The American Red Cross Dental Assistant Program: A Pathway To Purpose, Empowering Military Spouses
- Sierra Beaton
- Jul 16
- 5 min read
By: Sierra Beaton and Sarah Masters
Two military spouses recently graduated from the American Red Cross Dental Assistant Program at Osan Air Base, an intensive, free training opportunity that prepares military dependents for portable, in-demand healthcare careers. This unique program offers hands-on experience inside military dental clinics, empowering volunteers with the skills and confidence to pursue certification in dental assisting.
On a Friday morning in mid-June, 8 months after they began their rigorous training, the participants, both military spouses, graduated from the American Red Cross Dental Assistant Program at Osan Air Base, joining the ranks of a growing number of veterans, retirees, and dependents utilizing the free technical career training programs facilitated by the Red Cross. One of the day’s graduates, Mrs. Jiyoung Kim Seong, says: “Volunteering with the Red Cross, as a dental assistant, has provided me with stability, purpose, and community. It gave me a sense of identity beyond just being a military spouse.”
Empowering Military Spouses Through Free Dental Assistant Training
Sarah Masters, a Lead Volunteer at the Military Treatment Facility (MTF) and Korea Region Volunteer Partner for American Red Cross Osan Air Base, states: "The Red Cross Dental Assistant Program is more than a training course—it is a lifeline for military spouses seeking professional development and career mobility amid the challenges of military life. At a time when portable and practical careers are more essential than ever for military families, this program delivers rigorous, hands-on experience that prepares participants to pursue state certification in dental assisting and radiology."
Building Portable Careers for Military Life
Indeed, the Dental Assistant Program is a unique way for military spouses to gain a significant advantage in a career field that is stable, flexible, portable, and financially rewarding. In exchange for free training, applicants commit to 40 hours per week for 5-6 months––logging a minimum of 600 classroom and clinical hours.
Hands-On Experience Inside a Military Dental Treatment Facility
This intensive program takes place entirely within a military Dental Treatment Facility (DTF), where active duty dental personnel serve as instructors, mentors, and supervisors—taking on these responsibilities, in addition to their standard duties, to support the career goals of the broader military community. Mrs. Kim applauds the dental team at Osan Air Base for keeping her encouraged throughout the program: "They were patient, took the time to explain procedures, and made sure we felt confident as volunteers learning a new field."
A Legacy of Service: From Germany to Korea
While the program is thriving today, its roots go back several decades. The Dental Assistant Program dates back to the mid-1970s when a military dental clinic in Nurnberg, Germany, recognized that it would need additional staffing to support the increased demand for dental readiness during the buildup of U.S. forces. A successful collaboration between the installation's dental clinic and the Red Cross led to the creation and implementation of a basic curriculum, which gradually spread to other US installations. The program's model was also duplicated to create additional training programs in pharmacy tech and medical assistant programs (not currently offered at USFK locations). While long-term records have not been maintained, recent accounts show the program has benefited 105 people at 27 sites worldwide.
Reviving Opportunity: Reestablishing the Program at Osan Air Base
Although the Dental Assistant Program is not new to USFK, it floundered during COVID-19 restrictions. Having seen the mutually beneficial outcomes for both a base DTF and the program participants at past installations, Lt. Col. Wonil "Will" Chong, Chief of Dental Services at Osan Air Base 51st MDG, championed its reestablishment at Osan Air Base, creating space and resources within the clinic to support up to 4 volunteers per session.
A Collaborative Effort: Military Clinics and Red Cross Volunteers
The revival at Osan Air Base was made possible by dedicated collaboration between service members and volunteers. Working alongside Staff Sgt. Judylyn Wacan and Master Sgt. Erwin Barzaga to adapt and write the program materials for this location, Lt. Col. Chong explains: “For the Osan dental clinic with such high ops tempo, Red Cross volunteers have always been indispensable as force multipliers to make sure that the clinic surpasses the mission goals despite constant struggles with manning and resources. Despite its challenges, restarting the program was one of my top priorities, and the success of the program would not have been possible without the dedication and the hard work of Capt. Jacquelyn Lieberman and Staff Sgt. Judylyn Wacan. I truly hope that the tradition will continue for years to come.”
Expanding Impact: Program Launch at USAG Humphreys and Beyond
Following the successful revival of the program at Osan Air Base, efforts are also underway to stand up the Dental Assistant Program training at USAG Humphreys at the Brian D. Allgood Army Community Hospital.
In Their Own Words: How the Program Transforms Lives
As a collaborative effort, the Dental Assistant Program, with the support of installation Military Treatment Facilities, Dental Treatment Facilities, the American Red Cross, and families, empowers dependents, veterans, and retirees with training, confidence, and a clear path to employment in a highly mobile lifestyle. Active duty personnel are given an opportunity to train participants and deepen or develop working relationships within the community. Red Cross volunteers bolster existing DTF services, allowing for better service and improved readiness. Mrs. Kim reflected eloquently that the Dental Assistant Program “helps turn the challenges of military life into opportunities for service, growth, and connection.”
How to Apply for the Dental Assistant Program in Korea
Stop by your local American Red Cross office or follow their Facebook page for additional information on this and other programs offered.
Recruitment for the 2025-2026 Dental Assistant Program at Osan Air Base will begin soon.
Osan Air Base Red Cross Office
Bldg 924, Room 102
Website: osan@redcross.org
Phone: 010-7450-4017
USAG Humphreys Red Cross Office
Bldg. 3030 BDAACH (4th floor)
Website: humphreysmtf@redcross.org
Facebook: USAG Humphreys American Red Cross
USAG Deagu Red Cross Office
Soldier Support Center, Camp Walker, Bldg 330, Room 302
Website: DaeguTS@redcross.org
Phone: 0503-363-5987
Facebook: American Red Cross - Daegu Area IV
FAQ: American Red Cross Dental Assistant Program in Korea
What is the American Red Cross Dental Assistant Program?
It’s a free, hands-on training program hosted at military Dental Treatment Facilities to prepare volunteers for a career in dental assisting.
Who can apply?
Military spouses, dependents, retirees, and veterans are eligible to apply through their local American Red Cross office.
Where is the program offered in Korea?
Currently at Osan Air Base, with plans to expand to USAG Humphreys.
How long is the program?
Training lasts 5–6 months and includes at least 600 clinical and classroom hours.
Do participants receive a certificate?
Participants will receive a recognized and transferable certificate across military dental treatment facilities upon successful completion.