2 DS works through renovations

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Micaiah Anthony
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Renovations to the 2nd Dental Squadron's dental lab have been in the base plans for the past five years, and finally on March 15 the remodeling began.

The dental clinic services all active duty military members on Barksdale. Within the past few years, the number of active duty members on base has increased significantly, dramatically raising the amount of customers at the dental clinic.

"Due to the stand up of Air Force Global Strike Command on Barksdale, the active duty increase has amplified the demand and support for the dental clinic," said Col. Victoria Farley, 2 DS commander.

One of the busiest sections of the dental clinic is the dental lab. The lab is responsible for chemicals and equipment, crafting handmade implants, retainers, and sport and night guards, which require a variety of tools. Due to the renovations, some equipment may not be available, but that isn't stopping the dental lab technicians.

"We will still be able to provide everything but it will be a slower process," said Master Sgt. Denny Shaffer, 2 DS dental lab flight chief. "We can start the work here but anything we can't complete will be sent to Peterson Air Force Base (Colo.) which has 95 work benches."

Currently the dental lab is staffed with three dental technicians and 10 work benches. Once renovations are complete, the new dental lab will have new desks, more work stations and more space for lab technicians and dentists.

"All together we will have 12 work benches with more space to work," said Tech. Sgt. William Fitzpatrick, 2 DS dental lab craftsman. "The dentist will be able to come in and have his or her own space which will really increase efficiency."

Along with more space and work stations, the dental lab will receive a dedicated porcelain room, Shaffer said.

"The dedicated porcelain room will be in a separate part of the lab," he said. "It's going to have its own room so it can remain free from all the dust and debris that gets kicked up from the stone, steam and wax that we work with."

To prepare for the renovations, the dental lab technicians had to move all their equipment to different areas of the clinic while still completing their daily tasks.

"It's been tough because we can't just shut down," said Fitzpatrick. "We provide a very important service to the Barksdale community. Also, our dental residents have mandatory requirements they need to meet; if we shut down everybody loses."

Though the move and work is tough, the dental lab technicians have had some help from their fellow Airmen.

"The entire team came together to lend a hand," said Master Sgt. Dionne McCleary 2 DS superintendent. "There was a lot of work to be done in a short amount of time, but we came together and knocked it out."

The renovation is scheduled to last eight weeks. During this time, dental lab technicians will continue to work hard to support team Barksdale.