Dental care

Courtesy Photo | South African Defence Force Dentist Captain Christian Van Den Berg and U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class Kelly Chavez, a hospital mate with 4th Dental Battalion, use portable dental equipment to administer a filling to a child in order to save her tooth from extraction in the township of Kleinskool, South Africa, July 22. The dental work is part of Shared Accord 2011, a joint exercise between the South African National Defence Forces and the U.S. military. The exercise helps develop American and South African humanitarian assistance capabilities in crisis situations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Cullen Tiernan)  

SOUTH AFRICA

07.22.2011

Courtesy Story

Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES)

SOUTH AFRICA – Most people don’t look forward to going to the dentist, but patients were at Medical Civic Action Program at the Kleinskool Sports Complex in South Africa, July 22.

The dentists assisted 80 to 100 patients a day. The U.S. dental staff worked side-by-side with their South African counterparts and provided various training as the patients were being seen.

“We learn from each other,” said Navy Capt. Mary Ann Gonzalez of 4th Dental Battalion, who is in charge of the clinic. The clinic also offered the American and South Africa dental staff an exchange of techniques and philosophy.

The MEDCAP is part of Shared Accord 2011, a joint exercise between the South African National Defense Forces and the U.S. military. The exercise seeks to develop American and South African humanitarian assistance capabilities in crisis situations. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa, a component of U.S. Africa Command, worked with SANDF to organize the event.

The temporary dental clinic consisted of two tents and a vehicle. From there, the staff could offer cleanings, fillings, x-rays or tooth extractions.

For the most part, people leave with a smile, said Gonzalez.

• Date Taken: 07.22.2011
• Date Posted: 07.29.2011 14:23
• Story ID: 74537
• Location: ZA