EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska —
Dental hygiene is an important pillar of one’s health and many people may not realize how important it is. To U.S. Air Force Capt. For Victoria Castaneda, Eielson Active Duty’s only registered dental hygienist, the most rewarding part of her job is helping patients achieve results.
“Many of the patients I see are brand new Airmen who had very inconsistent dental care prior to joining the Air Force,” Castaneda said. “I love seeing the ‘light bulb’ go off for my patients and when they start taking their dental health seriously.”
As the only Active Duty RDH in the interior of Alaska, Castaneda is responsible for the dental health of all Active Duty Airmen and Rangers at Eielson and Clear Space Force Station representing approximately 3,200 service members.
“Castaneda misses nothing in her role as RDH,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Tan Jones, 354th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron dental flight commander. “It has filled a void that Eielson Dental Clinic and patients felt prior to COVID-19. I have many patients who express how fantastic their hygiene appointment with her went. They are so happy to be here treating them.”
Castaneda began her career as a dental hygienist after graduating from dental hygiene school in 2020.
“I was originally a dental assistant and in 2017 I applied for the Air Force Dental Hygiene Training Scholarship Program,” Castaneda said. “After completing all the prerequisites, I started the program in 2018.”
Through her work as an RDH, Castaneda has learned valuable lessons from the patients she treats and broadened her perspective on how to help them.
“One key thing I’ve learned is compassion and grace,” Castaneda said. “Many patients simply do not know basic dental care because they have never been taught. Sometimes people are in dark places mentally and taking care of themselves is not on their priority list. It’s my job to try to motivate them and educate them.”
Not only does Castaneda excel in her unique role, but she also excels in additional duties and enhances the 354th Medical Group.
“Castaneda has taken on many roles at the MDG level and regularly fills in as the dental flight chief as she cares for both enlisted and officers and keeps the dental clinic’s business moving in a positive direction,” Jones said. “He also occasionally fills in as a first sergeant.”
At the end of the day, Castaneda says she cares about helping people and improving their lives.
“I have a special place in my heart for humanitarian missions,” Castaneda said. “My most recent was a temporary stint with the Army in Saipan. It is so rewarding to treat patients who have little to no access to healthcare. Many times, it’s life-changing for them and I’m always proud to be a part of that.”
Since the second week of April is recognized as Dental Hygiene Appreciation Week, Castaneda urges Airmen and guardians to educate themselves about the importance of dental health.
“Our oral health affects our overall systemic health,” Castaneda said. “Many diseases and conditions manifest in the mouth and can be exacerbated by oral disease. Take your dental health seriously – you only have one set of teeth!”
