Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) celebrated the Navy Dental Corps' 103rd birthday, Aug. 21, with a ceremony that featured the reading of birthday letters from the Navy surgeon general, each of the Corps chiefs, and the force master chief.

The ceremony was an opportunity to reflect on the dedication of the Dental Corps to the health and readiness of Sailors, Marines and their families. The Corps was established in 1912, and a few years later, had an immediate impact during World War I when 30 dental surgeon assistants first deployed with the Marines.

"Since World War I, the Dental Corps has been a part of every wartime effort, and has grown significantly in strength and numbers," wrote the Navy surgeon general, Vice Adm. Matthew L. Nathan. "Today, the Dental Corps continues to ensure high operational readiness. They serve on the battlefield and aboard ships, performing medical duties beyond the scope of a typical dental practice. They are truly capable of providing world-class dental care, anytime, anywhere."

In his letter, Rear Adm. Stephen Pachuta, chief of the Dental Corps, recognized the integral role his Corps has had on Navy Medicine and supporting operations around the globe.

"On this special day, let us celebrate the past, present and future members of our Corps and reflect upon our legacy and faithful service to the nation," the admiral wrote. "Your ability to provide unwavering care on land and sea epitomizes what it means to be a Navy Medicine leader and professional. As new missions and opportunities arise for the Navy and Marine Corps, I am confident the Dental Corps will successfully meet any and all challenges."

During his remarks, Capt. Darin K. Via, commanding officer, NMCP, highlighted the capabilities of the more than 100 Dental Corps officers and civilian dental staff at NMCP and its branch health clinics, who support the dental readiness of the fleet.

"We have every dental subspecialty represented here at NMCP and three graduate programs," Via said. "There is nothing in this area of responsibility that the fleet could ask for, that you aren't ready for. Thank you, congratulations, and happy birthday."

The ceremony concluded with the cutting of a cake topped with a cake-filled tooth and dental instruments made with frosting. The most senior and junior dental officers present, Capt. Christopher Cobb and Lt. Melanie Pommer, were selected for the honor of cutting the cake.

The Navy Dental Corps was established Aug. 22, 1912, with an Act of Congress that was later signed by President Howard Taft. The Secretary of the Navy was authorized to appoint no more than 30 acting assistant dental surgeons to the Medical Department. Six years after the Dental Corps was founded, the United States entered World War I, and the Dental Corps expanded from 35 to more than 500 personnel, including 124 dentists commissioned in the regular Navy.

Currently, more than 1,300 active duty and reserve Dental Corps personnel serve and support the Navy and the Marine Corps throughout the world and care for Sailors, Marines and their families.

For more news from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, visit www.navy.mil/local/NMCP/