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Expeditionary Medical Force Portsmouth

 In the past month, at Camp Virginia, we have been introducing the dental field to our fellow medical corpsmen. With the merger in full effect, we have been busy training corpsmen in the basic duties of a dental tech. They have learned the full routine from check-in to the chair. These five corpsmen are now able to shoot x-rays, identify the name and purpose of special instruments, including the sterilization process, as well as assisting in basic chairside during operative procedures, oral surgery, and endodontics. This training will provide new opportunities for career development and advancement as well as supporting the merge to become one rate, one corps.

NMCP’s dental corpsman training NMCP’s medical corpman

Not only have corpsmen been able to come over to dental, but we, dental techs, have had the same opportunities in the medical field. We have participated in on hands training in patient care from evaluating vital signs to conducting a head to toe physical exam. The dental department's LPO has had the opportunity to pursue her goal to become a radiology tech, by being allowed to cross train in the x-ray lab. I have also had the opportunity to assist a medical officer with the removal of a cyst on a patient's upper back. It was a great learning experience for me. Even with the merger being very difficult for some, there were a few that have done exceptionally well. One of the medical hospitalmen cross trained in dental for a week and because he exceeded our expectations, he has gone as far as augmenting our dental staff for an additional week. Bravo Zulu on a job well done! With this being said, I believe that we should all strive to push forward to make this merger a smooth ride and it is happening first hand here at Camp Virginia. HOORAH!!

Last Updated: 25-Apr-2006