SAN DIEGO -- A rigid line of Marine recruits wrap around a series of linked trailers. Through gritted teeth, drill instructors bark commands that the recruits immediately follow. The recruits know that the drill instructors are responsible for molding them into Marines. Possibly the last thing a recruits will consider during their time at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) is how well their teeth are going to be cared for.
In May of 2008, after five months of planning, the Branch Dental Clinic at MCRD moved its entire operation from its home in building 595 to a series of 18 trailers in the neighboring parking lot. They did it without a break in dental service to the recruits.
The temporary structures were set up so that the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) in the clinic can be fixed, said Cmdr. Timothy B. Tinker, department head Branch Dental Clinic MCRD. He added that during the 10-month renovation of the HVAC new flooring and cabinets would be added as well.
“Our main goal is to maintain readiness, even in a space less than half the size,” said Tinker, referring to the 10,000 square footage of the trailers versus the 22,000 square feet of the clinic.
“The only change is that the quarters are tighter,” he said, “but we maintain the same standard of care.”
After a little over two months since their move they have had no stoppages in patient care, he said. Care is provided by 120 staff members, including 25 dentists and four hygienists working over 47 dental chairs with an average of 300 to 400 Marine recruits cycling through each day, said Tinker.
Despite the hectic summer surge, “It’s been fantastic,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Shannon M. Capriola, operative department leading petty officer at MCRD. “We have our struggles, but we make it work regardless of what we are faced with.”
While the number of patients has not decreased, and despite the tight quarters, preparation has provided a transparent transition for much of the staff, said retired Navy Capt. Robert F. Frisby, MCRD dental officer.
“We are able to provide the same types of care and quality to the same extent,” he said, relating that no procedure has been cut from their repertoire. “It’s the people that make this work. The changes in schedule we deal with. We focus on the mission and we take pride in that.”
The entire move of the Branch Dental Clinic and its renovation is a seven million dollar project scheduled to be completed by March 2009.