About this Unit
The MCAS Yuma AZ Dental Clinic has played a vital role in supporting the operational readiness of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma since its establishment. Tasked with providing comprehensive dental care to Marines and Sailors, the dental unit ensures personnel are deployable and mission-ready. Over the years, the clinic has adapted to advances in dental technology and military medicine, continuously improving care and services. Its dedicated staff supports both routine and emergency dental needs, contributing significantly to the health and effectiveness of MCAS Yuma’s forces.
Historical Facts
•
Strategic Location: MCAS Yuma is one of the busiest air stations in the Marine Corps, and its dental clinic plays a critical role in supporting the health and readiness of thousands of Marines, Sailors, and their families in the extreme desert environment.
•
Desert Challenges: The Yuma desert climate presents unique dental challenges, including dehydration-related oral health issues and the need for additional dental education among service members.
•
Support for Aviation Units: The dental clinic provides essential care for pilots and aircrew, ensuring they meet strict dental requirements necessary for flight status and mission readiness.
•
Role in Deployments: MCAS Yuma’s Dental unit routinely supports pre-deployment and post-deployment dental exams, helping to minimize dental emergencies downrange.
•
Participation in Exercises: The dental personnel often support large-scale exercises like Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) courses, providing immediate care for participants from across the Marine Corps.
•
Humanitarian Missions: Dental staff have participated in humanitarian and civic assistance projects, providing care to underserved populations both locally and in Mexico during training and outreach missions.
•
State-of-the-Art Facility: The dental clinic at MCAS Yuma is equipped with modern technology, offering advanced procedures such as digital radiography, endodontics, and oral surgery on-site.
•
Training and Education: The unit regularly conducts dental health education classes for Marines, emphasizing the importance of oral hygiene in maintaining overall combat effectiveness.
•
Emergency Response: The dental team is trained to respond to mass casualty and emergency situations, supporting the base’s overall medical readiness posture.
•
Historical Legacy: The dental unit has served generations of Marines since the air station’s establishment during World War II, continually adapting to the evolving needs of both the military and the local community.
