dental service detachment Ft Lewis Wa

• Origins at Fort Lewis: The Dental Service Detachment at Fort Lewis traces its roots to World War II, when dental units were established to provide comprehensive care for troops preparing for deployment. • Merging of Installations: In 2010, Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base merged to become Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), expanding the scope and collaboration of dental and medical services on post. • Support During Deployments: The detachment played a vital role in ensuring dental readiness for units deploying to Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, reducing dental emergencies in combat zones. • Mobile Dental Clinics: The Dental Service Detachment has operated mobile dental clinics in the field, providing care during training exercises, disaster responses, and large-scale mobilizations. • Integration of Advanced Technology: The unit has been at the forefront of adopting digital X-rays, laser dentistry, and other advanced technologies to improve diagnosis and treatment for soldiers. • Dental Readiness Inspections: Routine dental readiness inspections conducted by the detachment have been critical in maintaining high levels of deployability for all units stationed at Fort Lewis/JBLM. • Community Outreach: The detachment has participated in community dental health fairs, school programs, and free clinics, serving both military families and local civilians in need. • Training Ground for Dental Officers: Fort Lewis has served as a key training site for Army dental officers and technicians, offering hands-on experience in both clinical and field environments. • Emergency Response: The unit has been involved in emergency responses, such as providing care during natural disasters and supporting humanitarian missions across the Pacific Northwest. • Historical Artifacts: The Dental Service Detachment at Fort Lewis maintains a collection of historical dental equipment, showcasing the evolution of military dentistry from the early 20th century to the present.