Insignia of the Royal Army Dental Corps and Commonwealth Dental Corps

The insignia worn by the British and Commonwealth Armed Services are rich in symbolism and meaning to the corps and regiments that wear them. Originally, before the adoption of national uniforms pre-1700s, there was little to distinguish friend from foe. To overcome that problem, certainly in battle, it was common practice to wear some sort of distinctive emblem, such as a sprig of a native plant. This then developed, in the reign of Charles II, to the custom of individual regiments or corps adopting devices and designs of their 'colours', through to modern cap and collar badges.