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Reserve Dental Technicians Attend Conference in Dallas
Story Number: NNS041010-01
Release Date: 10/10/2004 8:08:00 AM
By Journalist Seaman Elizabeth Loll, Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center Tulsa Public Affairs
DALLAS (NNS) -- Fleet Hospital Dallas came together to learn hands-on dentistry in response to mobilization readiness at a 2004 dental conference held Sept. 11.
With a medical recall on its way, the unit was doing its part to learn the definitions and technology of modern dentistry for the field.
“We are here to fulfill the desire of Dental Technician 1st Class Rebecca Nicholl; this has been her vision for over two years,” said Cmdr. Alan McQuigg, conference leader.
In a PowerPoint presentation by Nicholl, the group saw detailed pictures of abscesses, disease and damaged teeth, as McQuigg and Lt. Cmdr. Carol Watts, dentist, provided in-depth dental terminology.
“My vision is to make sure Reserve Dental Technicians, whose civilian jobs are not dental, receive all the information they need for mobilization readiness," said Nichols. “Our skills need to be sharpened to fit the needs that could arise in the field.”
Following the PowerPoint presentation, Lt. Michael Murphy, a nurse practitioner, led a hands-on suture training session that helped Reservists determine the difference between interrupted and running sutures.
Murphy also reminded the participants of the importance of cleanliness and sterilization.
"When using tools contacting flesh, remember 'sterile-to-sterile,'and 'if in doubt, change it out.'”
A dental lab was used to make models, as Watts demonstrated temporalization oppositions and the proper way to fix teeth in the field.
“I think it is important to prepare Reserve dental technicians for what they are about to face, for most of us don’t know what to expect,” said Watts. “I came to share experiences with the enlisted to ensure and maintain adequate training.”
During the session, the team had the opportunity to meet Rear Adm. Jerry West, a leader of Fleet Hospital Dallas, who thanked them for their mobilization readiness-efforts.
“Overall, the conference was useful and concluded the importance of having a separate conference for dental technicians and dentists,” said Nicholl.
For related news, visit the Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center, Tulsa Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/nmcrctulsa.
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