BRAC Medical Expansion Clinic breaks ground

  • Published
  • By Lois Walsh
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Ground was broken today on a BRAC Medical Expansion Clinic, guaranteeing the smiles of more than 45,000 beneficiaries stay bright for many years.

The 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Committee directed the 7th Special Forces Group and the Joint Strike Fighter Training Center here and that decision is the driving force behind the dental clinic expansion. The additional medical and dental support required to take care of the growing population dictated construction of the two story, 31,300 square foot dental facility. The new facility will have 52 dental treatment rooms and a state-of-the art dental laboratory plus additional space for administrative support and the dental residency program.

"Welcome to progress," said Col. Bruce McClintock, 96th Air Base Wing commander. "This is a commitment to quality care, taking care of people the right way, a first-class facility for world-class warriors and their families."

The new facility will be located directly across from the hospital and next to the Fisher House, which is currently under construction as well.

"The medical group is keeping with its strategic mission to take over the west end of the base," joked Col. Gary Walker, 96 MDG commander. He spoke of the dental squadron's world-class dental care; currently Team Eglin personnel are 98 percent dental ready to deploy, exceeding the Air Force's 95 percent goal. The clinic is rated the number one large clinic in patient satisfaction with a 99 percent rate, which is more than seven percent over the Department of Defense's average.

"The best testament we can give to how effective and efficient our folks are is that you take your dental care for granted; you know it's already taken care of in a very proactive fashion," the colonel said.

Following construction completion, the dental clinic plans to expand its one-year advanced education in general dentistry residency program from six residents to eight or 10.

"The dental squadron here is just one of 12 facilities within the Air Force to offer advanced training in general dentistry to recent dental school graduates and serves as a link in allowing dentists to gain the requisite skills necessary to offer comprehensive dentistry in remote areas or under austere conditions," said John Henry, the initial outfitting director.

Another advantage gained after construction will be the 21,000 square feet of space currently occupied by the dental clinic. Master Sgt. Timothy Sheffield, dental clinic superintendent, said the space will be available within the hospital to allow for expansion of required general medical services.

"The hospital can use the entire third floor to expand operations," he said.

Mr. Henry said the initial request for a design to replace the existing dental clinic was submitted in July 2006. The estimated completion date is June 2011 with occupancy expected three months later. The staff will take care of all four services and international partners.