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Dental readiness: How Scott prioritizes mission-ready personnel

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tyler A. P. Moody
  • 375 Air Mobility Wing
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  

Dental readiness is a continuous and essential component of mission success, even if it’s not always top-of-mind. 

At Scott Air Force Base, the Dental Clinic supports the health and deployability of base personnel and others across the region.

“Dental care is vital because it’s often one of the main reasons members are sent off base for treatment while deployed,” said Lt. Col. Nicole Smith, 375th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron dental flight commander. “If they aren’t properly cleared, there’s a potential to put multiple people in danger by requiring an escort off base to find a provider who can treat them.” 

U.S. Air Force Capt. Grace “Ann” Danello, 375th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron general dentist at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, wanted to help people by working in an area of healthcare, finally deciding on dentistry. Danello uses her career as a dentist as a challenge for her to solve and fix problems, but for her patients. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephanie Henry)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Grace “Ann” Danello, 375th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron general dentist at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, wanted to help people by working in an area of healthcare, finally deciding on dentistry. Danello uses her career as a dentist as a challenge for her to solve and fix problems, but for her patients. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephanie Henry)
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Making strides in this area, Scott AFB serves as a training hub for dental technicians, where Airmen arrive directly from technical school, train to their next-required skill level, and prepare to work independently at smaller or more remote locations. Some training lasts up to two years to equip Airmen to handle these independent roles.

“We show them what their piece of the mission is,” said Master Sgt. Brian Reyes, 375th OMRS dental lab flight chief. “They can then go to another base, where it will likely be a one- or two-person team, where they’ll be running the show or working with a provider or senior leader.”

Scott AFB's dental clinic has transitioned from a residency and squadron structure to a readiness-focused, active-duty-only flight. This aligns the clinic with the immediate needs of deployers, focusing on Class 3 and Class 4 dental statuses to ensure personnel needing a higher-level clearance are prepared for their missions.

Like many other installations, the Dental Clinic has had to increase recruiting efforts to combat recent staffing challenges.

A dental technician at Scott Air Force base preps a piece of equipment. Scott AFB serves as a training hub for dental technicians, where Airmen arrive directly from technical school, train to their next-required skill level, and prepare to work independently at smaller or more remote locations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Shelby Rapert)

A dental technician at Scott Air Force base preps a piece of equipment. Scott AFB serves as a training hub for dental technicians, where Airmen arrive directly from technical school, train to their next-required skill level, and prepare to work independently at smaller or more remote locations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Shelby Rapert)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

“We’re partnering with recruiters in Wisconsin, Illinois and Tennessee to bring in additional dentists, as the Air Force and DoD are currently facing a shortage of general dentists,” said Smith. She explained that while their patient population remains constant, their staff levels have decreased, placing higher demand on the clinic to maintain the same level of care.

Beyond the Air Force, the Scott AFB Dental Clinic has extended its support to Army and Marine units needing dental clearances and readiness checks while on temporary duty status at Scott AFB.

 

“We had a Marine receive treatment recently and returned them to duty within 24 hours, thanks to our rapid support,” recalled Senior Master Sgt. Tiffany Harper, 375th OMRS dental superintendent.

Advanced technology, like 3D printing and other digital innovations, allows the clinic to provide quicker, more efficient treatment turnarounds. “What used to take a month with multiple appointments can often be completed in a single day now,” said Reyes.

To further their mission, the clinic plans to host a custom mouthguard event and a free dental care clinic for children in the near future.

Staying current on Individual Medical Readiness items and scheduling appointments prior to being due is a great way for members to keep mission ready. Contact the Dental Clinic at 618-256-2833 to book an appointment.