Dental specialists train to deploy

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kimberly Spencer
  • 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  Dental specialists here trained in expeditionary field dentistry April 3 to 7. The training demonstrated how dentistry fits into the concept of deployable medical and dental assets and the expeditionary medical support, or EMEDS, facility.

“This training supports the heart of the Air Force medical readiness mission,” said Col. Donald Sedberry, 59th Dental Squadron commander. “Last year the 59th Dental Squadron deployed 26 members in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and continues to do so. Our Air Force members deploying, or already in theater, should have complete confidence that they will receive the same high-quality dental care they currently receive in garrison.”

“This type of training is always a good experience,” said Maj. (Dr.) Jesse Murillo, a periodontal resident. “It puts everything into perspective and gives you the chance to get used to the assembly and operation of our deployment equipment. You definitely don’t want to be working in the field for the first time not knowing how everything works.”

Approximately 20 to 25 percent of all emergency room visits to EMEDS facilities are dental-related.

“The dental clinical area of the EMEDS facility is usually one of the busiest sections,” said Lt. Col. (Dr.) Jon Dossett, officer in charge of the field training. “Dental problems requiring restoration; localized infections, especially around erupting third molars; and tooth pain requiring root canal treatment are generally the majority of the problems managed by our dental professionals.”

Dentists also see varying degrees of dental trauma that require specific types of dental management.

“We may see broken or fractured teeth, or teeth that have been completely knocked out, and lacerations and jaw fractures,” said Dr. Dossett.

“Having this equipment allows us to provide hands-on training, including comprehensive treatment of actual patients in the field setting," Colonel Sedberry said. "I know of no other graduate dental school in the country that includes this type of military-unique training in their on-going curriculum."

The expeditionary training is enhanced through humanitarian and civic assistance when dental teams are asked to work in austere conditions, providing much needed dental care to indigent populations worldwide. Teams also respond to disaster areas, exposing them to more extreme field conditions.

“We are preparing our dental personnel to support the war-winning efforts of the (Air Force). This is especially important with our efforts in Iraq, where we have around 140,000 personnel, and in Afghanistan where we have about 13,000 troops,” Dr. Dossett said.

The training includes new technological advances in dentistry. Participants work with digital radiographs and digitized dental records, eliminating the need for X-ray film and the solutions that process the film. This also expedites the image-making process and expands capabilities by allowing digital images to be transferred worldwide for consultation or records management.

Upgrades and improvements have been made in the basic portable dental unit set-up. Hand pieces have transitioned from air-driven to electric, eliminating the need for large, bulky compressors. Smaller compressors are now used for suction. Rechargeable battery packs are incorporated into the unit itself.

There have also been developments in methods for recharging batteries. Variations in standard electrical connections are provided and solar-powered panels are being implemented.

While continuous improvements are always being made, the amenities and tools are still not the same those back home.

“Working in a tent is totally different; you sometimes have to improvise. The chairs are not adjustable, the lighting is not always as good and the dental unit does not work as efficiently. It is important to realize that that is the real world. When you deploy for real, you will be dealing with all kinds of adversities,” Dr. Murillo said.