Deployed dentists have four-legged patients

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Patrice Clarke
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Editors note: Capt. Matt Snyder and Tech Sgt. Mary Ann Neffle featured in this story are both forward deployed from the 88th Medical Group at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

Capt. Matt Synder was only in country for three days when he learned his Saturday morning patient was a military member of another kind, the four-legged variety.

Working hand-in-hand with Army Capt. Daniel Skirvin, the veterinarian deployed here, the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group dental section is able to provide much needed dental service to the military and Department of Defense working dogs in the area.

"The vet came to me and asked if we could come to some type of agreement," said Maj. Aimee Zakaluzny, 386th EMDG dentist. "We had the main piece of equipment needed to perform cleanings, and an exam room to do it in. The vet had the anesthesia equipment, monitors, and specific instruments used in K-9 dental care so, we pooled our resources."

Military working dogs deploy with their handlers and have to be medically cleared, to include dental, just like their handlers. Department of Defense contract working dogs usually spend more time in theater than military working dogs and often need checkups and cleanings here. Providing the dental service to the contract working dogs is beneficial to everyone involved.

"At this location, we are usually doing emergency dental care or caring for routine dental aches and pains," said Major Zakaluzny. "Doing this was a way to break up the monotony of deployed life."

The K-9s are completely sedated for the entire procedure and the veterinarian and a technician monitor the animals vital signs and breathing throughout. The first four-legged patient, Nero, received a cleaning and extraction, which was an eye opener for Major Zakaluzny.

"Captain Skirvin helped with making sure I set the room up in a way that would make the procedures go smoothly," said Major Zakaluzny. "He did most of the procedure but I participated closer to the end and found that it really wasn't as difficult as I thought."

From that first time, the team has cleaned the teeth of five military working dogs, extracted five teeth, and performed one root canal. They have since passed the reins to the new dental crew.

"We got our feet wet pretty early," said Tech Sgt. Mary Ann Neffle, a dental technician with the 386th EMDG. "By day three in country we were assisting the previous dental team with a K-9 cleaning. It wasn't what I expected. As Airmen we are supposed to be able to adapt and be able to push ourselves out of our comfort zone to get the mission done."

Getting the K-9s completely mission ready is the number one priority for everyone involved, especially the handlers who rely on their dogs, their partners.

"This has been something we as handlers have wanted for a long time," said Daniel Silvelo, a DoD contract working dog handler. "These dogs mean absolutely everything to us and the mission. Getting them the health and dental care they need is important. The veterinarian, the veterinarian technicians, the dentist and everyone involved have been phenomenal throughout this entire process."

As Captain Synder, a Cleveland native, settles into his first deployment as the 386th EMDG dentist, he's ready for the rewards and challenges that his unusual deployed duties bring.

"This service we provide caught me completely off guard," said Captain Synder. "But this is going to make this deployment an experience I won't forget and I am grateful we are able to do this. I am grateful we are able to provide this service for these working dogs."