FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Family Members, dental providers and guests gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of five dental assistants during a small graduation ceremony Nov. 14 at Stone Dental Clinic.
The five graduates completed a rigorous training process that included both classroom instruction and hands-on learning. Administered by the American Red Cross, the program was facilitated by personnel from Marshall and Stone dental clinics.
The classroom component of the program consisted of more than 100 hours of training in subjects such as taking X-rays, charting, sterilization methods and administrative procedures, said Capt. Michael Silva, American Red Cross Dental Assistant Program director.
"They went through more than 1,000 pages of reading and completed two papers and five clinical competencies," he said. "They had homework -- at least three chapters of reading -- every night."
Students were then required to complete 1,000 hours of hands-on training, assisting providers at both clinics.
"The hands-on portion consisted of working with a provider to help with cleanings, fillings and specialty procedures," Silva said. "They did everything that a civilian dental assistant would be required to do, and more."
Students had 11 months to complete the program, although most completed it in eight or nine months and then continued to volunteer their time at Marshall and Stone dental clinics, Silva said.
This selfless effort did not go unnoticed, said Col. Valerie Holmes, DENTAC commander.
"We have Family Members here, we have Soldiers that deploy, we have people that go on emergency leave, and you all stepped up to fill those gaps," she said. "DENTAC could not have successfully gotten through this time period without you."
Holmes said she hoped the training exceeded students' expectations and she hoped they would return to work within the DENTAC community.
"We trained you, and we'd like to use you all here," she said. "I'm ready to hire you all -- you did a fantastic job."
Cheryl Dean, Fort Drum American Red Cross station manager, emphasized the value of this program to Family Members.
"This program is one of only two throughout the Department of Defense that is absolutely free for the spouses and dependents of active-duty or retired Soldiers."
She said the training provides Family Members with a valuable skill set that they can use in a field that is always looking for skilled employees.
"This certification is accepted throughout the Department of Defense and within the civilian sector," she said. "Our graduates can use this certification anywhere in the world that they go."
Dean, Holmes and Silva presented each graduate with a certificate of achievement.
Graduates were Katie-Ann Campbell, Debra Carroll, Brittany DiBernard, Chantel Robinson and Kashauna Thomas.
DiBernard has already begun working for a local civilian dental provider, and she attended the graduation ceremony during her lunch break. She said the training she received through the Dental Assistant Program prepared her very well for working in a busy dental practice.
"The training I received was excellent, and I feel prepared going to work every day because of it," she said.
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