CADMUS 2008

CADMUS

THE JOURNAL OF AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE DENTISTRY

SPECIAL EDITION COMMEMORATION OF 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF GRANT OF ROYAL TITLE TO RAADC

VOLUME 27, 2008

CADMUS

The Journal of Australian Defence Force Dentistry

CONTENTS

ISSN: 1834-0601

Case Study: Progression of caries between Annual Dental Examinations

EDITOR’S MESSAGE

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Case Study: Management of a New Soldier with moderate dental disease: the impact of late treatment and IR demands

OFFICIAL ADDRESSES

5

Case Study: Endodontic and Prosthodontic Treatment of a Queensland Police Dog

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ADF OPERATIONS

Post Visit Report: Brooke Army Medical Center Bulimia Nervosa: A Clinical Insight

Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program Pacific Partnership 2008 – USNS MERCY

OTHER ITEMS AND ACTIVITIES

HONOURS AND AWARDS

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DIRECTORATE OF DEFENCE FORCE DENTISTRY ANNUAL REPORT

24

FEATURE ARTICLES

27

Granting of the Title “Royal” to the RAADC

OBITUARIES

54

RAADC CORPS AND HISTORICAL

55

Update from the RAADC Association Incorporated From the desk of the acting Senior Health Advisor Headquarters 2nd Division

Surgeon Lieutenant Clive Townsend and HMAS SYDNEY

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TRAINING UPDATE

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Personal Experiences: Exercise LONGLOOK International Collaboration with a Dental Officer from the Royal Thai Air Force

The ADF Dental School

UNIT NEWS

58

Joint Units

Training Experiences: ADFDS Technician Trade Test – Brunei

Royal Australian Navy Fleet News Royal Australian Navy Dental Branch

PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL ITEMS Flying and Diving Restrictions following Dental Treatment

35

Royal Australian Army Dental Corps Royal Australian Air Force Dental Branch

ADF Health is published annually by Adbourne Publishing for the Australian Defence Force Health Services Division. For any correspondence regarding the content of this journal, please contact Squadron Leader Andrew Draper, Defence Health Services Division, CP2-7-016 Campbell Park Offices, Department of Defence, Canberra ACT 2600 Australia. Email: andrew.draper@defence.gov.au The statements or opinions that are expressed in the Journal reflect the views of the authors and do not represent the official policy of the Defence Health Service unless this is so stated. Although all accepted advertising material is expected to conform to ethical and legal standards, such acceptance does not imply endorsement by the Journal or the Australian Defence Force Health Service.

All literary matter in the Journal is covered by copyright, and must not be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by electronic or mechanical means, photocopying, or recording, without written permission.

Published by: ADBOURNE PUBLISHING 3/1527 Burwood Hwy, Tecoma, Victoria 3160 Phone: (03) 9752 6933 Fax: (03) 9752 6944 www.adbourne.com SOUTH AUSTRALIA Phone: 0488 390 039

CADMUS 2008

Adbourne Publishing and the Directorate of Defence Force Dentistry cannot ensure that advertisements appearing in this magazine comply with the Trades Practices Act and other consumer legislation. It is the responsibility of the supplier of advertising materials to ensure compliance with all legal requirements.

Front Cover: 60th anniversary of the grant of “Royal” title to the Australian Army Dental Corps.

Image supplied by COL Murray Hayes, overlaid by the actual text recorded on file of the Australian Army Order 99/100 advising the grant of title.

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CADMUS

The Journal of Australian Defence Force Dentistry Commemoration of 60th Anniversary of Grant of Royal Title to RAADC Volume 27, 2008

Editor’s Message

SQNLDR Andrew Draper

This year marks another significant anniversary for ADF Dentistry – This time, it is the 60th anniversary of the grant of Royal title to the Australian Army Dental Corps, in recognition of the work done by them during World War II. Researching the details of this grant has been a challenging and interesting job, for which we must primarily thank WODEN Shaye Metcalf, who has been assisted in this research by COL Stacey, The Army History Unit, and many archivists within major public institutions. LTCOL (ret’d) Kuusk has also provided us with an interesting piece on the history of the RAADC. Interestingly, the Royal Army Dental Corps was not granted its Royal title

by King George VI until 1948 in recognition of its service in World War II despite having existed in one form or another since the 17th century. Way back then it was recognised by the warfighters of the time that soldiers needed good incisor teeth to allow them to bite open cartridge cases and by 1857 surgeons were instructed to preserve teeth rather than extract them. As it was then and is still today, an effective soldier requires good oral health and function.

This edition also marks another significant event – The transfer of technical control of health services to Vice Chief of the Defence Force Group from Defence Support Group, and the appointment of our new Joint Health Commander, Major General Paul Alexander who has already articulated his vision for Joint Health Command and is working now to make it a reality over the next few years.

In this edition, Dental personnel have again contributed a number of high quality articles from the Dental Team.

For those of you who supplied us articles but they didn’t make it to print, we apologise but we simply don’t have space for them all. We really wish we could have printed them.

This journal cannot assemble itself. I thank the subeditors LCDR Burton (another superb job this year!) MAJ Chow and FLTLT Cox for their assistance in collating the materials. I am also very much indebted this year to LTCOL Kittie Lai and WODEN Shaye Metcalf who have provided me with untiring assistance in the final production. Despite my best plans and work scheduling, just as I was ready to commence the final layout, I found myself assigned a new priority task, and they kindly offered their assistance.

As always, the production of this magazine is made possible through the generous arrangement provided by the expert team at Adbourne Publishing, and the advertisers who choose to support this publication. Thanks to Managing Director Neil Muir and his Production Manager Claire Henry, the 2007 publication was typeset, printed and delivered in an exemplary manner. I’m sure you’ll agree that this year’s edition again showcases their graphic design and production talents. Their team is a pleasure to work with.

The cover shot this year was kindly provided to us by COL Murray Hayes, and is overlaid by the actual text recorded on file of the Australian Army Order 99/100 advising the grant of title.

LCDR Tanya Burton CADMUS 2008

MAJ Wayne Chow 3

Joint Health Command

Message from Commander Joint Health, the Surgeon General Australian Defence Force Major General Paul Alexander, MBBS, MLM, FACLM, DTM&H, Dip Sports Med

It is a privilege to be invited to provide this message for CADMUS 2008. I have been impressed with the standard and quality of each publication. The articles remain informative and relevant to the ADF dental staff and I think it is particularly useful to know what the various dental services across the Services and around the country are doing. This is a great way to keep the dental community within the ADF in touch with each other.

The past year has seen many changes within ADF health services, not least the formation of Joint Health Command and the move of the Division from Defence Support Group into Vice Chief of Defence Force Group. These changes have occurred as a result of the recent review of health services.

The review identified 10 recommendations for change within Defence Health Services which were supported by the Chiefs of Service Committee.

The move into VCDF Group allows us to be seen as not only supporting ADF capability through the provision of health services but also reinforces the concept that health services are an integral part of capability within the ADF. I consider this and the other changes to be very positive for our future.

Staff within Dental having been doing a lot of work in terms of data collection and this will in turn form an important part of the future of quality management. This ongoing work also fits well with the Health review recommendation regarding the use of a comprehensive integrated e-health package across the ADF. The good work already achieved in this area by ADF Dental Services and the broadening of the scope of data collection will form a solid foundation for the future work regarding e-health across the Command. The excellent standard of dental services has continued throughout 2008 and is reflected in the high numbers of ADF members achieving and maintaining their individual readiness status.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you all and acknowledge your hard work throughout 2008.

The dedication of dental staff across the ADF is well recognised at both Command and Senior Officer levels. I am aware of the staff shortages within dental services and acknowledge the outstanding effort you have all contributed to maintaining the dental fitness of the ADF. I look forward to meeting many of you during my regional visits in 2009 throughout my career that I most treasure. I have had the honour of being in a tri-Service environment for the last fifteen years and I must say that I have thoroughly enjoyed working with members of all the Services.

It has been a great time. I would like to thank each of you for your guidance, advice and friendship; and I wish each of you a long and happy career.

CADMUS 2008

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Joint Health Command

Message from the Director, Defence Force Dentistry Colonel Stephen Curry, BDS

Welcome to the 2008 edition of CADMUS, the journal of Australian Defence Force Dentistry.

This volume builds on the very successful 2007 edition and for this I would like to acknowledge the hard work of the editorial staff, especially my own staff the editor Squadron Leader Andrew Draper, Lieutenant Colonel Kittie Lai and Warrant Officer Shaye Metcalf; and the single Service editorial support of Lieutenant Commander Tanya Burton, Major Wayne Chow and Flight Lieutenant Robert Cox. Their efforts to produce this journal have been Herculean. I also would like to acknowledge the contributions of ADF dental members, both full time and Reserve, and those associated with ADF dentistry, without your offerings we would not have a journal. Mention must also be made of the continued professional support provided by our long standing publishers, Adbourne Publishing, as well as the continued support of the dental trade.

2008 has heralded a new era for Defence Health and therefore Defence Dentistry. As of the 4th August 2008 The Defence Health Services Division was superseded by Joint Health Command led

by Major General Paul Alexander. The new command has moved from Defence Support Group into the Vice Chief of the Defence Force group in recognition of the capability role of Defence Health. Joint Health Command will be restructured to include three one starred officers who will be dual hatted as the heads of their respective Service health organisations. The Command will take on the responsibility for health materiel management and will develop agreements articulating the individual responsibilities of Defence Health and each of the Services in the health space.

These exciting changes are quite extensive and will take some time to enact but in time will better serve the health needs of the ADF. 2008 has seen another productive year for ADF dentistry. I have always seen ADF dentistry as a single dental practice where we provide high quality dentistry squarely focused on the maintenance of function and in line with the greater Defence and patient requirements. I am constantly impressed by the dedication that dental providers, both uniformed and civilian, show towards their patients and the provision of this treatment. The enthusiasm at all levels to improve our processes is always heartening and I am always grateful for the enthusiastic assistance that the Directorate receives when we ask for assistance in the development

CADMUS 2008

or revision of a procedure or product. This enthusiasm has, and I hope always will be, a constant feature of ADF dentistry.

I am always saddened to hear of the departure of members of our dental service. This is a normal part of the ADF practice and this year is no exception. While I would like to acknowledge each member who has left during the year, it is more appropriate that they are mentioned in their single Service and facility news items within the journal. Traditionally I have restricted my mentions to senior dental members. Accordingly, I would like to acknowledge the 23 year career of Commander Peter Fatouris. Commander Fatouris was a foundation stone of the current Navy Dental Branch.

His hard work and vision is reflected in the strength of the Branch today. Like each member of the senior dental management group I came to rely on his sage advice and friendship. I wish him and his family all the very best in their future endeavours and thank him for his solid support. I would also like to acknowledge the 20 year career of one of my own staff members, Warrant Officer Shaye Metcalf. Warrant Officer Metcalf will retire mid 2009 but will be establishing her nineteen acre farm from April. Warrant Officer Metcalf has been a great asset to the Navy Dental Branch and to the directorate. I have especially appreciated her advice on dental auxiliary and management matters; her fearless advice was always considered and welcome. I thank her and wish her the best in her endeavours.

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the magnificent work of my directorate staff. Lieutenant Colonel Kittie Lai, Squadron Leader Andrew Draper and Warrant Officer Shaye Metcalf have worked as a very close team providing ADF dental facility members and the wider Defence Health and Defence communities with well considered and accurate advice. I personally owe them a huge debt of gratitude for the guidance and support that they have provided me. My special thanks are also extended to members of the tri-Service dental advisory group.

This is my last year as Director and as a permanent ADF officer.

I will retire in February 2009 after 33 years. It is at this time that I start to reminisce on the many exciting experiences that I have had and the interesting places that I have visited. But it is memory of the people that I have had the honour of working with and who have helped me throughout my career that I most treasure. I have had the honour of being in a tri-Service environment for the last fifteen years and I must say that I have thoroughly enjoyed working with members of all the Services. It has been a great time. I would like to thank each of you for your guidance, advice and friendship; and I wish each of you a long and happy career.

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Royal Australian Navy Dental Branch

Message from the Leadership, Navy Dental Branch Commander Mark Brazier, BDS, RAN Warrant Officer Shaye Metcalf, Dip. Pract. Man

Since my last article for CADMUS the RAN Dental Branch has continued to work well together as a cohesive organisation highlighted with outstanding achievements by a number of individuals.

Change has been one of the major factors through out the previous years and this has not slowed during the last 12 months. The RAN Dental Branch has continued to grow with an unprecedented influx of members joining the category. I welcome all our new members to a thriving category, one which continues to be people focused both to our patients and our staff.

Congratulations must first go to CPO Penny Stone on the award of an OAM for, “...meritorious service as the Fleet Petty Officer Dental in support of Maritime operational capability, and for outstanding achievement in the development of ADF Dental Auxiliary operational training and new career structures.” CPO Stone has provided leadership and guidance within the Dental Branch for many years and this award is well deserved for consistently excellent work over a significant period of time. In recognition of the outstanding effort as OIC ADFDS, LCDR Mark Page was awarded with a HDHS Commendation for his, “...tireless and exemplary” work. Thanks and congratulations also to LEUT Dan Allan who was awarded a SYSCOM Silver Commendation for his exceptional efforts at the FBE Dental Department.

We continue to face challenges and the retention of our senior members in the middle ranking categories – Leading Seaman and Petty Officers being the main.

With this in mind my focus this year has been on recruiting numbers and encouraging our people to ensure they are current and prepared for promotion.

There are also many personnel whose efforts directly contribute to the successful running of the Branch. I have been impressed by the efforts of our SDA at Minor Dental Units and in Fleet Mobile Dental Teams. As the list of routine administrative and clinical duties grow, the expectations of DA in these billets are far greater than they were a decade ago. These well trained DA are consistently fulfilling the requirements, some without a military DO present, is a testament to their dedication and skill. Once again Fleet must be thanked for their tireless operational efforts. Since January 2008, 8 deployments were carried out by 10 personnel ensuring that the high standards of oral health for our members at sea have been maintained.

The NAVSYSCOM Audits have continued and I congratulate many on their ongoing commitment to the provision of a professional service to our members. I have continued to work closely with the school and DSCM to ensure our members continue to receive training relevant to our needs and are posted into positions ensuring they utilise their new skills. I thank both the ADFDS staff and DSCM for their ongoing support.

In closing I would like to thank WO Shaye Metcalf for her timely advice and efforts in looking after the Branch. It is no coincidence that the Dental Category is one of the healthiest in the RAN. Thank you to the military and civilian dentists and auxiliaries who contribute on a daily basis to the success of the Branch. I wish you all a safe Christmas and a happy new year.

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This year has seen further development and bedding in for the Practice Planner which was adopted Defence wide. The changes to the methodology of our reporting processes has provided a wider view of our service provision and the document trail has confirmed problems as well as ‘runs on the board’ that, historically, we have only estimated. This has ensured that decisions which impact our people at the ‘coal face’ are evidence based.

This will be my last CADMUS contribution as a PNF member as I transfer to the Reserves in July 2009. I thank all of the Branch members, both old and new for their support, feedback and more often than not, honest input – you have been a pleasure to know and assist. Have a Safe and Merry Christmas. Fair winds and following seas.

“Fit to Bite, Fit to Fight”

CADMUS 2008

Royal Australian Army Dental Corps

Message from the Leadership, RAADC Colonel Geoff Stacey, BDSc (Hons), MDSc (Pros), FRACDS, FICD, MRACDS (Pros) Warrant Officer Class One Kym Chiesa, CSM

The Corps conference held at Bonegilla in October 2007 was a great success and the contribution of all attendees was greatly appreciated. The major outcome was the consensus reached on the construct of our basic deployable capability elements and how these should be put together to produce an effective and sustainable structure for the full-time component of the Corps. A report on the conference was forwarded to the Deputy Chief of the Army accompanied with recommendations to implement the proposed structure. DCA agreed and hopefully we will see changes over the next few years in line with Army’s Plan 2016. The major changes will see an increase in the number of CAPT DO, CPL Den Tech and PTE DA positions. This will go a long way towards correcting the damage numerous isolated establishment reviews have done to our current structure. All staff at the ADFDS deserve a huge thank you for expanding the current dental assistant course to cope with the surge in Army numbers. Our critical shortage of MAJ DO will not be fixed so easily and it will take several years to return to the manning levels not experienced since the start of this century. Dental Officers have been listed as a critical category by Army with the result that extra effort has been put in outside of the Corps to improve the situation. This effort appears to be bearing fruit with several officer selection boards planned as Cadmus goes to print, so hopefully I will be able to report further good news this time next year.

I met our two new dental officers, CAPT Nick Palfreyman and CAPT Anthony Craig, at the tri-Service Dental Officer Initial Course at the ADFDS and was very impressed by the calibre of these young officers.

With at least three more coming on line in January 2009 we only have to hold onto a few of these beyond their return of service obligation to provide the ongoing leadership required by the Corps. All RAADC members continued enthusiasm and support will go a long way towards achieving this.

Nobody lasts forever however and we are soon to farewell one of the stalwarts of the Corps. COL Stephen Curry, our current DDFD, retires on 8 Feb 2009 after 33 years service to Army and the ADF. I have had the pleasure to be a friend and colleague of Steve for many years and I would like to use this forum to formally thank him for the effort and dedication he has made to the RAADC over his long period of Service.

He is irreplaceable and he will be sorely missed. His legacy will prevail in many areas so he certainly will not be forgotten. I can confidently state that all members of the Corps wish both him and Kate all the best in their well-earned retirement.

WO1 Chiesa and I wish you every success and good soldiering in 2009.

CADMUS 2008

I regard my appointment in January 2008 as the Corps Warrant Officer for the RAADC as an extreme honour. The history of the RAADC soldier is one of determination and diligence with regards to duty. This is just as evident now as it has been in our past. The members of this Corps have so much to contribute to the ADF. You are not only Dental Corps, you are soldiers also. You are highly trained in more than your base trades and have proven repeatedly that you make effective leaders and have the skill sets and the ability to switch focus to non primary roles when circumstances dictate.

We currently have an essential footprint within the Army and ADF that provides a pivotal element to the logistical support required to keep our operational deployments at the ready. Much work is being conducted to work towards extending this support to include deployments into the Area of Operations. It has become evident to me as I speak to members of this Corps that the possibility of a deployment is never far from your thoughts. You see yourselves in demanding times, but you continue to stand together and face these adversities to achieve above average results. I would like to recognise the diligent efforts by every member of this Corps, and I ask that you continue to apply your highly regarded work ethic to your tasks. We need to continue to develop our trade and soldiering skills to remain poised for the future and the endeavours this may bring. I ask that the senior members of the Corps invest in our future by way of mentoring our junior members. Good leadership is the key to success.

Anybody can be a good leader when the rewards are forthcoming. It takes moral courage when you face adversities.

I congratulate the 2008 COL M.G.T. Kenny award recipients. This is a highly sought after and prestigious award for our Corps, and one that recognizes the ethos of the Dental Corps Soldier. I ask that you start considering the nominations for 2009. I would also ask all members to start thinking about the 2009 Corps Conference. The conference will be in Sydney allowing most members to attend.

I am pleased to hear that many members of this Corps have been involved with professional development activities. Many have completed career courses thus far in 2008. This ensures we have the suitably qualified soldiers for our future success.

In closing, I would like to thank you for your efforts and support during my tenure thus far. Your continued passion drives me to work harder to bring about the changes that you highlight. I see the future of the RAADC in good hands with highly educated and passionate soldiers leading the way. I look forward to conversing with you all in the future.

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Royal Australian Air Force Dental Branch

Message from the Leadership, RAAF Dental Branch Squadron Leader Mark O'Sullivan, BDSc (Hons), MDSc, FRACDS, MRACDS (Endo) Warrant Officer Janet Brennan, BSc

As has been observed by my predecessor, change is the only constant in today’s ADF, and this year was no exception. Firstly I must acknowledge the fine work of the recently ‘retired’ WGCDR Bryan Dubbeldam. He opened his own practice late last year and is finally able to re-indulge his passion for clinical dentistry.

His contribution to the Dental Branch over his 16 years of service and especially his efforts as Head of the Branch in the past 4 years will leave a lasting legacy. On behalf of RAAF Dental Branch, I thank him for his efforts and wish him all the best in his future.

Although operational opportunities have been scarce this year, a dental team lead by FLTLT Khai Nguyen participated in a humanitarian mission on-board USNS MERCY. It was a welcomed opportunity to implement what we train for.

2008 saw the resignation of SQNLDR Rob Turnbull after 12 years of service – I wish him well. We farewelled a few more Officers and Airmen and saw the Branch in a poor state for an effective dental workforce. Of note, RAAF Base Tindal had no incumbent dental officer and relied on a rotational arrangement of reserve and fulltime personnel. I thank all the dental officers that provided assistance and special praise must go to the auxiliary staff namely SGT Kerry Sears, LACW Alana Price and LACW Di Beningfield.

Their efforts and dedication lead to Tindal having one of the best IR status in the ADF, a job well done. Congratulations to CPL Shandelle Crosby who was awarded a CSM in the 2008 Australia Day awards for her exemplary service particularly at RAAF Base Amberley.

I had hoped to visit bases in 2008 as part of OC HSW initiative to visit all her units at least once a year.

Unfortunately for me, HSW EXEC WOFF (WOFF Howden Farrar) now accompanies OC HSW on base visits so opportunities for me to discuss matters with you face to face are rare.

I welcome your emails and phone calls anytime.

As Dental Trade Adviser, it has been an extremely busy and challenging year and as a team we have achieved some outstanding results in the Mustering, Branch and Air Force Health. Without doubt, my 2008 highlight would have to be my involvement in Exercise PACIFIC PARTNESHIP 08 (PP08) – and I didn’t even deploy! My role was to organise the Air Force team that deployed, which was not a simple task I can assure you. Exercise PACIFIC PARTNESRSHIP is an USPACFLEET (and other agencies) activity designed to provide humanitarian assistance in South East Asia and Oceania with a focus on medical, dental and public health aboard the USNS MERCY. PP08 was a unique opportunity for Dental Staff to participate in a humanitarian assistance mission and to exercise their skills in a coalition environment.

A four person RAAF dental team – FLTLT Nguyen and LACW Kelly from TVL, SGT Sears from TDL and CPL Gurney from PCE - deployed with nine other Air Force health personnel earlier this year on a ‘SE ASIA cruise’ as part of a rotation which supported the mission from 22nd May to 7th July 2008. Furthermore, FLTLT Nguyen was the Det. Commander for Air Force, a responsibility he carried out with distinction. There will be an opportunity for similar deployments in 2009, so keep your eyes open for the EOI message.

As 2009 approaches, we will see a significant boost to our dental officer numbers with the addition of five new graduates. This will provide a much anticipated boost to our capability as they progress through their competency levels and I welcome their contribution.

WGCDR Christine Cordery has now taken over the role of Head of Branch. No doubt a new and exciting experience and will rely on team work within the branch to ensure we maintain and adapt our current capability to meet the new ADF health environment we are now entering.

I congratulate those promoted this year and those to be promoted in 2009; I encourage you all to make the most of any opportunity available to broaden your skills set, get out of the surgery and do something different, even if only for a day.

I wish you all the very best and trust that you will return in 2009 ready to meet the inevitable challenges the New Year will bring.

Finally, I wish you all a safe and joyful festive season and a prosperous 2009.

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I thank SQNLDR Mark O’Sullivan (Dental Advisor-Air Force) for his support and also give a special thanks to FSGT Heather Fitzgibbon and FSGT Sheryl McPherson for undertaking tasks in my absence. I am taking extended leave in 2009 and look forward to their continual support.

CADMUS 2008

Reports from Operations and Exercises

Report of Activities from 1st August to 12th September 2008

Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program 2nd Health Support Battalion

The Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program (AACAP) reinforces the strong association between the Army and the Indigenous peoples of Australia. The projects are conducted in a culturally sensitive manner after consultation with the Aboriginal community. The sites are chosen after engagement between Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Australian Army. The AACAP program contributes to a more unified Australia through practical reconciliation by Australians working together to build better communities.

Summary Points: Typical Health tasks for AACAP • • • • • • • •

Health support to ADF personnel Environmental health support and advice Community first aid training Community health awareness and health promotion Conduct physical training and education programs Augment dental health programs already in place Veterinary assessments and awareness training Health specific cross-cultural awareness training

AACAP is a co-operative initiative between the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and the Australian Army to improve living and environmental health conditions in remote Aboriginal communities.

AACAP demonstrates a commitment to practical reconciliation, while delivering training benefits to the Australian Defence Force.

Each project has distinct construction component, a health component and a training component. The construction component focuses on the provision of environmental health infrastructure such as housing water, sewerage and electrical services as well as improving access to primary health care. The health component focuses on augmenting existing community medical, dental and veterinary programs. The training component focuses on specific skills required in the community and includes courses on construction and building maintenance, vehicle and small engine maintenance, welding, concreting and cooking.

Sergeant Tony Conlon, Dental Technician I arrived in Kalumburu one week prior to the rest of the team to locate a suitable site, set up and inspect the field dental equipment.

Due to excellent preparation, the equipment was in perfect order allowing me to conduct a detailed reconnaissance of the surrounding areas of Kalumburu and prepare a brief for the incoming dental team. The team arrived to a spacious and air 12

conditioned dental surgery. After community liaison with the community elders and teachers of the school, the surgery started to fill up with patients and I commenced my dental technician duties as a high number of the community required partial dentures.

It wasn’t all work as we managed to take a few hours each week for adventures around Kalumburu and to visit some of the attractions it had to offer. One activity that stands out is the day an Aboriginal guide took us out for the day showing us how to catch live bait and took us to one of her waterholes where we caught Queen Fish and Golden Trevally. The day ended at a beautiful billabong where she cooked the fish whole on a bed of coals for our lunch.

Sergeant Karina Peacock, Dental Education I was thrilled to find out my idea of a Dental Education Liaison was accepted. This was my first AACAP deployment and as I didn’t know what to expect, I spoke with many who had been on AACAP CADMUS 2008

or a deployment and soon realised the task would be bigger than I thought. My first point of call was to source assistance from a few dental companies. Colgate donated 150 toothbrushes and toothpastes and some education packs. Oral B provided brochures and stickers. With some research on dental education for kids, I came up with a few plans as to how to approach the job at hand including games, experiments and activities to make learning about oral hygiene and healthy eating even more fun.

On arrival, I discovered the level of oral hygiene was very low due to a lack of understanding of dietary requirements. With the teachers, we prepared a schedule so the student population (about 100 regular attendees) could be seen and treated. Then it was to get the adult population of the community to attend the dental clinic, which I did by wearing my pink dental shirt out and around the community talking up a storm. They were quick to embrace the dental team and appointment books filled up in no time.

The differences in culture provided an opportunity for me to further engage the local community with the assistance of the Community Nurses and ensured that the adult population received dental care. The community as a whole made us feel welcome by lots of greetings along our travel through town to and from work each day. They are happy to tell us of their favourite fishing spots and the best place to get oysters.

The added role of the education liaison officer enabled the clinical team to focus primarily on providing routine clinical services as well as providing dental education for the children of the community. Over all, working with a great team of people and the friendly people of the Kalumburu Community made the tasks easier and the time passed quickly.

CAPT Robinson (left) and SGT Peacock (right) with some local children receiving their Dental Bravery Certificate.

Private Evan Watson-Keast, Dental Assistant I was privileged to be called up for AACAP one month prior to take-off. As a new dental assistant I was not sure what to expect.

The main challenge personally was helping the children overcome their nervousness once they are in the chair and getting them to interact positively about their treatment. The experience highlighted the difference between working with children compared with working with our everyday military adult patients.

This was a great way to expand myself and consolidate all I have learnt. It was a fantastic experience and I would love to do it again some time in the future.

CADMUS 2008

Reports from ADF Operations

USNS MERCY T-AH 19 (21st May 2008 – 2nd July 2008)

Pacific Partnership 2008 (PP08) Humanitarian Assistance Mission Flight Lieutenant Khai Nguyen, BDS Sergeant Kerry Sears, Dental Supervisor

Building upon the success of Pacific Partnership in 2006 and 2007, the USNS MERCY was tasked to the Pacific Partnership mission in 2008. Pacific Partnership is a humanitarian deployment that is coordinated by the US Military, with several partner nations and is executed in conjunction with non-governmental relief organisations.

Our Team 2008 saw a large RAAF health contingent leading the ADF push, with RAAF Dental being at the ‘forefront’ of this particular mission.

The total count for the mission was 15 personnel which included 1 Dentist and 2 Dental Assistants. This was in addition to ARA personnel, namely No. 1 Combat Engineering Regiment (1CER) engineers.

Pacific Partnership was deployed in 3 separate teams. The RAAF team and 1CER engineers embarked in Guam, before sailing to Cotobato City and Manilla in the Philippines to deliver our services. From the Philippines, we sailed to Nha Trang, Vietnam to complete the next phase of our mission. After 10 days in Nha Trang, we set sail for Singapore, where our team disembarked. The replacement team would perform the Timor Leste leg of the mission, before disembarking in Darwin, to be replaced by the third Australian team for the Papua New Guinea leg.

Alongside the US Military personnel were US Public Health personnel and several non government organisations (NGO) including East-Meets-West, Project Hope, the University of San Diego Pre-Dental Society, and Operation Smile.

USNS MERCY - Treatment Statistics First ADF Contingent - Timor Leste Statistics 9,846 patients 270 surgeries 1,198 dental patients 3,892 eyeglasses provided $298,509 value biomedical repair 2 major engineering projects 523 animals treated

Philippines - 14 Days Total patients seen: 26,383 Total seen on board: 961 Surgeries preformed on board: 312

Vietnam - 10 Days Total patients seen: 11,576 Surgeries preformed on board: 234

Second ADF Contingent - Papua New Guinea Statistics 22,004 Medical patients 346 surgeries 3,175 dental patients (1169 paediatric) 6,983 eyeglasses provided

Ship Life

USNS Mercy anchored at Cotobato, Philippines 14

USNS MERCY was more like an ocean liner when compared with the usual ‘grey fleets’. Apart from the proper stairs and lifts, the 1,000+ crew on board enjoyed 3 solid meals including fresh fruit and vegetables throughout the entire mission. Also on board were a library, 3 gymnasiums, numerous plasma screens, communal common rooms with either PS3/Xbox 360 consoles or 24 hourmovie channel or satellite TV connection, a satellite internet feed and no water restrictions; even though we were in the middle of the ocean, modern conveniences were never far from reach.

CADMUS 2008

We discovered that there were significant differences in the materials normally used by American and Australian Dentists.

When teamed with the high numbers of patients seen, this created some challenges in regard to the materials available and required some clinical flexibility from the teams. There were frequent resupply opportunities along the way and more consumables were delivered to the ship.

