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Lt. Justin Vice (left), general dentist, and Cmdr. Vincent LaPointe, oral surgeon division head cut the first slice of cake in celebration of the Naval Dental Corps’ 103rd birthday during a ceremony at the Naval Health Clinic Quantico, Aug. 21. The dental department maintains operational readiness of the Sailors and Marines on Marine Corps Base Quantico.

Photo by Ida Irby

Dental Corps celebrates 103 years ‘Semper Floss’

27 Aug 2015 | Ida Irby Marine Corps Base Quantico

Naval Health Clinic Quantico celebrated the 103rd birthday of the U.S. Navy Dental Corps with a traditional cake cutting ceremony Aug. 21.

The Navy Dental Corps was established in 1912, with 30 dental surgeons who were given the mission to maintain the dental health of Sailors and Marines in combat and garrison world wide.

“Since World War I, the Dental Corps has been a part of every wartime effort. Its addition to Naval Medicine allowed the military to recruit Sailors and Marines during that wartime,” said Cmdr. Karen Stokes, Naval Health Clinic Quantico, senior dental executive, during the ceremony.

To the more than 1,300 active duty and reserve members of the Navy Dental Corps, I commend you for 103 years of world-class dental care, said Stokes to the department of civilians and Corpsmen.

During the ceremony, NHCQ commanding officer Cmdr. Gordon R. Smith was honored with the first slice of cake. The next slice of cake was given to the oldest dental officer present, born in 1964 and then youngest Sailor present, born in 1989. This tradition signifies the passing of experience and knowledge through the ranks.

“The Dental Corps plays an integral part in the military’s mission readiness, without them many Marines wouldn’t go forward.” to fight our nation’s battles," said Smith.

—iirby@quanticosentryonline.com
Marine Corps Base Quantico