Eight Army dental officers graduated from the one-year long Advanced Education in General Dentistry program held at Fort Jackson July 8.
Retired Col. Michael S. Fulkerson, a former Army dentist and member of the American Dental Association, advised the graduates during the ceremony to embrace the Army and to make the most of what the military brings.
While at times he wasn't happy with where the military took him, he made "some lifelong friends along the way."
The experiences he had during his Army career made a lasting impact on him.
To most of the graduates where the class was their first taste of military life, Fulkerson said they strive to be the best and advised them "don't be afraid to take on the tough jobs."
"You may find the Army a great way of life," he said.
According to the ADA, the dental program aims to "enhance competence and confidence in the various clinical disciplines that are integral components of dentistry" while helping graduates "evaluate patients' total oral health needs. They provide a full range of general dental care, and refer patients, when indicated, to appropriate specialists."
Upon completion of the course the officers will be assigned to various posts across the Army.
The graduates are:
n Capt. Shauna Jones -- graduate of University of Colorado, Denver will be assigned to Fort
Hood, Texas
n Capt. Allie Kraft -- a graduate of Augusta University College of Dental Medicine will be
assigned to Fort Riley, Kansas
n Capt. Miles Renick -- a graduate of University of Louisville, Kentucky, will be assigned
to Fort Hood, Texas
n Capt. Katie M. Senkiw -- a Midwestern University graduate will be assigned to Fort Hood, Texas
n Capt. Rory D. Sharp -- a graduate of University of Washington will be assigned to Fort Polk, Louisiana
n Capt. Caleb Scott -- a graduate of Midwestern University will be assigned to Camp Walker, Korea
n Capt. Devin Wahlstrom -- a graduate of Oregon Health & Science University will be assigned to Walter Reed Medical Center
n Capt. Patricia Walworth -- a graduate of Western Reserve University will be assigned to Fort Gordon, Georgia.
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