Okinawan dentists available to family members

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Wataru Odomo
  • 18th Dental Squadron
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Off base dental services are available to active duty family members in Okinawa through United Concordia Insurance and the Tricare Dental Program network.

Kadena's 18th Dental Squadron staff maintains a list of a dozen host nation providers who meet the criteria set forth by Tricare and are registered as participating/preferred providers.

Col. Salvatore Cutino, 18th DS commander, recently visited the Life Dental Clinic in Ginowan City to start building a relationship with HNPs and to enhance the dental services available for Kadena patients.

The visit allowed Kadena providers to gather more information from the host nation providers to better inform and educate base family members about dental care available off base, said Colonel Cutino.

"The clinic is a modern, state-of-the-art facility with excellent infection control standards and a very welcoming staff," said Colonel Cutino. "Dr. Hidetada Oshiro, the owner and primary dentist at the Life Dental Clinic, who graduated from Loma Linda School of Dentistry in California and speaks fluent English, welcomes United Concordia Patients."

Based on overseas experience from his last assignment at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Colonel Cutlino understands the apprehension family members may have in seeking dental care outside the gate.

"The first is the perceived language barrier, followed by an unknown standard of care due to an unfamiliar socialized dental system," he said. "In both Italy and here in Japan the concerns are unfounded because all participating providers must meet specific criteria that address these very issues. Dr. Oshiro mentioned that his office motto is to "treat our patients as they expect to be treated in the [United] States."

Next month he plans to visit the TOMO Dental Clinic in Okinawa City.

For more information about host nation providers, contact the 18th Dental Squadron at 630-4344, or email wataru.odomo@kadena.af.mil.