Delivery of Clinical Services

The Dental Team on board USNS Mercy for PP08, Philippines Whilst underway between countries, the dental section was busy seeing their fellow ship mates and with the ‘palletising’ of consumables and supplies for advance helicopter transfer to the proceeding countries. This task was a main focus for the dental section, which often extended into the late hours of the evening and was completed efficiently thanks to the efforts of CPL Charmaine Gurney. At other times, all 4 surgeries on board were busy with patients. Dentistry on board USNS MERCY was no different than working on shore. Despite a slight sway whilst sailing, one would hardly notice the rocking when focussing on the job at hand.

Medical and dental services were delivered through rotating Medical Civil Action Program (MEDCAP) sites in a tri-service and joint foreign services environment, both on board the USNS MERCY, as well as on shore in a deployable field setting. The MEDCAP sites offered 4 main services: dental, optometry, pharmacy, and GP medical services. These MEDCAP sites were also used as a referral point for more complex patients back to USNS MERCY where surgical and specialist care could be delivered by the various specialists on board. As dental and optometry were the 2 main specialties able to provide ‘on site’ services, they were the most popular services throughout all visited countries. USNS MERCY designated 2 MEDCAP sites at separate localities each day, with 2 dental teams manning and providing the services out of these sites. At all the MEDCAP sites, the dental team only offered 2 services: fluoride treatment and extractions. Routine restorative, endodontic, and prosthodontic needs captured at the MEDCAP sites were referred back to USNS MERCY for treatment.

USNS MERCY was equipped with 3 CEREC III machines which were on loan for the mission by the University of San Diego.

CEREC guru, Dr Doug Schulz (with almost 20 years experience with CEREC) was also attached to USNS Mercy for a short leg of the mission to assist the Dentists in utilising this milling machine.

I had the unique opportunity to prepare, design, and mill several CEREC restorations under the guidance of Dr Schulz on 2 of my colleagues on board.

The dental team was very comprehensive, consisting of an oral surgeon, a maxillofacial surgeon, a paedodontist, and 7 GP dentists. Along the way, our numbers were once again slightly bolstered by a few additional clinicians from the host country that we docked at. These operators were aided by a combined team of 20 dental assistants, hygienists, laboratory technician, and dental radiographers. Furthermore, we had an additional 20 US PreDental students who doubled as dental assistants.

SGT Kerry Sears manning field sterilisation Field conditions were very arduous with no running water, limited electricity, and stifling heat and humidity of the monsoon season in South East Asia. Our days were long commencing with reveille at 0400h and then transferred to shore for our long vehicle or helicopter ride to the MEDCAP sites. We would unpack our field equipment ready for our first patients by 0800h. Our days usually concluded by around 1600h, with packing and transportation back to USNS MERCY wrapping up at around 1800h. On an average day, each dental team (2 dentists and 3 assistants) would have attended to over 90 patients and removed in excess of 170 teeth.

In total, 24 days were spent performing these field missions. The impressive performance of the Australian dental team was evident in their continual selection to go on shore virtually every day of the mission. The expertise and experience of SGT Kerry Sears resulted in her leading the sterilisation department during our field missions.

Field Dental Team (L-R) CAPT Douglas Olson Dentist US Air force, TSGT Brain Maddison Laboratory Technician US Air force, LCDR Brian Hutto US Navy Oral Surgeon, assistants for the day CAPT David Lee Dentist Canadian Army, SGT Kerry Sears and SGT Lisa Sheppard Hygienist Canadian Army

In Vietnam, we were supplemented by the East-Meets-West (NGO) dental set-up. This organisation mainly treats school children and has their own voluntary staff, donated dental chairs, equipment and consumables. Headed by CAPT Croft, an USPS Dentist, the

Extraction East-Meets-West style

[Caption] LACW Laura Kelly comforting a cleft palate patient.

operation was a production line for dental services. All dental chairs are manned by dentists and hygienists: 2 for hygiene, 3 for cavity preparations, 6 for various restorative stages, and the remaining chairs for completing the restorations. In addition, 3 student desks were used as makeshift dental chairs for extractions and administering local anaesthetics. Each patient came with a placard indicating the services that they required after they have been assessed by the ‘triage dentist’ at the front desk.

Embassy managed to securing permission for our landing on Philippines soil, but not in uniform while the SOFA negotiations continued.

As I can speak fluent Vietnamese, treating patients for me was easy and consequently I was assigned on shore every day at the MEDCAP sites. I was frequently asked to provide translating services for other clinicians in between patients. Commodore of the USNS MERCY, CAPT William Kearns, USN, caught wind of my language proficiency and I was seconded as his translator on all his official diplomatic visits and media appearances during the Vietnam leg of the mission, in addition to my MEDCAP assignments. This attracted the attention of the ADF and RAAF in regards to a publicised Vietnamese-speaking ADF presence amongst the local population. Personally, it was very rewarding for me and indeed an honour to return to my parent’s country of origin and was able to offer needed assistance to the extraordinary people of Vietnam.

Apart from US trained medical and dental clinicians, all foreign trained clinicians were not permitted to practice their respective skills. All non US trained dentists became dental assistants when deployed on shore during the Philippines leg of the mission. Here in the Philippines, LACW Laura Kelly was selected for a 6-day remote fly-away mission to Marawee where she aided the dental team in delivering dental services to the region.

In part, recognising some of our positive contribution to the people of the Philippines, a SOFA was signed between our countries. This will hopefully facilitate future deployments to the Philippines.

Conclusion PP08 was a very professionally and personally rewarding mission for all those involved. Great friends were made, great experiences shared and life-long bonds were formed between nations. Despite our small numbers, the Australian contingent left a significant mark on the entire team on board USNS MERCY through our actions and through our social antics. The performance of the Australian team impressed all on board, with notable praises from the Ship’s Commodore of the ship and from multiple section commanders. As OIC of the RAAF Detachment, I was very proud of their personal and collective achievements and efforts throughout the course of the mission.

(L-R) SGT Kerry Sears, LACW Laura Kelly, CPL Erica Hooper (MEDASST)

In Philippines, the participation of the Australian team was slightly delayed due to a diplomatic requirement to establish a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between our country and the Philippines. Until this was in place, we were not permitted to set foot on Philippines soil whilst in ADF uniform. The Australian 16

CADMUS 2008

Reports from ADF Operations

USNS MERCY T-AH 19 (4th July 2008 – 16th Aug 2008)

Pacific Partnership 2008 (PP08) Humanitarian Assistance Mission Lieutenant Elizabeth Close, BDent, RAN

In May 2008, 60 ADF members were selected to take part in PP08.

These HA missions developed after the USN provided aid relief in the aftermath of the 2004 Tsunami and have continued annually.

For PP08, the Military Sealift Command Hospital Ship USNS MERCY completed a 5-month round trip from San Diego, California including missions in the Philippines, Vietnam, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea and Federated States of Micronesia. Participating in the mission alongside the USN were 10 partner nations including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, India and Chile; four embarked NGO, many embassy staff and NGO on the ground.

The ADF personnel were divided into 2 groups both of which were commanded by MAJ James Mackland. The first contingent joined the ship in Singapore, participated in a 3 week deployment including 13 treatment days in Timor Leste and disembarked in Darwin. As part of the second Australian contingent, I boarded USNS MERCY in Darwin together with 13 other ADF personnel.

After 2 days of resupply, we sailed slowly through the Arafura Sea and Torres Strait to anchor in Port Moresby harbour. Over the next 13 days we worked hard both on the ship and at various sites around the Port Moresby providing much needed and much appreciated dental services.

Learning to speak Pidgin LCDR McLean, an infections diseases specialist from HMAS KUTTABUL who had spent some years living in the Pacific, spoke fluent Pidgin. To better communicate with our patients, he gave us lessons in Tok Pisin (speaking Pidgin). It is a simple language with just over 2,000 words, mostly of English or German origin. It developed as the indigenous people learned to negotiate with traders visiting their country and is now the official language in PNG. I leaned to use a few basic phrases and it is fairly intuitive: Pen belong yu? (Do you have pain?) Lookim tit belong yu. (I would like to look at you teeth.) Opim maus. (Open your mouth.)

Treatment on the Ship USNS MERCY has a dental clinic with 4 treatment chairs and 2 oral surgery chairs, sterilisation area and laboratory. During the transit time to PNG and any other day when we were not rostered to be off the ship we worked in this clinic seeing patients both from the ship’s staff and those referred in from the satellite clinics. We found working in the clinic was similar to any other modern surgery, despite some differences related to materials. We also had the opportunity to watch some surgical procedures carried out in the operating theatres such as the cleft lip and palate surgeries performed by Operation Smile (NGO).

Bridge Promotion On 3rd August, during our transit to Port Moresby, SMN Charni Groves was promoted on the bridge of USNS MERCY, a privilege usually reserved for officer promotion. This was due to the efforts of MAJ Mackland, CAPT Rice, CO Medical Facility, and CAPT Wiley, shipmaster. It was exciting to watch Charni, with her hand on the wheel, accepted her promotion from LEUT Allan representing the CO HMAS ALBATROSS and the US Commanding Officers.

CADMUS 2008

Teaching at Gabriel Gris Dental School, Port Moresby PNG The US Army dentists had organised a continuing education program for local dentists at the Gabriel Gris Dental School and we were asked to participate in providing the training. The dental school re-opened 3 years ago after nearly 10 years where only dental therapists were trained. The country currently has only 12 practicing dentists. About 40 people including all the practicing dentists and a number of therapists and students attended as LEUT Allan and myself presented lectures on HIV/AIDS oral manifestations, infection control and medical emergencies in the dental surgery.

It was really rewarding to contribute to the education of colleagues who get so little access to professional development.

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Treatment in the Field During the deployment, Medical/Dental Civic Action Programmes (MED/DENCAP) were executed at various sites around the Port Moresby area. As there were quite a few sites and only 10 dentists we all worked off the ship 6 or 7 times over the 13-day treatment program. The sites were in churches, community clinics and occasionally in ‘buildings’ with dirt floors and no walls. We carried all our equipment with us. There was little or no access to running water or electricity and with only upright chairs, we were restricted to extractions only. A limited number of complicated or restorative cases could be referred back to the ship. It was challenging working in the heat and dust with limited materials but definitely the most rewarding part of the deployment. With so few dentists in the country and no access to free dental services, this was a unique opportunity to seek treatment for a huge section of the population.

One typical morning, our group of 40 strong dentists, dental assistants, doctors, nurses, medics was greeted by a line of 3,000 cheering and waving patients about a kilometre long that had begun to line up at midnight. Despite the conditions patients generally waited patiently to be seen and were very appreciative.

2 dentists were sent to each site and we saw on average about 60 adult and children and did about the same number of extractions per day.

It was a busy and tiring deployment but one of the most rewarding experiences I have had and definitely a highlight of my career thus far. Pacific Partnership missions are likely to continue in the coming years and I would strongly encourage other personnel to be involved if the opportunity arises.

LCDR Pat Caldwell and LCDR John O'Grady.

Honours and Awards

Recognition of Recipients of Honours and Awards Colonel Stephen Curry, BDS, Director of Defence Force Dentistry

It is important that we recognise the fine work of our personnel by nominating them for formal recognition of their performance over and above that expected in the performance of their duties.

We wish to publicly congratulate the following personnel for their awards: MEDAL OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA Dr (Colonel Retd.) Grahame Brown, OAM Dr Brown was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on the 9th June 2008, for service to dentistry as an educator in the speciality of endodontics and through the Royal Australian Army Dental Corps, and to gemmology.

MEDAL OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA Chief Petty Officer Penny Valerie Stone, OAM Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Stone was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on the 26th January 2008, for meritorious service as the Fleet Petty Officer Dental in support of Maritime operational capability, and for outstanding achievement in the development of Australian Defence Force Dental Auxiliary operational training and new career structures.

In the course of her duties CPO Stone has provided excellent service to both the RAN and the wider ADF community. She is a credit to the RAN Dental Branch and acts as an excellent role model to all aspiring managers.

CONSPICUOUS SERVICE MEDAL Corporal Shandelle Ann Crosby, CSM Corporal Crosby was awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) on the 26th January 2008, for devotion to duty as the Dental Supervisor at Number 1 Air Transportable Health Squadron.

AUSTRALIAN DAY MEDALLION Warrant Officer Class Two Alisa Jane Wickham Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) Wickham has consistently demonstrated excellent instructional skills through the design and delivery of training that prepares officers and no-commissioned officers to plan, manage and conduct combat service support to complex operations. WO2 Wickham’s commitment and dedication to broaden her knowledge and skills through self-study and thorough preparation has underpinned her outstanding performance as a Military Instructor.

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DDFD Congratulates the Following: Honours Congratulations go to Dr (Colonel Retd.) Grahame Brown, OAM (dec’d) CPODENM Penny Stone, OAM CPL Shandelle Crosby, CSM

Awards HDHS Commendation – LCDR Mark Page OIC ADFDS NAVSYSCOM Commendation – LEUT Dan Allan CMDR Dave Allen Award for Safety Excellence Highly Commended – PODENS Scott Norbury Honorary Life Member Australian Dental Association – Dr. Barrie Gillings, RFD ED

ADF Dental School Students of Merit 07/08 DDFD also wishes to congratulate the students of merit for ADF Dental School courses on exceptional achievement in their studies.

Dental Assistant Course 22-Jan-2008 to 11-Apr-2008 19-May-2008 to 08-Aug-2008

PTE Evan Watson-Keast PTE Letisha Mueller

Senior Dental Assistant Course 04-Feb-2008 to 26-Mar-2008 15-Sept-2008 to 24-Oct-2008

PTE Jason Wilding LCPL Casey Dor’E

ADF Dental Hygiene Course 07-Jul-2008 to 28-Nov-2008

LCPL Linda Barry

These achievements are of the highest order and are in keeping with the finest traditions of Training Command and the Australian Army.

CADMUS 2008

HEAD OF DEFENCE HEALTH SERVICES COMMENDATION Lieutenant Commander Mark Andrew Page, RAN

NAVSYSCOM SILVER COMMENDATION Lieutenant Daniel Christopher Allan, RAN

Lieutenant Commander Page was awarded the HDHS Commendation in February 2008, for his tireless and exemplary performance in carrying out his responsibilities as the Officer in Charge of the Australian Defence Force Dental School since December 2004. The citation reads:

Lieutenant (LEUT) Daniel Allan is to be commended for his exceptional efforts whilst posted to the Fleet Base East Dental Department. His outstanding leadership, exemplary work ethic and exacting professionalism have been integral to the successful delivery of dental services to both operational and support personnel in the Sydney region.

“Your contribution to the ongoing development of clinical and management training for Australian Defence Force dental personnel at all levels has contributed significantly to the advancement of professionalism within the dental services. In particular you have demonstrated exceptional leadership in becoming an expert in the fields of professional and trade training for dental personnel.

Your diligence in the establishment of the inaugural Australian Defence Force Dental Officer Initial Course, and Senior Dental Assistant Course; the outsourcing of Dental Technician Training; the redevelopment of the Australian Defence Force Dental Hygienist course; the training associated with the introduction of the portable dental suite; the development of a Memorandum of Understanding for dental training, and numerous other administrative milestones; as well as his general leadership marking him as an exceptional officer.

These achievements are of the highest order and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Defence Force.”

LEUT Allan’s exceptional contributions have been a fundamental factor in the ability of the Fleet Base East Dental Department to support ADF operations in the region and to deliver high quality dental care to all associated personnel.

CMDR Dave Allen Award for Safety Excellence - Highly Commendable Petty Officer Scott Leslie Norbury Petty Officer (PO) Norbury is to be highly commended on his dedication to the implementation and ongoing management of safety management within the dental community. He has demonstrated a high level of passion and has developed the Chem Alert database for each RAN Dental Facility.

PO Norbury has ensured staff are trained in the use of the Chem Alert register and has established a Hazard Sub register. The improvement to handling techniques for Dental Fleet equipment and the development of an Emergency Control Noticeboard and procedural training maintain conformance with Naval Safety Policy.

OMISSION FROM CADMUS 2007: The Editor sincerely apologises for the inadvertent omission of the recognition of the following significant award from last year’s edition.

Award Presented at the 32nd Australian Dental Association Congress in Sydney in March 2007.

HONORARY LIFE MEMBER – AUSTRALIAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION Professor Barrie Gillings, RFD ED Prof. Barrie Gillings graduated with Class II Honours from the University of Sydney Dental School in 1955, later gaining a Master of Science from the University of Rochester in 1961. He became a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons in 1965 and earned a Doctor of Philosophy in 1967 from the University of Sydney. Prof. Gillings career has seen a strong focus on teaching and research and innovation, and has an extensive record of publications.

Prof. Gillings was a part of the Royal Australian Army Dental Corps initially during national service in 1953-1954, and subsequently as a Reservist. During his service, he was awarded the Reserve Forces Decoration and the Efficiency Decoration with one clasp.

He retired from the Reserves at age 60 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

We congratulate Prof. Gillings on being presented with this esteemed award, recognising his sustained and exceptional devotion to the profession of Dentistry.

Royal Australian Army Dental Corps

Colonel M. G. T. Kenny Awards 2007-2008 The Colonel M.G.T. Kenny Individual Award has been awarded to serving members of the Royal Australian Army Dental Corps (RAADC) since 1984. It is the single award, outside of the Australian system of Honours and Awards and Commendations for Service, which is available to publicly recognise exemplary service by members of the RAADC.

RAADC history as it fosters Esprit de Corps and promotes the history and traditions of our fine Corps.

Colonel Maxwell Gordon Treadgold Kenny AM, RFD, ED was appointed as a Captain to the Royal Australian Army Dental Corps, Active Citizen Military Forces on the 20th of October 1949.

He was promoted to Major in 1956 and was posted as OC 1 Dental Unit where he remained until he was posted as Deputy Assistant Director, Dental Services, HQ Northern Command in 1960. 1963 saw his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel as he took up the appointment of Assistant Director Dental Services, Northern Command.

You compiled an effective team consisting of an anaesthetist, operating theatre staff and dental assistants. You also established the fortnightly oral surgery theatre lists with members undergoing training at the School of Infantry.

After various appointments Max Kenny was promoted to Colonel in 1971 and posted as Director Dental Services, Northern Command. He continued to serve with distinction in many roles within the Army and was appointed Dental Consultant Director of Dental Services, Army Office in 1976 and also held the appointment as Honorary Dental Surgeon to the Governor General of Australia.

This award is held in high esteem, and all members of the Corps are urged to continue their efforts to strive for the 2009/2010 award.

BEST ARA RAADC OFFICER 8268088 Captain J.C.J. Ong Citation reads: I commended you for your dedication and outstanding achievement in the performance of your duties as a Dental Officer at the 1st Health Support Battalion.

Your enthusiasm and dedication has been instrumental in establishing the running of the oral surgery theatre lists utilising the 1st Health Support Battalion Operating Theatre.

Your initiatives to improve the working environment within Dental Platoon have afforded you respect from your superiors and subordinates alike and are to be commended.

You have been a strong advocate of your Corps at every given opportunity and your achievements are of the highest order and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Australian Army and the Royal Australian Army Dental Corps.

BEST GRES RAADC OFFICER 8510691 Captain B.E. Reed Citation reads:

Colonel Max Kenny died on the 16th of March 1983 and shortly after a number of awards were established, including the Colonel M.G.T. Kenny Individual Award.

I commend you for your tireless and exemplary performance in carrying out your responsibilities as a Reserve Dental Officer at the 8th Combat Services Support Battalion, Adamstown.

The excellent quality of the nominations received made the decision extremely difficult to choose the recipients of the COL M. G. T. Award for 2008. It is pleasing to acknowledge the outstanding achievements, dedication to duty and hard work from members of the Corps. This award is an important part of the

Your tireless contribution to the planning of the AACAP project at Doomadgee in 2007 ensured that the dental team was wellprepared to conduct both effective clinical treatment and excellent dental health education for the school students and staff of the community. Your effective dialogue with community elders

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facilitated a water fluoridation program to be commenced and your sensitivity to local indigenous customs ensured that the dental component of AACAP was well-received and would provide long term, preventive health benefits to the community.

In 2008, your personal vision of utilising lessons learned from the United States Army experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, to train RAADC personnel in the management of maxillofacial injuries sustained in modern warfare, was progressed. Your initiative in organising a visit to Brook Army Medical Centre, Texas, and your excellent representation of the ADF whilst there, is a credit to the RAADC. Your tireless efforts to communicate the skills and knowledge you gained about the current United States Army model of management of facial injuries from IED and other ballistic trauma have raised awareness within the ADF at all levels and will facilitate future dialogue between the United States and ADF health services on this important issue.

Your achievements are of the highest order and exemplify the spirit and the finest traditions of the Royal Australian Army Dental Corps.

to the 2nd Health Support Battalion, Brisbane and the 1st Health Support Battalion, Sydney.

Your ability to unite members of a three unit dental facility in Brisbane proved outstanding, and your positive attitude towards your work and your fellow members encouraged a high level of morale that was second to none.

You proved time and again that even the most arduous task can be enjoyed and you inspired other members through your jovial attitude and good work ethic to get on with the task at hand.

You have built a very good rapport with your peers and superiors alike in your current posting in Sydney and any absence from the workplace is always noticeable and has a direct impact on unit morale.

You are always passionate and willing to make the best of what the RAADC and the Army has to offer. You exploit those opportunities and pass those experiences on to others around you.

Your achievements are of the highest order and exemplify the spirit and the finest traditions of the Royal Australian Army Dental Corps.

BEST ARA RAADC SOLDIER 8484363 Private J.M. Wilding Citation reads:

BEST GRES RAADC SOLDIER

I commend you for your tireless and exemplary performance in carrying out your responsibilities as a Dental Assistant whilst posted

This category was not awarded this year, as no nominations were received.

State of the Union – ADF Dentistry

Directorate of Defence Force Dentistry

Annual Report FY 2007-2008 (Abridged Version) Colonel Stephen Curry, BDS, Director Defence Force Dentistry

The mission of the Directorate Defence Force Dentistry (DDFD) is to exercise technical control of the provision of dental services to the ADF. This is achieved through policy development and the provision of advice to Commander Joint Health on issues of a dental nature including dental capability and resourcing, oral health standards for the ADF, and dental workforce matters.

FOCUS AND PERFORMANCE Governance Governance within the Garrison environment is a central focus of DDFD. By monitoring and understanding what is being provided within the Defence dental practice, DDFD is better able to improve policy for appropriate and efficient treatment. These enhancements are in parallel to, rather than at the expense of efforts to ensure that treatment in the deployed environment is of a standard comparable to that provided at permanent base facilities.

Following the initial identification of the dental practice elements, as explained in CADMUS 2007, DDFD has further developed in consultation with the Senior Dental Officer Advisory Group, the Return and Performance Indicators. Further potential for enhancement exists and efforts to exploit all sources of management information will continue.

Summary Points: Accurate dental reporting is critical in ensuring that managers at all levels are situationally aware of the current position in relation to workload, staff levels, and the demand for clinical work. Management and resourcing decisions will be made based on these returns.

Units have performed very well during the 2008FY. The number of ADF personnel with expired, fit dental classes has fallen to 6.5% (down from 8.5% last year).

This figure needs further work in order to attain the 5% target by 30th June 2009.

Human resource and financial pressure should be expected in the next two years. Efforts which enhance efficiency in service delivery are to be pursued.

Historically, Defence has collected basic information on the services delivered to members in the dental surgery as well as information about the dental workforce. With the availability of improved information systems and a better understanding of the management information required, a new system of data collection was implemented from May 2007. Related to this, in 2008 DDFD began defining the structure of a dental management framework.

To better understand the tools that are needed, pillars describing the management elements of the dental governance model were articulated. The proposed pillars are capacity, utilisation, performance, quality and cost. These pillars are built from information derived from the Defence personnel database, PMKeyS; health databases HealthKEYS, MIMI; and the ROMAN financial reporting system. This augments other information supplied by individual dental facilities to provide a comprehensive operating picture of our service. The combination of this data in various ways provides the information needed to appreciate the pillar elements, and eventually higher order products. The information already assists in defining identifying vulnerabilities and opportunities for management improvement.

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CADMUS 2008

Identification of a model template has allowed attention to be focused on the requirements of data collection to enable the system to be practical. Education of facility staff in the new requirements is a key issue. DDFD recognises that regular feedback of results to dental facilities is essential so that facility staff members are better positioned to take ownership of their assigned portion of the dental practice. Monthly feedback to dental facilities is through the DDFD intranet site with senior officers receiving more detailed reports.

CHALLENGES

As an example of the information currently received by DDFD, for August 2008 there were 12,415 patient encounters, 4693 personnel made Dentally Individually Ready, 3621 permanent restorations provided, and 21 members treated for occupational injuries to their teeth.

FUTURE DIRECTION

Individual Readiness Dental fitness ultimately affects individual readiness and once again dental facility staff have worked diligently at maintaining their dependency. By its very nature dental fitness is not constant and requires diligent attention.

DDFD is investigating the viability of an evidence-based dental assessment screening schedule. The practicalities of this approach are yet to be fully addressed, but it shows promise that for some members, it may be a viable option to extend the period between dental examinations.

ADF staffing levels continue to be the greatest area of challenge.

The Dental Officer Career Structure can be successful as demonstrated by the Navy, however, even with a successful structure the small number of officer positions in the three Services means that small losses can have far reaching negative effects. The health of the auxiliary structures of PNF and PAF appear to be sound while that of the ARA is stressed.

Introduction of New Deployable Dental Equipment The Directorate continues to liaise closely with DMO to provide technical expertise in the introduction through JP2060, of new deployable dental equipment. This equipment will ensure that the standard of dental care in the deployed environment is the same or very similar to that provided in base facilities. A through-life upgrade of the current deployable equipment fleet is programmed and should be realised in the coming years.

Research DDFD continues to utilise the skills of the Reserve elements of the Services to provide the high level research that is required to better inform management decisions and policy development. Current dental research includes: • A case-control study on dental risk and unscheduled dental visits.

• An observational study of the measures of salivary, plaque and lifestyle factors and their associations in a Defence population.

• Dental decay experience in ADF recruits.

• Dental sub-questionnaires within Deployment Health Studies Governance DDFD will continue to develop the dental governance system so that higher level information can be derived from the data being collected. Early indications are that the information being made available to dental managers and Senior Health Officers is being used for planning and management purposes. The greater use of this information is encouraged.

The DDFD web site is an important element in our communication strategy. DDFD continues to develop the site as an important information vehicle for the practice and judging by the number of hits each month, dental managers are finding it a useful resource.

CADMUS 2008

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RAADC Corps and Historical

Feature Article

Grant of Royal Title to the Australian Army Dental Corps Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d.) Sven Kuusk, RFD, BDS (Hons), MDS, QS(US)

2008 marks the 60th anniversary of the Royal Australian Army Dental Corps receiving the title ‘Royal’, none of its previous iterations were entitled to use the title ‘Royal’.

The Australian Army Dental Service was born of necessity in World War I as part of the Australian Army Medical Corps. Military Order 11 of 1915 dated 6th January 1915 approved the establishment of Dental Surgeons within the Australian Army Medical Corps Reserve and in June 1915 Military Order 387 authorised the appointment of dentists to the Australian Imperial Forces.

The development of the Dental Service was shaped by the circumstances at that time and has been responsive to Defence requirements ever since. Between the world wars the strength of the Australian Army Dental Service was minimal but continued to be involved in tactical exercises providing knowledge of the constitution, equipment, administration and tactical handling of dental units.

Letter to Buckingham Palace dated 27th October 1948

Letter in response from Buckingham Palace dated 10th November 1948

Images from the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General of Australia

With the outbreak of World War II, there was once again a great need for dental treatment. The Australian Army Dental Service rapidly expanded during World War II, the specialised needs of that service eventually led to the granting of corps status. On the 23rd April 1943 through General Routine Order G.316 the Australian Army Dental Corps was authorised as a separate corps from the Australian Army Medical Corps.

Australian Army Dental Corps personnel served with distinction in all World War II theatres in which Australian Forces were deployed. In recognition of the Corps’ service during the war, King George VI granted the title “Royal” to the Australian Army Dental Corps (and 12 others corps) on 10 November 1948. Once the Governor General advised the Prime Minister of this decision later that month, it was promulgated in Australian Army Order 99 of 1948 dated 31st December 1948.

The Royal Australian Army Dental Corps was thus born.

Source: Image of His Majesty, King George VI (circa 1947) (from http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/matpc/04400/04464v.jpg)

CADMUS 2008

Facsimilie of the official extract of the Australian Army Order 99.

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Royal Australian Navy Dental Branch

Feature Article

Surgeon Lieutenant Mervyn Clive Townsend and HMAS SYDNEY Re-printed with the permission by Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch Photographs supplied and permission granted by Mrs Judy Appleton

The recent discovery of HMAS SYDNEY has reminded many of us of the tragic loss of life on board that vessel when it sank on 20th November 1941. Included in the numbers lost was Surgeon Lieutenant (Dentist) Mervyn Clive Townsend.

Mervyn Clive Townsend was born in Bairnsdale on 5th February 1917. His father Edward Townsend was an early headmaster at Bairnsdale High School from 1916 to 1929. The family moved to Bendigo in 1930 and Mervyn attended Bendigo High School until 1933 where his father was headmaster. In 1934 he attended Melbourne High School for a final year before enrolling as a student in the Faculty of Dental Science at the University of Melbourne. He was a high achieving student, graduating with a Bachelor of Dental Science in September 1939, just as World War II was declared.

Summary Points: 2008 marks the 67th Anniversary of the loss of HMAS SYDNEY.

Mervyn Clive Townsend achieved his Bachelor of Dental Science in September 1939 just as World War II was declared. He worked as a locum in Toorak and accepted a commission in the Royal Australian Navy in 1940. He joined HMAS SYDNEY in April 1941 as the Surgeon Lieutenant (Dentist). Mervyn served on board HMAS SYDNEY with his dental assistant, Sick Berth Attendant Stewart Thomas Laxton.

In November 1941 HMAS SYDENY was on patrol off the north-west coast of Western Australia when it became engaged with the German raider HSK Kormorant. As a result of this action HMAS SYDNEY was sunk with the loss of all crew.

DNA testing is still being conducted on the ‘unknown sailor’ found floating on a naval life raft near Christmas Island in 1942.

Dental Follies, c.1937. While Mervyn was a high-achieving student, he also took time off for fun. Mervyn Townsend pictured (far right) bearing the ordinal “6th”. Photograph from the Henry Forman Atkinson Dental Museum.

Mervyn worked as a locum in the Toorak practice of the late Max Casley before accepting a commission in the Royal Australian Navy on the 14th October 1940, joining HMAS SYDNEY as a dental officer on the ship’s return from the Mediterranean in April 1941.

