Why He Was Nominated

As the Dental Department head aboard a Naval ship tasked with launching amphibious assault vehicles, Dr. Dehmer is responsible for making sure that every sailor onboard is ready for deployment.

Favorite Aspect of Dentistry

“The artistic part: taking previously defective restorations or tooth structure and making them work functionally, aesthetically and for the patient’s overall health.”

Exciting New Trend

CAD/CAM. Dr. Dehmer says the dental labs that supply the Navy now use CAD/CAM technology, helping to reduce wait times for restorations.

Biggest Challenge

Time. Naval supplies must go through a number of channels before they reach Dr. Dehmer, a process that can take a while. “It may take four weeks to get a crown back from the laboratory,” he says.

Something People Don't Know

“It can be a bit weird to see your patients day in and day out,” Dr. Deh­mer says. “It’s weird doing surgery on someone and then seeing them later that day or the next day. They may joke, ‘Oh, I’m sore!’ And I say, ‘I know — I took your teeth out.’ ”