MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- For the third time in five years, Air Combat Command bestowed an honor upon the 366th Aerospace Medicine Squadron's dental clinic, naming them the best medium dental clinic of 2012.
The prestigious award was officially announced in December, highlighting a year of exemplary work and dedication by MHAFB dental personnel.
"A lot of long hours and hard work were put into achieving this recognition," said Tech. Sgt. Jamie Meadows-Valley, 366th AMDS dental logistics noncommissioned officer-in-charge. "Our Airmen are busting their tails in this clinic, and it's good for them to receive a higher level of acknowledgement then just a pat on the back or a thank you from us."
For dental leadership, this acknowledgment offers a unique opportunity for new troops to better understand the clinic's continuous high standards.
"I think this sets the bar for the new Airmen and helps them realize we are always striving to achieve excellence in all we do," explained Staff Sgt. Tai Do, 366th AMDS records and receptions NCOIC.
According to those involved, earning this honor from ACC required much more than a few long work days.
"With our high deployment rate here at Mountain Home, we often get hundreds of extra appointments," said Meadows-Valley. "There are days when we don't get to sit down. We are constantly working, so if we didn't have a good work ethic we would always be behind and our Airmen do an exceptional job of rising to the occasion."
The patients also played a vital role in showcasing the clinic's capabilities.
"A lot of it revolves around the patients," said Do. "They helped us win this award because if we don't see them we're not getting anything done. Many of them give us positive feedback already, but I think this award will help boost their confidence in us even more."
Obtaining this achievement is a proven testament to the proficiency of the healthcare professionals involved.
"We offer excellent dental care and can do whatever needs to get done," explained Meadows-Valley. "I think a lot of times people have misconceptions about military medical treatment, and they think our dentists are not up to par with their civilian counterparts, but I think recognition like this can prove our military facilities have just as high quality care."
USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez)