Moody dental tech selected for prestigious 'Tooth U'

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Parker Gyokeres
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (ACCNS) --  A dental technician here is one of only 10 Air Force-wide selected for a prestigious educational scholarship that will train her to become a licensed dental hygienist.

Staff Sgt. Meriles Curry, 23rd Aeromedical Dental Squadron dental technician, was recently selected for the two-year Air Force Dental Hygiene Training Scholarship Program at Trident Technical College in Charleston, S.C. 

The Air Force selects no more than 10 technicians annually for this program, said Master Sgt. Katherine Mathew, 23rd ADS training manager. 

Currently, the Air Force only has 21 active duty dental hygienists. 

"The criteria for entrance to this program are strict and the Air Force only selects the best of the best," said Sergeant Mathew. "Sergeant Curry devoted many hours of study to be competitive and she has truly earned this honor." 

The DHTSP pays an enlisted dental technician to attend college full time and achieve the requirements needed to become a dental hygienist. The program pays for all books, equipment, educational materials and fees associated with the training. In exchange, the hygienist agrees to a three-year service extension. 

"The Air Force will now have military hygienists capable of providing more in depth oral health care within treatment facilities, lowering civilian dental care costs at bases lacking a 'gum' specialist," said Sergeant Mathew. "After her training, Sergeant Curry will fill the position of preventive dentistry officer, which is normally held by a dental provider."

Air Force dental technicians are qualified to clean the visible surfaces of a patient's teeth. Dental hygienists are experts in oral hygiene and perform more invasive cleanings below the gum line in the course of an extended oral therapy program. 

"Dental hygienists also help patients develop and maintain good oral health," said Sergeant Curry. "For example, they may explain the relationship between diet and oral health, or inform patients how to select toothbrushes and show them how to brush and floss their teeth correctly. 

Sergeant Curry said she has no doubts that after all the Air Force has done for her, she will stay in for her full enlistment. 

"Dental technicians accepted into this program have demonstrated their commitment and dedication to the career field," she said. "After five years of combined training and service, most of us will have too much time in service to walk away from a career and start all over. 

"I personally feel this is a great opportunity to advance in both the military and civilian sectors," Sergeant Curry continued. "What other organization would pay for you to go to school and have enough faith in you that you will make the right decision to continue serving." 

Sergeant Curry said she is eager to begin her education. She'll transfer to Charleston AFB, S.C. in July, where she will work in the base dental facility while she complete the prerequisites for her Air Force-sponsored scholarship. 

While at college, she'll receive her full Air Force pay and allowances, and will be supported by the base as if she were still working at the dental clinic. During her school breaks and holidays, when not working on degree-related projects, she'll work at the base clinic, practicing her skills and maintaining her proficiency. 

"I'm very excited and am definitely ready for the new challenge ahead," said Sergeant Curry. "I can't wait to see what the program has to offer. I feel as though my hard work, dedication and sacrifices have paid off and will continue to do so." 

This enthusiasm for the job is recognized by those who work with and support her. 

"Sergeant Curry has been the most energetic technician I have ever had the pleasure of supervising," said Sergeant Mathew. "She always has a smile and never complains. I have always had confidence in Sergeant Curry's ability to complete any task given to her and exceed my expectations at every turn. She will lead the way in preventive dentistry wherever she serves."