Photo By Spc. Jacqueline Guerrero | Pfc. Carol Ann Calef, a dental assistant with the 965th Dental Company from...... read more read more
FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. – The dentists here assist soldiers in dental readiness with everything from cleanings to extractions during Combat Support Training Exercise - 91.
Everyone dreads the dentist. They dig and pry at our teeth and the mere thought of a check-up sends shivers down our spines. However, there should be no fright when dealing with the dental group here.
“Don’t fear, we are here to provide 100 percent patient care,” said Staff Sgt. Rian M. Yena, a dental specialist with the 7230th Medical Support Unit from Riverside, Calif.
“A lot of soldiers don’t have dental coverage,” said Maj. Guerschon De Laurent, a dental officer with the 139th Medical Brigade from Independence, Mo. “Most of the soldiers, just like everyone else, just like the general population, don’t like to go to the dentist.”
“For the well-being of the soldier who doesn’t want to lose a tooth or receive an expensive, painful procedure, it’s important they are getting their check-ups every year,” said Spc. Kyle Dee McLeod, a dental assistant attached to the 143rd Dental Company from Salt Lake City, Utah.
Despite being in the field, soldiers will receive the same care as they would if they were to visit a dentist back home.
“We provide the same standard care here we would provide in a private practice,” said De Laurent, a Kansas City, Mo., native.
“When soldiers come here I know they are scared. However, when they are here, they are in charge. I don’t have a rank; I’m just a dentist. That’s how I want people to feel when they come here. I want them to be comfortable.”
The dental group’s main focus is class three fillings and extractions. However, cleanings and exams can be done if they have spare time.
“Because we are capable, we offer cleanings as well,” said McLeod, a Kaysville, Utah, native. “If we have the time and since we have the training, we provide cleanings and exams.”
Statistics show 70 percent of non-battle related injuries are dental-related, said De Laurent.
“If a soldier has a toothache, it is very hard for that soldier to carry on with the mission,” said De Laurent. “Dental care is very important. It will help you with your overall well-being.”
“Every kind of health is critical,” said McLeod. “Dental health is especially important because you use your teeth everyday.”
Dental readiness rides hand-in-hand with dental health.
“Dental readiness is imperative,” said Yena, a Tacoma, Wash., native. “We would like to have all soldiers be readily deployable at anytime. Without dental readiness, soldiers can easily be held accountable for not having their MEDPROS updated.”
“Your mouth and your teeth, just like your hand or your foot, if it is hurt, it affects your overall effectiveness as a soldier,” said McLeod. “Which makes your health in general top priority.”
“It’s a personal responsibility, as a soldier, for your records to be up-to-date,” said De Laurent.
On the Reserve side the Army has money set aside for soldiers to make dental a high priority.
“The soldier has to know when you go to these dental appointments. Not only is it free, but you can get paid for going to the dentist,” said De Laurent.
Dentists always have the same message for their patients - brush and floss every day.
“As dentists and hygienists, we see mouths and we see the effects of not brushing and flossing every day on a daily basis,” said McLeod. “We realize the benefits of brushing and flossing everyday.”
| Date Taken: | 07.17.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 07.17.2012 23:33 |
| Story ID: | 91718 |
| Location: | AL, US |
| Web Views: | 268 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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