An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Wilford Hall alumnus selected to lead joint dental training program

  • Published
  • By Linda Frost
  • 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A former resident of the Wilford Hall Orthodontic department has been named the new program director for the Tri-Service Orthodontic Program.

Army Lt. Col. Ramon Melendez is the first graduate of the program to become a director. Colonel Melendez completed his TORP residency here in 2002.

The Tri-Service Orthodontic Residency Program is unique in that it is the only tri-service program dedicated to training dental officers of the three services in one facility. The program began in 1997, and Wilford Hall was selected as the training site.

The residents, staff and technicians make up a joint training environment. The program enrolls two Air Force residents, two Army and one Navy resident each year for a two-year program. When residents finish training, they support their parent military units throughout the world, primarily overseas.

TORP is fully self-supporting as they conduct their training and research without relying on outside institutions.

After completing his residency in 2002, Colonel Melendez was assigned as the officer-in-charge of the Army's largest dental clinic at Fort Bragg, N.C. While there, he taught in a two-year general dentistry residency program.

"It's really unique that we have someone who was trained within the program, went out into the field and practiced for several years, was invited back on staff and has now ascended to the level of being program director of all the residents. He's gone ... all the way to the top," said Col. James Fancher, 59th Dental Training Squadron commander.

Colonel Melendez said that stepping into this new position is an easy transition for him.

"It's like coming back to your (alma mater)," Colonel Melendez said. "I know the system, where we started and reasons why certain protocols have changed. I feel really good about giving what I know back to the program."

Prior to his appointment the program relied on military orthodontists who were trained at civilian schools to serve in this position.

"His military experience enriches the program and validates the leadership development of our services," Colonel Fancher said.

Orthodontics is the field of dentistry that works with jaw and teeth mal-alignments as well as cranial-facial deformities to include birth defects such as cleft palates. Treatment also includes re-alignment of the jaw and facial features for a functional, aesthetic result.