam from June 1965 to November 1969 and were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palm.

3rd Dental Battalion headquarters relocated from Camp Kinser to Camp Foster in April 1992.