In November 1941 HMAS SYDNEY was on patrol off the northwest coast of Western Australia when it became engaged with the German raider HSK Kormorant. As a result of this action HMAS SYDNEY was sunk with the loss of all crew. Mervyn served on board

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HMAS SYDNEY with his dental assistant, Sick Berth Attendant Stewart Thomas Laxton. Both men’s names are included on a commemorative plaque in the Chapel at HMAS CERBERUS which honours all members of the Dental Department to lose their lives during World War II. As the first of five members of the Victorian Branch (VB) of the Australian Dental Association (ADA) to lose their lives during World War II, the ADAVB established an annual prize in Lieutenant Townsend’s honour: the Mervyn Townsend Memorial Prize in Orthodontics. This prize is awarded annually to the

CADMUS 2008

student in the Bachelor of Dental Science course at the University of Melbourne who attains the highest academic achievement in orthodontics in final year. The award is presented to the student at a ceremony conducted by the ADAVB and attended by staff from the School of Dental Science.

Preliminary analysis indicated the remains were those of a relatively young Caucasian male. Examination of tiny fibres in a stud on his overalls indicated he was wearing white overalls and that narrowed the search down to 11 officers and warrant officers and two civilian canteen workers.”

Mervyn Townsend was the younger brother of Professor Sir Lance Townsend, who held the Chair of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at the University of Melbourne from 1951 to 1977. Professor Townsend was appointed the University’s first Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 1951 and was knighted for his services to Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 1971. From 1971 to 1977 he was also Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and in 1978 he was appointed Assistant Vice-Chancellor of the University.

Surgeon Lieutenant Mervyn Clive Townsend’s name is among the list of officers.

Recent newspaper articles have linked the human remains found in an unmarked grave on Christmas Island with possible survivors of HMAS SYDNEY. Brendon Nicholson in The Age on the 18th March 2008, writes: “The Navy has launched a DNA search to try to identify a sailor, believed to be from HMAS SYDNEY, whose remains were found floating on a naval life raft near Christmas Island in 1942. The raft was found in February 1942, about three months after HMAS SYDNEY was lost. It carried the decomposing body of a man wearing a sun-bleached boilersuit.

The body was buried in an unmarked grave on Christmas Island.

Navy Chief Vice-Admiral Russ Shalders said the Navy was almost certain the sailor had come from HMAS SYDNEY. With the body was a pair of boots of a size unlikely to be worn by the dead sailor, raising the possibility that at least two men survived the cruiser’s sinking, only to die on the life raft. Last year the Navy found the grave on Christmas Island and the remains were flown to Sydney for DNA examination.

Surgeon Lieutenant Mervyn Clive Townsend on board the HMAS SYDNEY with his assistant c.1941.

The Directorate of Defence Force Dentistry would like to thank the ADAVB for use of the article by Dr John Wark and Mrs Judy Appleton, daughter of Sir Lance Townsend and niece of Surgeon Lieutenant (Dentist) Mervyn Townsend, for her assistance and the shipboard photographs.

Training Update

The Australian Defence Force Dental School LCDR Mark Page, BDSc(Hons), GradDipCinDent, CEd(TTeach), RAN CAPT Paul Jacobsen, AdvDipDenTech WO2 Wayne Butler, AdvDipDenTech CPO Andrea Marsh, Dental Technician PO Craig Watkins, ADF Dental Hygienist SGT Vivienne Harris, ADF Dental Hygienist SGT Carolyn Carruthers, Dental Supervisor

Officer in Charge ADF Dental School 2IC ADF Dental School Lead Instructor ADF Dental Technician Course Operations Manager Lead Instructor ADF Dental Hygiene Course Lead Instructor ADF Senior Dental Assistant Course Lead Instructor ADF Dental Assistant Course

Course dates 2009: Dental Assistant Course (103943) 02-Feb-2009 to 24-Apr-2009 18-May-2009 to 07-Aug-2009 07-Sep-2009 to 27-Nov-2009 Senior Dental Assistant (200544) 16-Feb-2009 to 27-Mar-2009 21-Sep-2009 to 20-Oct-2009 Senior Dental Assistant (Preventive) (103940) 06-Apr-2009 to 28-Aug-2009 Cancelled Course is expected to be conducted again in 2010.

Front (L-R): WO2 Butler, LCDR Page, CAPT Jacobsen, CPO Marsh Rear: SGT Carruthers, SGT Harris, PO Watkins

Dental Officer Initial Course (113464) 24-Aug-2009 to 04-Sep-2009

Course Updates: Dental Assistant Course (103943) 2008 saw all three initial DA courses fully subscribed, with a massive 14 students on the last course. Due to the inability of the ADF Dental School (ADFDS) and CERBERUS Dental Department to cope with such numbers, several of these trainees undertook their clinical placement at their planned posting localities. It is not intended to make this normal practice, and this was a once-off event due to a number of recruiting issues from Army and RAAF. The ADFDS acknowledges the burden that this has placed on those units who received trainees early, namely RAAF Richmond, 3CSSB Townsville and 1 CSSB Darwin, and thanks them all for their co-operation. The new Dental Assistant Competency Task Journal (CTJ) has been released and most units receiving trainees from the ADFDS will have come across it by now. This CTJ maps directly to the national Certificate III in Dental Assisting, and is mandatory for completion in order to be eligible for this award.

CADMUS 2008

Senior Dental Assistant Course (200544) The SDA course has undergone several revisions since its inception in 2003, with the latest occurring this year. A number of modules have been expanded, with the addition of SDSS training commencing in the September 2008 course. The overall course length has been kept to 6 weeks; however, the workload has increased significantly. Trainees preparing for this course should be aware that there is a significant amount of out-of-hours research and assignments to complete. A new CTJ is being rolled out with the graduates of this course, however it still requires refining and the ADFDS would welcome any feedback regarding its content via the ADFDS email address: adf.dentalschool@defence.gov.au With the increase in recruiting numbers from Army in particular, it is anticipated that competition for this course will be high in the coming years. Perform well, and nominate yourself early in order

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to stand the best chance of being selected. The cut-off for nominations is 6 weeks pror to the start date of the course.

Dental Technician Course Training by the ADFDS has ceased for this course, with Southbank TAFE in Brisbane taking three Army students per year. The WO1 instructor position associated with this course is now located at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, and the students fall under his expert practical tuition two days a week, while attending TAFE for the remaining three days. Only one student is currently attending this course, having started in February 2008, with three more panelled to commence in June 2009.

Senior Dental Assistant (Preventive) Course (103940) This course was formerly known as the ADF Dental Hygienist Course. Four students completed this lengthy and challenging training this year. A number of initiatives involving continuous clinical assessment, oral ‘viva-voce’ end of course exams and weekly clinically-based tutorials have been introduced this year. While there is no civilian equivalent to this course of training, SDA(P) are very much a valued auxiliary in the ADF, and those who have completed the SDA(P) course have all found their work as an independent auxiliary very rewarding. Unfortunately, the SDA(P) course will not run in 2009 due to staffing constraints at the ADFDS, however, I would strongly encourage any dental assistant who feels like a change and a challenge to consider nominating for the 2010 course.

The largest DA Course in 2008

Dental Officer Initial Course (113464) This course was again run successfully this year, with the inclusion of a three-day Medical Emergencies workshop run conjointly by the ADFDS and CERBERUS Medical School. This module meets the CL1-2 progression requirement for ADF Dental Officers, with the requirement for MARC, FWAME or RWAME now being a single Service responsibility linked to position prerequisites. A number of ADF Reserve specialists also gave their time to provide an insight into ADF aspects of their respective areas during the course.

Training Update Training Experiences

Australian Defence Force Dental School (ADFDS) Technician Trade Test – Brunei – January 2008 Captain Paul Jacobsen, Royal Australian Army Dental Corps

From Monday to Thursday, WO1 Butler would issue the trade test appliances intermittently to the trainees to simulate a normal laboratory environment. The trainees would then complete the work by the nominated time requested on the laboratory slip. The finished appliance would then be assessed by us to ensure a fair and equitable evaluation was delivered to each trainee. This format allowed time to conduct an analysis of the laboratory procedures, evaluate the laboratory workload, supply system and the standard of prosthetic appliance being delivered to the clinicians.

The detailed report was delivered to MAJ Razak encompassing the completed audit of the laboratory and highlighting the skill levels of technician and supervisors and the use of clinicians to provide clinical feedback.

The ADF has been training soldiers from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) for over 20 years and during this period there have been two trade tests conducted in Brunei. The first request for instructor support back in 1996 was happily filled by then CAPT

Werner Voss (now MAJ).

This trip started when WO1 Wayne Butler was informally approached by the Brunian trainees whilst they were on their Part III course at HMAS CERBERUS in June 2007. Being a highly motivated and passionate soldier, WO1 Butler detailed a plan on how we could provide support to the RBAF Dental Service and supplied me with the contact details of the newly posted SDO in Brunei, MAJ Jefri Razak.

MAJ Razak was very supportive and positive in regards to trade testing the trainees and his submission to finance the trip included a trade test, an audit on their laboratory processes, a technician workgroup and recommendations for setting up a cobalt chrome laboratory!

Approval was granted and the trip was scheduled for late January 2008. On return from leave, we were greeted by a training program detailing all aspects of our visit. The program left us with little doubt that we would actually be involved with clinical issues.

We arrived in Brunei on Saturday 26th January at 2330h where we were greeted by the SDO, the Liaison Officer, driver and all current trainees. We were then taken to our hotel in the hotspot of the Capital and our hosts demonstrated their dedication in making us feel welcome to their country. The next day we did some touristy stuff and then prepared for the first day of the trade test.

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After four and a half hectic days, we evaluated the trainees’ work and completed the assessments. On completion of the individual assessment, we gathered with the trainees and staff for a formal graduation and afternoon tea. The trainees were presented with a certificate and individually congratulated on their achievements on passing this difficult course. The staff then presented us with a picture (see above) taken whilst we were in Brunei. We then presented a large cast RAADC Badge to MAJ Razak and staff, it seemed appropriate that a significant gift be presented to the RBAF Dental Service after our 20 year association. As ADF technician training is now outsourced to Southbank Institute of TAFE Brisbane, ADF support to the RBAF will conclude at the end of this year.

An ‘end of trade test’ function was organised at the Sultan’s entertainment playground. This facility is bigger than Disneyland and is very impressive. It must be said that we had a good night and it was great to celebrate the graduation of the trainees.

On the last day we had breakfast with MAJ Razak where he thanked us for our support and honesty with the recommendations for improving the RBAF Dental Service. We took the opportunity to pass on our thanks and to offer our services for the trade test at the end of this year. Our final commitment was at the airport, all the staff and trainees were there to say goodbye. Their hospitality during that one week period was outstanding and it provided us a different outlook on their culture and traditions.

Speaking on behalf of WO1 Butler, this was a fantastic experience in our careers. The opportunity to travel to another country and work with another Defence Force is invaluable. The ADF Dental Services are very well resourced and the majority of our dental facilities are first class, this trip has proven how lucky we are!

CADMUS 2008

Professional and Technical Items

Flying and Diving Restrictions following Dental Treatment Lieutenant Des Worboys, BA, Grad Dip Ap Sci, RAN, Final Year Dental Student Lieutenant Simon Flanagan, BSc, BE, BDent, RAN Major Mike Lines, BSc (Hons), Grad Cert Tech, Final Year Dental Student Officer Cadet Kate Aitken, Final Year Dental Student, RAAF Officer Cadet Amy Dempster, Final Year Dental Student, RAAF

Introduction Dental treatment may leave personnel unfit for flying and diving duties. These restrictions are usually temporary but may be required because of an oral condition or disease, the adverse affects of the treatment provided, or due to the drugs administered during treatment. For the purpose of this article, these restrictions also apply to simulated hypobaric flight or a recompression chamber ‘run’ irrespective of the qualifications or duty of the person concerned.

The aim of this article is to highlight flying and diving restrictions following dental treatment as set out in Health Policy Directive No. 411 – Aviation and Diving – Dental Considerations, Health Directive No. 311 – Use of Medications by Aircrew and Aircraft Controllers, and Defence Instruction (General) Operational 22-2 – Temporary Medical Unfitness for Flying and Aircraft Control Duties (Aircrew, Air Traffic Controllers and Air Combat Officers) as well as outlining how altitude can impact on inflamed dental pulpal tissues.

Impact of flying and diving on inflamed dental tissue Barodontalgia is dental pain that is initiated by changes in atmospheric pressure but that usually resolves when the person returns to normal atmospheric pressure. The safety and performance of aircrew/divers can be severely affected by barodontalgia due to the intensity of the pain.

Evidence has indicated that certain findings are particular to barodontalgia. When the pain first occurs during pressure drops, the pulp is usually vital. When it occurs during rises in pressure, then the pulp is usually non-vital. There can be a remarkable constancy at the pressure (depth/altitude) at which toothache occurs such as a toothache that starts at a certain pressure may subside at the same pressure on approaching surface/ground level. Where the pain persists after flying/diving, it is often associated with the periapical involvement of a degenerating pulp.

It is seldom helpful in establishing a diagnosis to repeat the flight/dive as the patient may experience one painful episode without recurrence. Pain is often relieved on approaching surface/ground level. The Federation Dentaire Internationale (FDI) 1984 classified barodontalgia into four groups according to the symptoms and signs of pain in correlation with pressure CADMUS 2008

Note from the Editor: Management of the dental care of Divers, Aircrew and Aviation Related Trades is complex. This article is an excellent guide to dental specific issues.

It is essential that an Aviation or Underwater Medical Officer is consulted for opinion as to whether a particular medication may require assignment of temporary unfitness for particular duties.

The consequences of not fully considering the impact of the medication or procedure on the suitability to dive, fly, or perform aviation related duties could be fatal.

changes. It should be noted that symptoms are variable and should not be relied upon in establishing a definitive diagnosis.

Nevertheless, the classification can be useful if discretion is used.

Elements are listed below: 1. Acute pulpitis Symptom: sudden piercing pain upon pressure drop Findings: vital pulp without periapical alteration 2. Chronic pulpitis Symptom: severe gnawing pain upon pressure drop Findings: vital or non-responsive pulp without periapical alteration 3. Necrosis of pulp Symptom: severe gnawing pain upon rise of pressure Findings: non-vital pulp with periapical alteration 4. Periapical abscess or cyst Symptom: severe long-lasting pain upon pressure rise/drop Findings: non-vital pulp with periapical alteration There is an intimate relationship between pre-existing dental pathology and barodontalgia. In a healthy tooth, pulp chamber pressure compensation occurs through the blood vessels as changes occur in the environmental atmospheric pressure.

Chronic inflammation of the pulpal tissue (chronic pulpitis) 35

appears to be associated with most cases of barodontalgia. Low temperatures, vibration, ‘g’ forces and varying oxygen percentages do not appear to trigger barodontalgia.

So who is affected by this condition? The short answer is that it is not restricted to any particular age group. The reported incidence of barodontalgia in aircrew varies between 0.26% and 8%. The onset has been reported as occurring from 5,000 feet to 35,000 feet, most commonly occurs between 9,000 and 27,000 feet.

Barodontalgia is treated in a similar manner as ordinary dental pain. Prevention of barodontalgia is based on the maintenance of high standards in preventative and restorative dentistry.

Suspension of flying and diving duties – Drug therapy Personnel undergoing dental treatment requiring the use of drugs or medications must be assessed against the direction given in HD311. Liaison with an aviation medicine medical officer (AVMO) is to occur if there is any doubt regarding medication.

Restriction of flying and diving duties – Dental treatment Routine treatment. Under normal circumstances, routine treatment should not lead to restrictions. However, where the dental officer considers the procedure to have been stressful for the patient, a night’s sleep is required before flying/diving.

Endodontics. Personnel undergoing root canal therapy are to be removed from flying/diving duties for the period between recognition of the endodontic need through to satisfactory completion of therapy. Flying/diving duties should not be resumed until the completed root filling has been asymptomatic for 24-hour following the procedure. Personnel undergoing endodontics are to have their appointments at the earliest opportunity consistent with sound clinical management, rather than when the next vacant appointments are available routinely.

Oral or dental infections. Flying/diving duties can resume when certified by a dental officer.

Exodontia. A 48-hour restriction is required post-extraction until recertification by a dental officer. For surgical extractions, the restriction is for a minimum of one week until the resolution of inflammation and removal of sutures, with recertification by a dental officer. Actual or suspected antral perforations should be treated with caution and a minimum of 2-week restriction is mandatory. Recertification may require specialist assessment and/or hypo/hyperbaric chamber tests by an AVMO. Oral Surgery. Restriction post oral surgery is dependent on the procedure and will be determined by the treating dental officer.

In general, all wounds should be sutured and a 48-hour restriction is necessary. Flying/diving duties are not to be resumed until an existing infection is resolved and personnel has been re-examined by a dental officer.

Alveolar osteitis. A restriction applies until adequate resolution of the condition and recertification by a dental officer. Adequate resolution usually takes about 10 days.

Periodontal surgery or apicectomy. A restriction applies until the resolution of inflammation, with recertification by a dental officer.

Note: Where possible, non-urgent treatment which will generate flying/diving restrictions is to be deferred until personnel goes on a period of non-flying/non-diving duties.

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Treatment Plan The minimal intervention philosophy applies to aircrew and divers as it does to other personnel. Due to the possibility of serious consequences in delaying treatment for aircrew and divers, it should be noted that diagnosis will depend more on definitive clinical testing and less on prolonged observation. Specific procedural contraindications for aircrew and divers are direct ‘pulp capping’ and pulpotomy. Deep bases should be obtundent or neutral in nature. When treating pulpitis, it is beneficial to consider the potential of hydrocortisone-containing dressings to mask and postpone symptoms. Utilization of composite resins as direct restorations for posterior teeth is considerably technique sensitive with many clinicians, hence it is less reliable compared with other types of restorative materials. This factor is to receive due consideration for aircrew and divers. In assessing heavily restored teeth in aircrew and divers, vitality and thermal testing is required in all cases, whereas in other personnel, this would usually occur where clinically indicated.

Submariners Submarine escape training involves free ascents from 20m to the surface i.e. 3 to 1 atmosphere (atm) pressure therefore the temporary restrictions described previously also apply to personnel scheduled for escape training. Submarines operate at a constant 1 atm with fluctuations of ±0.5 atm which may occur whilst ‘snorting’ to run the diesel generators. This generally will have few dental implications and does not require special management. Submariners operate for long periods without access to dental support and therefore they must maintain a high standard of oral health.

Clearance Divers Modern mines are highly sensitive therefore clearance divers must not generate a magnetic field. Although the risk is considered minimal, if material that can induce or modify a magnetic field are to be used, clearance for use must be obtained from the Submarine and Underwater Medicine Unit (SUMU) at HMAS PENGUIN. These materials include fixed stainless steel orthodontic appliances and magnetically retained prostheses. If there are any doubts, appropriate trials can be conducted by SUMU before treatment commences.

Aeromedical Evacuation of Maxillofacial Patients Patient with maxillofacial injuries requires aeromedical evacuation (AME). If a dental officer is available, they may assist in the preflight preparation and if necessary replace intermaxillary splinting or support with a type that can be readily released inflight

by AME personnel in case of airsickness. Elastic bands or similarly readily removable means are to be used. Rigid fixation techniques with intermaxillary wires or metal fixations should not be used even where an airway is secured (including tracehostomy).

Medical and dental officers should be familiar with all preflight and inflight procedures associated with the AME of maxillofacial patients as outlined at Annex B of HPD 411.

References: 1. Health Policy Directive No. 411 – Aviation and Diving – Dental Considerations 20th April 1995 2. Health Directive No. 311 – Use of Medications by Aircrew and Aircraft Controllers 27th October 2008 3. Defence Instruction (General) Operational 22-2 Temporary Medical Unfitness for Flying and Aircraft Control Duties (Aircrew, Air Traffic Controllers and Air Combat Officers) 20th November 2007

CADMUS 2008

Reports from ADF Operations Operation ASTUTE, Timor Leste (27th February – 29th March 2008)

Dental Section, 1st Health Support Battalion Private Angela Audet CAPT Victor Olsson-White, SGT Kiron Kilpatrick and PTE Angela Audet (nee Smith) deployed on Operation Astute to carry out AIRN ADE and treatment on deployed members before their return to Australia. Based at the H-POD in Dili, the section was administered by Timor Leste Battle Group 3 (TLBG3). We arrived on 28th February with little information about the number of members with estimates between 200–800, this has made the preparation for stores to deploy somewhat difficult. As our tricon, which was coming by sea, did not arrive in country until 5th March, we utilised the limited dental equipment and stores used by Aspen after hours and on the weekend. The room in which we were to set up our gear in was located at the rear of an old hanger. The room had not been used for quite awhile and the monumental cleaning took a whole day but eventually we got it to a standard more like a clinical environment. Once up and running, we were treating about 16-18 members every day.

Liaising with different units was a challenge that CAPT Olsson-White did a great job with. During the first 16 days at the HPOD we attended to a total of 222 members. Both the ADE and if necessary, treatment were provided in a single appointment for our members as reappointing was generally not an option.

For the members based out at Baucau, the section flew out in a helicopter to assess whether there is space and power to facilitate our deployment there. This trip was great as we got to see a huge amount of the country and the amazing shore lines. The section subsequently deployed to Baucau on the 22th March by road, which was a 4-hour Uni Mog ride. Along the way, we saw a lot more of the country and interacted with some of the local children. At Baucau, we attended to a total of 30 members. We left Baucau on the 26th March alongside the truckies recovering a Mog back to Dili. This road trip took 11 hours as the towing arm on the recovery vehicle broke while attempting to negotiate the tight bends on the road. We spent a number of hours on the side of the road directing traffic and trying to communicate to the locals coming up the hill what was happening.

In all we saw a total of 252 members. Of these 248 were made AIRN compliant with only 4 requiring treatment that was outside the scope of what we could provide in such a short amount of time. We spent the 27th March cleaning our equipment and preparing them for inspection by Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS). In all we had a great time. The opportunities for operational deployments within the Corps are few and far between in recent years and we relished the experience.

Professional and Technical Items

Dental Officer CL1 to CL2 Case Study

Progression of Caries between Annual Dental Examinations Lieutenant Dan Allan, BDent, RAN

Introduction

Diagnosis

A 27 year old male patient presented for his annual dental examination (ADE) with no chief complaints. He has no medical history of note, is taking no medications and is a non-smoker. He is posted to a Ship that has recently returned from 6-month deployment to the Middle East and prior to this posting, he was posted on a 12-month training course in the USA.

Carious lesions in 16 and 37.

Examination On examination the patient had no abnormalities extra-orally or intra-orally. His oral hygiene was of a good standard and all six segments were allocated with score ‘A’ for his ADF periodontal assessment. Bilateral bitewing radiographs were taken and on 26M and 37M, there were radiolucencies that are extending towards the pulp.

Fig. 1 Bitewing radiographs 2005 The patient reported no symptoms with either of these teeth. Both 16 and 37 responded normally to CO2 testing and neither tooth was tender to percussion or palpation. Periodontal examination of the 16 and 37 showed no abnormalities. Periapical radiographs taken of these teeth showed no periapical pathology.

Fig. 2 Bitewing radiographs 2007 38

Treatment Plan The plan was to render 16 and 37 caries free. Depending on the extent of the caries, the teeth can be restored with amalgam or root canal treatment may be required. The patient was informed that the caries removal and restoration of the tooth may irritate the pulp and lead to symptoms consistent with pulpal necrosis (death). The patient consented to this treatment plan.

Treatment Tooth 37 was restored with an interim restoration of GIC under rubber dam. During caries removal, it was noted that the lesion was very deep with no pulpal exposure and an interim GIC was considered a better restorative option should symptoms of irreversible pulpitis develop. The tooth was followed up with periapical radiographs and CO2 testing over a 3-month period. It showed no development of symptoms or radiological changes from baseline results. 37 was subsequently restored with an amalgam restoration 3 months after initial presentation and has been treatment planned to receive a periapical radiograph review and CO2 testing at the next ADE. Caries removal was undertaken on 16 under rubber dam and the lesion was very deep once again. The tooth was restored with GIC for the same reason as 37. The patient returned that afternoon with extreme pain emanating from 16. The pain had commenced as soon as the local anaesthetics had worn off. It was a constant, sharp stabbing pain that could not be alleviated with analgesics.

A diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis was made and root canal treatment (RCT) was commenced. The pulp was extirpated and a 50/50 mix1 of Ledermix® paste and Calcium Hydroxide (CaOH) was placed in the pulp chamber and canals. The tooth was taken out of occlusion but no orthodontic band was placed around 16. The patient had no further symptoms from 16 and RCT was continued at the next appointment. The patient returned 2 days later with pain in the 16 region after he had bitten into something. On examination a mesial-distal crack that extended into the pulp chamber and down the mesial-buccal canal was evident in 16. The prognosis was deemed as hopeless and 16 was extracted under local anaesthetics by an oral surgeon.

CADMUS 2008

Further Treatment Planning Options The extraction of 16 resulted in an edentulous space that is not in the aesthetic zone but caused some concerns with the patient.

Treatment options discussed for the restoration of this space included no treatment; removable partial denture; osseointegrated implant; and fixed bridge.

No Treatment. Considerations were given to the fact that teeth are dynamic in nature and can tilt, drift or over-erupt in an unstable dentition. In this case the patient had a stable occlusion and it was assessed that tooth movement due to the edentulous space would be minimal. The patient did have some initial concerns over having an edentulous space and after discussing the advantages and disadvantages of other treatment options, he was happy to have no treatment.

Removable Partial Denture. A removable partial denture (RPD) is a quick, relatively inexpensive and simple procedure to rectify an edentulous space. This can stabilise the surrounding teeth and require very little to no tooth preparation. Patients can find them uncomfortable and RPD’s can lead to an increased risk in decay and periodontal disease if the patient does not have adequate denture hygiene. The patient was not keen to have a denture to replace the missing tooth.

Osseointegrated Implant. An implant to replace 16 can be a viable option in this case. Due to the loss of bone post extraction, the proximity to the maxillary sinus and the administrative restrictions placed on a member undergoing implant treatment, this option was not chosen by the patient.

Fixed Bridge. A conventional three-unit bridge could meet the clinical requirements for this case, however the adjacent teeth were both unrestored and considerable sound tooth structure would be removed to support a fixed bridge. A resin-bonded bridge was not considered as a satisfactory option due to the fact that only 44% of posterior resin bonded bridges survive 7.5 years2.

Discussion This case highlighted two key points and served as a valuable reminder for dentists, new graduate or otherwise. First point is that although the overarching philosophy for dentistry in the ADF focuses on minimal intervention, due consideration needs to be given to the demands of postings and deployments on our patients.

This patient admitted readily that during his 6-month deployment to the Middle East, his oral hygiene was not high on his priority list. He also admitted that the 12-month course in the US was stressful and that his routine oral hygiene regime went out the

window. This pattern has been a common trend amongst members on return from Middle East deployments in the last few years. Although we would like to believe all patients are well motivated, the stress associated with watch keeping in an operational environment may lead to significant reduction in oral hygiene practices. Second point is the protection of teeth undergoing endodontic treatment. The ultimate extraction of this tooth may have been avoided by placement of an orthodontic band. Even though the tooth had been removed from occlusion, normal occlusal forces resulted in the fracture of the tooth. The effort of placing an orthodontic band pales in significance to the traumatic loss of a tooth in a young patient.

Conclusion Whilst we give many of our patients the benefit of the doubt when it comes to oral hygiene practices and support the theory of remineralisation with good oral hygiene and regular fluoride we need to consider the patients postings and deployment cycle prior to making a treatment plan. Whilst the evidence supports remineralisation of early caries3, it might be wise to consider restoration for those deploying to an area of operations.

Studies have shown that the placement of an orthodontic band to a tooth undergoing endodontic treatment reduces the cuspal flexure and increases their fracture resistance4 and hence it is best practice to place an orthodontic band on any posterior tooth undergoing RCT.

References: 1.

Abbott P.V., Hume W.R., Heithersay G.S. Effects of combining Ledermix and calcium hydroxide pastes on the diffusion of corticosteroid and tetracycline through human tooth roots in vitro. Endod Dent Traumatol. 1989 Aug;5(4):188-92.

2.

Creugers N.H., Kayser A.F., Van't Hof M.A. A seven-and-a-halfyear survival study of resin-bonded bridges. J Dent Res. 1998, Vol 77, 609-614

3.

Martens L.C., Verbeeck R.M. Mechanism of action of fluorides in local/topical application. Rev Belge Med Dent.

1998;53(1):295-308

4.

Pane E.S., Palamara J.E.A., Messer H.H. Stainless steel bands in endodontics: effects on cuspal flexure and fracture resistance. Int End J. 35(5):467-471, May 2002

5.

Health Policy Directive 424 – Treatment Planning Guidelines for Restorative Dentistry in Australian Defence Force Dental Facilities.

Professional and Technical Items

Dental Officer CL1 to CL2 Case Study

Management of a new soldier with moderate dental disease: the impact of late treatment and IR demands Captain Michael Robinson, BDSc

Introduction The patient is a 24 year old male who enlisted into the Army and received an Initial Dental Examination (IDE) on 5th May 2007 at 1st Recruit Training Base, Blamey Barracks in Kapooka. His presenting dental status was identified as a moderate treatment liability. After completion of recruit and initial employment training (IET), he arrived at his 1st posted unit in Gallipoli Barracks, Brisbane in February 2008, a cavalry unit involved in force-preparation for operational deployment on short notice. The patient had been advised of the intent of his deployment within a matter of weeks.

Medical and Dental History

47 were planned for restorations. 28 was planned for later review for extraction. Oral hygiene instruction and removal of calculus was part of the treatment plan.

Fig 2. Bitewing radiographs May 2007

The patient has no identified general medical concerns and is not on any medications. He is a non-smoker and drinks alcohol socially.

The patient indicated that prior to enlistment he had no regular dental management. During training he sought access to dental care on one occasion, and was unable to do so due to scheduling conflicts with his training program. He reported brushing twice daily and flossing.

Fig 3. Odontogram May 2007

Examination and Treatment Plan From the IDE in May 2007, the radiographs and the charting were provided in Figures 1 to 3. The patient presented for his Annual Dental Examination (ADE) in February 2008, upon examination he had an unrestored dentition. The charting was provided in Figure 4.

May 2007. 5 carious teeth were identified of which 37 was planned for extraction or Root Canal Treatment (RCT) and 17, 16, 15, and

Fig 1. Panoramic radiograph May 2007 40

February 2008. Of the original 5 carious teeth, 17, 15 and 37 have suspected or confirmed pulpal involvement despite no report of any symptoms from these teeth. Review on wisdom teeth revealed that 18 was non-functional, interfered with the ramus of the mandible and was difficult to clean. 28 was fully developed but unerupted with no history of symptoms. New carious lesions were identified on 12, 26, 26 and 27. Generalised cervical decalcification was evident. The member indicated moderate intake of sports drinks and soft-drinks (when consuming alcohol). Poor oral hygiene was noted with moderate generalised periodontitis. No other soft tissue pathology was noted.

