Periodontics pros: 31 DS hosts theater-wide dental training

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Austin Harvill
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The 31st Dental Squadron hosted their annual periodontics symposium, June 10, 2016, here.

U.S. military and local Italian dental professionals gathered at the La Bella Vista Club to learn about new periodontics techniques and technological advances.

“This symposium is a growing presence in the European theater because it saves money, fulfills training requirements and provides an alternative to the more established symposium in Ramstein, Germany,” said U.S. Air Force dentist Maj. Michael Luna. “We’ve been given an opportunity to lead the theater in current dental practices, and I think our team’s efforts have realized that chance.”

U.S. Air Force Col. Chol Chong, U.S. Air Force Surgeon General military consultant in periodontics and speaker for the event, discussed a range of periodontics topics. A total of 31 participants comprised of U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army and, for the first time, U.S. Navy periodontics specialists as well as local Italian dentists attended the lectures.

U.S. Navy Capt. Philip King, U.S. Naval Hospital Naples, Italy periodontist, said he enjoyed the opportunity to share information and best practices with his sister services.

“I am beyond excited to have learned from one of the best periodontists in our military today,” said King. “I plan to take a lot of this knowledge back to Naples with me, and I hope I can attend next year.”

The symposium also provided another first—it incorporated lectures on general medical practices.

“In the past years, this symposium focused solely on periodontics, but we saw our field had difficulty communicating with our partner clinics,” said Luna. “We invited outside specialists to speak about how to treat pregnant patients, handle antibiotics and ensure proper sedation practices. The reception has been very positive, so I hope other medical practitioners attend the next symposium”

By bringing Chong here, the 31st DS saved Aviano thousands of dollars on travel costs for their dentists.

“Periodontists must receive 60 hours of continual education training to stay abreast of evolving techniques and technology in the dental community,” said Luna. “We fulfilled nearly half of that requirement during the 5-day-long symposium.”

According to Luna, the training gives Aviano dentists a chance to provide better care for the base.

“Thanks to this training opportunity, I am more confident than ever that our dental team will continue to provide our community with the quality care they deserve,” said Luna.