At Naval Hospital Bremerton (NHB), dental assistants play a pivotal role in supporting the Navy Dental Corps by ensuring that every officer is equipped to maintain the health and operational readiness of service members. As part of Dental Assistants Recognition Week, held from March 2-8, 2024, their essential contributions are being acknowledged and celebrated.
Dental assistants provide crucial support in diagnosing, treating, and managing patients’ oral health. Their responsibilities include guiding patients on cavity prevention and educating them about the importance of regular brushing and flossing, which are vital for maintaining overall dental wellness. In 2023 alone, NHB’s dental team handled over 27,000 patient appointments, reflecting the busy and essential nature of their work.
One of the most significant roles of dental assistants is their direct impact on the operational readiness of deployable units. Dental assistants contribute to maintaining dental readiness by performing annual radiographs on all patients, assisting dental officers during exams, documenting treatment needs, and ensuring that active-duty personnel’s dental readiness classifications are up-to-date. They also compile readiness reports and inform patients about scheduling their yearly dental exams.
The Navy’s dental readiness classification system is crucial in maintaining the operational capability of all Navy units. This system consists of four classifications:
- Class I: No dental treatment expected within a year.
- Class II: Minor or elective treatments, such as a cleaning or filling.
- Class III: Urgent treatment needed, often due to active dental disease that could worsen within a year.
- Class IV: No recent dental exam or unknown classification.
Dental assistants also work closely with Navy dentists, many of whom have specialized expertise in areas such as prosthodontics, orthodontics, and periodontics. They are trained to support these various dental disciplines, ensuring that all patients receive comprehensive care.
At NHB, the dental services span a wide range, including general dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, radiology, endodontics, prosthodontics, and dental hygiene. The department serves over 12,100 active-duty beneficiaries and provides dental care at additional facilities, such as Naval Base Kitsap Bangor and Naval Station Everett, as well as to platforms undergoing maintenance at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.
Recent advancements in virtual surgical planning and 3D printing have allowed the dental team to offer more efficient care. These innovations have reduced the need for multiple surgical appointments, improved predictability, and minimized Sailors’ time away from their operational duties, ensuring that they remain mission-ready.
As Dental Assistants Recognition Week 2024 unfolds, the vital work of dental assistants at NHB and their integral role in ensuring the health and readiness of Navy personnel are celebrated and appreciated.
Related topics:
Middlesex College Dental Hygiene Program Hosts Annual “Give Kids a Smile” Event
Dr. Spencer Douglas: Balancing Dentistry and Board Games for a Bright Financial Future
