KMC Exchange Welcomes Europe’s First Dental Office
For many military families, finding dental services overseas can be a challenge. Long scheduling processes, missing records and language barriers are common obstacles faced when seeking care off-post.
To improve the Quality of Life for the Kaiserslautern Military Community, the Exchange opened its first dental office in Europe this month.
Serving the largest American community outside of the United States, DOCS, inside the KMCC Exchange shopping center, can treat active-duty service members, military families, retirees and Department of Defense civilians. Dental cleanings, orthodontics and surgical procedures are offered. The DOCS office has 14 exam rooms and can treat up to 30 patients a day.
More than 50 people attended the Oct. 2 ribbon-cutting, including:
- Mission Support Group Commander Col. James Cunningham
- 86th Airlift Wing Command CMSgt. Louis Ludwig
- 86th Airlift Wing Deputy Director Racquel “Renae” Fischer
- Exchange Europe/Southwest Asia/Africa Region Senior Vice President Marla Randolph
- Vice President Stephanie Burns
- Senior Enlisted Advisor Sgt. Maj. Jason Urquhart
- General Manager Michele Weisshaar
- Services Business Manager Krystal McLaurin
“I hear all the time that dental is just one piece of the medical puzzle, and it can be quite difficult to secure an appointment on the economy,” Cunningham said. “From the bottom of my heart and on behalf of the entire 86th Air Wing, thank you all for all the great service that DOCS is going to provide in the future. Thank you to the Exchange team for making this a reality.”
The opening of the dental office is testament to the Exchange’s commitment to serving the KMC community. DOCS operates locations across the United States, Europe and the Pacific. Plans are underway to open an additional location at USAG Wiesbaden.
“The Exchange is honored to offer this needed service on base,” Weisshaar said. “DOCS is an essential addition to the KMC complex as we continue to improve the quality of life for the community.”
Leading the ribbon-cutting at the Kaiserlautern Military Community Exchange’s DOCS Dental office are, from left: Exchange Europe Senior Enlisted Advisors SGM Jason Urquhart; 86th Airlift Wing Deputy Director Racquel Fischer; Europe/Southwest Asia/Africa Region Senior Vice President Marla Smith Randolph; KMCC Exchange General Manager Michele Weisshaar (with scissors); DOCS Office Manager Jacqueline Hailey (white blazer), KMCC Exchange Services Business Manager Krystal McLaurin; and Mission Support Group Commander Col. James Cunningham.
Great job! Thanks for doing this.