Volunteers participate in Red Cross dental program Published Jan. 25, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Whitney P. Jackson 99ABW/PA NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The 99th Dental Squadron and the local Red Cross restarted their volunteer dental program in October 2009. The dental program, offered at the Mike O'Callaghan Federal Hospital, is six months long--much shorter and more stringent than the 18-month equivalent offered at colleges. "It's a demanding program," said Col. Erik Tjelmeland, 99th Dental Squadron commander. "The volunteers dedicate 40 hours per week for six months. The key to success is picking the right people." The program consists of instruction pertaining to working on a military installation, bookwork and hands-on activities. The students also learn about proper office setup, and being able to refer patients with other medical issues to the proper clinics. In previous classes, there were six to eight volunteer students; in order to give students more individual attention, the current class has only three. "It's a very challenging job," said Maria Carlota Pabala, a Red Cross volunteer currently enrolled in the program. "There is no routine and you have to be very flexible in everything you do." Upon completion of the program, graduates become technicians for military and civilian dentists, or proceed to further their education in dentistry. Since last October, 11 volunteers have graduated from the program. "We have local dentists who call for our volunteers and want them to be part of their staff," said Lydia Champion, 99th DS dental assistant. "The job becomes second nature and can be made into a career anywhere. I've been doing it for 10 years." Anyone can apply for this free program; no previous dental experience or college is required. To obtain an application, stop by the Red Cross Office in the hospital; applications will be posted on the bulletin board. For additional information about the dental program, contact Danielle Duncan at 369 -3674 or Stuart Hess at 653-2208.
