FORT IRWIN, Calif.  –   The Fort Irwin Dental Clinic Command marked a historic milestone with a heartfelt casing of the guidon ceremony, formally concluding its legacy as a standalone unit and ushering in a new era as the Department of Dental Services under the Defense Health Network’s Weed Army Community Hospital. The ceremony, held at Sandy Basin Community Center, honored the command’s proud heritage while celebrating its future as an integrated part of Fort Irwin’s healthcare team.
 
For LTC Lloyd Ancman, the final Dental Commander of the unit, the moment was both celebratory and optimistic.
 
“I’m incredibly proud to say our clinic has achieved the highest dental readiness in the entire Department of Defense—it’s a direct reflection of this team’s dedication and excellence,” said LTC Lloyd Ancman. “Our team has always remained laser-focused on delivering excellent dental care to the Soldiers who train and fight here. That mission doesn’t change—it gets stronger.”
 
MSG Francisco Roman, the command’s final first sergeant, shared a similar sentiment, emphasizing the commitment and camaraderie of the dental team.
 
“This ceremony isn’t an end—it’s a transformation,” said Roman. “We’re proud of where we came from, and we’re just as proud of where we’re going. The NCOs, officers, civilians—every single member of this team has shown what right looks like.”
 
Honoring a Longstanding Legacy
 
The Fort Irwin DENTAC was originally established on June 26, 1980. Since then, it has undergone multiple realignments and structural changes in response to Army-wide medical reforms. From its roots as a Dental Activity under DENCOM to its transformation into a Dental Clinic Command, and now as a department under DHA and the Weed Army Community Hospital, Fort Irwin’s dental team has remained dedicated to the oral health and readiness of the National Training Center’s warfighters.
 
A major consolidation in 2021 brought all treatment services under one roof at Shuttleworth Dental Clinic. Today, the facility houses 25 modern treatment rooms—including pediatric and oral surgery spaces—equipped to serve Soldiers and their youth dependents with the highest standard of care.
 
One Mission, One Team
 
As the unit colors were carefully furled and encased, symbolizing the completion of the command’s independent mission, the energy in the room turned from somber to hopeful.
 
“We’re still here. Still ready. Still serving,” said Ancman. “The reporting structure might change, but the Soldier in the chair needs the same thing: expert care and a team that’s got their back.
 
This sentiment echoes across regional dental command as other DENTACs have also realigned under their installation’s Medical Treatment Facilities. Dental Health Command, West's Forts Leavenworth and Huachuca are slated for similar transitions this summer. All aimed at strengthening integration, improving coordination, and enhancing readiness through unified medical command structures.
 
Carrying the Torch Forward

Now operating under the command of COL Cameron F. Jackson, WACH Commander, the Department of Dental Services continues to provide full-spectrum dental care in support of mission readiness. Integration into the larger medical team ensures enhanced collaboration and a seamless experience for patients.
 
“The team here has shown time and again that they’re adaptable, professional, and committed to the mission,” said COL Jackson. “They’re not just dental professionals, they’re a vital part of the Army Medicine family.”
 
As Fort Irwin continues to train the Army’s next generation of warfighters in one of the most demanding environments in the world, its dental team remains a cornerstone of that readiness—steadfast, skilled, and standing by.