About the Project:

The Dental Clinic Restoration Project is an essential part of the overall restoration of spaces onboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial. It is vital to inspiring an interactive partnership with the community to promote and educate on health and dental care.

The goal of the Battleship Missouri Dental Facilities Restoration Project includes full restoration of dental facilities, such as the dental office, two operatories, x-ray facility, prosthetics lab, dental supply room, medical/dental enlisted personnel berthing, Senior Dental Officer Captain Starck’s stateroom and areas adjacent and enroute, to accurately portray the dental department’s operational environment onboard the USS Missouri, circa 1991.

Restoration of dental facilities will be a vital first phase in a larger restoration process designed to expand second deck historic restoration and visitor access, as well as restoration of the third deck medical facilities and expansion of third deck visitor access.

The Mission Focus:

Our mission is to create and maintain a fitting memorial to the people and historic events reflecting our nation’s legacy of duty, honor, strength, resolve and sacrifice. The restoration of the Dental Clinic helps us accomplish our mission in four key areas

Advancing Educational Experiences
The Dental Clinic Restoration Project will make the onboard dental clinic and associated spaces available for the first time to educational programs and experiences. Education is essential in our efforts to engage the broader community, from local residents and Hawaii-based military to visitors from around the world.

Maintaining Our Treasure
The Dental Clinic is an area that documents more than half a century of progress in dental care aboard naval vessels. This project allows us to further our mission in preserving, renovating and maintaining the historic Battleship Missouri.

Engaging the Community
Upon completion of this project, we will be able to invite local dentists and health professionals to showcase our venue during their recognition events or company gatherings. We will also be able to provide other unique onboard client experiences for groups that focus on health, dental and other related professional careers.

The Timeline:

Completion of this first phase of the restoration project is slated to coincide with the Battleship Missouri Memorial's 10th anniversary.

The Future of the Dental Clinic:

Upon Completion of the first phase of restoration, plans for expansion into exisitng tour routes will incorporate guided visitor and guest access to the dental facilities. The Dental Clinic will also be available for educational programs and experiences, especially to youth educational programs and our overnight encampment program. It will show another aspect of shipboard living and will draw those who have been, are currently or aspire to work in the dental and medical professions.

See our progress:

Progress as been made as you can see! Equipment has been added to the offices to make them look circa 1991. The dental birthing spaces have been updated as well with mattresses, pillows, and other items the men would have used.

Thank you to those who have contributed to make this possible! 

McInerny Foundation

Tawani Foundation

Hawaii Dental Association Dental Samaritans

A Dec

Dr. Franklin Kometani

Dr. Kerry Ishihara

Dr. Jerold Kouchi

Dr. Michael Okano

Mr. Jack Conrey

Ross Orthodontic Equipment In Memory of Guntars Berzins