The Arkansas Army National Guard (ANG) has launched its first dental clinic at Camp Joseph T. Robinson in North Little Rock, marking the state as the fourth in the U.S. to provide dental care for its Guardsmen. The clinic, officially opened on December 8, 2024, is set to improve the overall dental health of the state’s National Guard members and ensure they remain deployable for both state and federal missions.
The newly established facility is part of the ANG’s Dental Readiness Program, which is designed to enhance dental care access for soldiers during their drill weekends and annual training. The clinic is equipped to treat 15 to 20 Guardsmen daily, focusing on preventive care, routine cleanings, fillings, and simple extractions. For more complex treatments, such as root canals or wisdom teeth extractions, soldiers are referred to external providers under the Guard’s Paid Dental Program.
Capt. Kayla Payne, an Army dentist, and Sgt. 1st Class Adam McCauley led the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new clinic. According to officials, the clinic will serve up to 10 soldiers per day during drill weekends, offering crucial support to maintain the dental readiness of the force.
“This new facility is a game changer for the Arkansas Army National Guard,” said Col. Clint Miller, commander of ANG Medical Command. “Not only does it increase our capabilities, but it also boasts state-of-the-art equipment that surpasses many civilian dental clinics.”
The clinic is part of a broader strategy that combines in-house care with private insurance and contracted dentists to ensure Guardsmen stay mission-ready. The Arkansas ANG invested approximately $250,000 to establish the facility, covering the cost of equipment and supplies to support various treatments.
By offering these services, the Arkansas Army National Guard aims to address dental health issues more efficiently, enabling soldiers to focus on their duties without the added concern of dental readiness.
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