“The purpose of the MDU is to help our fellow fleet members,” said Petty Officer Third Class Nayla Jackson, Hospital Corpsman assigned to the Directorate for Dental Services at NMRTC PH. “Since they are always busy and have a hard time coming to our clinic, we go to them.” The MDU gives time back to the warfighters to complete other mission and deployment readiness requirements. Medical and dental readiness serve as a critical component of integrated naval power, necessary to naval superiority. Currently, the MDU operates Tuesday through Thursday and will soon be available on Mondays and Fridays. “We see about 25 patients every time the MDU goes out, {which is} about 300 Sailors per month” said Lt. Erin Seely, Dentist at NMRTC PH. The facility has a total of two rooms and three dental staff members on board: one dentist and two Hospital Corpsman dental technicians. NMRTC PH Sailors assigned to the Directorate for Dental Services split their time between the clinic and MDU. There is no special training required for dental staff to perform exams on the MDU vice the clinic, with the exception of a truck driving course for the vehicle driver. The MDU does not have operatory or cleaning capabilities and is strictly dedicated to dental exams which includes taking vitals and bitewing x-rays to diagnose cavities. Other Military dental units currently operate in Twentynine Palms, California and Norfolk, Virginia to provide dental services to active duty service members outside the clinic. For more information about the Mobile Dental Unit or to schedule a visit for your unit, contact the Fleet Department at 808-475-1880 Ext. 3392.

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