Craig Armstrong, DDS Salutes Military Dentists on Pearl Harbor Day

December 7th is Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 2013, commemorating the attack in Hawaii during World War II where many American servicemen and women lost their lives or suffered serious injuries. The practice of Craig Armstrong, DDS salutes all servicemen and women, including military dentists responsible for the oral health of soldiers and their families.

The Houston area is proud to be home to many military branches, including members of the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station. In addition, military branches with a presence at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston include:

• Texas Air National Guard
• Texas Army National Guard
• U.S. Army Reserve
• U.S. Navy Reserve
• U.S. Marine Corps. Reserve

There are many ways to pursue a dental career in the military, protecting the oral health of military members and their families. The dental specialties are the same as those practiced by civilian dentists. However, military dentists are often deployed away from their families for long periods of time. Many military dentists set up field dental units in war zones and act as triage officers in combat. They also have the opportunity to contribute to humanitarian efforts in areas of the world with extensive medical and dental needs.

Some of the dental specialties in the military include:

General Dentist Responsible for diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries of the teeth, jaws, oral cavity and supporting structures. Military dentists also plan and execute disease prevention and health promotion programs.

Endodontist Treat diseases and trauma to the tooth pulp and tissues surrounding the root, including root canals. They also perform medical research, participate in graduate medical education, and train other personnel.

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon Surgical specialists who treat many diseases, injuries and defects in the head, neck, face and jaw. They take care of issues with the hard and soft tissues of the mouth, jaw and face.

Periodontist Focus on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease. They also specialize in the placement of dental implants.

Prosthodontist Specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with missing teeth and other associated structures through the fabrication of maxillofacial prostheses.

Craig Armstrong, DDS and his team have great respect for the stress and demands placed on all military servicemen and women. Thank you to everyone who has served or is currently serving in the military. Take a moment this Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day to remember those who lost their lives December 7, 1941.