Fig 4. Odontogram February 2008 CADMUS 2008

The chief concern of the member was being dentally fit and available for deployment. Different treatment options were explored with the patient in terms of timeframe, availability of treatment options, long term prognosis and overall oral health and function.

Treatment Treatment included in depth education on the dietary factors upon dental caries and erosion. Oral hygiene instructions included effective brushing and flossing techniques and dietary advice that contributes to remineralisation. A hygienist provided removal of plaque and calculus to return the patient to a clean oral environment to maintain. The messages on dietary advice, oral hygiene instruction as well as taking ownership of your own dental health were regularly reinforced throughout the period of treatment.

Restorative options Amalgam, with a Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) core or liner, was the selected material for restorations in posterior teeth for functional loading and where aesthetics was not a concern.

Composite resin was the selected material for anterior and buccal restorations for aesthetic reasons. The patient elected to have 17 and 37 extracted instead of RCT and restorations. This decision was made after weighing the prognosis, requirement for RCT and crowns with personal needs and desire to deploy in the immediate future. 18 was concurrently extracted at the same appointment.

Carious exposure of 15 was evident during caries control, the options of saving or extracting the tooth was presented to the patient. His unit had received notification that the deployment was reassigned, the patient elected to undergo RCT and restoration for 15. Treatment provided was summarised in Figure 5.

improved dietary habits and oral hygiene, the long-term success will be one of reduced dental disease.

Discussion The military circumstance that surrounds this member is common to many. As a new recruit, he is young, fit and healthy. As a new soldier, he works in a dynamic and demanding organisation where service priorities and personal needs may not align. His lack of effective oral hygiene practice, dietary education and professional dental intervention has allowed the development of dental disease leading up to his enlistment and the deterioration continues with the passage of time during his initial year of service. The training impost in this initial year created a period of delay for the provision of treatment, after the identification of the treatment liability. This delay has allowed further disease progression and increased treatment liability and complexity.

Hopcraft and Morgan (2003) provided cross-sectional information relating to dental caries experience in recruits at 1st Recruit Training Base in Kapooka. Similar cross-sectional data in IET graduates would need to be gathered to build on this study and determine the effect of delayed dental treatment. The existing patient dental records do capture the relevant information on new sites of carious lesion and does not readily present the deterioration of identified carious lesions.

As part of a trained force, a new soldier can have strong drive and personal desire to deploy on operations. A unit under warning order to deploy will expect their soldiers to be individually ready.

Where the circumstance such as a short timeframe between arrival in unit and the expected deployment date was added to the case, there were genuine pressure on the member’s decision relating to his choice of treatment options. Availability and access to proposed treatment options are key factors in their deliberations.

Further clinical considerations

There may also be a cultural influence in the military that accounts for a different set of determinants when it comes to decision making in dental treatment planning, compared with those in the civilian environment. This should be carefully considered by the dentists in the way we plan, present and discuss treatment options with our patients. Certainly, each member has to take responsibility and make choices predicated on service and personal priorities to maintain their employability and deployability. Many new soldiers do feel the pressure in choosing certain path of treatment that will allow them to meet their wants to deploy but may not align with what they would otherwise decide for themselves for the longer term.

Retention of the 15, given the loss of 18 and 17, will be beneficial to the occlusal stability. 28 is planned for review at the next ADE. Towards the completion of restorative treatment, the patient has indicated he is pleased with the outcomes. A combination of extractions, endodontic and routine restorative treatment has returned this patient to a functional and healthy dental state.

In the advice we provided for our members, we need to consider the whole individual and what drives their circumstances in addition to the consideration of the dental pathology. This allows us to tailor the treatment planning for possible short term interests to be met without sacrificing long term benefit.

Fig 5. Odontogram May 2008

Throughout the period of treatment, the gingival and periodontal health has improved with more effective oral hygiene practice. The patient has reduced his intake of dietary acids and sugars. His attitude has been positive and the information appeared to be well understood. Provided the patient continues to maintain his

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Reference: 1. Hopcraft M., Morgan M. Dental caries experience in a young adult military population. Australian Dental Journal, 2003, 48:2: pp125-129.

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Royal Australian Air Force Dental Branch

Canine Dentistry

Case Study: Endodontic and Prosthodontic Treatment of a Queensland Police Dog Flight Lieutenant Peter Apostolopoulos, BDSc

Introduction The Queensland Police Service made a formal approach to 1ATHS Dental Section for assistance when one of their working dogs required dental treatment. ‘Jag’ is a 2 year old German Shepherd in the Queensland Police Service Dog Squad at Maryborough, approximately 250 km north of Brisbane. His role is that of a General Purpose dog, which requires him to track offenders and missing persons, search buildings, enclosed areas and bushland for property or discarded evidence, apprehend violent offenders, and assist with control of crowds threatening the safety of the general public – roles which are very similar to that of ADF Military Working Dogs. He trains and works exclusively with his handler, SGT Neville Jancker.

extirpated and dressed with Ledermix™ paste by another dental officer. In June 2007 crown fracture and pulp exposure of the mandibular left canine was noted. This tooth was treated via a onestage root canal therapy (RCT). In August 2007 the mandibular right canine fractured with pulp exposure and it also received a complete one-stage RCT. In October 2007 the maxillary left canine fractured with pulp exposure and received a complete one-stage RCT as well. Within a six month period, Jag has had all four canines fractured and root treated, caused by excessive cage chewing and from bite exercises. It was determined that, due to his age, biting habits and susceptibility to further tooth fracture, the four canines would need to be restored with crowns at a later date.

Prosthodontic treatment Once official approval was granted and appropriate arrangements made for this to occur, Jag presented for endodontic and prosthodontic treatment over the period April 2007 to March 2008 at 1ATHS Dental Section, RAAF Base Amberley (Figure 1).

All four canines were prepared for full crowns in January 2008, with equi-gingival shoulder margins and sufficient occlusal clearance. One of the tooth preparations is shown in Figure 2.

Due to the exceptional occlusal forces placed upon these teeth, as well as the financial expense of full gold crowns, cobalt chrome (CoCr) crowns were fabricated in the dental laboratory. These crowns were cemented with Panavia F™ composite resin cement in February (Figure 3).

Fig. 1 Jag, SGT Jancker, LACW Caseur, FLTLT A.

Endodontic treatment Jag initially presented to 1ATHS Dental Section in April 2007 with a crown fracture of the maxillary right canine, which occurred during biting exercises with SGT Jancker. This tooth was

42

Fig. 2 Crown preparation.

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more difficult because of their inability to communicate. In this case diagnosis was straightforward due to the exposed pulp of each canine tooth following trauma. The apex of maxillary and mandibular canine teeth have a disto-lingual inclination and terminate around the apex of the 2nd premolar, with an estimated length ranging from 45-55 mm (Figure 5).

Fig. 3 Cemented CoCr crown.

Unfortunately the maxillary and mandibular left crowns debonded and were lost during biting exercises in March. New CoCr crowns were cast, ensuring complete occlusal clearance in protrusive and lateral excursive jaw movements, and inserted two weeks later.

Endodontic therapy on MWD resembles basic human endodontic techniques with minor compensations for canine dental anatomy.

In this case all canines were accessed from the coronal surface to achieve straight-line access and working length established at 45mm. Considerable haemorrhage was encountered upon extirpation of remaining pulp; after its control hand instrumentation was completed with veterinary endodontic files.

3 of the 4 canines were obturated with veterinary gutta percha points at the same visit as instrumentation (the maxillary right canine was extirpated by another operator). Access cavities restored with glass ionomer cement and amalgam.

The long slender canine crowns make them extremely vulnerable to fracture during vigorous training exercises, so direct restoration with amalgam dictates shorter and more dome-shaped contour to reduce leverage on the tooth and avoid dislodgement of the restoration. Crown preparations had significant taper. Following the presenting history of dental trauma and potential for further crown fracture, full coverage CoCr crowns were recommended over gold alloy due to increased strength and reduced financial cost (Figure 6). In hindsight, after subsequent debonding of two crowns, a cast post-core and crown prosthesis would have provided additional retention and resistance. Since a straight path of insertion is required, with the canine tooth that curves sharply posteriorly in the mid-root level, post space preparation would have been limited to 20 mm which would still provide more than adequate post length. This option was declined at the time of treatment plan due to limitations of the veterinarian and patient availability, as well as the additional margin for error in incorporating a one-stage post-core and crown insertion.

Fig. 4 Jag’s study models.

Discussion Canine oral anatomy resembles human oral anatomy in many aspects including innervation and muscles of mastication. The canine dentition consists of 42 adult teeth erupted by 8 months of age in the following quantity per quadrant: 3 incisors, 1 canine, 4 premolars and 2 maxillary molars or 3 mandibular molars.

Dogs can withstand tremendous amounts of discomfort before displaying symptoms and endodontic diagnosis is considerably

Fig. 6 Crowns in situ.

At the time of publication all four CoCr crowns are present and functional, allowing Jag to be dentally fit and fully operational.

Acknowledgements Fig. 5

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I am grateful to the following people for their assistance and advice with this case: all staff at 1ATHS Dental Section (especially Dental

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Assistant LACW Carly Caseur), SGT Neville Jancker, SGT Steve Palmer and ‘Jag’ from the Queensland Police Service Dog Squad, Dr Paul Henry (veterinarian); Mr Jim Lee (dental technician), and Dr Andrew Sainsbury (endodontist).

References: 1. Royal J.R., Freccia W.F., Christensen L.C., Bell R. The restoration of traumatised teeth in military working dogs.

Military Medicine Vol 153(7):341-345, 1988.

2. Belizzi R., Worsing J., Woody R.D., Keller D.L., Droboty E. Nonsurgical Endodontic Therapy Utilising Lingual Coronal Access on the Mandibular Canine Tooth of Dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc Vol 179(4):370-374, 1981.

3. Gamm D.J. Endodontics in Veterinary Medicine. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Vol 66(3):372-377, 1988.

4. Schindler W.G., Doran J.E. Nonsurgical Endodontic Therapy on the Canine Tooth of the Dog. J Endo Vol 12(12):573-576, 1986.

5. Le Brech C., Hamel L., Le Nihouannen J.C., Daculsi G. Epidemiological Study of Canine Teeth Fractures in Military Dogs. J Vet Dent Vol 14(2):51-55, 1997.

6. Queensland Police Service Dog Squad. http://www.police.qld.gov.au/Resources/Internet/join/documents /DogSquad.pdf.

7. RAAF Military Working Dog History. http://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/sites/RAAFSFS/comweb.a sp?page=33733&Title=MWD%20History#top

Professional and Technical Items

Oral Maxillofacial Surgery

Post Visit Report – Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA – 8th to 29th February 2008 Captain Barry Reed, BDS, MDS, FRACDS, Dental Officer, 8th CSSB

Introduction The use of improvised explosive devices (IED) by enemy forces has thrown up a new challenge for the Australian Army. Soldiers are now surviving previously catastrophic injuries due to improved body armour and helmets which protect the torso and head while the face remains exposed. IED possess unique wounding characteristics that can result in devastating maxillofacial injuries.

Conventional civilian trauma management techniques initially utilized by the US Army for maxillofacial injuries from IED resulted in poor outcomes in terms of facial appearance and jaw function.

US Army experience in Iraq led to the development of a wound management protocol for maxillofacial injuries from IED that together with the introduction of several clinical devices has greatly improved outcomes for these complex injuries in relation to both facial appearance and jaw function (such as chewing, talking, swallowing and mouth opening).

This overseas visit was to gather information concerning the latest management techniques for these wounds in order to provide educational material for deployed ADF health care personnel who may not be specialists in this area and who may be required to provide emergency management of these confronting wounds.

Introduction of the US Army wound management protocol into the Australian Army in conjunction with the associated clinical devices will enable world class health care outcomes to be possible for Australian soldiers in our diverse deployments similar to the US Army. This overseas visit was the first by an Australian Army member to address this issue.

Summary of Itinerary Arrival was Friday evening 8th February 2008 to San Antonio, Texas and being met at the airport by Major Michael Glidden, US Army Maxillofacial Surgeon and his wife. Major Glidden provided background briefings over the weekend.

Work in the operating theatres and surgery clinics of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of the Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) as an observer commenced at 0700h Monday 11th February and continued daily weekdays until Friday 29th February.

BAMC is one of the two chief hospitals in the USA now caring for combat casualties with facial injuries. There are approx 60 specialists in oral and maxillofacial surgery in the US Army and four are located at BAMC together with 8 trainee surgeons.

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Training is a dentally based four year program. The Chief and Director of the Unit is Lieutenant Colonel Robert G. Hale D.D.S. who extended the invitation to visit his unit. Lieutenant Colonel Hale is a leading American oral and maxillofacial surgeon and he has deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan and has lectured extensively overseas on combat-related trauma. Lieutenant Colonel Hale and his staff (who have also deployed to Iraq) provided very many discussions, lectures and tutorials (including weekends) on wound management over the three week visit including case presentations of current and previous patients with IED facial injuries and ballistic gunshot and rocket injuries. Dr Stephen Thomas, Plastic Surgeon, of the US Army Institute of Surgical Research Burn Center and Lieutenant Colonel Martin Curry, Program Director of Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery BAMC also invited me to attend their operating theatre sessions for reconstructive surgery for facial injuries.

Topics Covered The topics covered included comprehensive information on: a. initial wound management of patients with facial injuries from IED including: management of severe facial fractures including new external pin fixation methods, facial laceration and avulsive (missing tissue) facial wounds, burn management, management of facial haemorrhage, emergency airway management (including cricothyrotomy and tracheostomy) and eye socket canthotomy to save eyesight; b. definitive management of facial fractures, soft tissue facial reconstruction of large avulsive defects, severe burn injuries, jaw and jaw joint reconstruction and bone grafts; c. management of healing complications such as major infections and severe scarring; d. secondary management of these injuries including mouth and facial and jaw reconstruction of defects, and jaw joint rehabilitation of function; e. the equipment, instruments and set up of oral and maxillofacial units that are part of deployed level 3 combat support hospitals; f. detailed information on general combat casualty care clinical management and the systems of administrative management of combat casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan; and CADMUS 2008

g. the latest research on the above subjects was also presented including research into potentially preventable combat deaths and measures introduced to counter this.

Conclusion The level of support provided by Lieutenant Colonel Hale and the specialist staff of BAMC was incredible and greatly exceeded my expectations.

Documents Received Documents provided by Lieutenant Colonel Hale included:

Competing Interests

a. many clinical case presentations of IED facial wounds and treatment;

None Declared.

b. Integrated Combat Casualty System overview 2006 (video);

Address for Correspondence

c. Hospitalization Capabilities 2006 (video);

Captain Barry Reed Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon

d. Performance Improvement on the Battlefield 2006 (video);

1st Health Support Battalion

e. Emergency War Surgery: 3rd United States revision (CD of the textbook);

Holsworthy Barracks

f. Facial and Neck Trauma (PowerPoint lecture); g. Combat Casualty Care Systems Dental Services Support (PowerPoint lecture); h. Afghanistan Surgical Cases [in Russian] (PowerPoint lecture); i. Combat Casualty Care on the Battlefield/Medical Triage in the Combat Theatre (PowerPoint lecture); and j. complete list of the equipment, instruments and supplies for US Army deployed oral and maxillofacial surgery units at level 3 combat support hospitals.

Liverpool NSW 2174 bereed@bigpond.net.au

Professional and Technical Items

Preventative Dentistry

Bulimia Nervosa: A Clinical Insight Leading Seaman Tanya Boge, Senior Dental Assistant (Preventive)

Introduction Many people suffering from bulimia are able to hide the disorder from loved ones, but in severe cases, the oral and dental signs are revealed to the dental professional when the patient seeks dental care. Bulimia Nervosa is a type of eating disorder with wide ranging effects. The early oral complications that are associated with eating disorder are of high importance as these complications are often irreversible.

Our role in caring for the patient is not just limited to oral management but also in the counsel of appropriate options to ensure overall recovery. An understanding of the psychological and scientific background along with the clinical signs will aid in the early detection of the disorder, allowing for an earlier opportunity in halting or slowing the deterioration in the oral and general health of the patient.

Bulimia is reported to occur in 1% of young females and 0.1% of 15 to 65 years old males with often a normal body weight range unless the disorder is manifested in obese patients. Bulimia is a combination of physical, psychological and neurophysiological health challenges. Imaging studies and neurophysiologic research of patients with both anorexia and bulimia have found significant alterations in brain activity. After recovery, the remaining altered brain activity could explain the high incidences of relapse. There is a lot of shame and embarrassment for patients suffering from bulimia, who usually try hard to hide the purging. Recovery is difficult and often in the early stages of recovery, the patient will gain weight as they continue to eat but not purge, causing more anxiety which could easily revert the patient back to a bulimic pattern.

A number of factors may be associated with bulimia such as cultural emphasis on slimness, preoccupation with body image ideals, brain chemistry, stress or coping style, and physiological and psychological effects of dieting. No single factor can explain the onset of such a destructive disorder and little is known about the causative factors and their relationships but it is helpful to understand the risk factors.

Bulimics typically have a strong desire to be thin but lack the control in appropriate proportional eating. The frustration and feeling of dissatisfaction with their body shape and weight lead to low self-esteem and low self worth. Feelings of guilt and anxiety

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about becoming fat or being fat in the aftermath of regular eating ‘binges’ heighten the person’s need to get rid of the food. One of the ways in which this is done is through self induced vomiting.

As the hunger and feelings of deprivation build, the compulsion to eat becomes too powerful to resist and ‘forbidden’ foods are consumed. This is very destructive to one’s emotional and physical well-being. Bulimia is related to deep psychological issues and feelings of not-in-control. This destructive pattern allows the sufferers to feel in-control over their lives and can be carried out several times a day.

Case A male patient in his late thirties presented for a routine follow up hygiene appointment. I noted a history of bulimia of which the patient confirmed as having for the past 8 years. It was recorded that the bulimia has ceased 2 years prior. Before I had a chance to examine the patient clinically, he openly admitted to having severe dental erosion due to purging. The patient also advised me that he experiences a binge/purge episode on a bi-monthly basis.

The patient discussed his eating disorder as characterised by recurrent ‘binge’ eating episodes followed by compensatory behavioural ‘purging’. As a young man he became a part of an appearance oriented sporting activity. He believed that he faced a tremendous pressure to look a certain way and to stay thin.

Upon clinical examination, severe loss of enamel was noted on the maxillary lingual surfaces from the right first premolar to the left first premolar. During purges, the digesting food bathed in gastric acid is forced against this surface hence the lingual surfaces of upper anterior teeth are the most commonly affected. The affected teeth have smooth glassy appearances that were void of any stains or lines. The posterior teeth also exhibited severe enamel loss on the occlusal surfaces and are highly susceptible to decay and nerve damage. The patient revealed that while he no longer binge eats, he will still purge if a perceived ‘forbidden’ food is consumed.

Oral Complications Within two years of a bulimic pattern of binging and purging, one or more of the following intra-oral signs, of moderate to severe extent, will be clearly evident.

CADMUS 2008

Hard tissues. Complications may include erosion of tooth enamel by gastric acids (perimolysis, it affects 90% bulimic patients); dental hypersensitivity; dental caries; raised restorations as tooth structure has been eroded away; discoloured teeth from exposure to gastric acid (may look yellow, ragged or clear) and anterior open bite.

Soft tissues. Complications may include mucosal lacerations in palate from the habitual insertion by fingers at the back of the mouth and throat; burning of tongue; bleeding gingiva; mouth sores and ulcers.

Salivary glands. Complications may include alterations in the flow and pH of saliva; salivary gland enlargement which also contributes to a reduction in the masticatory capacity; xerostomia; chronic sore throat and hoarseness.

Considerations Although the oral management of a patient suffering from bulimia is not particularly specialised, it requires a sympathetic and nonjudgemental approach. Patients with eating disorders are often poor attendees and generally have increased levels of anxiety and fear. As SDA Preventive, we are focussed on non-invasive interventions and protocols. Patients will greatly benefit from our instructions on appropriate oral self-care techniques such as effective plaque control and gentle tooth brushing with desensitising or fluoridated toothpaste. The patient should be advised to rinse mouth with plain water after purging and not to brush their teeth for at least an hour afterwards if possible. Where possible, patients should be gently encouraged to consult with a dentist who can provide protective and/or corrective interventions such as desensitising dentine bonded resin, restorations, and custom made trays with 1.1% neutral fluoride gel for daily use.

We need to discuss the effect that acids wreck in the mouth with the patient whether it is from their diet or from their stomach.

The gastric acid (hydrochloric acid) in vomit is the most harmful and produces the destructive erosive wear on the dentition. The erosive effect may be lessened if it can be neutralised immediately.

Rinsing the mouth with plain water containing bases such as bicarbonate of soda can neutralise these acidic assaults. Dietary advice should be considered to include an increase of water consumption; a reduction in the intake of soft drinks (lowkilojoules or otherwise), sport drinks, fruit juices (freshly squeezed or otherwise) and alcohol; a reduction in the intake and the frequency of intake of sweet foods and foods containing vinegar.

A general screening questionnaire about eating pattern and weight maintenance is required to form the basis of management. Patients should be encouraged to continue with regular recall visits to monitor hard-tissue loss and soft-tissue lesions. Often the patient is unaware of the oral complications caused by bulimia until the dental professional identifies the problems and discusses the consequences. Educating the patient in regards to the oral impact especially the irreversible damage on the dentition may encourage the patient to seek further help in managing the disorder. Social embarrassment or self-denial may prevent the patient from seeking help. Several other non-dental barriers may also hinder the diagnosis, treatment and recovery of patients suffering from bulimia. With an appreciation of the psychological and psychiatric factors of the disorder, the dental team can make a positive impact of the oral health condition of these patients with non-judgemental care, sympathetic understanding and encouragement.

Competing Interests: None Declared.

Address for Correspondence: Leading Seaman Tanya Boge Senior Dental Assistant Preventive HMAS KUTTABUL Dental Department 1 Wylde Street Potts Point NSW 1335 tanya.boge@defence.gov.au

References: 1. Barlow, D.H., Durand, V.M. (1985). Abnormal Psychology: An Intergrative Approach.

2. Fairburn, C.G., Cooper, Z., Doll, H.A., Norman, P., O’Connor, M. (2000). The natural course of bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder in young women.

3. Halasz, Hisako, Comp. (1985). Anorexia nervosa/bulimia.

4. Knoop, K.J. (2002). Access Medicine/Emergency Medicine Atlas: Chapter 6.

5. McGilley, B.M., Pryor, T.L. (1998). Assessment and Treatment of Bulimia Nervosa.

6. Orbitello, B., Rocco, P.L. (2003). A prospective study of outcome in bulimia nervosa and the long term effects.

7. Walsh, B.T., Roose, S.P., Glassman, A.H., Gladis, M., Sadik, C. (1985). Bulimia and depression.

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Other Items and Activities

Personal Experiences

Exercise LONGLOOK: An English Perspective Surgeon Lieutenant (Dental) Bryony Southorn, Royal Navy

For those of you unaware, Exercise LONGLOOK is a tri-service annual exchange programme. It enables members of the UK, Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces to exchange positions for a period of up to five months (April to August). Around 150 places are available each year with application deadlines usually in late October the preceding year. Personnel must rank Leading Seaman, Corporal or above. Selection has a lottery element and is dependant on a suitable ‘match’ being found. Within the dental service, as most roles are so specific, it is advisable first to make contact with the overseas branch to ensure a suitable candidate is also applying. Perhaps this is cheating a little bit but your selection odds will be much better!

The aim, broadly speaking, is to give selected military personnel the chance to experience life and work in a foreign environment and perhaps learn something to take home. Unofficially, it is a recruitment programme for the Australian and Kiwi Defence Forces! Some believe LONGLOOK to be a holiday, and there may be an element of truth in this. For the dental personnel, however, the advantages gained from having a specific role in the selection process are countered in having a definite position to fill the other end.

the Senior Dental Officer for the Submarine Squadron in HMS DRAKE, sunny Plymouth, UK. This is a single-chair clinic.

Generally it is accepted as kinder to merge incoming dentists/auxiliaries into larger clinics, for professional support and social integration. LEUT Pope was therefore to join the multi-chair clinic upstairs, caring for our shore and fleet-based personnel.

The administration involved in securing a swap can be daunting.

Specifically for the dentists, despite a number of previous exchanges, there still appears to be confusion and stress involved with indemnity and registration. Time zone differences also ensure any communication is a slow process. That said, it was not long before LEUT Pope and I were excitedly exchanging emails on what one can see and do in our respective cities. I worded my descriptions carefully, hoping LEUT Pope would not read between the lines. Plymouth has a colourful nightlife and the surrounding Dartmoor countryside can be spectacular, in other words, sailors parade the streets past dark and the surrounding Dartmoor is spectacularly cold.

On arrival in Australia I was warmly welcomed by LEUT Kobayashi and LCDR Caldwell. Initially what struck me (apart from the hilarious combination of Captain Birdseye white shorts and kneehigh socks) was the relaxed and jovial approach of the welcoming team at KUTTABUL dental. I was fortunate enough to be just in time for Anzac Day and the evening social engagements provided an excellent opportunity to meet everyone. It was eye opening and refreshing to see military personnel, in uniform, celebrating across the city.

Work wise, the transition into the ways of the RAN has been remarkably smooth. Essentially, as dentistry is so standardised, there are few differences to working practice. I was a little surprised by the size of the tube-head on the x-ray machine (collimation is a MUST in the UK) and lead aprons were consequently discarded some years ago, but listing these little clinical differences will make for a dry read.

In surgery at HMAS KUTTABUL I was lucky enough, with minimal cheating, to be selected for an exchange with dentist Lieutenant Oliver Pope, RAN at HMAS KUTTABUL (Fleet Base East), Sydney. My position at home was

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Outside the dental surgery, with the help of my faultless hosts and hostesses, I have had a fantastic time so far. Social highlights with the team included camping and canoeing in the Kangaroo Valley (and the local pies!), a wine tour of the Hunter Valley, and watching the Super 14. My thanks must also extend to LS Boge, my events-organiser, who is apparently invited to every house-party in the NSW area.

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In June I was offered the opportunity to sail on STS Young Endeavour. The ship has eight permanent Navy staff and takes a youth crew of twenty four 16 to 23 year olds on a 10-day sail. The aim is to broaden horizons, learn some interpersonal skills, and have a bit of fun; and for the youth crew, they learn a bit about sailing! Myself and fellow Longlooker LEUT Pippa Hannaby boarded for a fabulous sail from Townsville to Cairns. The trip incorporated stops at some of the more secluded Islands mingling within the Great Barrier Reef. We mixed in with the ‘youth’ and had a fun packed, yet challenging, fortnight. We faced the

personally daunting task of climbing the 33m foremast to furl sails, experienced swimming in off-shore open water, and snorkelling on the Reef – a definite highlight to be recommended.

STS Young Endeavour

Climbing the foremast

The exchange sadly terminates in a few weeks. I already know going home will be hard. I have enjoyed every day spent down under and want to extend my warmest thanks to all those who have contributed to my experiences here. Will I consider a transfer?

Most definitely.

Other Items and Activities

International Collaboration with a Dental Officer from the Royal Thai Air Force Colonel Stephen Curry, BDS

During 2008 the Directorate of Defence Force Dentistry (DDFD) had the pleasure of working with a dental officer of the Royal Thai Air Force.

This was a great experience for all involved.

Wing Commander Patiyuth Poomkoh, a Royal Thai Air Force officer had been selected to attend the Australian Staff College. Unfortunately his secondment to Australia as a student did not include automatic temporary release from the Air Force of his dental officer wife, Flight Lieutenant Karuna Wichapool, unless she could be gainfully employed in the production of a research paper that met the requirements of the Royal Thai Air Force. Various topics were proposed with Identification and Treatment of Dental Parafunctional Habits being approved. With this approval, Flight Lieutenant Wichapool was allowed to join her husband in Australia.

Flight Lieutenant Wichapool worked diligently on the assigned topic sourcing many articles on this wide ranging subject. The role of DDFD was to facilitate her research where required and to provide editorial guidance. Despite the enormity of her undertaking and the language challenges, Flight Lieutenant Wichapool produced a comprehensive paper. One of her opening paragraphs and her conclusion are reproduced below:

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‘Dorland’s Medical dictionary defines parafunction as disorderly or perverted function. Although the relationship between parafunction and muscle pain is biologically plausible, and there is some evidence to suggest a chronological relationship between the two, the fact is that controversy exists regarding this purported causal relationship. Parafunctional movements of the mandible may be described as sustained activities that occur beyond the normal functions of mastication, swallowing and communication (speech, facial expression, etc.) and jaw postures both with and without tooth contact. The two most common forms of parafunctional activities are bruxism and clenching. Parafunction consists of physiologically normal activation of voluntary skeletal muscles to produce behaviours that lack functional purpose and are potentially injurious. Typically, parafunction is manifested by long periods of increased muscle contraction and hyperactivity.

Concurrently, excessive occlusal pressure and prolong tooth contact occur, which is inconsistent with the normal chewing cycle. These behaviours, if they occur only occasionally, are not considered to be abnormal in any way; it is the chronic repetition of these behaviours that leads to occlusal disorders and the diagnosis of parafunction.

‘Considering the problems intrinsic in modern society, bruxism is becoming an increasingly common condition in the population. In treating this parafunctional habit, clinicians play a leading role in determining possible etiological factors. In many situations, it is the dentist’s task to warn patients and institute multidisciplinary treatment.

Thus, every dentist must have sufficient knowledge of the fundamental aspects of occlusion as affected by the strong biomechanical load created by bruxism and treat these conditions on a routine basis in their practice. Since bruxism was diagnosed in a relatively high percentage (27%) of even the non-pilot group from above military medicine research, it seems that the military setting and especially a military aviation setting is another pathogenic factor associated with dental diseases. The accelerated rate of tooth attrition in this young population calls for dental and psychological preventive efforts.’

Working with Flight Lieutenant Wichapool and her husband has been a very special experience for the directorate. The opportunity to learn more of another defence force, to share in valuable research and to experience their camaraderie has been a great honour.

CADMUS 2008

Obituaries

In Memoriam Brigadier Alfred Gordon Rowell AO, CBE, ED

Dr Grahame Brown OAM

1913 – 2007

1936 – 2008

Following his schooling at Sydney Boys High, Gordon Rowell followed his father by entering the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Sydney, where he excelled as a student. Following graduation in 1934, he was awarded a scholarship to attend Northwestern University, Chicago, graduating DDS in 1936. On his return to Australia, he worked in private dental practice in the Central West of NSW and at the outbreak of WW2, enlisted in the AIF in 1939, commencing a glittering career in military service.

