FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kansas – On September 17th, Smith Dental Clinic at Munson Army Health Center celebrated the graduation of American Red Cross volunteer Rhonda Sherman, who completed the Red Cross Dental Assisting Training Program.
The program provides free career training to spouses, retirees, and their families with valid military IDs at participating military institutions. Graduates are equipped with the skills to assist in surgeries, perform dental X-rays, and support a range of clinical functions.
Sherman began the program at Smith Dental Clinic in February of this year and has completed over 1,000 hours of hands-on training under the guidance of Army dental professionals. Her training included classroom instruction and extensive chairside instruction.
“I had no prior dental experience, but I’ve always been fascinated by teeth,” Sherman said. “This program allowed me to start from scratch. While it was challenging, helping Soldiers made it all worthwhile.”
Jason Ramlo, Regional Program Manager for the American Red Cross’s Armed Forces and International Services Division for Missouri and Arkansas, called the program a “model” example of collaboration between the Red Cross, Smith Dental Clinic, and Munson Army Health Center. Ramlo said the Red Cross assists in selecting students, provides in-program support, and verifies their completion.
He added that similar programs are offered both stateside and overseas, providing valuable skills to military spouses and retirees while also enhancing the capabilities of military dental clinics.
Captain Kyle Wilson, the dentist who supervised Sherman’s training at Smith Dental Clinic, said the course was intensive.
“There were approximately 40 hours of study, lectures, and instrumentation per week,” he said. “After the classroom work, the majority of the training took place in the clinic, conducted by our assistants and doctors. She will be an excellent dental assistant.”
Sherman received her certificate during the ceremony, and the clinic team hosted a small celebration. She encouraged other military spouses and retirees interested in dental care to apply. Ramlo and the clinic staff said they hope to offer another training class after the New Year.