MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Prior to 1948, Sailors and Marines who sought dental treatment had to pay for it out of their own pockets. Many more did not even have the opportunity to receive it while on deployment.
That year however, the Navy introduced dental rates into their fleet to take care of a wide range of dental problems for their Sailors and fellow Marines free of charge.
On April 2, Navy dentists and dental technicians around the world celebrated 55 years of service.
Together, the Navy's dentists and dental technicians have increased the dental health of the Navy/Marine Corps team by being specially trained to perform prosthetics, dental X-rays, clinical laboratory techniques, pharmacy, chemistry, maintenance and repair.
"The dental technician is a prestigious rate committed to quality customer service," said Petty Officer 2nd class Jacquelyen Derry, 11th Dental Company Detachment dental administrative technician. "I think it's a wonderful opportunity to serve. I enjoy doing what I do and helping people."
Dental technicians earned a unique distinction under a provision of the 1947 Army-Navy Medical Services Corps Act. This allowed the Secretary of the Navy to create new specific dental rates. The new titles for the dental technician rating was finally a reality.
"Our main job is customer service and increasing the readiness for all of our Marines and Sailors here no matter what it takes," said Chief Petty Officer Claro Casusi, 11th Dental Company Detachment senior-enlisted leader.
When the 29 dental technicians, dentists and civilians at the 11th Dental Company Detachment aren't serving one of their more than 5,700 patients, they can be found out in the Station and local communities volunteering their time.
"We volunteer time to many organizations and programs around the Station and outside the gate," said Casusi. "We are also involved with orphanages, and we are always looking for new things to volunteer for."
Although going to the dentist's office can be a scary thought for some, to the dentists and dental technicians the job is very rewarding, according to Petty Officer 3rd class Jacqueline Flores, 11th Dental Company Detachment dental technician.
"I love my job because we get to assist people in need and help them relieve their pain," she said.