MHCE MARCH 2024

18 | MHCE - News www.mhce.us MARCH 2024 EDITION WWW.MHCE.US
Monthly Newsletter | 19
Naval Medical
Center San Diego
In an effort to recognizing the versatile and multitalented
aspect of dental assistants, Naval Medical
Center San Diego (NMCSD) celebrates Dental Assistant
Recognition Week, March 3-9.
One dental assistant at NMCSD, Hospitalman Ariel
Sherwood, from Saint Paul, Minn., and daughter of an
active-duty U.S. Marine, was inspired from a young age
to pursue a dental profession.
“Seeing the spirit of service that my father has always
demonstrated to our nation, Marine Corps, and his fellow
Marines is something that made me appreciate the act of
service,” said Sherwood. “It was second nature for me
to pursue a military career.”
Sherwood had initially embarked on a child development
career, but her curiosity and yearning to learn more
about orthodontics derailed any further pursuit of the
former career interest.
“There is something truly transformative in the world of
maxillofacial procedures that has drawn me to enlist in
the Navy and become part of this amazing community,”
explained Sherwood. “With my dad serving as a recruiter
at the time, I conducted extensive research as to which
service had the best fit for me and it came down without
a question that it would be the Navy.”
The journey from boot camp, through dental assistant
training and to her first duty station at NMCSD was
about as thorough as it could be for Sherwood.
“Nothing could prepare me for the abundance in onthe-job
training opportunities, actual patient care, and
— best of all —witnessing transformational changes in
the lives of our beneficiaries as what I’ve lived since
reporting to NMCSD,” accounts Sherwood. “By far
the most exciting component of my job is the ability
to really have more hands-on patient interaction as an
orthodontist dental assistant.”
The journey has only begun for Sherwood as she has
her eyes set on attending dental school.
“I have every intention to go on to dental school and
hopefully reaffiliate myself with the Navy,” expresses
Sherwood. “I feel that my calling is not only the Navy,
but also our military affiliated beneficiaries. The
opportunity to serve our active-duty, retirees, and family
members is priceless.”
For now Sherwood shares the following message with
her fellow dental assistants.
“I want everyone to know that I am honored to serve
as a dental assistant in the Navy and that the value you
bring to the fight in truly immeasurable,” said Sherwood.
“We ensue the readiness of our service members and we
also restore dignity — one smile at a time.
NMCSD continuously seeks professional civilian
talent, not just limited to health care providers and
administrative support. For anyone seeking a federal
job, visit USAJobs at usajobs.gov – the Federal
Government’s official employment site.
The mission of NMCSD is to prepare service members
to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver
high quality health care services, and shape the future
of military medicine through education, training, and
research. NMCSD employs more than 6,000 activeduty
military personnel, civilians and contractors in
southern California to provide patients with world-class
care anytime, anywhere.