Polishing the mission

Senior Airman Renee Wu, 5th Medical Operations Squadron dental assistant, examines an Airman’s mouth during a sealant prosthodontics evaluation at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Aug. 1, 2017. Dental sealants are tooth-colored coatings which act as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dillon J. Audit)

Polishing the mission

Capt. Lia Risk, 5th Medical Operations Squadron Dentist, examines an Airman’s mouth during a sealant prosthodontics evaluation at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Aug. 1, 2017. There are typically 10 dentists on base, with a dental assistant assigned to each of them. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dillon J. Audit)

Polishing the mission

Senior Airman Renee Wu, 5th Medical Operations Squadron dental assistant, examines an Airman’s mouth, at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Aug. 1, 2017. A dental assistant is required to prepare dental tools, schedule and reschedule patients, and are responsible for keeping the patients on time. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dillon J. Audit)

Polishing the mission

Senior Airman Renee Wu, 5th Medical Operations Squadron dental assistant, switches dental tools at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Aug. 1, 2017. For dental appointments, the dental assistant will put out a basic dental setup (BDS), which is the standard set-up for any dental appointment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dillon J. Audit)

Polishing the mission

Senior Airman Renee Wu, 5th Medical Operations Squadron dental assistant, cleans dental tools at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Aug. 1, 2017. Dental assistants use multiple tools including forceps, curing lights and both air and water syringes during appointments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dillon J. Audit)

Polishing the mission

Published Aug. 11, 2017
By Airman 1st Class Dillon J. Audit
5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --

Airmen from the 5th Medical Operations Squadron perform examinations at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Aug. 1, 2017. The 5th MDOS dental clinic is responsible for ensuring dental readiness for all members of the base. They offer a series of procedures, either needed or requested by the patient, from fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions and other procedures.