Taking care of pearly whites

U.S. Air Force Maj. Jamie Smith, 20th Dental Squadron dental flight commander, prepares to perform a wisdom teeth surgery at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Jan. 17, 2018. The dental clinic provides a full range of dental services to include cleanings, fillings, crowns and surgeries. If there is a service that is needed, but not provided, they work closely with dental specialists at Fort Jackson, S.C. and in Columbia, S.C. to meet the needs of Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class BrieAnna Stillman)

Taking care of pearly whites

U.S. Air Force Maj. Jamie Smith, 20th Dental Squadron dental flight commander, prepares to numb her patient at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Jan. 17, 2018. Taking care of any problems early on will prevent future pain or issues which could prevent Airmen from being able to complete their mission or be deployment ready. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class BrieAnna Stillman)

Taking care of pearly whites

U.S. Air Force Maj. Jamie Smith, 20th Dental Squadron (DS) dental flight commander, and Airman 1st Class Apryl-Len Cabase, 20th DS dental technician, hold open a patient’s mouth to remove his wisdom teeth at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Jan. 17, 2018. Most people have their wisdom teeth removed to prevent future dental problems. The dental clinic offers a wide variety of services to accommodate all of their patients needs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class BrieAnna Stillman)

Shaw dental takes care of pearly whites

Published Jan. 23, 2018
By Airman 1st Class BrieAnna Stillman
20th Fighter Wing

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The 20th Dental Squadron performs a variety of procedures, from teeth cleaning to wisdom teeth removal, on a daily basis.

The dental clinic makes sure Airmen maintain optimal oral health by giving them the care needed to be deployment ready at any time.

“Dental care is part of overall health care,” said Maj. Jamie Smith, 20th DS dental flight commander. “If we don’t have a healthy mouth we can’t have a healthy body.”

Taking care of any problems early will prevent pain or issues that may occur in the future affecting an Airman’s capability to complete their mission or deploy.

“The experiences I have had with the dental clinic have been great,” said Danielle Meagher 20th Aerospace Medicine Squadron public health technician. “The staff has always been very knowledgeable and helpful.”

Providers from the dental squadron appreciate the work they do with Airmen and their families.

“My favorite part of the job is the Airmen we work with,” said Smith. “We have a really excellent patient population and I really enjoy the interactions with them.”

The dental clinic recommends an annual check up to keep those teeth pearly white.