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Dentists support humanitarian mission

  • Published
  • By Lois Walsh
  • 96 ABW Public Affairs
EGLN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Two members of the 96th Dental Squadron recently returned from a humanitarian mission that made the smiles of El Salvadorians a little brighter. 

Col. (Dr.) Robert Langsten and Senior Airman Decarlos Black were part of the first all-dental team that participated in a readiness exercise in Zacatecoluca, El Salvador. Eighteen dentists and technicians from Barksdale, Lackland, Langley and Eglin Air Force Bases supported U.S. Southern Command who conducts these programs in nations in Central and South America and the Caribbean. 

Colonel Langsten said the assignment offered a chance for the Air Force to exercise their deployment capabilities with mobile dental clinics. Hundreds of patients lined up each day outside a makeshift clinic that operated out of the city's military complex. Despite rural conditions, the team triaged a total of 619 patients and treated them using six mobile dental units. Two of the units were shipped from Eglin by the medical readiness personnel through the 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron. 

Although the units were self-contained to include everything from folding dental chairs to drills, the heat and humidity was a challenge to keep them operational. Airman Black became the local equipment expert, troubleshooting the problems and finding solutions that included fans and bigger surge protectors. 

"It was a true test of the equipment in field conditions," Colonel Langsten said.
The colonel said the team also worked with El Salvadorian military dentists and graduates of the local dental school who are required to provide one year of service before being licensed. They were able to provide more preventative dental services including cleanings and restorative work than just extractions, which is usually the case with medical readiness exercises that include a smaller complement of dentists. Through translators, it was also a chance to share information. 

"They got to see our equipment and some material that they've never seen before," he said. "We saw their techniques; some were not as advanced but some of their equipment, like their digital radiology software, was compatible to ours."
Airman Black said he expanded on his normal duties as he assisted the dentists in the clinic. 

"It was a good experience to be there," he said. "They appreciated and were grateful for the services and the care we provided." 

Colonel Langsten said he appreciated mayor's recognition of the team as honorary citizens of Zacatecoluca and the positive reception they received. But the best recognition was the smiles on their patients' faces. 

"What we did changed someone's life," he said.