DENTAC-J hosts JSDF dental residents

Photo By Candy Pafford | DENTAC-J hosted six dental residents Nov. 3 from the JSDF Central Hospital in Tokyo at the Camp Zama Dental Clinic to learn about DENTAC-J’s mission, training and procedures for treating patients. This visit was in support of the JSDF dental residents’ two-year residency course. (U.S. Army photo by Lance Davis)  

CAMP ZAMA, JAPAN

11.10.2015

Story by Candy Pafford 

U.S. Army Garrison - Japan

CAMP ZAMA, Japan – The U.S. Army Dental Activity-Japan hosted six dental residents Nov. 3 and 4 from the Japan Self-Defense Forces Central Hospital in Tokyo at the Camp Zama Dental Clinic to learn about DENTAC-J’s mission, training and procedures for treating patients.

This visit was in support of the JSDF dental residents’ two-year residency course.

Lt. Col. Masamitsu Taniguchi, dental chief assigned to JSDF Central Hospital, who accompanied the residents, said through this type of experience the residents can gain an interest in a variety of areas and have the opportunity to interact with numerous people.

“They are able to absorb new ideas and experiences, which will be beneficial for us as an organization and members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces,” said Taniguchi.

The residents received a mission brief from Maj. Demarcio Reed, commander of DENTAC-J, followed by a tour of the newly, renovated dental facility. Reed said the residents were briefed about the U.S. Army Dental Corps and what DENTAC-J does for the Soldiers and the community. The residents were also provided with dental case presentations.

As he received feedback from the residents throughout the day, Reed said he learned of some similarities and differences between dentists in the U.S. Army and Japanese Self-Defense Forces.

One similarity, Reed said, is the U.S. Army and JSDF offer a two-year, comprehensive dental residency program, but the difference is how the residents are assigned upon completion of their program. JSDF generally assigns one dentist to a location while many U.S. Army dentists can be assigned to a location based on requirements, said Reed.

One dental resident, 1st Lt. Yoshihiro Nagasawa, assigned to Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, said he learned the difference in how treatment is provided by the U.S. Army and JSDF.

“Members of the Self-Defense Forces have a specific health insurance and we have to treat patients within a range, but in America, they don’t have a similar kind of insurance like we do, so even for those in the military, they are able to provide treatment that defy the boundaries of our insurance,” said Nagasawa. “That was a surprise to me!”

The dental residents finished their day with a clinic “round robin,” which provided them an opportunity to shadow several of DENTAC-J’s assigned Soldiers conducting dental procedures in oral surgery, orthodontic, prosthodontic and restorative care.

Lt. j.g. Shouta Kushibiki, dental resident assigned to Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, said he learned a lot from the training event, especially the methods used to treat patients.

“I had chance to interact and communicate with American Soldiers,” said Kushibiki “Overall, it was a really significant event for me.”

• Date Taken: 11.10.2015
• Date Posted: 11.09.2015 19:11
• Story ID: 181497
• Location: CAMP ZAMA, JP