Warren’s dental care keeps members in the fight

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Stacey Fenton
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  The staff at Warren's dental clinic is here to help keep active duty members healthy and "ready to fight - anytime, anywhere."

Active duty members are required to have an exam once a year, and the dental clinic here provides its patients with exams, cleanings, implant dentistry and other routine procedures.

The dental clinic ensures its patients get the specific care they need in a timely manner, and one way this is done is by categorizing patients as Class One, Two, Three or Four.

A Class One patient needs no care and is up-to-date on his or her exams. A Class Two patient is one who requires minor care, such as maintenance care for periodontal, or gum, issues.

Class Three patients are non-deployable because of problems that could become emergencies within a year, such as painful wisdom teeth. Patients become Class Four if their condition is unknown, which is the case if they are overdue for an exam.

Warren's dental clinic is looking toward an increase in staff as well as a possible increase in technology.

"We are looking forward to being able to provide even better service to the members of Warren," said Dr. (Lt. Col.) Robert Beck, 90th Medical Operations Squadron.
Within a year, the dental clinic hopes to have a new machine that can build a crown for a patient within the same day of the exam.

"This technology would allow us to create a crown for a patient in one appointment," said Dr. Beck. "The process usually takes about a month, but with this machine it would take about 20 minutes," he added.

Routine exams at the dental clinic help Warren members maintain oral health, and can help treat any problems before they become more serious. Dr. Beck said the most common problem found in patients at Warren is tooth decay.
Dr. Beck explained that it is not only sugar, but bacteria in addition to sugar that causes tooth decay.

"If you are able to take away one factor, either the sugar or the plaque, you will be able to improve your oral health," said Dr. Beck.

Dr. Beck recommended using products containing Xylitol as one way of fighting potential tooth decay. Xylitol is a natural sugar that bacteria are unable to metabolize, which prevents growth and the resulting decay, according to http://www.xylitol.org.
Patients who might feel anxious about seeing a dentist are in good hands at Warren, Dr. Beck said.

"I am proud to say I have a very conscientious, caring staff that has been commended by patients for relieving their anxiety," said Beck.

The dental clinic at Warren offers service to all active duty, Reserve and members of the Wyoming Air National Guard. Dental clinic hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 773-1846 to make an appointment.