A Trip Through An Atterbury Dental Clinic the Evening Republic

A Trip Through A
Camp Atterbury Dental Clinic
the Evening Republic, 05/29/1945

(1) T/4 Melvin Babbs of Service Co., 331st Infantry, 83rd Division demonstrates the procedure of having his teeth repaired at the Division Dental Clinic.

(2) The outlook is gloomy, and no smile from the patient greets Helen Dondanville as the "new patient" window as she makes a appointment for him.

(3) Melvin tries to concentrate on reading the newspaper as he awaits his call. In the waiting room are many other fellow-fighters waiting for the great "ordeal" in the dentist's chair. Melvin has a lot of surprises waiting for him.

(4) The patient starts through the clinic. Capt. C. A. Leslie examines the patient's teeth and tells his assistant, Pfc. George E. Tracht, of Medical Section, 1560th Service Unit, which of the teeth look suspiciously bad. Tracht fills out a form that will accompany the patient throughout his trip in the clinic.

(5) Melvin still has that worried look when the X-ray machine is pointing his way. T/r Earl L. Harmon of the Medical Section is the Dental X-ray technician who stands behind the glass partition as he takes a picture of the teeth. Melvin is surprised - the machine doesn't hurt a bit.

(6) Before the patient goes any farther in the clinic, he has his teeth cleaned by Ermald E. Cunningham (left), a registered graduate hygienist. Assisting is Joan Shea. Mmmm, no male dentists around - this trip is getting better all the time.

(7) Now its time for a filling. Lt. Harry G. Foster does the work, assisted by Mrs. Peg Castrigano. The patient is pleased that the drill doesn't strike oil - and before long those cavities were filled and the teeth are ready for chow.

(8) When extractions are necessary, the patient is sent to the clinic's Surgery Section. LT. F. J. Klick injects the local anesthetic before he exerts his "pull" abd pops out the offending tooth. Assisting him is Jean Branham.

(9) Directing the dental program are:(left to right) COl. G. A. Karr, Camp Dental Surgeon; Lt. Col. G. W. Townsend, chief, Division Dental Clinin; Lt. Col. O. B. Rodkey, chief, Post Hospital Dental Clinic; and Maj. Roy T. Marshall, chief, Non-Division Dental Clinic. Major Marshall is a former Columbus, Indiana dentist.