Oceanside dentist receives Army award

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New York Army National Guard Major Joel Bachman, owner of a civilian dental practice in Oceanside received the Chief of Dental Corps Award of Excellence for the Army Reserve/National Guard.

The award was presented recognize his contributions to the Dental Corps of the United States Army National Guard while exemplifying the values of leadership and service held so dear by the United States Army.

Bachman had been a practicing dentist for 27 years before enlisting in the National Guard at age 54. Bachman received a fax in 2007 informing him the military was in need of dentists.

When the draft ended in 1973 Bachman was 17, he like many others was relieved to not be forced to serve. However he did still have the desire to help his country and he found a way by using his own expertise.

“Bachman has really embraced this and spends a tremendous amount of his personal time, giving us the statistics that we need so we can make intelligent recommendations to the units about their readiness and what needs to be done.” Said Lt. Col. Arthur Bilenker, the head of the New York Army National Guard’s dental program.

Inadequate dental health could cause a soldier to be unable to perform their duties overseas, and therefore professionals like Bachman play an important role behind the scenes.

“One little bolt on the bottom of the Army’s big machine,” said Bachman describing his role. “But my bolt is not going to be the one that gets loose. I try to keep a tight grip on my lane.”