DENTAL OFFICER
MY ROLE
WING COMMANDER MEL CLARKSON
What role do you have in the RAF ?
Senior Dental Officer , RAF Dental Branch Recruitment Officer and Lead Forensic Dental Officer of the Defence Dental Identification Team .
Why did you join the RAF ?
Because I wanted to do more than just dentistry , have a sense of purpose and discipline and be part of something outstanding .
What do you enjoy most about your job ?
The camaraderie , patriotism and contribution to a far greater cause i . e . making people fit to fight . Not just doing dentistry on a day-to-day basis but being part of a larger family , both inside work and out .
Why is your job so satisfying ?
I work with like-minded people with similar goals and ambitions . I am well rewarded with Annual Leave , Force Development , Adventure Training and learning more about the history of the organisation which I am so proud to be part of every day .
Where have you been with the RAF ( Tours )?
RAF Wittering , RAF Marham , OP Telic in Iraq , RAF Aldergrove ( Northern Ireland ), RAF Cottesmore , RAF Waddington , The Falkland Islands , Ascension Island and RAF College Cranwell .
Outline an average day ...
It very much varies depending on what the priorities of the day might be . My current role is mainly clinical , with a typical day running from 08:30-17:00 with an hour for sport 12:00-13:00 then admin before starting clinics again at 13:30 . However it often varies , depending on requirements to the Service at that time , with RAF Dental Branch Recruitment duties taking priority , including specialist interviews of Direct Entrant Candidates wishing to join the Branch or presenting at Dental Exhibitions or Conferences . In my forensic capacity , I can be called out to the mortuary , usually with 24 hours ’ notice ( to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford ) to identify fallen Service personnel , performing the final duty of care to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty .
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