22nd Dental Company

• Origins: The 22nd Dental Company was activated in the 1950s to provide comprehensive dental care to U.S. Marines and sailors in the Pacific region. • Location: The unit is headquartered at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, serving as a vital component of the 2nd Dental Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group. • Combat Deployments: Dental personnel from the 22nd have deployed alongside Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs) to provide dental support during operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. • Humanitarian Missions: The company has participated in humanitarian missions, offering dental care to civilians in the Caribbean, Central America, and Asia, including Operation Continuing Promise. • Disaster Relief: Members of the 22nd Dental Company have provided emergency dental services and support following natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes. • Advanced Technology: The unit utilizes mobile dental clinics, digital radiography, and portable dental equipment to deliver care in austere environments. • Training: Dental officers and technicians receive advanced field training to function in combat and field hospital settings, ensuring readiness for rapid deployment. • Support to Exercises: The 22nd Dental Company regularly supports major military exercises, such as Bold Alligator and Trident Juncture, enhancing operational dental readiness. • Patient Volume: The company provides dental care to thousands of Marines and sailors annually, including routine exams, emergency care, and complex oral surgeries. • Motto and Ethos: The unit is known for its motto, "Semper Dentes" ("Always Teeth"), emphasizing its commitment to maintaining the dental health and combat readiness of deployed forces.