How the Navy’s Dental Corps Keeps Sailors Mission-Ready
From saving lives with early tumor detection to leveraging advanced dental tech, Navy dentists ensure sailors stay ready to serve — one healthy smile at a time.
When a sailor heads out to sea, the last thing he or she needs is a dental emergency disrupting the mission. Imagine a medevac for a tooth abscess in the middle of the Pacific — a costly, avoidable setback. That’s where the Navy Dental Corps steps in, ensuring sailors are “fit to fight” with expert care, advanced technology, and a commitment to readiness.
At Naval Hospital Bremerton in Washington and its satellite clinics, the mission is clear: keep service members deployment-ready for at least 12 months. Navy Cmdr. Doug Steffy, DDS, an oral and maxillofacial radiologist, leads this charge. With only 11 specialists like him in the entire Navy, Steffy reviews scans across the Pacific Northwest — from Navy to Air Force to Army — identifying issues ranging from dental caries to life-threatening tumors.
Sailors are categorized into four dental classes: Class 1 (100% healthy) through Class 4 (overdue for care). The goal? Get everyone to Class 1. Unlike civilians who avoid the dentist, sailors don’t have that option.
The Navy’s use of cutting-edge digital technology is a game-changer. Procedures that once took weeks — like crowns — are now completed in 2 hours. With computer-aided milling machines, clinicians can create dentures, implants, and more on-site, saving time and money while minimizing downtime for patients.
Steffy also debunked the myth that military dentistry lags behind private practice. Navy dentists receive the same training as civilians and meet rigorous standards. In fact, their work undergoes monthly peer review to ensure excellence.
Beyond clinical care, military dentistry fosters teamwork, leadership, and professional growth. Steffy emphasized the value of collaboration in the service. While retention remains a challenge, the Navy continues to seek top talent. For dentists and dental hygienists looking for purpose, cutting-edge tech, and professional camaraderie, military service offers unique opportunities to lead and learn — all while keeping sailors ready to defend and serve. Click here to read more.
