TINIAN, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands -- Navy dentist and corpsmen from 11th Dental Company, Third Dental Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, provided the people of Tinian with free dental care as part of the dental training evolution during Exercise Geiger Fury 2012, May 15, 2012.
Dentists received a donation consisting of dental supplies desperately needed for the people of Tinian from Ordot Dental Clinic on the island of Guam May 18.
“Donated to us were tooth brushes, floss, micro-brushes, lidocaine, isocaine and several other much-needed materials,” said Seaman Cody M. Fink, a dental technician with 3rd MLG, 3rd Dental Bn.,11th Dental Company.
Before supplies arrived, Naval dentists were able to perform simple checkups and cleanings.
“With these supplies, we can do great things for the people of Tinian,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jose A. Suris, a dentist with 11th Dental Company, 3rd Dental Bn.,3rd MLG. “Now we can perform minor removals, minor fillings and even treat minor dental infections.”
The dentists have provided dental care for the people of Tinian free of charge.
“Helping these people gives us a rewarding feeling,” said Seaman Felipe Bowen, a surgical technician with 11th Dental Company, 3rd Dental Bn., 3rd MLG. “We get to provide a service to these people they have not received in a long time. They thank us constantly and even bring us fresh mangos and other fruits, but just seeing them smile is rewarding enough for us.”
With no other dentist on Tinian, the naval dentists have their hands full seeing many patients each day.
“It doesn’t matter to us if we have to stay late,” said Fink. “These people have come here for our help. We have come here to help them. We will do our best to ensure we help as many people as possible before our time here is up.”
The people of Tinian are very thankful for the services the naval dentists have provided them.
“It has been maybe two years since I was last able to see a dentist,” said Alvin B. Ogo, patient. “I am so happy they came and helped us out. They have been very kind and I hope one day they will come back to us.” The dentists are continuing to provide their services for the people of Tinian throughout the duration of Exercise Geiger Fury 2012 at the Tinian Health Clinic.