Lt. Peterman: ''There is nothing better than having a soldier who is protecting me thank me, smile, and look happy''. Photo: IDF Spokesperson

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Dentistry is one of the civilian professions which are looked on as very significant, but it actually serves an integral function in the IDF as well. Every person at one time or another finds himself sitting in the patient's chair, opening his/her mouth and hoping for the best. But those who serve in the home front and now even those who serve in the field can also have root canals.

Lt. Dimitri Peterman is an outstanding example of a person who identified a need and took it upon himself to fulfill it. Dimitri immigrated to Israel from Moscow at the age of 7. "It was always clear to me that I would go into Atuda (IDF service with accredited higher education). When I was 17 years old I didn't really think about that fact that I would be signing on as a career officer, and what that meant, but at the end of the day I am happy with my decision."

Dimitri began his dental studies at the Hebrew University. "I always wanted to be a doctor. That is a profession with a lot of strength and control. I wanted to have the ability to address peoples' needs and I was very interested in the research aspect of the field of study," he says. After 7 years which included a degree in General Medical Research he finished his academic studies.

During those 7 years, Dimitri got a taste of the army. After his first year in University, he completed simple combat basic training, in his second year he completed a shortened Military Medics Course, and in his fourth year he completed Officers' Course. "I must say that the process was crazy. I'd leave my niche and for a few moments would be a soldier. The fact that I experienced the army during my studies slightly frightened me because I didn't know exactly what to expect during my military service," he explains.

Upon completion of his studies, Dimitri was interviewed by the head of the IDF Dental Organization. As opposed to the rest of his friends in academia, Dimitri aspired towards a job through which he would be able to contribute, and which would challenge him to the edge of his personal ability. "I came with a different attitude. I am a person who gets bored easily and I didn't want to sit and do cavity fillings all day. I was interested in a job that would be challenging from both an administrative and a functional perspective, something with a bit more action."

"They stuck me in the Sagi Regional Base, the most remote base in the country." With a smile, Dimitri adds: "I was in shock for an entire week." After having already been deeply imbedded in civilian life, he moved at the age of 26 to live in a small caravan with 4 roommates.  "The window doesn't even close," he sneezes and adds, "as you can see." The Dental Clinic he received was almost closed due to the need for massive plannning before a patient could arrive. "This is not a regular clinic, it is extremely small and a mobile unit for field operations, to fill gaps when that is needed," Dimitri explains. The conditions are very challenging, seeing as it is responsible for a wide-spread region with six positions, where Dimitri is the only doctor. In order for a soldier to receive dental treatment, he needs to be accompanied by another vehicle in addition to the one bringing the soldier and those carrying weapons.

Dimitri, along with a number of other Medical Officers, decided to set aside Tuesdays and Wednesdays as days to treat combat soldiers only, and the remainder of the week is for the rest of the soldiers on base. "I always give preference to combat soldiers," Dimitri explains, "Beforehand, the soldiers simply didn't receive the needed treatment. As of today a vehicle travels to all of the positions and brings the soldiers in for treatment." Dimitri even makes sure to call senior commanders to ensure that all of the soldiers receive needed treatment. In this way, he raised awareness of the importance of receiving medical care and dental treatment during the half year under his command.

As of today, three times as many people come for treatment in the clinic, and plans are in the works for a new clinic to begin operating in half a year. It is also very important to Dimitri to arrive to battalions and to educate the soldiers. "I want to show that I am here to help and that I am ok. There are many people who are afraid of the dentist, even combat soldiers," he says. In appreciation for his work, he received two Certificates of Excellence, one from the Division Medical Officer, and one from the IDF Dental Organization of the Southern Command. "It was a really great feeling. It put wind in my sails, because I understood that despite the fact that the majority of my peers have already been released, the army hasn't forgotten about me. I am proud of my choices, of the challenge I took upon myself and of the fact that I didn't decide to take the easy road."

Even though he chose to have one of the most difficult tasks in the organization, Dimitri emphasizes: "I really appreciate the fighters. It is an honor to serve them. There is nothing better than having a soldier who is protecting me, thank me, smile, and look happy." Dimitri explains that he has received a sense of pride, certainty, and inner strength, but at the end of the day he says that most importantly, "I love to take care of the soldiers, and the soldiers love to come to me."