The dental department aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) is full of hospital corpsmen, as well as patients who depend on their talent. Over the past two and a half years, one of the most familiar smiling faces of the department has been Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Benjamin Tamatey.

Tamatey was voted Lincoln's dental department's exceptional patient experience awardee for the first quarter of the fiscal year. Lincoln's Executive Officer, Capt. Amy N. Bauernschmidt, announced his achievement over the ship's 1MC, Jan. 17.

"Over the past five months we've started a survey for each of our patients to fill out regarding their experience, that day," said Tamatey. "I happened to be chosen as the first quarter's exceptional patient experience awardee. My head of department stresses good customer service and making sure the patient is comfortable during their procedure."

When Tamatey found out he was selected, he was shocked. "I was very humbled by my shipmates giving me that recognition," said Tamatey.

As the prophylaxis technician for Abraham Lincoln's dental clinic, Tamatey is in charge of cleaning teeth.

"Tamatey is a great person to work with in the department," said Hospital Corpsman Brandon Woodshorton. "He's a hard worker who looks out for his fellow Sailors."

Tamatey joined the Navy four years ago after moving from Ghana.

"One of the reasons I enlisted in the Navy was to create financial stability for my family," said Tamatey. "I also joined for job security and to be able to travel the world."

"I love being a dental technician," said Tamatey. "I wouldn't want to do any other job in the Navy. My dad was a medical assistant and I've always admired the work he used to do in Africa. I work hard to emulate him."

Capt. David Chacon, dental's department head, notes Tamatey's work ethic.

"Tamatey is the only prophylaxis technician on the ship," said Chacon. "He's very diligent, never complains, and always willing to help out where he can in the department. He's definitely someone who the other corpsman would want to emulate."

In addition to his departmental duties, Tamatey is an avid ping-pong player, a member of the command soccer team, and the command honor guard.

Tamatey's ambition is to use his G.I. bill to go to dental school and become a dental officer in the Navy.


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