Ribbon-cutting ceremony
Grand opening of East Bliss dental activity
first of its kind 

Clarence Davis III

WBAMC Public Affairs

A grand opening and ribbon- cutting ceremony was held Feb. 26 for the Army’s largest and unique Dental Clinic #2 at East Fort Bliss.

This clinic is the only 64-chair, one-level clinic in U.S. Army Dental Command. The building has a 33,580 gross square footage and costs $14.6 million. The design incorporates the latest state-of-the-art equipment, including digital X-ray, centralized sterilization, spacious floor plan and the utilization of abundant natural light.

“It is the first among many of the buildings, with its amazing capacity, recently opened to provide Soldier care,” said Fort Bliss Commanding General Maj. Gen. Howard B. Bromberg.

The clinic is ergonomically designed for staff safety and to provide optimal care to Fort Bliss Soldiers seeking general and specialty dentistry care. It is expected that the clinic will support more than 20,000 Soldiers with a staff of more than 150, which includes servicemembers, civilians and contractors. The clinic enhances the capability to care for Soldiers and to meet worldwide missions.

“We will take care of Soldiers before their deployment. It is easier to care for Soldiers here rather than when they are deployed where everything is far away or takes time to get there,” said Col. Michael Doran, commander of the Fort Bliss Dental Activity. “Particularly, the clinic is crucial to the nation’s defense, especially in support of worldwide operational missions. It will foster the highest quality of care.”

This facility is important for dental readiness because of its convenience for Soldiers assigned to units at East Fort Bliss. It’s a one-stop shop. Its design and décor are designed to be relaxing for Soldiers.

“It is our hope that the convenience and design will help ease the visit to the dentist for Soldiers,” said Sgt. Maj. Exerline Dunn, sergeant major of U.S. Army Dental Command. “We intend to motivate Soldiers to see a dentist before there is a problem.”

“It is going to be exciting to work in this state-of-the-art facility because I get to practice what I learned in advanced individual training,” said Pvt. Tahdrick Enoch, dental assistant at Fort Bliss Dental Activity. “Diseases that affect teeth, gums, and mouth can also lead to other diseases within the body. Dental readiness is so important. Everyone needs their health.”