Air Force dentists bring relief to the Congo

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Kassidy Snyder | Air Force Lt. Col. Jacqueline Garcia-Castellanos of Miami, a reservist with the 482nd Aeromedical Dental Squadron at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., works side by side with a Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo dentist Sept. 14 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Garcia-Castellanos is a part of MEDFLAG 10, a joint medical exercise aimed at providing humanitarian assistance to the local people.  

KINSHASA, CONGO, THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE

09.13.2010

Courtesy Story

139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

By Sgt. James D. Sims

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of the Congo – Taking a vacation or going home for the holidays brings to mind a picture of having fun and spending time with family.

However, for family members of embassy staff, a trip back to Europe or the United States means finally having the opportunity to visit the dentist, until now.

“It’s been about two years that I’ve been trying to get to the dentist,” said Kathryn Anne Crowder, a family member of an embassy worker in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. “So this is a much needed visit.”

Crowder was one of about 35 patients seen by three Air Force Reserve Dentists visiting the DRC as part of MEDFLAG 10.

MEDFLAG is an annual joint medical training exercise that allows U.S. military service members to work side by side with their African counterparts. In addition to training, the joint forces also provide humanitarian and civic assistance to the local population.

“Working with the local population has given us the feeling we are reaching those that really need it,” said Lt. Col. Jacqueline Garcia-Castellanos of Miami, a member of the 482nd Aeromedical Dental Squadron, Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla.

Both American and Congolese dental professionals spent several days in classroom training reviewing the necessity of basic oral hygiene and preventive care before providing assistance to Kinshasa residents.

Medical and dental staff will assess roughly 2000 cases and provide the necessary care to the Congolese citizens during a four-day period of the exercise.

“The experience has been quite enlightening,” said Garcia-Castellanos. “It has given us the opportunity to engage in active dental care side by side with the Congolese army dental corps and the exchange has been excellent.”

• Date Taken: 09.13.2010
• Date Posted: 09.14.2010 15:58
• Story ID: 56263
• Location: KINSHASA, CD