Page 69 - RADC 2017

When the dummy injured dog came in for treatment during a scenario everyone got very excited!
The Army Dental Team invaded the Navy Pharmacy for a selfie and a push-up contest
head around. I worked with their Executive Officer and HQ Cell Captain to understand what they were about, attending briefings, O-groups and being briefed myself about their capability...they were, quite rightly, very proud of their unit.
As this was a Reserve unit, with only one regular soldier in the Dental HQ, they all had quite interesting double lives. Most of the Dental Assistants didn’t work in dental practices as their
‘real life’ job but the Dental Officers were a combination of oral surgeons, private practice owners, associates and a paediatric specialist. The dentists took
it in turns to deliver
training to their
colleagues. I found
my specialist subject
(besides the Queen,
English tea, and Downton Abbey) was root canal treatment on military working dogs. Niche, yes, but interesting to discuss with the visiting veterinary surgeon. When the dummy injured dog came in for treatment during a scenario everyone got very excited!
We hosted several distinguished visitor days at TAA Liberty. It was great to have some of the British Officers such as Maj Gen Bricknell, Brig Rowlands and Brig Williamson, amongst others, visit. They showed a keen interest in the dental capability presentation the US team and I delivered, our American friends going all out to put on a good show for the Brits. I have never seen so many Generals in one place,
Role-playing medical emergencies in the main dental clinic...nice home-made oxygen cylinder!
a total of 56 visited on one occasion. They represented many nations and there were so many stars on the uniforms that they were collectively referred to as the constellation!
One of the most entertaining parts
of the exercise was learning to deal with the American love of all things British, in particular our accents. It was charming and quite peculiar at the same time. Our hosts could not have been more welcoming and friendly. They went nuts every time a
particularly British phrase was spoken. We capitalised on our fame during the final day of briefings in the 330th HQ Commander’s Unit Brief. It was ‘foreign day’ and all us visitors were invited to give a brief, any brief.
I delivered the safety presentation, with the help of Sandra from Chicago. Our aim was to shoe horn as many British phrases into our presentations as possible. I kid you not, the HQ cheered when I threw in crumpets, tea, and cricket! - brilliant entertainment for us all.
The US Forces have a lovely tradition of giving out commanders coins to individuals they have worked with who are worthy
of mention. I will add that they are very generous with these coins- almost every Brit had several to show off. I claimed victory in the ‘best coin’ competition when a dental sergeant handed me a molar-shaped coin. I’m still delighted with it now!
The 143rd Dental Company were incredibly welcoming and so interested in what we do. Their Commanders hope we can work together in the future sometime. If anyone gets the opportunity I recommend you seize it - there is much to learn from our US counterparts.
The US team show off their solar-powered dental kit ready for the Distinguished Visitor Day
The US/UK dental team practicing dentistry on a lively scenario patient
RADC BULLETIN 2017 67