Following entry, he served in Australia, the Middle East and the Pacific theatres of war, being twice mentioned in dispatches (MID) and rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Post-war, he rose to the rank of Brigadier, becoming Colonel Commandant of the Royal Australian Army Dental Corps. His dental achievements outside the Army were many. He worked within his own private dental practice in Sydney whilst obtaining a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS), taught at the Sydney Dental School and played an active role within the Australian Dental Association at the highest levels, first as NSW Branch and later as National President.

He has also had a substantial presence in International Dentistry, as President of the International College of Dentists and by performing work at senior levels for the Pierre Fauchard Academy, each of which has honoured him. For the International Dental Federation (FDI), he served as the Chairman of the Defence Forces Dental Services Commission. Upon retirement from active dental practice and teaching, he was admitted as the first dental graduate to receive an honorary Doctorate in dentistry, the degree of Doctor of Dental Science, University of Sydney.

Grahame Brown graduated with honours from The University of Queensland in 1957, commenced work at the Dental School as a Temporary Lecturer in February 1958, became a lecturer in 1964 and a senior lecturer in Operative Dentistry in 1972 a post which he maintained until his retirement in 1998. Following his retirement he returned to the School as a senior visiting clinician to continue to coordinate and then teach in the Masters Endodontic program; an exceptional graduate program which he established. As a mark of respect he was created an honorary member of the Australian Society of Endodontics. Academic dentistry was only a small part of Grahame’s interests. He had an extraordinary contribution to the field of gemmology. He was a Fellow of the Gemmmological Associations of Australia, Great Britain, Canada and South Africa. He had over 500 individual and collaborative publications in the field.

He was the most highly decorated member of the dental profession in Australia, being admitted into the Order of Australia with the rank of Officer (AO), having been granted previously the award of Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE). He also held the Efficiency Decoration (ED) as well as numerous WW2 Campaign Medals and the two oak leaf insignia denoting each time he had been mentioned in dispatches.

Beyond all of his other major achievements for his profession, his magnum opus was the genesis of the College. That and its wellfounded processes for development which were initiated during his term as its Foundation President, stands proudly as a legacy for all Fellow s of the College and those patients who benefit from their educational achievements.

(This condensed version of obituary is reprinted courtesy of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons.)

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Grahame was also a committed member of the Royal Australian Army Dental Corps. He enlisted as a private in 11 National Battalion Australian Army in 1955, was appointed Captain Dental Officer in the Royal Australian Army Dental Corps in 1959, rising to the rank of Colonel Consultant (Dental) in 1975. This was the highest rank attainable for a reserve officer in the RAADC. From 1980 to 1982 he was the Honorary Dental Surgeon to the Governor General. In 1983 Grahame was appointed the Dental Colonel Consultant to Army office, a prestigious appointment advising higher Army management, including the dental directorate, on specialist dental matters. He was appointed Colonel Commandant in 1993 and retired after two terms of appointment in 1999. He was a great leader and mentor who embodied all the qualities that are expected of great Army officers having the ability to motivate, inspire and lead.

Underpinning Grahame’s career was his insatiable quest for knowledge and the transmission of this knowledge to others. It is as an educator that most dentists will remember him. He had absolute integrity, he was an inspiring teacher and he shaped the professional lives of generations of students. He was uncompromising with respect to maintaining the highest clinical and professional standards and was a professional in the true sense of the word.

(This condensed version of obituary is reprinted courtesy of the Australian Dental Association Queensland Branch.)

CADMUS 2008

RAADC Corps and Historical

Update from the RAADC Association Incorporated Mrs Dexter Purcell (WO1 Standby Reserve) President

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Greetings to all CADMUS readers. The RAADC Association had another successful year with two key social events held in Brisbane in April of this year.

Upcoming event: Reunion planned for Canberra in 2010

decorum. Ron’s two granddaughters marched with us as left and right guides.

The Brisbane crowd cheered us along the route and particular note was made of the Governor of Queensland, Quentin Bryce who seemed very excited to see us and who clapped quite furiously as we honoured her with an “Eyes, Left”.

The next Reunion is scheduled for 23 – 25 April 2010, in our National Capital, Canberra and the planning Committee will be visiting possible venues for the event in October 2008. Log your diaries NOW! We will provide details and be canvassing for attendees in due course.

It will be essential that we get confirmed numbers at an early stage to ensure the viability of the event. Autumn in Canberra is quite beautiful, so if you have not visited for a while, get your travelling plans into gear and join us for the festivities. As this is a fairly central location, we are hoping for maximum attendance from our Association members and convey a special invitation to those Serving members who would like to join us there. It will be the 67th Anniversary of the Corps, another reason to unite and celebrate together.

We are also looking forward to another issue of our premier ADF Dental Magazine.

Best wishes, Dexter

ANZAC DAY BRISBANE 2008 In our usual tradition, we marched as a Corps contingent in the Brisbane ANZAC Day parade; lead this year by President, Dexter Purcell. We had over thirty participants, including some very welcome serving members from Gallipoli Barracks.

We retired to the Union Jack’s Ale House who provided, once again, a good venue with relative exclusivity and good tucker on the day. The Association provided some funds for refreshments to quench our thirsts a little.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2008 Our AGM was held on Sunday 25 May 2008 at the usual venue, the Amateur Fishermen’s Assoc of Qld Clubhouse at Bribie Island (about 80km north of Brisbane). The meeting was attended by the President (Dexter Purcell), Vice President (Mal Slattery), Secretary (Renate Provost), Treasurer (Graham Sagar), Social Member (Ian MacPherson), History/Records Member (Dana Socal), Property Member (Ron Brown), Geoff Austin, Marty Mylne, Don Nielson, and Rod Wiltshier.

The key issues on the Agenda included the Association Banner which is assessed for valuation and insured for $3500.00, the changes required to the Constitution as a result of amendments to The Associations Incorporation Act 1981 particularly in regards to annual auditing, and the planning for the 2010 Reunion. The following members were elected to the Executive and Management Committee for FY 08/09:

The strong wind wreaked havoc with our magnificent banner, but thanks to Ron Brown and his son Shane, we managed to keep some CADMUS 2008

Patron: President: Vice President: Secretary:

Colonel Maurice Dingle (Rtd.) Mrs Dexter Purcell Vacant Vacant 55

Assistant Secretary: Treasurer: Social Member: History/Records: Property/Regimental: Serving Member’s Rep:

Mr Mal Slattery Mr Graham Sagar Mr Ian ‘Macca’ Macpherson Ms Dana Socal Mr Ron Brown Ms Haydee Stevens

We are seeking volunteers in the state of Queensland as office bearers for Vice-President and Secretary.

RAADC Association Inc. 20th Anniversary To commemorate the raising of the RAADC Association Inc. on 23rd April 1988, a dinner was held on this day in 2008 at the USI Hall in Victoria Barracks, Brisbane which was the location of the inaugural meeting twenty years earlier.

One of the aims of the Association is to collect, preserve and display all manner of military historical material relating to the Royal Australian Army Dental Corps. At the 2006 Melbourne Reunion of the Association a bound copy of the diaries of Dr Jock Clarke (Major, Army Dental Corps 1940 – 1945) were presented to his relatives. The original diaries have now been professionally preserved with their contents placed on the web site for all to read.

This is a first hand account of the day-to-day life of a dental officer in Tobruk. He tells of going to a cabaret (El Bar Din), then days later, diving into foxholes as shells explode metres from his head.

In the second dairy, his experience of being captured in Singapore by the Japanese and then imprisonment was told. He tells of working with Weary Dunlop and the close calls of near execution by the Japanese. Jock tells of breaking the boredom of imprisonment by having spelling bee’s and concerts by the “Rice Revellers”. This is the real account of our men serving their country.

The 20th Anniversary of the forming of the RAADC Association was celebrated with a dinner at the same location as the foundation dinner. Photos of this occasion can be seen on the web with several people from that original night at this 20th Anniversary.

‘Keep the Dragon flying’ We had a good turnout, including all current Committee members; and of particular note ex WO1 Dane Roberts (President), ex MAJ Dick Outridge (Secretary) and Geoff Austin, who were original Committee members to whom we are grateful for having set up the Association all those years ago.

RAADC ASSOCIATION WEBSITE

Visit the RAADC Assn. Inc Website Visit our website to catch up on the RAADC Assn. news, photos, events and membership information.

www.raadcassociation.com

www.raadcassociation.com Graham Sagar, Treasurer and site manager

From the desk of the acting Senior Health Advisor, Headquarters 2nd Division Colonel Murray Hayes, BDS, Dip Photoimaging

The 2nd Division holds the bulk of the Army Reserve and this includes its deployable dental assets. In each of the 4th, 5th, 8th, 9th, 11th and 13th CSSB there is a dental section which should ideally hold around 12 bodies wearing the dragon hat badge.

In addition to these units, the 2nd FSB in Tasmania, the 7th CSSB in Brisbane and the 3rd HSB in Adelaide also have positions for deployable GRES dental personnel.

Some years ago now, I was tasked by the COMD of the 2nd Division to fill all these positions, a task which I regret to say I have failed to achieve. Unfortunately, on the contrary, our manning has continued a slow decline.

This decline has been felt by our GRES medical peers, by the regular health forces and in fact by the health community of the entire country. Significant and radical change is needed in our thinking, and some solid leadership will be required, to restore any sense of strength to the GRES component of the RAADC. 56

Despite all this, there remains a group of RAADC reservists, who parade on a regular basis and wear our hat badge with pride. They are providing much needed garrison support (despite the fact that this is not their role or responsibility) in the preparation of soldiers for deployment. We have seen some reservists involved in AACAP and even on Operation Resolute.

We now have an effective method of getting new reserve recruits an ECN. Those that join us with a Certificate III in Dental Assisting can do the Qualified Entry Dental Assistant course (package is available from the ADF Dental School) at their nearest permanent ADF dental facility. This is a significant achievement which I wish to recognise LCDR Mark Page for facilitating.

Yet again I would urge anyone leaving the full-time ADF dental workforce to give consideration to transferring to the GRES. We need experienced people at all rank levels and in all trades. If you are considering getting out and plan on living in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Newcastle or Townsville, you would be more than welcome in one of the many CSSB dental teams.

CADMUS 2008

Joint Units

Unit News Directorate of Defence Force Dentistry Campbell Park, ACT

Duntroon Health Centre – Dental Canberra, ACT

WODEN Shaye Metcalf

Ms Bonnie Fawell This year has been one of change for the Directorate and the wider Health community at large. With loud and clear direction we quickly adjusted as we changed from Defence Health Service to Joint Health Command.

Hello from Duntroon, this past year we have seen many movements within the dental facility.

We have welcomed Dr Jaafar Tehranian, Dr Serge Chan, Valeska Tilly and Sarah Tang (Hygienists), Katrina Deacon, Amanda Smith, Alana Buckley and Christina D’Angio (Dental Assistants).

Policy development, implementation and review have been the primary focus through the year. We continue to consult closely with representatives of all three Services and the Dental School to ensure the policies are serving the appropriate needs. We wish to thank CMDR Brazier, COL Stacey, WO1 Chiesa, SQNLDR O’Sullivan, WOFF Brennan, and LCDR Page for their ongoing support.

Early in 2008, we have sadly lost Dr Alison McKittrick who has decided to take up the full time job of being a mum and spend time with her family. Helen Gnaden has decided a career change was in order and has left the wonderful world of dental. Briony Kirby gave birth to a baby girl, Claudia, earlier in the year and left us to enjoy being a mum.

Throughout the year, we have also had regular contact with many of our permanent and reserve officers. Of particular note were our frequent dealings with CAPT Brendan Byrne, RAN, CMDR Matt Blenkin, LTCOL Genni Constantine and COL Janet Scott.

It is with sadness that we will be farewelling some of our members, all without replacement. First to depart is SQNLDR Andrew Draper whose amazing geek-power, incredible wordsmith ability and martini dry sense of humour will be sorely missed. COL Steve Curry leaves in early 2009 after 33 years of service. Our loss will be felt keenly as he has worked tirelessly towards ensuring the directorate became a truly tri-Service unit and setting the example to promote a one-practice model that is the key stone on which our united reputation is built on. The final loss is WODEN Shaye Metcalf who departs after 20 years of service to her property in rural Victoria to live the life of a true blue hippy. We wish them all the best in their future posting and endeavours.

We all wish you a safe and joyful Christmas and a magnificent New Year.

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We still have the great services of Dr Sue Worboys, Dr Rick Worboys, Emma White (SDA), Peter Quintus-Bosz (our technician) and Erin Keaveney (our receptionist and DA). Erin is leaving us shortly to broaden her career horizons in the Public Service. Bonnie Fawell took over as Practice Manager at Duntroon Dental until mid October and has since joined the Public Service as the 2IC/Allied Health Manager of Duntroon Health Centre.

Wonderful Dr Bruce Peet continues to grace us with his presence and specialist skills as our Oral Surgeon. COL Geoff Stacey continues as our in-house Prosthodontist. Dr Sonja Kuehl has recently left us as our Senior Dentist but will be returning soon as a Dentist on a part time basis.

Russell Health Centre – Dental Canberra, ACT No submission received.

CADMUS 2008

Royal Australian Navy Dental Branch

Fleet News LCDR Pat Caldwell, RAN, Fleet Dental Surgeon

Once again this year there has been plenty of demand for deployable dental services throughout the Fleet. Please take the time to read the reports from the individual teams. They read like a wish-list of life experiences as a member of the ADF. I encourage all who wish to make the most of their time within our organisation to work solidly towards the goal of joining Fleet Dental.

Fleet dental fitness figures remain high throughout the year, averaging over 90%. The fleet teams have shown outstanding productivity, but credit must be given to the personnel at the shore establishments. Without their assistance, we would be unable to provide such a high level of service to a population as fluid as Navy’s sea-going fleet members.

As usual there have been a number of staff changes at the Fleet Health Support Unit. LSDEN Rachel Edwards was promoted to PODEN and posted to CERBERUS, with PODEN Norbury taking over the reigns as Fleet Dental PO. ABDEN Smith moved back to his safe haven at WATERHEN and ABDEN Chris Fehrenbach came back for yet another taste of Fleet. We also farewelled LEUT Jacob Smith and LEUT Kere Kobayashi, both of whom posted ashore.

Despite a busy schedule, ABDEN Sarah Legg has again managed to fit in plenty of basketball with both the RAN and ADF teams.

Jacob Smith has finally sought to tie the knot and plenty of fun was had at the engagement party. We also congratulate Kere Kobayashi on his acceptance for periodontics specialty training in Adelaide and wish him all the best.

In the West, congratulations are in order for LEUT Katherine Bailey who managed to convince the Navy to get her fiancé home in time for their wedding. After almost 4 years in Fleet Dental, the time has finally come for Kate to post out, but you never know how long she’ll be away. We also welcomed ABDEN Phillipa Denholm and farewelled ABDEN Julie de Lange and her much valued knot tying skills.

Dental Department HMAS SUCCESS LSDEN2 Heather Flannery My advice to anyone thinking about posting in SUCCESS is: beware the major maintenance refit phase. I joined SUCCESS at the beginning of December 2007 and spent the next 4 months wearing a hard hat and safety glasses. The ship was covered in scaffolding and tarps and barely recognisable which made it hard to learn your

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way around. One thing that didn’t get removed during refit was LCDR Phil Ma. He is the longest serving Officer onboard (just under 4 years) and not only is he the Dental Officer but is also the Diving Officer, the Helicopter Control Officer, Public Relations Officer and for a brief period the Boarding Officer.

After an extended refit, we embarked Sea Training Group (Fleet) and went to sea to conduct workups for our Mariner Skills Evaluation (MSE), and Unit Ready Evaluation (URE). These evaluations place the ship’s company through all seagoing evolutions such as Replenishment at Sea (RAS), Man Overboard drills, Officer of the Watch Manoeuvres as well as the usual Emergency Stations, Action Stations, Fires, Floods and Toxic Hazards. We also had a week alongside to prove our Force Protection skills against bomb, wharf and waterborne threats.

During this time, not a lot of dental work was happening (nor was there any sleep) but my skills as a ship’s medical emergency team (SMET) greatly improved. I took on the role as boat SMET which allowed me to get out in the RHIB and be more involved in Man Overboard exercises. My greatest ‘warrie’ from workups was looking for ‘Oscar’ (man overboard dummy) whom, may he rest in peace was lost at sea, in sea state 4-5 in the pitch black for 45 minutes. We hit some big waves, got some air time and got hit by even bigger waves crashing over us. Something I’ll remember from my time on here.

We had a brief stop back alongside Sydney for some last minute defect rectifications and embarkation of stores for our 3? month deployment. Up North bound for Darwin we sailed, again with Fleet onboard for further assessment on our Damage Control Procedures. OP RESOLUTE was our next tasking and for LCDR Ma it was his 11th time to Christmas Island.

Next it was off to the beautiful islands of Hawaii for Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC). On the way the traditional Crossing the Line ceremony took place and LCDR Ma was charged with the following: “Sire, The court recognises LCDR Ma as a subject who fails to understand that the day does in fact start before 0830h.

Regularly seen dashing for the showers around the time the rest of the ships company are turning to. It is further understood that LCDR Ma is a frustrated birdie at heart your majesty as it is said that from time to time he can be heard from the HCO position acting out his fantasy as the Red Baron. This would account Sire for the surreptitious activation of the Crash on Deck alarms that have this fine crew bewildered. Sire, I leave you to make your mind up with this one, as many members of this ships company have given up trying to understand the mind of this intellectual dynamo.”

CADMUS 2008

At the time of writing this article we are almost at the end of the exercise, and it has been extremely busy with all aspects of maritime warfare, conducting boardings, helicopter ops and VERTREPS, anti submarine ops, air raids and not to mention what we do best on SUCCESS – Replenishment at Sea. We conducted the ship’s 3000th RAS with HMAS ANZAC. During RAS, it gives me the opportunity to head up to the flag deck and re-live my days as a signalman, by sending semaphore and hoisting flags. It gets me out of the surgery and in the sun.

Our Task Group was made up of HMAS ANZAC, HMCS REGINA and USS CHUNG HOON. SUCCESS was also tasked off to complete different phases with other multinational ships also involved in the exercise. It’s not all war games though, alongside Pearl Harbor there were many organised sports. I participated in the body boarding and surfing competition and came in first and second respectively. Hawaii is a great place to visit, so many things to see and do.

We will be stopping into Guam on the way home from Hawaii and in September be alongside Sydney for 5 weeks. It is then back up to Christmas Island again with port visits to Cairns and Darwin.

However LCDR Ma won’t be making it the perfect dozen, as he is finally swapping his sea legs for some shore time. In July this year LCDR Ma achieved his 400th day/night deck landing as the Helicopter Control Officer and in October he will receive his tier 3 Sea Readiness Badge (equal or greater than 6 years at sea) which is a big achievement for a Dental Officer.

WARRA returned to FBE where Chris and I disembarked and after the 6 weeks with the Ship we were able to clear the majority of the crew and ensure that everyone was dentally fit until their return to the West. Thanks must go to LSDEN Walker at HMAS STIRLING who coordinated all the appointments and PMKeyS updates.

HMAS MANOORA LEUT Allan and ABDEN Legg joined HMAS MANOORA for what was to be a marathon deployment of 5? months including time on OP RESOLUTE and then a South East Asia deployment to Singapore, Phuket and Jakarta. Like everything else in Defence the Fleet Activity Schedule is just a basis for change and in the end the Fleet Team only ended up deploying to New Zealand.

Sarah and I were set up in the operating theatre, a luxury in Navy terms. Unfortunately they must have been using the theatre as a morgue before we got there and the first few days on the way to New Zealand as the weather got colder the air conditioning got more effective and we had to work in the extreme cold of about 10 degrees C.

I’m sad that my time onboard is up at the end of the year, but I can say that it has been thoroughly enjoyable being a part of HMAS SUCCESS ship’s company and being at sea. It’s unfortunate that I won’t be able to challenge LCDR Ma’s tier 3 Sea Readiness Badge as I’ve only just made it to tier 2. SUCCESS is a great posting, so take up the challenge and enjoy the adventures.

FLEET MOBILE DENTAL TEAM ONE

Fig. 1 The Temperature!

LEUT Dan Allan, RAN Fleet Dental Team One in 2008 consisted of the unstoppable force of LEUT Dan Allan, ABDEN Chris Fehrenbach and ABDEN Sarah Legg. With LEUT Oliver Pope away on LONGLOOK all the hard work was left to the one team for the first part of the year.

HMAS WARRAMUNGA The first deployment of the year saw ABDEN Fehrenbach and I join HMAS WARRAMUNGA in WA and sail straight back to FBE. The perilous seas of the Great Australian Bight once again were more reputation than action with it being so calm that Chris and I were surprised when the Ship altered course and we got a bit of a roll on! We even had a crack at some RCT during the transit.

WARRAMUNGA joined the fleet concentration period during its transit to Fleet Base East and during our anchorage in Jervis Bay we were utilised by the other Ships to see some emergency patients and clear some much overdue ADE. After 2 weeks of war fighting WARRA was off to Hobart for Easter.

During our 5 days alongside there was a couple of incidents that kept Chris and I busy but overall our time in Hobart was enjoyable, albeit probably a bit long. Our next port visit was to Geelong, which was definitely a popular choice for a warship to visit. The open day was attended by over 2,500 people and in the end the Ship had to turn people away.

CADMUS 2008

The first port of call was Lyttleton, a tiny town on the South Island about 20 minutes from Canterbury. It was whilst networking at the local that Sarah and I convinced the aircrew that the Fleet Team needed to fly with them. It just so happened that the flight Sarah and I were on was a navigation flight to Mt. Hutt. Only the photos can do this flight justice!

During the trip we were joined by LEUT Simon Flanagan, who was completing the sea phase of his initial officer training.

Obviously having another dental officer onboard was an opportunity too good not to take advantage of and we let Simon loose on the crew.

We conducted an exercise with the NZ Army alongside in Napier and then headed off to Wellington for some much needed rest and recreation. We were advised by the locals that we brought the good weather with us and the sun was shining for the four days of our visit.

MANOORA then headed off to Brisbane for what was meant to be a working visit to embark the Army in preparation for uplift to the Northern Territory. It was during this port visit that we were advised that MANOORA’s schedule had changed and we were heading back to FBE. Luckily Sarah and I had worked hard to clear their backlog of personnel requiring dental check ups and treatment and hence did not impinge on their alongside time.

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and Greg doing a crossing of the line ceremony.

Hong Kong: random noodle bars and food in the streets; Greg looking for tea sets and DVD movies.

Shanghai: celebrating ‘gam bai’ with the Chinese Navy officers; shopping, drinks at the highest bar in the world (88th floor); and Greg looking for tea sets and chopsticks.

South Korea: a memorable dawn entry to the harbour - waking up to “pleasant music”; a day tour the DMZ; and Greg looking for tea sets and bells?!

Japan: trip to Hakone to see Mount Fuji; shoe shopping in the American NEX (PX) store; fantastic food; Tokyo; Ginza shopping and Harajuku girls; and Greg looking for tea sets and fans.

Fig. 2 With LEUT Flanagan

Singapore: eating frog porridge; cheap designer bags; and Orchard Towers fun and Greg on the dance floor.

In summary, this was a fantastic deployment with a fantastic crew and a great way to end the year.

FLEET MOBILE DENTAL TEAM 2 LEUT Kere Kobayashi, RAN HMAS PERTH Title: 85 Reasons to Always Deploy with a Hygienist In September 2007, Fleet Mobile Dental Team 2 consisting of LEUT Kere Kobayashi and ABDENH Greg Pashen deployed on HMAS PERTH for a 3 month up-top trip of a life time. This was more technically know as NEAD 2007- North East Asia Deployment.

PERTH is the new Ship on the block and along with HMAS PARRAMATTA went on a goodwill tour through Singapore, Hong Kong, China, and South Korea culminating in Exercise Pacific Shield in Japan. Exercise Pacific Shield is an international collaboration with the Japanese, NZ, Singapore, US, French, and English Navies.

Because we were onboard for an extended period, we set up in the ‘Buffers’ Office (Aviation workshop, 1JC4) on the ship. NOTE TO FUTURE TEAMS: This is the best position on any ANZAC class ship for a dental team to set up. It’s sufficiently spacious, isolated, quiet, with air conditioning and computer terminal. The only problem encountered was informing the CPO Bosun he was losing his office.

With a happy crew of approximately 140 we completed a 101 ADE and finished all treatments. Of particular note was the amount of hygiene cleans preformed (85), this had the effect of halving the number of class two patients.

The Trip began by joining the ship in Darwin. We were also lucky enough to be the first dental team to be using the new and improved extra compact and light dental equipment. We settled in for a 10 day ride to Singapore to pick up HMAS PARRAMATTA and from there we went to our first port of call Hong Kong for 3 days, Shanghai for 4 days, South Korea for 3 days, Japan for 4 days and Singapore for 4 days.

FEATURED MOMENTS In transit: Greg rolling up his sleaves and helping ditch gash and ending up covered in ‘Bin Juice’; swimming at the equator (Swim ex); BBQ and movie nights on deck; DVD and gym time; making the fleet video; hearing Greg give the same OHI speech 85 times!;

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HMAS KANIMBLA ABDEN Sarah Legg On 18th March LEUT Russell Lain and I sailed out through the Sydney heads on HMAS KANIMBLA on our way to Noumea. We were heading off to take part in an exercise that included the French and Australian Armies plus the New Zealand Navy. We set up shop in the Pathology lab deep down in the bowels of the ship and after conducting a doc muster began seeing patients. It was only a week of work later and we pulled into Townsville.

Following a weekend of lying around the beach and scootering around Magnetic Island it was time to head back to HMAS KANIMBLA where we continued on our way to Noumea. It was only a quick stop, just enough time to pick up around 400 French troops then set sail again up the east coast of New Caledonia.

Unfortunately a vast majority of these troops didn’t speak a work of English. However LEUT Lain could speak a little French, which ended up being very handy when one day a French Officer knocked on our door complaining of a toothache. LEUT Lain quickly determined that the French Officer would require RCT. It was very interesting and funny watching LEUT Lain trying his best to explain in broken French and to someone who didn’t speak English that we were about to remove the nerve of his tooth!

Once we’d finished the exercise with the foreign forces and had disembarked all the French troops we headed back to Noumea for some much needed shore time. Noumea has some of the most beautiful weather and I took advantage of it by spending most of my days lounging on the beach and snorkelling in some of the clearest waters I’ve ever seen, then finishing off with a cocktail or two.

After a very relaxing and enjoyable few days in Noumea we started our journey back to Australia where up until now all our fleet dental equipment had been running smoothly. Half way back home the ship encountered some problems when quite dramatically the whole port side of the ship lost its 240V power.

This included the Path Lab. I blamed LEUT Lain for the blackout; he tried convincing me though it had nothing to do with the untagged iron he was using at the time! With most of our dental equipment relying on 240V power it was little while before we could start seeing patients again. The ships company really came to the fore to help us and in no time we had power cords running

CADMUS 2008

from every direction tapping into the available power outlets from other parts of the ship while they lasted. Even with our power problems we still managed to see a total of 223 patients, including 5 Kiwis and 1 French.

be forgiven for thinking we were in the wet season. Nevertheless I had hoped to send a photo with this article of a huge fish we nearly caught to demonstrate how busy we have been but, as usual, the bugger got away!

We stopped again at Townsville for a short stop to pick up some family members for a family cruise back to Sydney. The family members were treated to; helicopter shows, Damage Control demonstrations, a steel deck BBQ and Lobster nights. What a way to finish a great trip.

At the end of 2007 the team farewelled Julie after a year of fantastic dedication to refining the team’s provisions lists and carrying out her role as a DA at sea to an exceptional standard. ABDEN Phillippa Denholm assumed the mantle in 2008 and maintained the high standard of professionalism expected of DA in FMDT-3.

FLEET MOBILE DENTAL TEAM 3 LEUT Katherine Bailey, RAN This financial year the West-based fleet team has continued to swing between AFT Battle and EEC on FFG and FFH, respectively.

The recurrent issue in both is always electrical power but at least the scenery is different. To date the jury is still out on which compartment is more comfortable or convenient!

ABDEN Tanya Boge and I continued to explore our fascination with OP RESOLUTE on HMAS NEWCASTLE, both of us also expanding our home bar stocks courtesy of the convenience store on Christmas Island which just happens to have the most extensive range of duty free alcohol within Australian waters! While this sadly was the last deployment for Tanya, it concluded a busy year for the team and I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Tanya for all her hard work and endless enthusiasm without which our deployments would have been far more tedious. Tanya has since been promoted to the rank of Leading Seaman, has completed her studies at HMAS CERBERUS and has posted to HMAS KUTTABUL as a hygienist.

After farewelling Tanya, the new-year lured ABDEN Julie de Lange back to sea after 7 years ashore since changing branch from Boatswain’s Mate to Dental Rate. Her ‘dibbie’ past paid off in her fantastic ability to tie knots, secure gear and hold her lunch in heavy sea states. This latter trait came in handy when, to break with FMDT-3 tradition, the team embarked on HMAS ARUNTA to tour New Zealand. In order to get to our first port a day early, the Tasman Sea was crossed at break-neck speed in less than pleasant seas. Nevertheless the ship and crew made it to Auckland intact, if minus a few kilos! I have now added non-slip mats to our armament after Julie, the Buffer and I all went for a surprise toboggan ride in the EEC one rough morning! I have said it before and will say it again, as long as no-one gets hurt it is ALWAYS funny!

New Zealand was great fun and without revealing too much of what happened on tour, I have it on good authority that Julie has a lovely singing voice… Easter was spent in Hobart and the homeward leg of the journey to Perth was blissfully calm.

After a quick turnover at HMAS STIRLING the team returned to our favourite ocean haunt, OP RESOLUTE, on HMAS ADELAIDE. The old girl is still decommissioning (an allegation that was being bandied about back in 2005 when the team last deployed on ADELAIDE) but I have been assured that this time it is for real. Like most of our OP RESOLUTES there has been little to report, although with the persistent wet weather one could

CADMUS 2008

HMAS ANZAC was the next challenge for the team starting with a 70% deployability level with just 4 weeks to improve it during Exercise BERSAMA SHIELD. Sadly the precious transformer acquired on ADELAIDE could not be used in 01F on FFH so we had to make do with obscure circuits and many fuses. In addition Pip had to be co-ordinated in managing the “creative” power matrix we had developed to run the surgery. The biggest challenge, however, was our “naughty little LISA” sterilizer which gained notoriety by spontaneously running through every alarm code in the book. It is interesting that the recommended action for most LISA alarm codes is to re-run the load and if the alarm recurs then organise a service – a bit tricky at sea!

Thankfully Singapore offered, in addition to chilli-stingray and Singapore Slings, medical technicians. Unfortunately they shook their heads and muttered “complete overhaul” a few times. Thanks to some fancy footwork by LSDEN Nicole Walker and others a replacement was rushed to Singapore!

