Dental Clinic looking for volunteers

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Samantha S. Crane
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  The Mountain Home AFB Dental Clinic is looking for volunteers for the first Dental Assisting Volunteer program starting July 14.

"The program has been in place at Air Force bases worldwide for many years," said Angela Gomez Smith, 366th Dental Squadron dental technician. "It has been a way for the military to reach out to the community and offer training at no cost to community members while benefitting the Air Force with much needed manpower."

The program operates with the support of the whole clinic, from the commander who approves the program to the Airmen who conduct the training. With up to nine months of training required before volunteers are qualified, civilian programs can cost more than $5,000.

"During that time they are able to learn about terminology, patient care, infection control and multiple chair-side procedures that are performed in the dental setting," said Ms. Smith. "Our program offers the same training at no cost to the person -- all we require is a 700-hour commitment to training that is completed in about seven to eight months."

Not only does the program train volunteers, it also equips them with marketable job skills.

"Dental assisting is one of the fastest growing job fields and is expected to continue to grow for the foreseeable future," said Ms. Smith. "As many of our dependants are required to move, this program can open doors to a rewarding career."

For Dana Abbott, who got involved with the program more than 20 years ago and now works on base as a contract dental assistant, it couldn't be truer.

"I always wanted to get into dental assisting, and after I got married, I took part of the program in [Anderson Air Force Base,] Guam," she said. "I've gotten a job at every base, usually the first place I've applied. It's a great education with hands-on training from day one."

For more information or to sign up, call Ms. Smith at 828-7300.

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