Don Mowery
This photograph was called "shrapnel.” It shows Don Mowery in uniform, standing next to a dentist’s chair damaged by shrapnel. (Object ID P2069.S14)
Don Mowery sitting at his desk with a photo of his wife. (Object ID P2069.S30)
A military truck called "Mike.” (Object ID P2069.S10)
Dentistry at War
It’s time to pretend you’re part of Don’s social circle. Who will you be? You can choose one of the following:
Mother
Father
Wife
Sibling
You know Don’s desire to be a part of the military and make a difference, but you also want him to stay safe. How could you
dental and psychology
These dental professionals played a crucial role in maintaining the health of soldiers. Dental care is essential in the military, as maintaining troop morale and physical fitness is critical for operational readiness. Dentists were often tasked with providing immediate care for injuries, performing extractions, and treating oral infections, sometimes under less-than-ideal conditions.
In addition to the technical aspects of their role, dentists witnessed the broader impacts of warfare. They interacted with soldiers dealing with the physical and psychological toll of combat. Many people experience significant stress that can manifest as oral health issues, so dentists must be compassionate listeners and caregivers, offering not just dental treatment but also support in other ways. The experience likely took a toll on their emotional well-being as well. Dentists had to grapple with the realities of war, witnessing loss, trauma, and the harsh conditions faced by those serving alongside them. The situation could become even more complex when dealing with issues such as limited resources, makeshift environments, and the constant threat of danger.
Think about what it might have felt like to serve as a dentist in a war or to have to fight in a war with a sore tooth. How would you manage the experience? If you were Don, what could you say to the soldiers you treated to support them? If you were a service member with a cavity, what would you say to Don?
Digging Deeper
Emotional Context: Soldiers often wrote under intense stress, fear, and homesickness. Their words may reflect anxiety, trauma, or attempts to reassure family members. Sometimes, they tried to downplay dangers to avoid causing distress at home.
Limited Perspective: Letters often offer a very personal, subjective view. They may not represent the full reality of the war, broader events, or the experiences of other soldiers.
Communication Delays: Letters took weeks to arrive, so events described were often already outdated. This lag could create confusion or misunderstandings between soldiers and those back home.
Cultural and Historical Context: Understanding the era’s political climate, anti-war sentiment, and soldiers’ backgrounds helps interpret the letters’ tone, content, and subtext.
Psychological Impact: War letters can reveal the psychological toll of combat, including signs of trauma, loneliness, and moral conflict, even if not stated explicitly.
Expressions of Camaraderie and Routine: Soldiers often shared stories of daily life, friendships, and mundane routines, which provided comfort and a sense of normalcy amid chaos.
Hope, Longing, and Connection: Letters were a crucial emotional lifeline. Pay attention to expressions of hope for the future, longing for home, and efforts to maintain relationships despite distance and adversity.