Other highlights of the trip were: “baptism” of personnel and the Squirrel Helo by the poo farm (what inevitably happens on FFH when too much soap suds is flushed into the poo-farm and you just happen to be walking on the upper decks); Miss ANZAC competition: all “HODS/Ladies” dressed by stylists LEUT Bailey and ABDEN Denholm in Vinnies ensembles and makeup by Tramp Inc.; and “Crossing the Line” ceremony in which the team willingly participated.

LEUT Tom Yong is expected to assume the role of FDO in the team and is currently scheduled to deploy with LSDEN Nicole Walker on HMAS TOOWOMBA for an intense 3 month “up-top” deployment. Good luck Tom!

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Royal Australian Navy Dental Branch

Unit News Fleet Base East Dental Department HMAS KUTTABUL LSDEN2 Alicia Hills

CERBERUS and is enjoying the challenge. AB Pashen also posted out in December to Defence Establishment Berrimah after 5 years posted to KUTTABUL, good luck with your posting Greg!

PO Scott Norbury posted into the Fleet PO position in January 2008, a change from seeing patients all day at STIRLING. Scott is enjoying the position and looking forward to posting to CERBERUS to teach the Hygiene course next year. LS Amanda Cox posted into KUTTABUL in January 2008, Amanda changed over from Stores naval as a qualified transfer of category and fitted into the department extremely well. In June 2008 LS Cox posted to HMAS STIRLING and loves her new house in San Remo.

In April this year we gained SMN David (Tevita) Kama straight off course, who is bringing life to the dental department. May 2008 saw the arrival of AB Rachelle Johnson, another qualified entry sailor having worked as a DA in her hometown of Devonport, Tasmania; Rachelle is now “living the dream”. LEUT Pope was lucky enough to be selected for Exercise LONGLOOK and posted out in May 2008. His exchange was LEUT Bryony Southorn, who managed to see many places in Australia and one highlight was sailing for a week on Young Endeavour.

The HMAS KUTTABUL Dental Department comprises 6 dental surgeries, 5 for general dentistry and visiting specialists and 1 set up for hygiene. At full capacity the department is very busy. I posted into KUTTABUL in June 2007 from HMAS SUCCESS, I was welcomed into the department and seemed to fit in straight away.

LS Dunstan was my partner in crime until being posted to the PTI course in January 2008 (Zenith has since finished the course and posted to recruit school). Shortly after my arrival, LEUT Oliver Pope and LEUT Elizabeth Close arrived fresh of NEOC course and ready to see patients.

Over the last 12 months the Dental Department has had many changes take place. In January 2008 PO Meldrum took over the reigns as practice manager after not having a senior sailor for approximately 8 months. LEUT Allan was left to run the department for most of 2007 and from this was presented a commendation for his efforts. September 2007 saw the arrival of LSDENH Tanya Boge fresh off the Hygiene course. Tanya is currently deployed until August 2008 along with Fleet Dental Surgeon LCDR Caldwell, LEUT Close and eventually LEUT Allan onboard USNS MERCY in Pacific Partnership. In September 2007 the department saw LEUT Martin post to HMAS ALBATROSS. SMN Christie Woodleigh posted into KUTTABUL in November 2007 and is doing well. Christie is currently relief manning at HMAS WATSON and will rejoin KUTTABUL on completion.

LS Edwards (now PO Edwards, congratulations on the promotion) left us in December 2007 to take over as practice manager at HMAS CADMUS 2008

Along with all the military personnel at KUTTABUL, we are supported by many civilian staff including 4 full time dental assistants, two administrative assistants, a lab and sterilisation technician along with 1 full time dentist and many specialists.

‘Harry’ Butler is still here as the dental/medical storeman and is now officially a part of the furniture. It’s not always work here, our sport time is always fun, we have managed to go kayaking a couple of times this year and recently some of the military members competed in the HMAS KUTTABUL ship to shore 5km fun run/walk. SMN Woodleigh and SMN Kama both took out respectively the male and female HMAS KUTTABUL place titles.

The future for the dental department looks positive, we are getting a new military dentist straight from NEOC and soon will have a new SMNDEN. We continue to see many patients and strive to make the workplace as happy as can be.

Fleet Base West Dental Department HMAS STIRLING What a busy year it has been from the shores of the Fremantle Doctor. It has been the year of audits, a year of big changes and a year of ‘making it happen’. No stone has been left unturned as we have looked at ways to improve how we do business with CMDR Dugan and CPO Stone at the helm. We have been focused on making it the ‘experience of all experiences’.

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To set the scene, HMAS STIRLING Dental has adopted the philosophy of best practice dentistry with a customer-focused approach to business. LS Nicole Walker and LS Jade Van Haeff were tasked with developing a number of initiatives for improving the image of FBW Dental. This involved conducting patient surveys and a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weakness, Opportunity, Threats) to identify areas for improvement.

We are happy to report that a coat of paint, the delivery of new office furniture and the obligatory visit(s) to Ikea and their world of Swedish meatballs have changed the appearance of FBW Dental.

On one weekend, the dental fairies paid a visit and did their magic.

We now have a feature wall in the waiting room which is a “soothing” cobalt blue to complement the ship’s metal gray walls.

Our resident interior designers have complemented this with mood lighting and an aromatherapy experience. The waiting room beckons any sailor in its midst.

of male senior citizens who had lots of gratuitous advice. Our second divisional meeting landed us at the Fremantle jail where our experience was touched by our Irish host. His never-ending jokes saw our laughter fill the corridors, perhaps for the first time in history.

The concept of ‘four-handed dentistry’ was also brought to life again by conducting a departmental training session with external training specialists. Only those of us that are fossils will recall that such a thing existed! This training was highly successful and has been introduced into our routine clinical work. It draws upon good team work but many of us would indeed like to have more fingers! Training was also brought to the forefront with infection control issues at STIRLING. An infection control committee was established with LEUT Doyle, LS Jade Van Haeff and Denise Grainger who address infection control issues and provide ongoing advice and training for the department. Denise and Jade attended further training at ADA House in West Perth and Jade also attended infection control training by Dr Laurie Walsh in Sydney.

Training opportunities extended to the wider community. LS Van Haeff and AB Karleigh Barbour visited the pre-primary class at Maranatha College and provided lots of training in regards to tooth brushing and good oral education. Their efforts were a great success and captured the attention and imagination of all the children. What a great team they made!

The ‘experience’ doesn’t end there. As patients sail into the surgeries, they are welcomed by a dynamic and professional team.

The department attended a FISH workshop conducted last year which unleashed our creative juices. For those unfamiliar FISH is an interesting method of developing effective and coherent teams.

This course not only enabled our crew to plan refurbishments to our department but to develop a new philosophy on how we do business. Essentially, as a department, we have taken up the challenge to make each day a fun and happy day with lots of smooth sailing. Patients have noticed the flow-on effect of improved team dynamics and efficiency. Such changes are reflected in our dental statistics. One of our biggest achievements was breaking the statistics barrier by achieving a 91% dental deployability for HMAS STIRLING and all of FBW Ships and Lodger Units. This could not be achieved without the team’s dedication and hard work.

Our losses this year include LS Scott Norbury to KUTTABUL with promotion to Fleet dental position. We welcome LEUT Catherine Doyle, LEUT Tom Yong, SMN Kylie Skinner, SMN Katie Macdonald-Walker, SMN Marlana Zorzetto, Susan Howie, and Sandra Crick to the crew.

Recognised for their efforts during this year included CPO Stone awarded the Order of Australia Medal on Australia Day and AB Julie De Lange was awarded the Sailor of the Month for March at STIRLING. In the past year we have focused on developing team work and have re-invigorated divisional meetings. Essentially these highly successful meetings were followed by gastronomic celebrations and other adventures. Our first divisional meeting culminated in lawn bowls which showcased the talent of STIRLING staff to a group

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Our teamwork has spilled over to the social aspect at STIRLING. We have hosted many lunches and morning teas tempting all with gastronomic creations as well as numerous Tupperware parties.

Two social highlights for the year were the Waikiki cocktail party and Santa’s Christmas in July party. These brought together the crew from STIRLING and again tempted the gastronomic tastebuds with in-house catering. Social banter was mixed with recipe swapping and the occasional reference to working at STRILING. 2008 is turning out to be great as we slip back into our recliners and watch the sun set over the pool with the Fremantle Doctor putting a little wind in our sails. Dolphins frolic past us, the tammars graze about us and the pythons bask in the sun.

Welcome to our gastronomic paradise and to the wonders of the West!

CADMUS 2008

HMAS CERBERUS Dental Department

HMAS ALBATROSS Dental Department

Miss Casey Hearn

LEUT Belinda Martin

Here in Victoria, where it’s not uncommon to have all four seasons in one day, we have had a very busy and exciting New Year.

As is the way with Military life, the past year at HMAS ALBATROSS Dental Department has been full of staff changes. We have welcomed SMN Charni Groves and AB Jesse Lantry (both fresh off course) and are expecting AB Lanie Boer to join our team early August. Some familiar civilian Dental assistants have returned to work for Defence, Helen Purtscher and Daniela Weingartner.

Last year saw LEUT Andrew Hughes and PO Rob Meldrum depart to sunnier areas of Australia. Arriving with big smiles and lots of changes was LCDR Tanya Burton (SDO) and PO Rachel Edwards (Practice Manager).

The Department said goodbye to three team mates, Claire Bosworth our receptionist of 7 years, DA Kelly Jovic who celebrated the birth of her first son and hygienist AB Katrina Lennon who was offered a promotion at Recruit School. New to the team are DA Jennifer Smith and DA Ellen Jones. AB Todd who posted in around early April is completing his hygiene course and will fill the shoes of LS Katrina Lennon later in the year.

Besides new staff arrivals, LSDEN(H) Katrina Martin and her partner Ben welcomed their first child, Erin into the world. This obviously meant we lost Kat to Maternity leave from which she returns in April 2009. In her place, Belinda Hales has taken the Practice Manager helm for two days a week. AB Cree posted out to HMAS WATSON and we also lost our noisy “blonde bomb-shell” Corrine Dickinson to Virgin Blue as she follows her dream of becoming a flight attendant.

Every month the Department processes a Recruit Intake and over 150 Recruits have their Initial Dental Exam. This is a very busy and chaotic time for all of the Dental Team. When possible we have the assistance of the Senior DA’s and Hygienists to take the BW x-rays, assist with charting and patient transfers to the OPG / X-Ray department. This keeps all of us on our toes as we match BW’s with OPG’s and Patient documents. But wait there’s more, then we battle the Health Keys Dental Computing System to input patient details and update work lists.

Thankfully, there have been a few constants. We still have LCDR Kim Leong and LEUT Belinda Martin and the civilian Dental officers, Eugene Le Breton and Lieve Stasson. WGCDR Kelly provides prosthodontic expertise during his Reserve days. Jacque McCarthy is working hard on reception as always and ABDEN Lisa Jansen has taken on many new responsibilities as the senior SDA in the department.

Recently, HMAS CERBERUS Dental Department completed a team building day. It was a jam packed fun filled day with lots of team and trust building exercises. The team piggy backed each other across quick sand and spent the rest of the day blind folded, avoiding obstacles such as gym equipment, walking around the pool and climbing ladders to the top diving board platform (still blind folded). It was a fantastic effort from everyone and it was a great experience for all involved as we all stepped out of our comfort zone and took a chance. A big thank you to LCDR Burton and PO Edwards for organising this great day, and a BZ to all of our dental team for taking part.

Located adjacent to the Dental School, the Department regularly supervises trainees through the practical aspects of their course.

It is always refreshing to have new keen faces in the department.

CERBERUS Dental Team is a fantastic, caring and motivated group of people which makes it a great place to work.

ALBATROSS Dental Department sailors have been kept busy this year rotating through guard duties on the Air Station. SMN Charni Groves was part of the guard at Commanding Officers Divisions and AB Jesse Lantry participated in the recent 805 Decommissioning Guard. On Anzac Day, LEUT Martin led the Kiama march and the Catafalque Party with two of the Dental sailors, AB Lisa Jansen and SMN Groves as part of the four person guard. AB Lantry recently sharpened her F88 Austeyr skills on a Small Arms Initial Employment Training course.

In the month of June, the HMAS ALBATROSS Dental Department was lucky to have CPOSN Daryl McLean perform reserve work with us. Our SOPs were reviewed and revitalized, and utilising the Dental Auditing Tool from DDFD, he ensured all the components are compliant.

LCDR Leong had a pleasant surprise at the Clear Lower Deck for the Chief of Navy farewell. LCDR Leong was presented her certificate of promotion by the then CN VADM Russ Shalders.

LEUT Martin got engaged late last year to LT Tadd Baus, a US Navy exchange officer whom she met whilst posted to KUTTABUL.

CADMUS 2008

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They married earlier this year in a very romantic ceremony on a beach in Oahu, Hawaii.

Many in the ALBATROSS Dental Department were interested in participating the USN Mercy PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP 2008 humanitarian mission. SMN Charni Groves gained a place as part of the ADF Phase 2 contingent, which visits places such as Dili, East Timor, Port Moresby, PNG, and Chuuk Micronesia. We will all be looking forward to the stories from this mission in the next CADMUS edition!

HMAS CAIRNS Dental Department PODENH Tracey Morris (Reserve) and LSDENH Emma Sills Yet again it has been an interesting year for HMAS CAIRNS Dental.

The new building has been handed over and is fitted with two dental surgeries and office space previously not seen in CAIRNS Dental. There are some ongoing challenges as the building beds in but all of which are being ably managed at local level.

LEUT Andrew Hughes posted in on 11 February 2008 and worked with us for almost two months before going back to Melbourne for two months to study for his CL progression. Whilst away, LEUT Hughes decided that the Navy was no longer for him and discharged at the end of July. He is now off to the UK to pursue further study for six months.

We also had the pleasure of having FLTLT Khai Nguyen join us for two weeks at the end of April and beginning of May to christen our new facility. We would love to steal him from RAAF Townsville and there wouldn’t need to be too much arm twisting to convince him to relocate four hours north! His humour and adaptability was greatly valued and appreciated.

Earlier this year, PO Tracey Morris commenced studies for her Certificate IV in Practice Management. She is one of the first to commence the new course being run externally by the ADF Dental School. It has, at times been difficult for her, due to her shorter working hours and the fact that the department only has one computer between three staff members, but by effectively managing her limited time, she achieves quite a lot. A permanent Dental Reserve billet has recently been created here in Cairns, so the department can now utilise her many years of knowledge and experience more often and on a regular basis. Having PO Morris here will enable more stability and a comprehensive transfer of corporate knowledge when new members post in and out of the PNF billet.

The physical dental capability has been significantly increased since our relocation to the Health Centre in the new Central Building. In the old department there was one small dental surgery and an even smaller back room that catered for office space, decontamination and sterilisation, stores and lab work. The new facility comprises two dental surgeries – one for hygiene and one for dentist use, a large office, two room sterilising area (dirty and clean) with pass through window, a storeroom and a small laboratory area. The medical dirty utility room houses a cupboard that our new Cattani Turbo Smart suction system resides in.

Unfortunately due to the loss of the Dental Officer, our capacity for providing dental services has significantly decreased, currently with only LS Sills performing hygiene duties. Once again we have sent out the ‘SOS’ to our civilian providers, who continue to assist us in maintaining the dental Individual Readiness of our members.

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As with 2007 when we were also without a Dental Officer, there is a significant increase in the amount of liaising with external providers and that never ending mountain of paperwork we need to process, but ultimately we will achieve a high level of readiness.

The wheels are currently in motion to obtain a civilian contractor for six to twelve months. This lays in the hands of the North Queensland Area Health Service, so we make daily offerings to the AHS Gods in the hope they can conjure one up for us!

Hopefully sometime in the not to distant future, we can once again coerce a uniformed DO to soak up the beautiful Cairns climate and tropical lifestyle and enjoy our brand new facility.

HMAS COONAWARRA Dental Department LEUT Johnathan Grove, LSDENH Greg Pashen and Ms Malita McCabe What a year it has been! After a big wet season in the tropical north we are enjoying a beautiful Dry season, undoubtedly the best climate in Australia. Although we are a lonely department situated 10kms from the hustle and bustle of HMAS COONAWARRA down at the foreshore at Larrakeyah, we have still managed to keep ourselves under the pump and busy.

With LSDENH Katrina Lennon departing us for sunny CERBERUS late last year, some fresh faces have entered the department with LSDENH Greg Pashen arriving from the cooler climates of KUTTABUL Sydney in early January. He has stepped into the demanding role of Hygienist / Practice Manager. Having only a small team up here definitely keeps you on your toes. The front office is unmanned when all three of us are in surgery so time management and hat changing is essential - a fulltime receptionist would be welcomed with open arms! Lucky for us we still have LEUT Jonathan Grove for the fifth year running providing a solid foundation for our team, along with dental assistant Malita McCabe keeping him in line.

HMAS COONAWARRA currently provides a service to approximately 750 Defence personnel along with many Army members in the remote locations of Alice Springs, Gove and Broome. And just to make our days a little busier we have been assisting 1CSSB Dental at Robertson Barracks with their demanding patient load. In return for our services they have supplied a Hygienist to help us out 1 day a week as we are currently booked up 4 months in advance.

We all have strong work ethics and get in and get the job done, and our 95% KPI’s are a strong reflection of this. With a lot of personnel to administer this can be challenging at times, as you can all relate to I’m sure.

We have had the privilege to attend a private tour of the American ship USNS MERCY when she was in Darwin recently. Three of our RAN Dental Officer’s have spent time on her over the past month’s and were excited to show us around just as we were excited to be there. We have also had a familiarisation day with the Patrol boats, learning about the challenges our Sailors face working on board these vessels.

Darwin has certainly come alive in the first half of this year with RAAF PITCH BLACK bringing our skies alight, and when the noise finally stopped the seas sprang into action with OPERATION KAKADU. Both operations brought with them what seemed like 1000’s of extra defence personnel from all over the world, making Darwin a very vibrant and exciting place to be.

CADMUS 2008

Well, I think that wraps it up for another year. We wish you all the best for the remainder of 2008 and stay safe over the New Year!

HMAS PENGUIN Dental Department ABDEN Michael Hatzivalsamis The Dental Department of HMAS PENGUIN is a Minor Dental Unit, consisting of a dentist and an assistant. This Department has gone through some considerable changes between 2007 and 2008. I posted to PENGUIN in Apr 07. Since that time a mixture of both civilian and uniformed dentists have worked there as the ‘Dental Officer’. The services of PENGUIN Dental have also been moved and the Department is currently under re-furbishment.

When first posting here I worked with a civilian dentist. His routine was solid and that meant we were able to maintain a high percentage of dental fitness. I quickly developed a good rapport with staff, and the work flowed continuously and steadily. At this point the dentist left PENGUIN which left me creatively booking patients in to neighbouring dental facilities.

A civilian contractor was employed to work part-time in the department working here for three months until he left just before Christmas 2007.

LEUT Kobayashi, currently in one of the Fleet Dental Positions at the time, was able to spare some time and lend a hand. He worked one or two days a week for a short period, though I still remained dependent on other departments for help.

At this stage I packed up the PENGUIN Department (as Balmoral Naval Hospital (BNH) closed down for re-furbishment Mar 08), and moved into the Hygiene surgery at HMAS WATERHEN. LEUT Kobayashi continued to treat PENGUIN patients at WATERHEN. though difficult at times due to space. The hygiene surgery was designed for a hygienist only, not a dentist and assistant. LEUT Close posted to WATERHEN as the new Dental Officer shortly after LEUT Kobayashi had left mid year and commenced treating both WATERHEN and PENGUIN patients, which was a tremendous help.

The PENGUIN Dental Department is still currently undergoing refublishment. I now have a permanent contractor dentist to work with three full days a week. This will be my routine until the Balmoral Naval Hospital is completed and Navy staff is required to move back in. I will move back into the original Department within BNH, and so will the dentist I currently work with. Therefore I should be expecting another removal early 2009 some time.

local village has the feel and charm of days past. The main street is dotted with small cafes offering an outside dining experience where you may sit and sip on a café latte, enjoy the sun, the breeze, the birds singing, even pretend you are not actually in Australia’s busiest city, and if it’s a weekend the odd car might drive through.

The road really only goes to the Naval base, so therefore peak hour is at the standard weekday times, as this road is generally only used by local traffic accessing the main street shops. Waverton railway station is right nearby, and the area is well worth a tourist visit.

Unfortunately the Dental department, with it’s opaque security windows, is not well situated to take advantage of the area’s many charms. This is probably just as well, because while to the casual observer, WATERHEN seems like a sleepy hollow, the two person dental department is actually very busy looking after nearly seven hundred personnel, including RAN Clearance Dive Team One (who enquire daily about bleaching and orthodontics, and are invariably disappointed by the answer…); six Huon class Mine Hunters/Patrol Boats., base administration staff, Drone Boats, Port Services, the Mine Warfare Faculty, a large Stores Dept, FSU, and the MCD FEG. LCDR Galloway has enjoyed working here, but leaves the Navy in August for new horizons and, ironically, some seatime. LEUT Liz Close will post in when she returns from a short stint with the US Navy. ABDEN Todd (Toddy) made good use of the local latte strip, frequenting “The Grumpy Baker” and generously supplying the whole health centre with his favourite gourmet coffee.

Toddy posted to CERBERUS in April and will be the next Navy trained hygienist. Giving up the smokes, so he can tell his patients to, might prove a challenge, but otherwise he is sure to do well at it. Hope he’s got a thick wetsuit for his surfing pursuits in Victoria’s chilly waters.

ABDEN Smith (Smouch) returned in March after spending a year away with the fleet team. Always cheerful, Smouch is truly happy in the service, and can’t believe they paid him a bonus to stay on for another eighteen months when he had no intention of going anywhere - though he’d love a posting to Cairns where he could really test the new shockies on his motorbike on the Bloomfield track. He’s also developing a potential second career at writing for travel brochures (see above). In spite of our general busy-ness, we always welcome diversions and if you decide to add WATERHEN to your itinerary when passing through Sydney, we’re always up for a brew.

HMAS WATSON Dental Department ABDEN2 Magdalena Cree

HMAS WATERHEN Dental Department LCDR Catherine Galloway and ABDEN2 Mark Smith HMAS WATERHEN, beautiful one day, perfect the next. That’s our base, cut into the side of the cliff and located in the small and leafy village of Waverton, overlooking the beautiful Balls Head Bay on the northern side of Sydney Harbour. The area’s many hilly, narrow streets with their very old homes are surrounded by lush regenerated bushland featuring a number of nature walks, allowing spectacular Harbour views as well as a documented history of the waterfront from the days of the depression and before. The CADMUS 2008

The earlier part of the year for HMAS WATSON Dental Department has been quite eventful with the frequent changes in personnel.

The year began with LEUT Jacob Smith taking over from LCDR Tanya Burton who is now posted to HMAS CERBERUS in the role of Senior Dental Officer (SDO). Replacing LSDEN Heather Flannery, who left in January to fill the Fleet Base East position, was ABDEN Emma Burr. AB Burr did a wonderful job running the department with LEUT Smith until I was able to arrive in March.

Whilst posted to HMAS WATSON, LEUT Smith performed the two major roles of SDO and Officer–In–Charge (OIC) while also managing two days a week in private practice preparing for his discharge later in April.

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LEUT Smith discharged from the RAN in April and has moved on to work in three different practices, all in different cities (Sydney, Newcastle and Canberra). It was not long before his replacements had arrived, to the relief of the Health Centre (and to myself). CAPT Victor Olsson-White (Army) joined us from Holsworthy Barracks to help out on Wednesdays and Dr Murray Hayes (COL. Res.) on Thursdays. With Dr John Ashton (CAPT, RAN, ret’d) still working on Mondays and Fridays we have four busy days in surgery maintaining personnel of WATSON�S dental fitness.

A number of times this year SMN Christie Woodleigh from HMAS KUTTABUL has stepped in to help out with a few weeks here and there: when AB Burr went on maternity leave, (congratulations to her and her partner on their baby girl), and myself on a few weeks break. Her help has been greatly appreciated, she has done a really good job and I am sure she has learnt quite a lot during those weeks, which I hope will help to make the SDA course a little bit easier for her.

HMAS WATSON is quite the busy establishment with a number of trainees, both officers and sailors continually posting in and out on courses. Along with the experience of the POMED and PO Robert Meldrum I have been able to keep the department running as smoothly as possible. As we currently have no SDO, or OIC I really appreciate being able to turn to them with confidence for any questions I may have.

The time I have spent here at WATSON has been very enjoyable.

I have been lucky enough to work alongside four great dentists and a fantastic medical team who all work well in keeping our members here fit and healthy.

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Royal Australian Army Dental Corps

Unit News Regular Army Units Dental Platoon 1 CSSB and JHSA Robertson Barracks, Darwin, NT CPL David Clark Hello again from 35FD in the tropical paradise that is to your North. It has been another busy year here with the unit preparing around 1,200 personnel for four different deployments. Somehow we seem to have been forgotten when the captains were picking their teams. As a result it was decided that because of the patient load they could do without us for the field trips and MRE this year.

To help out when the patients decided they could fit us into their busy training schedule we had some visitors coming from all around Australia. Thanks go to PTE Pitt and CAPT Such who made an encore return after posting out at the start of the year. PTE Capstaff was up here checking out her posting to 1CSSB for next year, and SGT Feillafe dropped in to help out with the oral surgery.

PTE Hosie and PTE Wilding brought a little sunshine along, together with CAPT Le, they were all a great help. LTCOL Lai, MAJ Ong and MAJ Zlatkovic have made a few trips up to help out with oral surgery in the continuing fight against the third molars.

The start of the year saw the usual postings in and out. Rapidly heading south was CAPT Karen Such heading for Townsville. CPL Joan Parlour posted to Brisbane only to hit the end of the bungee and bounced back to Darwin in a JHSA posting. CPL Paul Webb and Shannon, after the birth of their little girl, Chelsea Olivia Webb (COW), headed south chasing the dollars by Corps transferring to RAEME to become a VM. Arriving fresh from Dental School, CAPT Nick Palferyman is busy doing his military courses and settling into the lifestyle nicely. CPL Ken Locker made the move straight up and with those chicken fillets in the fridge is now the Company CFL. CPL David Clark completed the Dental Technicians course last year, joins the team in Darwin and is surprised to find another paradise outside of Brisbane. PTE Yasmin Hampton has joined us from IET having transferred from the Gap Year program to the ARA.

Let’s not forget the hangers-on. MAJ Ray Heffer had a successful shoulder operation early in the year and has proceeded on LSL pending transfer to the Reserves as a Consultant Endodontist.

CAPT Michael Hall discharged from the ARA in August anticipating the thrill of private practice and wishing to reacquaint himself with his wife. Let’s hope he adjusts to the lifestyle of the First Man of the NQ-ADA. After a busy year, CAPT Amanda Leen is looking forward to the posting to 1HSB to stay with the tankie.

WO2 Tammy Smith, having survived this year, is looking forward to the challenges of next year with no SGT, only two CPL Technicians and three PTE on board. SGT Allen, after reluctantly doing his Subject 1 for WO, is looking at a posting to Brisbane; all bets are that he will be back in 2010. CPL Alaina Rodway, after a gallant fight against plaque, has completed her Subject 1 for SGT back to back with the RISK course and is now heading to Kapooka to join the rest of the Corps for 2009. PTE Michelle Williams, PTE Greg Willson and PTE Connor Gray have all caught the Corps transfer bug. Both PTE Willson and PTE Gray currently have offers for 2009. Good luck guys.

Of course we cannot forget our hard working civilians. Thanks to Dr Hosking, Laurie McLeod, Rebecca Wullaert and Kylie Greaves for their hard work during the year. Until next time, we hope you all have a good year in your cushy postings with all your excess DA and time to do adventure training and stuff.

Dental Platoon 3 CSSB Lavarack Barracks, Townsville, QLD CAPT Anthony Craig As usual, existence in a heavily deployed Brigade has resulted in a typically busy year for 16FD. Activities this year have included CATA, Relay for Life, IMT, countless pre and post-deployment checks as well as the usual mixed bag of dental work.

Send-offs CAPT Geoff Harvey takes on the role of SDO in the absence of a MAJ being posted to Townsville. He has definitely stepped up to the plate and will be sadly missed as he moves to Adelaide to commence a post-graduate Master Degree in Periodontics.

Congratulations on this wonderful achievement. SGT Hornsby sadly said goodbye to 3CSSB and the Army mid year after many years of distinguished service (and countless beers if you read his emails). He has joined the civilian technician rank and is currently working in Doha. He will be dearly missed for his humour and will be remembered for his antics patrolling the corridors. LCPL Harrison returned from maternity leave in April after the birth of

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her child, Hayden. She is off to the SDA course in September before a posting to Randwick for lunchtime coffees over looking the water! PTE Maher left 3CSSB for Melbourne mid year to commence life as a civilian and is planning on commencing a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2009. Best of luck with your future studies. PTE Ashcroft is marching out at years end, heading to 2 HSB. She has spent much of the year slaving over her much loved oral surgery paperwork. The dentists now fear the sound “Sir, I have more paperwork for you to complete.” This comment is usually followed by a pile of charts which match PTE Ashcroft’s stature. She also enjoyed the trip on CATA and the GloStick nightclub. PTE Turner has left the ranks of the Army but couldn’t keep away from the place. She finished up on a Friday and returned on the Monday to commence her contract with Aspen Health working in the CSD. She now enjoys the luxury of clicking off as soon as the clock hits 1600h.

completing his mandatory courses for the year. With the departure of a couple of members, he has now moved up to Eighth in Charge.

WO2 Flemett is a welcome addition and has been keeping an eagle eye on the happenings of the unit as the Dental Practice Manager.

He’s missing the view and coffee from Randwick but seems to be enjoying himself at the expense of the unit’s red-heads. He continues to work on his six-pack after completing the CFL course but still needs to work on his touch football skills. CPL Kaponay has been stolen from 11CSSB and has been doing a great job working part time in the lab. He really filled a big hole at the right time. If all things go to plan, he will be back in the ARA before too long. LCPL Dor’e took the trip north from 7CSSB and has ensured the stores are always well stocked. She enjoyed her stint as a SeCo on IMT with an outstanding result and was promoted in April. Her only weakness is that her ankles don’t like indoor soccer. She heads to HMAS CERBERUS in September for the SDA course. LCPL Barry has been busy at HMAS CERBERUS during the second half of the year completing the Dental Hygiene course. She joined us from Oakey and is still finding it hard not to iron creases into the sleeves of her cams.

A special mention must be given to the visiting specialists who have been providing their invaluable services. Professor Jones and Dr Dance have been assisting with our oral surgery cases while GPCAPT Keys has been doing all things gum. Finally, the functioning of the clinic would be greatly diminished if it were not for the valuable services provided by the civilian team from Aspen Health. A huge thank you is extended to Dr Adrian Buell, Dr Mary Love, Dr Vishali Patel, Dr Peter and Paul Farrow, Dr Paul Ichim, Dr Kinga Marcelle, Karla Ross, Lisa Hamblin, Sarah Boniface, Kasey Brown, Carly Fredrickson, Wendy Kelly and Nicole Rickard.

