AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- The 31st Medical Group’s Dental Support Flight is being recognized as Wyvern Warrior Team of the Week for their collaborative, proactive and strategic efforts during their multiple process improvements in the first quarter of 2023.
The U.S. Air Force team members being recognized are, Master Sgt. Stephanie Hunt, Dental Support Flight chief; Tech. Sgt. Adrian Baxter, records and reception NCO in charge; Tech. Sgt. Larissa Ramirez, Dental Readiness Assurance Program and Personnel Reliability Assurance Program NCO in charge; Tech. Sgt. Danielle Slody, dental logistics NCO in charge; Staff Sgt. Ivy Turner, dental assistant; Staff Sgt. Darvina Stewart, dental assistant; Staff Sgt. Sonia Hall, infection control NCO in charge; Staff Sgt. Rachel Snedegar, central instrument processing center NCO in charge; Senior Airman Thiffney Binns, dental technician; and Airman 1st Class Phillip Noel, dental assistant.
“It’s pretty awesome for the team to be recognized,” said Hunt. “We have new initiatives and a lot of process improvements. I'm just very proud of the team and how much growth has happened since last quarter.”
The flight undertook the Wing’s dental readiness by identifying a communication gap with 17 geographically separated units, updating 70 members’ dental status and implementing clearer processes for 947 personnel. The team screened 805 deployers and scheduled 346 members for clearance exams through a mass deployment line. Additionally, they coordinated a 25-member team to clear 37 personnel in less than four hours, supporting six exercises and real-world taskings, to achieve one of United States Air Forces in Europe’s best deployable rates said Hunt.
The team saved the Air Force $18,000, by finding alternative supply items that cost less. Lastly, the sterilization department was hand-selected to share best practices to joint service members from five different USAFE bases, preparing 12 members for future Joint Commission inspections and ensuring hospital accreditation for three years.
“The team is just constantly showing up, putting in the work and adopting the vision and goals I have,” said Hunt. “To see what they make of it is just incredible.”