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Biting Off The Fear

By 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment

Soldiers of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment will find themselves in category three and four of dental status upon redeployment to Fort Hood, Texas, at the completion of their deployment.

Of the three thousand 3rd ACR Soldiers redeploying back to Fort Hood, more than half will end up seeing a dentist, while others might wait until the pain in their jaws inspires them to seek dental care.

"The most difficult patients have preconceived notions and fears, whether from word of mouth or past experiences," said Capt. Aleksandr Baron, a dentist from Medical Troop, Regimental Support Squadron, 3rd ACR, originally from Fort Stewart, Ga., with the 3rd Infantry Division Dental Activities Unit. "Many times the patients walk away with a better understanding of what was done and why."

BABIL, Iraq - Capt. Aleksandr Baron, a dentist assigned to Medical Troop, Regimental Support Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment performs a dental cleaning for a patient during a visit on Contingency Operating Site Kalsu. While supporting Operation New Dawn, Baron provides cleaning and light dental work to over 120 patients each month. (Photo by US Army)

Baron joined Medical Troop in late October of 2010. He was born in Ukraine, attended one year of residency program in the Army and volunteered to deploy for the first time to Contingency Operating Site Kalsu in support of Operation New Dawn.

"My main mission here is to enhance the fighting strength by maintaining optimal oral health through restorative and preventative measures," said Baron.

The mandatory reverse Soldier Readiness Processing will eventually detect those Soldiers needing immediate care. The only challenge is getting patients to visit the dentist.

"A patient that falls under category three will have a dental condition that will become serious or severe in less than six months and will need to see a dentist in order to get the issue fixed," said Baron. "A patient that falls under category four means that they'll need an exam in order for them to be in compliance with dental standards."

Baron stressed that since decay progresses slowly and may not cause pain until it is close to the pulp, patients should visit the dentist annually for checkups.

"The fact is, decay will continue even when a tooth is restored," he said. "Decay is a delicate balance where acid attack is countered by saliva and plaque removal. When this balance is disturbed and no protection is provided, the tooth will decay."

When asked what is the most rewarding part about being a dentist, Baron mentions the satisfaction of being able to cure a Soldier, which is not often the case in other medical encounters.

"I am able to bring a Soldier out of pain in a short period of time with definitive treatment," said Baron.

For now, 3rd ACR Soldiers should know that Baron is working toward ensuring that the men and women serving the unit are getting the best dental care in the world while deployed in a hostile environment.