Martinsburg VAMC Dental Residency program maintains excellence after 54 years
After a successful renewal survey in 2024 by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), the Martinsburg VAMC is looking forward to continuing its legacy of service to both Veterans and the dental training community alike.
“It’s important that the Martinsburg VAMC Dental Residency Program adheres to the highest standards and provides residents with the most comprehensive training possible,” said Dr. Henry Miller, Chief of Martinsburg’s Dental Service. “The CODA Accreditation show that we do that, in addition to providing outstanding care for our Veterans.”
Since 1970, Martinsburg VA Medical Center has maintained a Dental residency program and has trained over 100 residents. After completing the program, most move on to other opportunities, but more than a few have stayed at Martinsburg and made a career out of treating Veterans.
Dr. Miller is one example. “Since early 1995, I have been a dental student, dental resident, staff prosthodontist, Dental Residency Director and Service Chief at the Martinsburg VAMC,” said Miller.
The very first resident in the program in 1970, Dr. Joseph Hancock, is still serving Veterans at Martinsburg after 54 years. He also rose through the leadership ranks and retired in 2012 as the Dental Service Chief. Today, he works part-time at Martinsburg treating Veterans who have experienced homelessness.
Dr. John Capriolo completed his dental residency at Martinsburg in 1984, and eventually became the Service Chief, a position he held for a number of years before returning to a staff dentist position.
“There are a lot of stories like Dr. Hancock and Dr. Capriolo and myself. As residents, we didn’t just gain experience and leave. We stayed,” said Miller. “And we aren’t here because we have to be. We are here because we want to be.”
Of the 13 full-time and fee-basis staff dentists at Martinsburg, eight completed a residency through Martinsburg’s dental residency program.