Service to Country Through Dentistry

Dr. John Clements, a 1967 graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, has spent his life in service to others. Even after retiring in 2007 after 40 years of private practice in Lexington, Ky, Clements followed a life-long passion that led him to volunteering his dental expertise to the U.S. Army. Clements always wanted to be in the Army and now, at age 68, his dream has come true.

Clements had volunteered for service in the Army many times over the course of his life but for various reasons, the Army never had a place for him, until now. When Clements volunteered once again after retiring from dental practice, to his amazement, he was told that the Army could use him as a contractor for CNI Medical Services, LLC, and to report to Fort Knox on Aug. 27, 2008.

Clements quickly learned that, as a professional working for the Army, the patients pay nothing for their services and that not only could he do his best dentistry, but he could also have state-of-the-art materials and facilities with which to work.

"The conversations I had with the men have given me a glimpse into the soul of a soldier, and now they have become a part of my soul," Clements said. "Now I know the difference between strong and Army strong. In my opinion, the two most beautiful words in the English language are soldier and teacher. The soldier is a guardian of freedom and the American way of life. Once we have peace, our great mission should be to educate the people in this great country."