Dentist’s chair to deployment

U.S. Air Force Capt. Sarah Curry, 20th Dental Squadron general dentist, repairs a filling for Col. Teresa Bisnett, 9th Air Force command surgeon, at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., March 13, 2017. Airmen assigned to the 20th DS provide various services to include oral surgeries and endodontics such as root canals, crown implants and fillings. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado)

Dentist’s chair to deployment

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Brittany Munguia, 20th Dental Squadron dental technician, left, counsels Airman 1st Class Mariah Ramirez, 20th Logistics Readiness Squadron equipment accountability technician, right, at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., March 13, 2017. Along with oral screenings, Airmen assigned to the 20th DS counsel Airmen who may be approaching oral surgeries, providing tips for success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado)

Dentist’s chair to deployment

U.S. Air Force Major Rachael Parrish, 20th Dental Squadron general dentist, performs an oral exam on Airman 1st Class Amie Bickford, 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron munitions technician at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., March 13, 2017. Airmen assigned to the 20th DS are tasked with ensuring Airmen and soldiers on base meet all dental class requirements for deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado)

Dentist’s chair to deployment

A set of dental picks lay on a tray at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., March 13, 2017. As of March 2017, the 20th DS has prepared 97.1 percent of Team Shaw Airmen to be dentally deployable, with the Air Force’s goal being 95 percent. Airmen assigned to Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., are required to receive an annual dental check-up intended to ensure that Airmen are meeting oral requirements for deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado)

From the dentist’s chair to deployment

Published March 14, 2017
By Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Approximately 43 Airmen and civilians support service members at the 20th Dental Squadron clinic, with more than 1,575 dental visits per month during 2016 fiscal.

“We provide comprehensive oral care, which ranges from basic exams all the way to specialty care,” said Capt. Sarah Curry, 20th DS general dentist. “This includes fillings, oral surgery, root canals and implants.”

Although Airmen are required to receive an annual check-up, these appointments are intended to prevent future appointments while in a deployed location.

“Although dentists are downrange to take care of dental issues, they operate more on a sick call basis,” said Curry.

According to Curry, taking initiative is a big part of ensuring success.

“I don’t know if you’ve ever had a toothache before, but it’s not fun,” said Curry. “It’s not a pleasant experience and we certainly don’t want our Airmen in pain or uncomfortable while deployed, taking their mind off their mission.”

As of March 2017, the 20th DS has prepared 97.1 percent of Team Shaw Airmen to be dentally deployable, with the Air Force’s goal being 95 percent.

Ensuring that Airmen are deployment-ready is one of the biggest impacts that the squadron has on service members. Along with ensuring Airmen are ready, the 20th DS builds bonds with the patients they help.

“I feel like the dental squadron provides special care for the Airmen here,” said Airman 1st Class Amie Bickford, 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron munitions technician. “Every time I do have a problem, they’re able to offer me a quick appointment to make sure everything is fixed. They are willing to work with you. If you are uncomfortable, they will stop to make sure you are always in your comfort zone.”

When the 20th DS tends to service members, they prevent dental damage and can be the difference between going downrange and being kept from deployment.