U.S. Army Col. Christine Ancajas, a 63A General Dentist assigned to the Medical Detachment, Nevada Army National Guard, spends most of her time helping soldiers maintain healthy smiles and supporting future UNLV students through orientations and graduation. However, during this year’s annual guard training, she will be working in the field alongside her other Dental Officer, Col. Flora Phipps, participating in the most complex exercise in a while, Desert Forge 2026.
Ancajos began her education at California State University, Fullerton, earned her bachelor's degree, then attended Northwestern University for dental school, and later completed an additional two-year postgraduate program in advanced education in geriatric dentistry. Her passion for dentistry began long before college. “When I was younger, I had really bad teeth and needed braces. Having to experience that really changed me and gave me confidence. So I wanted to be able to do that for others ever since fifth grade.”
Ancajos was motivated to join the Army National Guard for multiple reasons. To stay in shape and live a healthier life, for the educational benefits that the Army gives, and to serve the country that gave her so many opportunities. “There are so many reasons why oral health is important for our soldiers and the Army’s mission. If they're out on the field needing an evac because they have a toothache, it could ruin someone's mission.”
As an Army Dentist, Ancajos plays a critical role in maintaining soldier readiness. During routine dental screenings, she and her team identify potential oral issues before they become serious problems that could affect a soldier's ability to deploy or complete a mission. “The fact that we are taking care of the oral needs of our soldiers is important, but also teaching them about the importance of oral hygiene and being a friend to them, letting them know we are here for them.”
For Ancajas, exercises like Desert Forge 2026 provide valuable opportunities for medical professionals to train together, improve communication, and prepare for situations outside their normal day-to-day duties. “These exercises are important because we don’t know everything. We learn from these exercises, and we get to work together as a team.” During the exercise, Ancajos serves in a field medical role, conducting triage assessments and assisting in the categorization of casualties to ensure they receive timely and appropriate treatment.
| Date Taken: |
12.31.1969 |
| Date Posted: |
06.12.2026 10:09 |
| Story ID: |
567398 |
| Location: |
HAWTHORNE ARMY DEPOT, NEVADA, US |
| Web Views: |
126 |
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0 |
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