Photo By Dawn Grimes | CDR David "Scotty" Weldon DMD and a Hospital Corpsman review a deployed Marine’s...... read more read more
More than 150 Marines deployed to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay will be seen over two Saturdays in December to get caught up on their annual exam. According to Cmdr. David Weldon, DMD, COVID-19 closings have delayed some Marines almost two years since their last exam. “When there is a small problem with a tooth, it may turn into a big problem in 12-18 months. Weldon explained, “Cavities and oral cancer do not wait. It's imperative all of our active duty are seen every 12 months."
“It’s good for us when all these patients show up,” said HM3 Monica Carmona, “Sometimes, we schedule a Saturday and only a few patients show up and that’s not the really best use of our time” Carmona continued, “When the Marines are scheduled, they keep their commitment. It’s good to take care of them and it’s also good for our training and readiness to take care a lot of patients at once.”
Weldon who made the call to for the extra weekend clinics wanted to take care of his entire staff who will spend Saturdays performing administrative and technical support. “I always overcook,” Weldon explained, “and as it turned out there was plenty for everyone.” None of Weldon’s breakfast burritos and hash went to waste.
When asked about working Saturdays, Hospital Corpsman replied, “It’s why we’re here, it’s our job and it’s why we wear the uniform”
Weldon and team conducted 30 exams last Saturday with another 40 exams scheduled for next Saturday. In early January, they will also be open for Naval Station Guantanamo Bay shift workers, mostly security, who may not be available in the day. “I don’t like that they have to wait so long, but when I apologize, so many say, no, sir thank you, I’m just really glad to get to see a dentist.” Weldon added, “It’s truly an honor, to help keep our warfighters well and ready, it’s why we’re here.”
| Date Taken: | 12.12.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 12.17.2020 11:11 |
| Story ID: | 385201 |
| Location: | CU |
| Web Views: | 276 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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