Dental students receive hands-on training at Elmendorf Published Feb. 21, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Morgan Sneed 3rd Wing Public Affairs ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFPN) -- A dozen students currently enrolled in the University of Alaska Anchorage Dental Hygiene Program have partnered with the Elmendorf Air Force Dental Clinic to provide care and to learn from base Airmen. The partnership began in February and is approximately four weeks long with four rotations with three students in each rotation. "We have 12 students that come to do clinical rotations and see patients," said Tech. Sgt. Angelica Chica, the 3rd Dental Squadron NCO in charge of preventative dentistry. "The students have gone through about two years of school and have been seeing patients clinically for about a year and a half." The program has been planned for a while. The Elmendorf AFB dental staff worked for about two years to get the program started. Dental clinic leaders said the university didn't have the funding to staff a faculty member at the clinic. Once Sergeant Chica arrived at Elmendorf AFB, the base had the means to push the program forward. As a registered dental hygienist, Sergeant Chica had the necessary training to be allowed to supervise the students. After undergoing training requirements of the university, she became an unpaid faculty member, which allowed the program to get off the ground. "Basically, I act as adjunct faculty for UAA," Sergeant Chica said. "I supervise them and check the quality of their work, as well as educate and teach them new techniques." Not only does this program provide a great opportunity to the students, but also it provides greater access to care for the military members on base by having more providers to treat patients. "By having the students come over here, it allows us to broaden our access to care for a lot more of our patients," said Master Sgt. Steven Spencer, the NCO in charge of clinical dentistry. The students still have to be supervised by a licensed provider. With 11 dentists on staff as well as Sergeant Chica, the dental clinic always has someone to provide the students with supervision and help if needed. The clinic staff said the feedback from both students and military members has been positive. "The appointments take on average an hour-and-a-half and, although the patients may have to sit in the chair a little longer, they've been pleased with the quality of care they've received," Sergeant Spencer said. For the students, "The best part is having a patient that responds to you positively. You were able to give them some feedback. They come back a few weeks later and you can see the change in their oral health standards, and that's really, really rewarding." Kelley Shepperd, a UAA dental student, said the program is benefiting her greatly. "We get to see a lot more patients," Ms. Shepperd said. "At UAA, I see two patients. Today, (at Elmendorf AFB) I saw five. That is a huge benefit to me because when I graduate and I'm in the dental office, I am completely confident. After going through this rotation, I'll be up to speed." Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page