Stayers CPL Staggard is sticking around after a name change at the beginning of the year (nee Brennan). She led 3CSSB to victory in the BDE obstacle course and featured strongly in the BN cross country. She is not too bad at her hygiene job too! CPL Davies has been let off the leash since the departure of SGT Hornsby and has been running the lab in his absence. She will be posting into the SGT Technician position having completed her Subject 1 and Subject 2 for SGT courses earlier in the year. PTE Steindl has been busy with CATA, IMT and spent much of the year rotating through surgery, stores, the GloStick night club and now oral surgery. She is now qualified to pack dangerous goods and identify dead bodies, after completing the necessary courses throughout the year. PTE Farley successfully passed the Drivers course, though one must wonder how she managed to do it safely after she drove past a PT session waving and yelling out the window. She enjoyed digging pits on IMT and passed her exam to become an Australian Citizen.

Yes we do ride to school in kangaroo pouches! PTE Pitt also passed the Drivers course and was a member of the victorious 3CSSB obstacle course team. She joined CAPT Such for a relief manning stint in Darwin, by all reports they worked hard and had a good time. A cupcake and cross bones is a recent addition to Robyn’s great art work.

Newcomers CAPT Such joins us from 1CSSB and has spent time on Grade 3 and LOIC as well as CATA. The social side of the Platoon is definitely on the way up with CAPT Such a keen organiser of any and all social gatherings. She eagerly volunteered as the social member for the Officer’s Mess, though we are still waiting for the promised sandwich bar. CAPT Craig posted in fresh from the University of Queensland and has been busy continuing his running fetish by winning a number of events in between CADMUS 2008

Dental Platoon 7 CSSB, 2 HSB and JHSA Gallipoli Barracks, Brisbane, QLD 7 CSSB CPL Zac Wilson Greetings from ‘sunny BrisVegas’. This year has been a busy year for all, switching between clinical priorities to field exercises and a couple of range weeks and courses to boot. The end of 2007 saw us farewell three members. CAPT Sunshine Le headed south to the cooler weather of 1HSB Holsworthy Barracks, where she is enjoying the beach life. CPL John Kaponay left for new adventures in the mining industry, he is sadly missed. PTE Casey D’ore was posted to 3CSSB Townsville where she was promoted to LCPL. New additions in 2007 we had two new dental assistants arrive from ADF Dental School and in 2008 we had two old and bold members posted in. SGT Tracey Feillafe came from 1 HSB and brought with her a wealth of experience and personality to match, which is greatly appreciated in the unit and out field. She is currently fulfilling the role of Equipment/Stores/Quality Manager of GBDC as well as the role of Platoon SGT. She recently took over as Social Member for the Unit Soldiers Club. In May 2008 SGT Feillafe assisted MAJ Ong in oral surgery under IV sedation for a week at 1CSSB. CPL “Zac” Wilson joined us from Kapooka Dental and after completing JLC with a very good pass was then promoted by the outgoing Chief of Army LTGEN Peter Leahy.

About Zac, the comment was that he is “very personable”. Both PTE Jo Theobald and PTE Brendan Zhang have posted in from their basic DA course, have settled into Army life and are progressing well. PTE Theobald completed the CFA course, 73

participated in Exercise Swinson’s Trek and is currently flying through her JLC. PTE Zhang is getting loads of field experience as well as the joy of working with just about every dentist and specialist in GBDC. As for the rest of the crew, LTCOL Suzy Atkins has worked every spare minute in the surgery and still finds time to keep everyone in check and on the ball. WO2 Mark Gorman has been running on all cylinders to have the lab working like a well oiled machine as well as coping with all the new march-ins.

The past year has been a busy one. LTCOL Atkins, WO2 Gorman, SGT Feillafe, PTE Theobald and PTE Zhang participated on Exercise Kingswood in May. The exercise was a good opportunity to check the kit and train the new DA on all the gear. Next on the agenda was Junior Leader Training at Canungra, SGT Feillafe was lucky enough to be the only one attending. June saw most of the platoon participate in IMT (also at Canungra) and then range week. The platoon is currently preparing for Exercise Light Sabre at Shoal Water Bay. That is about it from the Dental Platoon 7CSSB for 2008. We look forward to another exciting and busy year next year.

trained to assist in his implant cases. PTE Miranda Capstaff worked with CAPT Robinson at the start of the year and has travelled to Darwin with CAPT Robinson. She is now assisting GPCAPT Keys and learning the ropes of the front desk. Miranda will go on maternity leave in September. Good luck with the new baby. The newest face is PTE Evan Watson-Keast, he joined us in April 2008.

After many lessons, he completed his swim test and is qualified to travel on the barge on its way to AACAP. Our clinical supervisor SGT Karina Peacock has her hands full making sure the running of day-to-day activities is as smooth as possible. She went on a SNCO trip to NZ for ANZAC Day to get a taste of their traditions. She also organised a team for the ADF water polo competition and is now on AACAP. In the lab we have SGT Tony Conlon who is always working hard and making sure the field gear is up to scratch. He is also on AACAP making lots of dentures for the locals and keeping up with the demands of a field section. CPL Haydee Stevens has started her study (Bachelor of Social Science) at university part-time this year and continues her hygiene with us on a part-time basis. She is doing a wonderful job as our morale officer and always keeping a watchful eye on everyone. LCPL Leanne Keith completed her SDA course and has been working on the front desk and keeping her skills fresh in surgery. She will be leaving us soon to join an Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon in private practice. She can’t keep away from the green and is transferring over to Active Reserve at 7CSSB. We wish her all the best for the future.

That’s it for this year and I am sure there will be fresh new faces to the unit next year, along with more new changes and fun times ahead.

JHSA Gallipoli Barracks CPL Kirstyn ‘Xena’ Davies

(PTE Theobald absent from photo)

2 HSB PTE Miranda Capstaff What a year it has been for 2HSB, everyone has been flat out with the demands of the platoon and the unit. Currently the Dental Platoon is on AACAP out in the sticks of WA, close to the town of Kununurra, until mid September and then back to wrap up the rest of a busy year.

The start of the year brought a lot of new faces and good byes to some old ones. PTE Brendan Ludkin discharged and is now travelling around Australia. PTE Sara Fisk left us for MDSK at Irwin Barracks, WA. MAJ Wayne Chow is a new face to the unit coming to us after completing his implant course. He has been very keen to get started as soon as possible. With GPCAPT David Keys, our resident Periodontist, by his side he has had very positive results with all his procedures and will soon be travelling solo. CAPT Mick Robinson has spent most of the year in surgery keeping on top of the huge work load. In July he travelled up to Darwin for two weeks to give a helping hand to 1CSSB at Robertson Barracks. He is now on AACAP furthering his exodontia skills.

Three new DA join 2HSB from the ADF Dental School. They have brought in a fresh new positive look to the unit. PTE Nancy Havili has teamed up with MAJ Chow as his new side kick and is getting 74

G’Day to all from the JHSA members in Brissy. We say goodbye to SGT Doug Honess who has left us for QLD Rail and is very much enjoying his new profession as a train driver. PTE Kerri Redford is now Mrs Norman, congratulations on your marriage. Kerri made the big move to civilian world but will be staying in dental. Those who know Anthony Anderson are used to being left without the last word. He has adjusted being a civilian and landing that job on the oil rigs. We wish all of you the best of luck.

To the members that were welcomed in and are still hanging on and hanging around - we had CPL Jo Parlour as our hygienist for a good but short time. She secured her posting back to Darwin to settle down with her other half. CPL Rob Pyke arrived from Randwick and is still avoiding the field like the plague. He has settled into the lab and Brisbane with his better half, Sonia. We thank him for organising our PT sessions. CPL Tash Senior joined us from Albury and is our current stores legend. She and hubby are expecting their second baby in early May 2009. Good luck. CPL Kirstyn Davies is on the last stretch of the technician course and she is keen to have some time out with her family. CPL Brett Lawler arrived with family in tow from Adelaide and is the first Corps member to undergo the TAFE based technician course. He parades 2 days a week with us to remind us he is not a civilian.

Congratulations to you and Prue on your second baby later this year.

That is it for the people in green. The people we must also thank and definitely could not have done without are our overworked and tireless civilians. They are Dr Ai-Tu Nguyen and Kate Harcombe, Dr Michael Stevens and Sheena Austine, Dr Grant Dawson and Andrea Dixon, Dr Peter Apostolopoulos, Sarah Gollagher (our hygienist), Ros Pini and Ida Cuylenborg (CSD CADMUS 2008

staff), Joe Cerdor (our technician), and Marissa Douglas, without whom the front desk would collapse. Our “yes, I’ll fit in another patient” specialists team - Dr Gordan ‘Gordie’ Macleod, Dr Bob Hazelwood, Dr Peter Keys, Dr Thomson, Dr Sammy Tseng and Carol Bauhofer. Thank you.

It seems that the civilian staff are telling us to “get some time up”, with Dr Judith Robinson and Dr Neil Stackpool celebrating 20 years of continuous service at Holsworthy Dental. We celebrated the day and presented them both with a plaque. Congratulations on your achievements.

Dental Platoon 1 HSB Holsworthy Barracks, Sydney, NSW

All of the members of 1HSB dental quickly spread the word that dental could do more than just fillings and exams. CPL Gurkin, PTE Broadway, PTE Wilding and PTE Hosie all participated in the Anzac Day Dawn Service at Martin Place in Sydney. This was followed by a march through Sydney’s streets with the Dental Association and to wrap up the day, all 15 military personnel got to know each other extremely well as we were stuck in a lift for 45 minutes.

Just as the cogs start to turn, we are winding up the year and what a year it has been! During 2008 1HSB Dental provided support to Darwin and had the opportunity to deploy a dental team to East Timor. Holsworthy went from having skeleton staff in 2007 to being packed to the rafters in 2008. It would appear that 1HSB was the place to be.

This year we welcomed two new dental officers, one dental technician and three dental assistants. CAPT Victor Olsson-White joined us from 3CSSB. CAPT Sunshine Le left 7CSSB to come to 1HSB to get a real taste of the Army life. CPL Danielle Gurkin arrived after completing the Technician course (congratulations on receiving Student of Merit). PTE Jason Wilding arrived after a year in 7CSSB. We also welcomed PTE Karla Hosie and PTE Gonja Ozudogru both from HMAS CERBERUS. These members had the privilege of joining the “A-Grade Dental Team” of MAJ Jeff Ong, SGT Kiron Kilpatrick, CPL Adam Collins, PTE Angela Audet (nee Smith) and PTE Ann Broadway.

And holding down the fort when all the greens disappear are Dr Neil Morris (SDO), Dr Neil Stackpool, Dr Mark Lerche, Dr Judith Robinson, Dr Annie Badve, Dr Liz Martin, Dr Ross Adams (ortho), Dr Mahes Wanigesekera (endo), Dr Liz Hogan (perio), Dr Russel Vickers (oral surgery), Rebecca Jamsek (hygienist), Amanda Heron (SDA), Michelle Cacchia, Sandra Iturra, Sue Tattler, Eva Pioro, Debbie Herbert, Carmel Greenwood and Brian Mitchell.

MAJ Ong took every opportunity to drum up business taking teeth out. His beloved Lexus takes pride of place in the carpark (just don’t park next to it). MAJ Ong is quite unfortunate having to take a “service requirement” posting to Randwick. CAPT OlssonWhite worked at HMAS WATSON one day a week where the day is surprisingly the same as battle PT day. Unfortunately CAPT Olsson-White will be discharging in 2009 and leaves us at the end of the year when he moves to Perth to commence OMFS training.

CAPT Le joined us for 2008 but she has also chosen to discharge (for the second time). CAPT Le provided us with lots of laughter with her driving stories, her car is like a book where every panel on it has a story (but none her fault).

SGT Kilpatrick is still here. We have heard a lot about this phantom “hummer” but everyone is yet to catch a glimpse of it.

Congratulations on finally getting your Learners! CPL Collins had the pleasure of marrying the woman of his dreams Lori in October.

They are expecting their first child in April 2009 and we all look forward to lots of baby photos. Adam is leaving 1HSB on posting to Randwick to continue playing practical jokes on MAJ Ong. CPL Gurkin has had an eventful year to say the least. She was a member of the ADF Women AFL team. CPL Gurkin is packing up her tools for a posting to Kapooka as a recruit instructor. We wish you all the best. LCPL Broadway elected to do the Dental Hygiene course and we anxiously await her return. PTE Smith married Brenton Audet in May 2008. She has happily handed over the field store accounts to PTE Hosie in preparation for her posting to 3HSB. PTE Jason Wilding joined the 1HSB for 2008 and is leaving us to begin the Technician course in Brisbane. He thinks he is so cool with his new motorbike (but he is still a nerd). PTE Karla Hosie joined us in April and her laughter carries throughout the building and often sets off a chain reaction. PTE Gonja Ozudogru is the newest member and she is eagerly awaiting a posting to “St Kilda Beach Dental”.

We are waving goodbye to Amanda Heron and Carmel Greenwood who are leaving us to accompany their families on posting.

Overall it’s been a great year, with great people. For all of you that may have heard the horror stories about Holsworthy, they are not all true. As most of the military are moving on there are plenty of positions opening just for you! From all of us at 1HSB we wish you and your families all the best for 2009. Happy soldiering and remember ‘without teeth you would just suck’.

In March, CAPT Olsson-White, SGT Kilpatrick and PTE Audet deployed to East Timor for a month. PTE Broadway and PTE Wilding headed down to CERBERUS to complete the SDA Course.

Our civilian staff had a taste for military life, so we arranged for them to participate in the obstacle course at Holsworthy Barracks.

Everyone was gung-ho before we began and by the end of the afternoon stretchers were required to carry them out. However, overall it was an enjoyable afternoon and yes Michelle did finally make it over the wall.

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Dental Platoon 3 HSB Keswick Barracks, Adelaide, SA Hello from rainy Adelaide! Not only do we have excellent wine regions to enjoy and taste, but we have some of the most beautiful CADMUS 2008

coastlines to dip your toes in. All has been well with the unit this past twelve months and we would like to wish the following members and their families all the best on their new posting. CPL Lawler AKA “GUNS” got his wish and was successfully selected to attend the Technicians course in Brisbane. His presence in the gym and watching him eat enough food to feed a small family will be missed. CPL Locker AKA “Mr Nice Guy” welcomed a beautiful little girl (they always are!) before his posting to Darwin. It will be fun and games for the gaining unit as he has a liking for smashing people at PT. CAPT Mondair AKA “The Grey Man” has needed to go back to mother England so as to support his family during some trying times ahead. He will be missed by all that had the fortune to listen to his take on world politics and religion.

We would also like to welcome the following members and their families to the best keep secret. CPL Chapman AKA “The Old Man” has come to us from Brisbane where he was on the cusp (pun intended) of discharging. On the eleventh hour he chose, by invitation, to withdraw his discharge and see what Keswick has to offer. PTE Thomas AKA “we are still working on this one!” came straight from the “School” and is working hard to consolidate her clinical skills. With a no fuss approach she is blending in well, even though her comprehension of the GRES beast is still maturing.

Now a brief overview of what has been happening in the southern paradise, we had a number of activities during the year of which our main focus was the AFX at Whyalla consisting of all 3HSB elements setting up on the ground and carrying out procedural drills. The dental section, MAJ Scarlet, SGT Baggio and CPL Chapman, treated patients from Darwin. It gave SGT Baggio and CPL Chapman a chance to practice their forgotten DA skills and at the same time, keeping MAJ Skarlet and patients alike amused.

MAJ Skarlet AKA “Where is she?” has shown all of us this past year that she is an excellent field operator when it comes to deploying.

Her ever present smile and can do attitude was nothing short of refreshing. On the recent AFX one could hear her laughing and conspiring with Chappy on current events and social matters (be warned!). CAPT Melberzs has been busy in the A/OPSO role in the past year and has initiated many procedural changes within 3HSB. This had lead to him being a major contributor to the Logistic and Clinical ability of 3HSB and has enhanced our role in future operations within 17BDE. 2009 will see CAPT Melberzs appointed 2IC of 3HSB. WO1 Kench has been very busy within OPS Cell taking on the role of Programming WO1 for 3HSB as a whole. This job is a very demanding primarily due to the fact the unit goes field every few weeks and the numerous support activities throughout the SA region such as programs, assessments and post activity reports for every task. SGT Baggio will be moving on to civilian world come June 2009 after receiving an “offer” from SCMA! As you can guess it is Chappy writing this segment on SGT Baggio who had to put up with the ‘The Old Man” for the last ten months. The Corps is losing a highly skilled technician, solider and fitness freak. We, including those who have known and served with SGT Baggio, wish him all the best and success in his new lifestyle. CPL Chapman, since his time in 3HSB, has caught everyone off guard at the usual PT sessions by finishing them off with a few rounds of chin ups!

Now all of you that do chin ups may well think that this is normal but Chappy does them in a piked position! On a more serious note, Chappy is an absolute gem; none can fault his enthusiasm, work ethic and attitude.

PTE Thomas has impressed everyone with her range of cooking skills. When she is not in the kitchen cooking up a storm, she can be found at the “local” tearing up the floor with her 0200h dance routine, it is quite a sight. LACW Ross has arrived with her little CADMUS 2008

girl to do Reserve time within the unit to help us out as a hygienist.

Some may remember Karla from previous postings when she was still wearing “green”. She will be with us for some time while she completes her qualification course at TAFE. We, at 3HSB, are looking forward to another year and wish all within the Corps, stay safe and well.

Joint Units (Army) Albury Wodonga Dental Services Latchford Barracks, Bonegilla, VIC Ms Kate Batcheldor Hello to everyone from down here at AWDS. Again, we are at the end of another busy year, with plans underway for a productive 2009. It has been twelve months since Aspen Medical has taken over the contract for Albury Wodonga Health Centre and the results are positive to maintain a great workplace and offer inservice training to maintain and develop our skills in the medical facility.

At the end of 2007, CPL Natasha Senior and her family posted out leaving us with wonderful memories that will never be forgotten. The previous Practice Manager Jaye McLaren left to pursue her mothering skills. Many thanks to WO2 Alisa Wickham who has stepped in to fill the temporary position of Practice Manager and now I have taken on this role.

The wonderful team here consists of the dental assistants; Adelle Gormly, Meredithe Kerr, Jocelyn Schilg and Jacqueline Spong; our hygienist Christine Anderson and dentists Dr Geoff Webster and Dr Lisa McLean. With the help and determination of our experienced staff, AWDS has been able to maintain its high work ethic allowing the service delivered to members to be of a high professional standard, in a relaxed inviting environment that will always have laughter echoing throughout the hallway.

Darling Downs Dental Services Oakey, QLD CPL Elizabeth Browne Welcome to Darling Downs. This is the last year for me here as I am posted to Enoggera in 2009 after 4 years in this location, I am looking forward to the change but will sadly miss the friends that I have made in this great team of staff. We have all worked hard this year towards our external Quality Management Audit and we were successful in passing the audit, good work everyone.

Our Senior Dental Officer MAJ Jane Tait is now a GRES dental officer and works 3 days a week when she is not enjoying a life of leisure playing bridge and gallivanting all over the country side with her cycling group. Dr Sharyn Hensel, our civilian dentist, works at Oakey a couple of days a week and always entertains us with endless discussions about real estate and eBay. CPL Browne completed the Dental Hygiene course in 2007 and has thoroughly enjoyed the transition and new challenge. PTE Leesa Rowan is our part time DA and she works at Oakey and Cabarlah. Leesa has a gorgeous 2-year-old boy, Trae, and he will likely be the next world number one motor cross champion in the best riders gear for his bike that Santa has waiting for him. We will farewell Leesa later 77

this year as she takes on a posting to Singleton in 2009. We will miss her sense of humour and quick wit. Jacky McGrath runs the orderly room at Oakey and also assists regularly. Jacky has taken an interest in floristry so whenever flowers are needed she is the one to supply them. Danielle White, our DA for one day a week, has given notice that she is having a sea change and will be leaving us at the end of the year. Good luck Danielle. We welcomed LCPL Kalisa Winn, not only to the unit, but back from the civilian land.

Kalisa has headed off on her SDA course. PTE Bobbi Barry departed at the end of 2007 to 3CSSB and we miss her infectious personality and her stories about her cats. We have also farewell from Cabarlah our civilian dentist Dr Marie Wilson and our civilian hygienist Dinah Haswel as they both have taken on more hours in private practice.

That’s it from Darling Downs, until next year keep smiling.

Hunter Valley Dental Services Lone Pine Barracks, Singleton, NSW CPL Tammy Guganovic Greetings from the happy team at Hunter Valley. First off, I would like to farewell SGT Heidi Mayall (Heidi Ho). SGT Mayall has decided to trade in the green and continue her work in the civilian world as a hygienist. Heidi will stay in the Hunter Valley area with her partner James, Harry (her Dachshund) and her wonderful parents. Heidi will transfer to the Reserves in September 2008. We will miss Heidi’s bubby personality and wish her the very best of luck and hope to see her back at HVDS as our GRES hygienist.

It is no exaggeration that we are only getting busier here at Singo.

The changes within the IET course and the introduction of the Gap Year, have significantly generated a lot of work load across the board. HVDS are now administering more staff, IET’S GRES, then ever before. With our staffing levels at an all time low, we are down to one ARA member. CPL Tammy Guganovic has been selected to attend the 2009 Dental Technician course.

Working alongside are our faithful stayers Dr Paul Morton and Mrs Liz Burke. Liz has been keeping the front desk cyclone under control which happens about 3 days a week. She continues to plough through the endless paperwork and the MIMI updates.

Well done Lizzy! Dr Paul Morton continues to take his extended adventures (holidays) every year. He is finally listening to his DA and learning to write in the codes on documents. Well done Dr Morton!

Our happy little unit could not run as efficiently as it does without our fabulous civilian staff. Thankyou for making my time at HVDS as enjoyable as it has been.

Kapooka Health Centre - Dental Blamey Barracks, Kapooka, NSW Ms Debra Griffin Wow how time flies, another year gone, 6,000 recruits have passed through our doors and we have a new health contractor (RED Alliance) who we are happy to welcome on board.

We have had a huge change in staff at the beginning of this year.

Replacing the ever funny PTE Zac Wilson (who has gone to sunny BrisVegas to further his military career), we welcome on board 78

Malinda Knight as our full time dental assistant. Hope we don’t get any strong winds in Kapooka, as we may loose Malinda to the wind (she is little). Malinda is off overseas with her partner in October; the same time as our new SDA Kate Skeers is due to have her second baby. Just as well our remaining SDA Debbie Buchanan will step in and fill some of the gaps in between running around after her new grandson and the RAAF base. Rachel Maden has joined us from Sydney following her husband Ian who is a RAAFY. Rachel is our APS receptionist, and with her DA training, her skill is a bonus when it comes to triage.

We have our ever wonderful Dr Miles Connell SDA Kapooka still running between Kapooka and the RAAF base. We look after him by always shouting the beer on a Thursday after charting. Just to keep him inspired to come back for the next round of recruits.

Dr Sharma Nand, our soccer maniac, is still with us. If we have a spare two seconds, Sharma is watching soccer. His team is undefeated, so far, this year. The Kapooka and RAAF Dental teams will be there for the grand final shaking the pom poms to cheer his team to victory. Dr Robert Vella is settling in with us and our new change of contractors by being made to attend the many BBQ and social functions, which we have made mandatory (in house joke).

We have had a hard year (not mentioning the lack of PM341) but an enormous amount of fun has been had by all. I would like to take the time to congratulate the team on an awesome effort. As the practise manager my job has been made easy with such an effective team. Our OC MAJ Annette Newell is very supportive and her guidance is much appreciated. We thank her for that. Dental have a strange sense of humour of which she has been patient.

Medical and Dental Services Karrakatta Irwin Barracks, Perth, WA CPL Jane Roberts If you think you are stuck in a time warp, you are probably posted to WA. Daylight savings is still on trial and Sunday trading is still a novelty.

We have farewelled, yet another, OC MAJ Steve Prigg (RAAMC), who remains a PTI at heart. Dr David Rees left us to take up the Senior Dentist position at RAAF Base Amberley in Brisbane. CPL Kelly Miller has been detached to 13CSSB until the end of the year and will be posted there on promotion in 2009. At the end of the year, we will farewell Dr Lyle Henderson who has worked for us on a part time bases for over 30 years with his wife Dr Erica Yates. We said good bye to SGT Gaven Hogan half way through the year. She did hygiene for us on a part time basis and now her husband Danny has been posted to the USA for two years and he is taking the family with him.

The additions to the unit include the new OC MAJ Djordje Zlatkovic from 3CSSB in Townsville, who is keeping our medical family in toe and spending some time at HMAS STRILING with the Navy Dental doing surgical extractions. PTE Sarah Fisk joined us from 2HSB in Brisbane. Since arriving she has competed in the Inter Service Snow Boarding competition and is off for a three week skiing holiday in NZ. The stayers are fewer: LTCOL Darryl Andrews, Dr Greg Gee, his lovely assistant Lizzy Vears, and of course, me. It has taken me forever to get here and I am not leaving (CPL Jane Roberts). We have had another busy year keeping all our members AIRN compliant, especially our SASR boys who like to bug out overseas CADMUS 2008

with no notice, which keeps us on our toes. We have become experts at juggling the books.

Well it is time to go and watch the sun set over the Cottesloe beach.

We wish all the members of the Corp the best for 2009.

Puckapunyal Health Centre - Dental Puckapunyal, VIC Ms Carley Tolson Hi there from all of us at sunny Puckapunyal Dental. As always in the Defence dental world, there have been farewells and new additions to the team. In May this year, we lost Jo Mayfield (hygienist) to a posting in the USA with her husband and three children. Her departure has been difficult as there will be no replacement for that position until Febuary 2009. We have also lost two dental assistants this year, Tracey Falla and Amber Macreadie.

On a brighter note, Dr Scott Freeman, formerly LTCOL Freeman, has come aboard and is working here 6 days per month. Scott has slipped into the team wonderfully with his expertise and endless Defence knowledge. Scott and our Senior Dentist, Dr Rishi (who has been with us for 5 years now), went through university together back in the day! The latest addition is dental assistant Elizabeth Hemming who has been with us since May. Since Aspen Medical have taken over the contract at AWDS, Latchford Barracks, I have had the opportunity to visit the dental unit. It is always nice to see and learn about how another unit operates.

It has been an interesting year grasping all the changes to the reporting, practice planners, water testing and so on. It all sounded a little scary at the beginning but for the most part, it has made our lives easier. Internally, our accreditation is coming up again this December and our quality systems are being reviewed.

Kim Stephens and CPL Daniel Kempster working hard with the turnover. Speaking of lab dwellers, CPL Kempster helps out at HMAS KUTTABUL 2 days a week, is a star on the footy field winning ‘Best on Ground’ in a local comp and married his favourite girl Alice. Congratulations Kempey. CPL Stephens whipped up a magnificent Corps Badge for WO1 Chiesa in no time at all (picture), cruised through her Subject 1 SGT Course and received a posting an hour down the road to Holsworthy Barracks.

The sharp end of the unit is in very capable hands with CPL Jo Reed who runs the desk and keeps a close eye on EVERYTHING and EVERYONE. She participated in adventure training this year along side WO2 Ursula Friend and PTE Ryan Cowgill and as to be expected entertained the group with her antics and outgoing personality, (they are still talking about her today). Unfortunately for RHC, Jo is posted to Perth and we have no doubt her infectious personality won’t go astray.

Education has been high on our agenda this year with Dr Rishi recently completed an implant dentistry course at Melbourne University. Sandy Clark, our longest serving dental assistant, has completed her Certificate III in Sterilisation Services and is thrilled to be the recently appointed “Infection Control Recourse Guru” for the medical centre.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the dental team here at PDS for the ongoing dedication and top quality service, which is greatly appreciated by the members. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and look forward to reading all your updates.

Randwick Health Centre – Dental Randwick Barracks, Randwick, NSW MAJ Werner Voss Hello to all the avid readers of CADMUS. A very exciting year was had by all here at Randwick Dental starting with the promotion of CPL Nikki Kirkhope to SGT, the arrival of the new Corps Warrant Officer WO1 Kym Chiesa (whom we don’t see much of as she travels around the country side) and the lab dwellers CPL

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PTE Madi Gurkin and PTE Ryan Cowgill came to us brand spanking new from HMAS CERBERUS. PTE Cowgill was detached to Victoria Barracks mid year and proved to be a good operator by helping out medical and running the dental section. Good luck to him as he is now off to Brisbane. PTE Gurkin has come a long way this year but is also leaving us for a posting to Darwin (hopefully she will finally get a car licence there). PTE Sonia Nicholls marched in July 08 after 6 years in civilian land. She has completed her Senior Dental Assistants Course, was promoted to

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CPL and is posted to Darwin into the SGT Supervisor position.

Dr Murray Hayes and Dr Christine Williams are our hardworking dentists whom we keep busy and a big welcome to our newest dental assistant, Jade Stanley. SGT Kirkhope, our supervisor, keeps the whole place in order. After being awarded Best Communicator on Sub 1 for Sgt (can’t understand why?) was promoted in Dec 07.

Life at Randwick can be very frustrating when having to choose which beach to do PT at. This decision is impacted by which coffee shop MAJ Voss approves of and the standard of strong cappuccinos. After 42 years in the Army the Boss leaves us for maybe his last posting to DCO Townsville. The RHC wishes you, Lyn, Maude and Bonny all the very best for the future and we all thank you for your advice, mentoring, support and monthly team building sessions.

To all members leaving Randwick Dental this posting cycle, please spare a thought for us as we sit with a weak-with-not-much-froth latte in hand and gaze out at the crystal blue rugged ocean (or any Rugby players that may be training) and contemplate how much we are missing you. Go Team Dental.

Watsonia Dental Services Simpson Barracks, Macleod, VIC Ms Celeste Boothroyd The dental facility provides dental treatment to all full time members and provides 5 yearly Annual Dental Exams to Reservist members from units. Some of these units include DFSS, 1MP, DFSM, Army Band Melbourne, 108 and 138 SIG SQN, LWC, HQ4BDE, 4th/19th PWLH, 4CSSB, 4CER, 5/6RVR, and 4BOSC. We have a dependency of approximately 632 full time members and approximately 1,500 reserve members. We have provided a considerate amount of dental support to Reservists and Reservists on CFTS being deployed on OP Anode in February 2009.

Simpson Barracks Dental has a record high of 94% of members whom are presently dentally fit for deployment.

Simpson Barracks Dental consists of all contracted staff: Dr Tony Doan (dentist), Dr Kym Trewin (dentist), Celeste Boothroyd (practice manager), Anna Pachioli (dental assistant), Melissa Gioutsos (dental assistant) and Samantha Stuart (hygienist).

Dr Tony Doan is our full time dentist. He graduated from Melbourne University in 1997 and was an ex-serving ARA dental officer. Dr Doan enjoys playing golf and working at his private practice. Dr Kym Trewin is our part time (3 days a week) dentist.

He was an ex-serving RAAF dental officer. He has been in dentistry for over 20 years and owns his own private practice in Doncaster.

Dr Trewin loves flying his light plane around Victoria.

Celeste is our practice manager who is also a certified DA. She completed her DA course through the Australian Dental Association in 1994. Her managerial experience comes from a background in private practice and working for the NT government at the Darwin Dental Clinic. Anna, our certified DA, gained her extensive background in private practices. She completed her DA course in 1994, at the Royal Dental Hospital and continued to work in specialists’ practices (Prosthodontics and Orthodontics). Melissa, another certified DA, has a remarkable knowledge of dentistry as she has been a DA since 1986. Sam, our part time hygienist, works one day a week. Sam started out as a DA, and later completed her training as a hygienist at Adelaide University.

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Dr Stewart Cottis, an ex-serving ARA dental officer, looks after our members requiring specialist Prosthodontics care. His private practice is located in Glen Iris. Dr Rowan Story is our specialist Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon. Rowan is a Group Captain in the RAAF Specialist Reserve. His private practice is located in the Melbourne CBD. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members who come through our door. It makes coming to work so much more enjoyable. All of us here have made many friends along the way.

Army Reserve Units Dental Platoon 5 CSSB Banksmeadow, NSW MAJ Keith Heap Greetings from 5CSSB. MAJ Keith Heap was pleasantly surprised when he was promoted from CAPT to MAJ. He completed the challenging Staff Officer Course Grade 3 and highly recommended it as the course provides the learning and understanding of the combined Arms Corps and the Military Appreciation Process. MAJ Heap is the only person manning the dental section so it is difficult to take the entire kit out into the field alone. He was kept busy examining members from 5BDE for OP Anode, OP Testament and AIRN. It was very rewarding as the members are very grateful that they can be examined at a Reserve Dental unit. Apart from the dental work, MAJ Heap also participated in the Health Resuscitation Bay scenarios with Health Company, and military skills leadership development courses. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Dental Platoon 8 CSSB Dundas, NSW MAJ Catherine Prineas 2008 has been another productive year for the team at 8CSSB, MAJ Catherine Prineas, CAPT Barry Reed and SGT Amy Hall (MAJ Paul Morton has taken 12 months’ leave).

The year’s chief highlight was CAPT Reed’s unprecedented visit to Brooke Army Medical Centre in Texas in February. CAPT Reed had the opportunity to see and treat first hand, the effects of injuries due to IED and RPG and gained valuable knowledge on the latest protocols for treatment of maxillofacial trauma based on the US Army experience from Iraq and Afghanistan. Hopefully this initiative will eventually lead to an exchange program between the US Army and ADF health services in the future. CAPT Reed’s report can be found in the June edition of ADF Health. In July, we said farewell to CAPT Reed as he moved on to a new posting at 1HSB, where he is filling a specially created OMFS position.

This year we welcomed SGT Amy Hall to the unit, who came across town from Randwick and has been a fantastic help to both the dental section and the Battalion as a whole. Our main unit activity for the year was a weekend trip to Beersheba Barracks in Tamworth where we conducted medical and dental check-ups for 12/16 Hunter River Lancers. The activity was organised for Health Coy by the dental team and was a huge success. We were graciously assisted by the helping hands of COL Murray Hayes and

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Dental Platoon 13 CSSB Perth, WA CAPT Ben Feng examined 31 Army Reservists from New South Wales (8BDE) at Lismore Battalion Headquarters before deploying to Darwin as part of the Transit Security Element 50 (TSE50) in support of OP Resolute coordinated by Headquarters Northern Command. OP Resolute is the ADF support to a whole-ofgovernment effort to protect the Exclusive Economic Zone of Australia.

MAJ Catherine Prineas (8CSSB) and PTE Ryan Cowgill (Randwick Health Centre Dental) carrying out a dental examination for a Reserve member of the Hunter River Lancers in Tamworth PTE Ryan Cowgill and managed to make a respectable dent in the AIRN statistics for 12/16. At the conclusion of the weekend we were treated to a joyride around town in the Bushmaster vehicles by our hosts and orientation to some big guns.

The Reservists have conducted extensive training at their home base before moving to HMAS COONAWARRA in Darwin where they will undertake more specific training. The training includes fire-fighting, the control and care of suspect illegal immigrants and illegal fisherman and the familiarisation of Navy’s Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats which are used to transfer boarding parties to vessels of interest.

The TSE is used to support the Royal Australian Navy boarding parties during operations against suspected illegal entry ventures and foreign fishing vessels by providing physical security and specialist support.

Sports

Running: CAPT Anthony Craig, RAADC In February 2008, CAPT Craig competed at the Australian A t h l e t i c s Championships in Brisbane, and finished fifth in the 3,000m (behind Beijing Olympian Craig Mottram) with a time of 8 minutes and 28.9 seconds. As one of the top 5 runners was from Kenya, the performance from CAPT Craig ranked him fourth in Australia over that distance.

In April 2008, he won the ADF 10km Championships in Melbourne, however, his efforts were erroneously credited to a CAPT Craig Anthony in the Army newspaper!

MAJ Catherine Prineas prepares to extract more than teeth Another highlight of the year was SGT Hall’s selection to represent the ADF in the (televised) women’s AFL All Stars team at the MCG in August. The ADF team put up a stiff fight and narrowly lost the match but apparently won the broken bones count - thankfully none went to Amy.

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In between these major races, CAPT Craig has won numerous “fun run” events in Townsville, which he says they provided him with some very handy “extra pocket money”. CAPT Craig’s PB in the 2.4km BFA is a sickeningly fast 6 minutes and 53 seconds. Congratulations to CAPT Craig on his excellent sporting achievements this year.

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Royal Australian Air Force Dental Branch

Unit News No. 1 Air Transportable Health Squadron RAAF Base Amberley (To become No. 1 Expeditionary Health Squadron) FLTLT Peter Apostolopoulos, FSGT Heather Fitzgibbon Greetings from 1ATHS Dental Section, the 2008 Markowski Cup winner for the most proficient RAAF unit, where it has been another busy and enjoyable year providing quality dental support to the evergrowing super base at Amberley. In addition to the 2,500 Permanent Air Force members and substantial Reserve population, Amberley saw the introduction of 300 9FSB Army personnel, two rotations of 50 RAAF Gap Year students and the occasional police dog.

that CPL Shandelle Crosby gave birth to her second child, Amelia, in May. Congratulations Shandelle and we wish you and your family all the best.

We are very fortunate to have such a devoted team of civilian staff: Mrs Helen Hoare is our APS clerk, along with DA Mrs Ally Grant, Mrs Michelle Gibbon, Mrs Belinda Dobbie, Mrs Jenny Richards, Miss Natalie Wallbank, and our hygienist Mrs Jany Skeates. Our skilled and valued dentists are Dr Andrew Wong, Dr Anoop Thakur and Dr David Rees. We acknowledge the contributions made by our visiting specialists: Periodontist GPCAPT David Keys, Endodontist Dr Andrew Sainsbury, Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon Dr Ben Erzetic, and Orthodontist Dr Victor Lalieu.

Despite all the challenges thrown at us on a regular basis such as HealthKEYS, monthly returns, deployments, dental IR and KPI statistics remain exceptionally positive whilst patients are genuinely satisfied with the service they receive. Most importantly this reflects the dedicated performance of our excellent dental team, who deserve recognition for their continually outstanding efforts.

No. 2 Air Transportable Health Squadron RAAF Base Williamtown (To become No. 2 Expeditionary Health Squadron) FLTLT Genie Kelloway and LACW Ellie DeSantis

Stage 3 Redevelopment of RAAF Base Amberley sees work commencing at 1ATHS Medical Section on our new 10 surgery dental building at time of writing, with expected completion by January 2010.

This year saw some staff changes with the welcome arrival of our keen graduate dental officer, FLTLT Richard Lee, who has spent most of the year at OTS East Sale. Dr David Rees and Mrs Jenny Richards are also new to Amberley. SQNLDR Christine Cordery is due to return from MATL in July. FLTLT Peter Apostolopoulos has continued his RAAF transformation as the Senior Dental Officer during a successful 12 month period, whilst maintaining his clinical commitments and particular brand of ‘dogodontics’.

FSGT Heather Fitzgibbon has performed admirably as the new Dental Supervisor and had the honour of leading 1ATHS with the Australian Flag at the ANZAC Day Parade in Brisbane. CPL Kath Shaw and CPL Joanne Thorpe are our two military hygienists and are always kept busy in surgery. Kath has integrated well since her arrival from Richmond, while Joanne continues to contribute with confidence. ACW Carly Caseur is our lone military DA, who is always improving her skills and performs her duties at a very high level. We were all excited to hear

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How would you describe working at 2ATHS this year in a single word?

Entertaining. Rewarding. Enjoyable. Surprising. Good team effort. Random.

Fantastic. Busy. Whiteworld (code for the sterilisation room). Pleasant.

Eventful. Fresh. Fun. That is what the members of our big, busy team at RAAF Base Williamtown Dental Section had to say about their last 12 months here.

The dynamics of our unit is in a state of constant reflux, sorry flux, with both the building itself and the people who work in it undergoing big changes. With renovation works coming to a close in February, we welcomed ACW Joy Fletcher and FLTLT Eugeniya Kelloway who came

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to 2ATHS. ACW Natalie Summersgill arrived in April 2008 having just finished her Basic DA course. Ms Ellie Welsh and Mr Mark Morris provide an extra pair of hands in the surgery and lab respectively.

The unit held bittersweet celebrations to honour the departure of our laboratory technician Danny McCallion who has given 20 years of service to the RAAF (both in a military and civilian role). CPL Coralie Rush moved on into the civilian world and Mrs Amanda Solomons moved a few hundred metres down the road to TFSPO. The end of 2008 will see FLTLT Horina posted to RAAF Base Tindal and LACW DeSantis posted to RAAF Base Townsville.

‘Education’ has been the key-word for our section this year with many people going away on courses. Most of our staff found themselves away at some point either completing category specific competencies or attending to their professional development. Some notable events included the Oral Surgery course run at Westmead (attended by FLTLT Horina) and the various continuing education seminars run

by HMAS KUTTABUL Dental Department.

On the exercise front, a team consisting of SQNLDR O’Sullivan, FLTLT Horina, LACW Galvin and ACW Fletcher undertook Operation Cavity Search at the ADF Basic Flying Training School, Tamworth in conjunction with members from 3CSH Richmond. In amongst the annual ‘cavity searches’ for the staff and students of BFTS, they found time to experience the rigours of flight in the impressive CT-4 training aircraft. FLTLT Horina managed to redecorate yet another ADF aircraft in her quest to trial every airsick bag available in the ADF. Whilst ex-aircraft technician turned hygienist, LACW Margie Galvin pushed the aircraft and its instructor to their limits in a display worthy of mention.

RAAF Base Williamtown to help us support this exercise. Even though our field kit has seen little action this year, the ongoing support to operations seems to be increasing.

Our dental team welcomed four new members this year: SQNLDR Kwaan from East Sale and ACW Teeling from HMAS CERBERUS upon remustering and graduating from the DA course (although Rebecca is new to the mustering, she is an old hand in the military). We also welcome two new contractors, Mrs Claire Cabrera and Miss Tess Redington, both have integrated well into our little dental team. With welcoming the new members, we cannot forget the stayers: LACW Sheils and LACW Dehncke.

We have had two promotions this year: FLTLT Kwaan was promoted to SQNLDR and CPL Dudgeon to SGT. SGT Dudgeon also received the Australia Day Medallion for all of the outstanding work that she has carried out. One of many worth mentioning is the updated décor of the waiting area, with the big screen TV it provided a little distraction for our members while they wait.

New additions: SQNLDR O’Sullivan welcomed his second child, Cameron, into the world in April this year and we congratulate him and Catherine.

So, what are some of the things that made you smile at 2ATHS this year? The unit Lawn Bowls Day at Tomago. The famous and infamous 80’s party. FLTLT Kelloway rendered two surgeries non-functional in her first week back from OTS – one of these involved ‘separating’ an x-ray unit from the wall (FSGT McPherson didn’t find that funny!).

Dental at Williamtown is an exciting, diverse and busy section. Lastly, many thanks to Dr Wilson (Oral Surgery), Dr Cave (Orthodontics) and our Reserve dentists WGCDR Ma and SQNLDR Hunter who have provided excellent services to us over the year.

We extend our thanks again to our visiting specialists who continue to plough through the extensive waiting list. The specialists include Dr Wheatley, Dr Peppitt, Dr De-Silva, Dr Hunter (whom we share with Williamtown), Dr Cherry, Dr Godfrey and MAJ Ong (whom we steal from Holsworthy once a month). We also thank the dedicated and loyal team of civilian staff: Mrs Kimmy Fuller-Sale our only hygienist, Mrs Karen Conway, Mrs Pat Speirs, Dr Troung and Mrs English. We welcome any other team to have a field trip and meet and greet us, you will find that Richmond isn’t such a bad place to be!

No. 3 Combat Support Hospital RAAF Base Richmond (To become No. 3 Expeditionary Health Squadron) LACW Terri-Anne Dehncke This year seems to be moving at a hectic pace here at RAAF Base Richmond, we have seen some substantial changes in personnel and roles within the unit. The first, being the fond farewell to SQNLDR Rob Turnbull at the start of the year. He has moved with his new wife Rebecca to the sleepy town of Lismore, where we wish them both the best of luck and happiness. This then left the SDO door open for Dr David Harmata and what a fine job he is doing, you wouldn’t even know he was a civilian until he takes his gown off.

FLTLT Rob Cox also left us to join East Sale Dental. We had three APS members move on, Miss Amanda McPherson, Mrs Kerrie English and Miss Renae Mason, which left us with almost more dentists than DA, but the patients still kept on coming.

This left little time for working on our field kit, but we still managed to send a dental team to Tamworth (Exercise Cavity Search), to the ADF Basic Flying Training School in April along with a team from

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Health Services Flight RAAF Base Edinburgh (To become No. 4 Expeditionary Health Squadron) Dr Colin O’Donnell They say a week is a long time in politics. When I reflect on the last 12 months here at RAAF Edinburgh it seems just like yesterday - every day! Another year and many changes - sounds familiar? Our SDENTO, SQNLDR Janine Tillot departed unexpectedly a little early on MATL in May this year, and mother and baby Grace are doing just fine. So is the Orderly Room Mood Barometer. Our hygienist, Mandy “The Wig” Walker, arrived home from SUBUT in January and gaily announced that she was pregnant! It must be in the water. Anyway, Mandy’s baby Matthew arrived uneventfully in April and she returned to work in November recently for a few days per week. Our newest chum ACW Kate “Vego” Priestly arrived in May and has impressed all with her quiet willing ways. She replaced LACW Corryn Perna who received an early speeding ticket and was banished to the depths of sub-Antarctic Laverton on posting in July.

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Our Reservist dentists helped on a few working weekends this year; namely WGCDR Tim Horton, SQNLDR Steve Mason, Major Erica Vinczer, Major Jenny Skarlet and Colonel Janet Scott in charge of the coffee. There was considerable effort made in support of the Army Reserve movements to Butterworth and the Solomons. Rumour-InConfidence says they will get paid for it next year!

I would like thank all our civilian DA who ably assisted throughout the year in a very professional manner; Cecily “CC” McCormack, Rachel Greenshields, Karen Arnold, Rachelle “Paris” Harris; and all supervised under the watchful eye of our wonderful Practice Manager, Mrs Lisa “Old Crusty” Merritt. Halloween just would not be the same without their collective artistic flair, much to the amusement of Base staff on the day. Lastly, I would like to pay tribute to our dentists - all contractors - for their professional efforts throughout: Dr Richard “Gorne Flying” Goyne, the man with the sharpest wit; the husband and wife team Dr Peter Wong and Dr Elizabeth “Ella” Chronowski.

It has been an eventful year. The Model Trimmer died of old age, the Paper Shredder died an agonising death at the hands of the DA and someone “You Know Who” burnt the toaster (or was that the microwave oven?). Who knows what will happen next year. We look forward to the safe arrival of yet another new chum in the form of new graduate FLTLT Harry Mohan from Victoria in January 2009 and the return of SQNLDR Tillott in May 2009. Cheers for now.

No. 321 Health Services Flight RAAF Base Darwin (To become a detachment of 3EHS) FLTLT Will Huynh and staff

No. 322 Health Services Flight RAAF Base Tindal (To become a detachment of 2EHS) SGT Kerry Sears Greetings from outback Australia! Well what a year it has been in the last 12 months, we have had visitors! We love visitors, as we feel a bit out on our own here with our huge section of 3 which consists of SGT Kerry Sears (dental supervisor), LACW Diane Beningfield (hygienist) and LACW Alana Price (dental assistant).

We sadly said good bye and good luck to FLTLT Serina Ma in January who moved back to the Sydney and into private practice. Yet again, we are without a dentist. As it turned out we were lucky enough to get relief manning and have many visitors support us. A special thanks to all our relief manning staff and specialists who have been brave enough to endure the outback. Giving up their time to come up has helped us immensely. I’m sure everyone enjoyed the break from their usual daily grind. We take our hats off to WGCDR Warwick Hawthorne, SQNLDR Matthew Hunter, WGCDR Tim Horton, FLTLT Will Huynh, FLTLT Robert Cox, SQNLDR Paul Taylor, SQNLDR Sonja Kuehl, FLTLT Marsha Muller, SQNLDR O’Sullivan, FLTLT Peter Apostolopoulos and FLTLT Fiona Tann. A big thank you goes to our northern counterparts at RAAF Darwin, HMAS COONAWARRA and Robertson Barracks who are always ready to lend a hand with continued support. Because of these outstanding people Tindal has some of the best dental IR statistics.

With being in Tindal we are faced with many decisions like where to go on holiday next with our RLLT packages. Alana went to the Maldives and Di went Thailand, I’m still in limbo for the choices are endless. Alana got engaged to Bradley McKeon in a beautiful proposal in Darwin with the big day is set for May 2009. Congratulations, we wish them all the best.

Greetings all from tropical Darwin where the sun shines bright, the rain lashes mercilessly and the constant stream of backpackers to ensure that bed bugs continue to thrive. The winds of change have blown through the RAAF Base Darwin Dental Section in 2008, depositing some fresh faces and taking away a couple of section stalwarts.

FLTLT Will Huynh arrived in Darwin from RAAF Base Williamtown in November 2007. His mission: to continue the great work by SGT Cath Browning during her 2 years as an unsupervised dental supervisor.

FLTLT Huynh's rapid and successful acceptance of this mission is reflective of the fact that he is a highly motivated officer and all-round nice guy. SGT Browning's voluntary posting to RAAF Base Wagga in 2009 shows her ability to handle the "heat" inflicted upon her.

LACW Sacha Brown was posted to Perth in March 2008. Sacha will be greatly missed and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

She has been replaced by our civilian hygienist Mrs Karen LaFontaine, who is so highly trained that she is rumoured to have killed a man with a prophy brush and 2 cotton rolls!

Dr Chris Mansfield continues to provide quality oral health care to members of RAAF Base Darwin, as well as HMAS COONAWARRA and Robertson Barracks. He is the most experienced and longest serving dentist in the Northern Territory, and prides himself on the longevity of his dental work. He claims to have constructed a 4 unit bridge out of nothing more than Cavit™ and floss, which has been in place since 1970. This claim is yet to be substantiated. Dr Mansfield’s loyal sidekick, Mrs Ines Godfrey has left us in search of greener pastures. She has been replaced by Miss Keran Pelizzo in the short term.

Thus wraps up another year of news from RAAF Base Darwin. We would like to leave you with some words of wisdom: ‘Give a man a prophy and his teeth will be clean for a day. Teach him how to brush, and they will be clean for at least two.’

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FLTLT Will Huynh and LACW Alana Price with patient.

Alana and Di did a 4WD course, Di managed to prang the 4WD into a “moving” tree. Transport asked very nicely that she doesn’t return any time soon. But soon after she was back and she now can drive trucks and she loves it. She loved it so much that she sold her beloved Fiesta and brought a XR8 Ford Ute. Di and Alana have braved the cold and headed to Sydney for the Forensic Dental Course at Westmead. Di managed to get attacked by a homeless person wheeling an umbrella out the front of HMAS KUTTABUL. Whist in Sydney area the girls visited Richmond Dental Section and helped with a quick audit of the Dental Deployment Kit. They finished up with a visit to our main unit, Williamtown Dental Section.

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Health Services Flight RAAF Base Williams (To become a detachment of 4EHS) FLTLT Robyn Barrie Our team here consists of SDENTO FLTLT Barrie (on PTLWOP three days per week), Dr Graham Woolley, our resident Prosthodontist (two days per week), and GPCAPT Tyas, specialist Reserve dentist (two days a week).

On the same day, two of the staff informed us they were pregnant: our hygienist Chloe Stone and DPM Hayley Tehan. Chloe will be leaving us in October and Hayley at the end of the year. We wish them all the best with the joys of motherhood. Sadly we said goodbye to one of our DA, Jill D’Aloia, who has worked here for the last 18 months.

We wish Jill all the very best.

Yet again the staff here in Tindal have done a wonderful job and maintained excellent statistics. I would like to thank Di and Alana for their support and never ending smiles and the ‘work hard party harder’ attitude which makes us an awesome dental team!

Tania Henry has been reunited with the dental team. Tania returned after a two year absence and then left to have a gorgeous baby boy.

Tania has now returned after four months of maternity leave. Sharon Smith is our resident mother figure who should be a consultant for a storage solution company, our dental mobiles have never looked so well organised. Scott Jackman is still working hard in the laboratory and as always is very busy with work sent in from other units, as well as keeping up with the demand at HSFWIL. We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated team of civilian staff. We look forward to welcoming LACW Perno in August 2008 and CPL Thomas in January 2009.

No. 323 Health Services Flight RAAF Base Townsville

Health Services Flight RAAF Base Wagga

(To become a detachment of 1EHS)

(To become a detachment of 4EHS)

CPL Leah Thomas

Miss Kelly Boyce

‘Xin chao’ – G’day in Vietnamese – from our jet setting team in tropical North Queensland! This has been a very big year for our small Dental Section. Whilst rarely having a full team in the section at the same time for most of this year, we have still been able to support 1,114 Army and Air force members and keep our KPI at 97.55%.

2008 started with a bang for us in Wagga, gone are the ‘good old days’ of maintaining only the dental fitness of trainees with a predominant civilian staff. This year we have gained a SDO, FLTLT Marsha Muller, and 3 RAAF DA. They are LAC Craig Leonard, LACW Michaela Rozanski and ACW Charlene Duncan. The addition of these members to our staff was much warranted due to our Base being joined together with the 1st Recruit Training Unit.

LACW Diane Beningfield - truck driver

I was very lucky and deployed for 7 weeks on USNS MERCY on Pacific Partnership 2008. It was an experience that I will never forget.

Our diverse team started 2008 with a running start. Our SDO, FLTLT Khai Nguyen, and hygienist, LACW Laura Kelly, were both lucky enough to be selected to participate in Pacific Partnership 2008 between May and July, travelling on board the USNS MERCY, and sailing the high seas between Guam and Singapore, conducting humanitarian aid in Vietnam and the Philippines. FLTLT Nguyen also provided relief manning at HMAS CAIRNS in the early part of the year. LACW Kelly has been identified for promotion on posting 2009, congratulations.

Meanwhile back in the section, the dynamic duo of Dr Deirdre Ryan and Ms Shirley Beldan have been carrying the weight of the many deployments, exercises and IR on their shoulders and have survived to tell the tale! LACW Donna Hayes picked up her rank in May 08 and has taken advantage of her dentist’s (FLTLT Nguyen) absence by completing many of the required courses to further her career. CPL Thomas picked up her promotion excitedly and has been holding the fort in the orderly room.

But we all know that paradise can’t last forever, FLTLT Nguyen and LACW Kelly are posting out to RAAF Base Richmond and CPL Thomas has been posted to RAAF Base Laverton. We are all very excited about the big move and are keen to start work and meet all the new people at our new units. As for inwards postings, we are very fortunate to receive LACW Ellie Desantis posting in as our new CPL in 2009. Best wishes to those posting or discharging over the year and good luck in your endeavours from the Dental Ducks!

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It is all hands on deck every second Tuesday, which is charting day.

After a few initial glitches (that is we did not receive our OPG machine until June), we are now well organised and all flows smoothly on these extremely busy days.

Our new staff members have adapted well to being in Wagga, though it is doubtful any of them are truly enjoying the chilly winds of winter.

FLTLT Muller posted in from Amberley and brings with her the skill of perfection. The staff, trainees and recruits on Base are all benefiting from her precise dental treatment, as did those in Tindal when Marsha was relief dentist earlier in the year. She enjoyed the warmer climate much more.

LAC Leonard has transferred to us from the Navy and whilst Craig is adept in the surgery, he does enjoy days in the laboratory given that he is also a skilled dental technician. Craig is totally into fitness and has a most amazing six pack. LACW Rozanski was posted in from Amberley along with her husband and young son. Michaela has proven an asset to us due to her ability in the dark room and excellent cooking skills. Think about dropping in if you want to experience heaven via chocolate cake. ACW Duncan, our youngest member, graduated from Dental School earlier in the year and is extremely enthusiastic in her surgery and orderly room work. Charlene is a bright personality and it is a pleasure to encourage her in learning skills for life. This year I am the SDA fro the dental section and have taken on

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more tasks and greater responsibility, almost no time for socialising (though I manage to fit in some great dinner dates).

All staff members are under the watchful eye of SGT Kylie Williams.

SGT Williams makes sure that all runs smoothly within the section and is highly knowledgeable and skilled in all things dental including policy, conflict resolution, teamwork, maintaining diplomacy. Kylie is being promoted to FSGT for which she has deferred for 12 months.

There are 3 civilian dentists, Dr Miles and Dr Clive Connell (brothers) and Dr Sharma Nand. Miles is highly skilled in recruit charting given that he is SDO at Kapooka and is charting 3 days each week. Thanks Miles for your speed and accuracy. Clive is with us 3 days each week and helps to maintain the dental fitness of our members. He has given much encouragement to our younger staff and helped them to settle into a new environment. Sharma is with us on Monday and brings with him his assistant Mrs Debbie Buchanan. Sharma and Debbie work well together and really brighten up the place for the day.

section running efficiently. With dental backing onto the RAAF Golf Club, Clarke has been able to improve his already refined golf swing during breaks while maintaining continuous dental support to the base. Melissa received her Certificate IV in Dental Radiography which has been put to good use especially with the OTS IDE requirements and has successfully completed the CPL promotion course earlier in the year. She values a good work/life balance ensuring time is spent with her young son and husband, while Kay has been keeping busy with home renovations this year.

FLTLT Cox and CPL Riseley provided assistance to the medical support for Exercise AQUA, the annual base exercise run over a one week period. This was a great opportunity for dental to work closely with allied health staff and to become more familiar with the ambulance and other aspects of medical treatment away from the clinic environment.

RAAF Base Wagga Dental Section is a dedicated and friendly group and we strive to enhance the lives of our servicemen and women by providing top class dental health.

While the base has managed to keep much of its relatively quiet country feel following the OTS move, there has been a noticeable increase in activity with students often seen running past dental as part of morning PT orientation missions. Originally planned to coincide with the commencement of OTS, it looks like the section will get its long awaited OPG machine installed by the end of the year with works soon scheduled to be underway.

Health Services Flight RAAF Base East Sale

The dental section here remains a dedicated team, working well together and always serving personnel with a smile and polite attitude. We strive to ensure as many members as possible on base are able to meet their dental IR and are thankful to receive many positive comments back from the general base population.

(To become a detachment of 4EHS) CPL Melissa Riseley Well hello again from RAAF Base East Sale ‘the Country Club’. This year has been another busy one, with one of the main focuses being the ramp up of Officers Training School (OTS) and the associated increase in patient load through out the year. The first OTS intake was a nervously anticipated time for dental which had to find its feet quickly with 52 initial exams to do in one day with just four staff comprising of the 2 DENTO and their DA. We managed to survive the first intake and have increased our efficiency as the year progressed. To assist with OTS clinical and administrative tasks, we were lucky enough to secure the assistance of an additional DA, Mrs Jo Rietschel for OTS days. Jo has fitted into the team well and the extra person allows for more effective management of OTS work load.

In January 2008 we lost FLTLT Alex Kwaan on posting to RAAF Base Richmond but receive FLTLT Robert Cox from RAAF Base Richmond, following 18 months in location. He has settled in well and continues to work hard. FLTLT Cox has spent much of the year in and out of the section, spending 2 weeks at RAAF Base Tindal on relief manning, 2 weeks in Sydney for the FRACDS Orientation Course and again at the end of the year for exams, representation at the RASA Downhill Slalom Championships and a two week oral surgery course scheduled for later in the year.

The rest of the dental team remains the same with Dr Clarke Barned, CPL Melissa Riseley and Mrs Kay Hambly-Clark keeping the dental

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Health Services Flight RAAF Base Pearce (To become a detachment of 4EHS) LACW Katherine Morris and Dr Tony Bartels The end of 2007 saw us farewell our dentist of many years, Dr David Rees, who left us to take on a new challenge at RAAF Base Amberley.

With his departure we were left with an uncertain start to 2008. As things turned out, our new dentist, Dr Tony Bartels, arrived just in time to start the year. Many of you will know him from his time in the Army as MAJ Bartels. Tony originally worked with Aspen Medical in both Timor Leste and the Solomon Islands.

In May our dental supervisor, CPL Charmaine Gurney was detached to the USNS MERCY providing aid to locals in the Philippines and Vietnam. On return from this remarkable experience, CPL Gurney has taken two months long service leave. Our little centre here at Pearce has missed Charmaine greatly. We are looking forward to her return in mid September. LACW Sacha Brown joined us in May after 7 years in Darwin. Sacha and her lovely daughter have settled in well to Perth which is also her home town. Sacha is enjoying being on PTLWOP allowing more family time and still providing her excellent service 3 days per week to RAAF Base Pearce. LACW Kate Morris received her reclassification this year and has had enormous responsibility for the nearly 4 months that our CPL supervisor has been away. Kate has done an excellent job with the increased work load in CPL Gurney’s absence (essentially doing two jobs). For those of you who know Kate, you will know she loves dogs, particularly her own toy poodle (Punky Brewester). It was no surprise that Kate became very excited when the Dental Flight was asked to perform root canal therapy on one of the military working dogs (MWD) here at Pearce.

To date this year we have provided dental care for three MWD. Dr Phil Clark, a local veterinarian, has kindly provided the general anaesthetics for these procedures.

CADMUS 2008