MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- With Marines going on deployment and being FAPped to other units on a continuous basis keeping track of records becomes an important issue for the Dental Clinic. Making sure each Marine comes by the clinic (after deployment) to make sure their record is here, put back in the correct unit and finally cared for, according to Chief Petty Officer Ken A. Harvey, senior enlisted leader at the Dental Clinic here.

Missing records is a sore spot for both the Marines and the Dental Clinic, according  to Harvey.

It’s important to have the dental the dental record in the clinic and to confirm the  unit corpsman has turned the records back into dental before making a dental appointment, according to CDR Karen M. Lynch, Dental Clinic Director Lynch.

“Once we have the list and the Marines and a matching record we can go forward,” said Harvey.
Among the issues the Dental Clinic addresses most after deployment is a high cavities rate, according to Lynch.

One of the thoughts is the high consumption of sugary drinks while deployed, and although this occurs here also the heat coupled with boredom in Iraq lend to the problem, according to Lynch.

Lt. George B. Deese, a dentist at the clinic here, agrees that cavities are a big concern since a filling that can be a simple restoration can turn into a root canal if not taken care of when they return off deployment.

“There are a large number of Marines returning from deployment who are dental class 4, Marines requiring an annual exam or class 3, Marines that require fillings, extraction of wisdom teeth or some other procedure that could potentially cause a dental emergency within 12 months, said Lynch.

Issues that affect the patients at the dental clinic differ when it comes to those confronted by the medical staff and can have lasting impression on the service members if not attended to. Issues the dental clinic staff confront can easily be examined and cared for after an examination. The medical staff has a bit more of a challenging dilemma.  Relying on the service member is the key in supporting the health care needs at  Medical.

“Bones are easy to fix, but when you have mental issues fester it becomes a problem,” said Lt. Aaron D. Stavinoha, acting senior medical officer at the branch medical clinic.

Post deployment service members primarily fill the examination rooms seeking help against the affects of post traumatic stress disorder symptoms.
Bringing the attention and understanding the struggle with symptoms, which stems from PTSD is difficult to admit let alone ask for help, according to Stavinoha.

“The battle for the medical staff is to get the message out that the stigma of mental problems needs to be addressed,” said Stavinoha. “Having the (service members) come in is the challenge.”

Marines and sailors complete a pre-deployment health assessment and prior to returning complete a post-deployment health assessment. Along with the help of the service member this allows the medical staff to assist them with any issues after deploying.

According to Stavinoha, most will get over the stress and symptoms. It becomes a problem when the symptoms last past six months.

To combat possible issues that surface after the six-month the medical staff has a 90 to180 day Post Deployment Health Re-Assessment. 

“Just like your heart and lungs, the mind needs just as much care. Its getting over the stigma,” said Stavinoha.