RAF Dentist Expands Patient List To Include Canines In Afghanistan
An RAF dentist has taken on a new challenge during his tour of Afghanistan. In addition to providing emergency dental care for NATO troops, Squadron Leader Stuart Marshall has also treated two military dogs.
Squadron Leader Marshall, from Batley, had never treated an animal before he landed in Afghanistan for a tour of duty in Kandahar. However, he soon found himself treating man’s best friends and has so far restored damaged teeth in two dogs, with a root canal procedure pencilled in on another canine later this week.
Marshall, 37, said that it is exciting and rewarding work, as he has never worked with animals before and dogs have such an important role in aiding the troops out in Afghanistan. If the dogs have dental problems, this affects their ability to work and their condition often deteriorates very quickly.
He also added that working with dogs is actually easier than working with humans because they are asleep during the entire procedure. Although the roots are longer and the teeth are larger, the dentistry is essentially the same.
So far Squadron Leader Marshall has taken care of a 5-year-old Belgian Malinois called Zino who helps the troops detect explosives and accompanies them on patrols. Zino was unable to do his job because of dental problems, but following surgery he should be back to his normal self very soon. His handler, Craig Vantonver, said that it will be great to have Zino back, as he does a very important job.
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