Dental Clinic captures “Best in Air Force” honors

  • Published
  • By J.C. Corcoran
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  The Hanscom Dental Clinic has been named the Air Force's Best Small Dental Clinic for 2008 and Capt. Michael Elliot of the 66th Dental Flight has been recognized as Air Force Materiel Command's Junior Clinical Dentist of the Year.

The 66th Dental Flight earned Air Force honors for their outstanding performance in 2008 by meeting or exceeding Air Force level standards for administering periodic dental exams with a 98 percent participation rate.

Other outstanding accomplishments that earned the Air Force recognition included bringing back, after a four year absence, the availability of Conscious Sedation treatment techniques; increasing in-house specialty services by 30 percent; visiting childcare centers and schools distributing 400 oral hygiene kits during National Children's Dental Health Month; and conducting DNA swab, photo and bite registrations for over 200 children in support of the Child Identification Program.

"These folks are the definition of teamwork", said Lt. Col. John Coke, 66th Dental Flight commander. "From the front desk, to logistics, sterilization, the docs, chairside assistants, hygienist, prophy technicians, dental laboratory, civilians, contractors and active duty, they all work together to get the job done.

Each one realizes the importance of their tasks, and knows the mission won't be met without their support. They possess an incredible work ethic and strive to excel. I am extremely proud and honored to serve with every one of them," he said.

The accomplishments of the Dental Flight have garnered them an outstanding customer service rating of 100 percent, the best in AFMC.

For Captain Elliott, his AFMC selection is a little like "icing on the cake" after being recognized at the 66th MDOS Company Grade Officer of the Quarter from July to September.

His dedication and hard work was recognized as a major contributing factor to the clinic achieving a 75 percent Class 1 rating which has already exceeded the fiscal year 2009 goal of 65 percent, 12 months ahead of time. An outstanding effort that led to the clinic being rated number one in AFMC and number four in Air Force Medical Service.