Laughlin XLer: Melissa Sandoval, 47th MDOS

Melissa Sandoval, 47th Medical Operations Squadron dental assistant, poses with Col. Brian Hastings, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Gary Berry, 47th FTW command chief, after being presented the XLer of the week award here May 29, 2013. The XLer is a weekly award chosen by wing leadership and given to those who consistently make outstanding contributions to Laughlin and their unit. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John D. Partlow)

Laughlin XLer: Melissa Sandoval, 47th MDOS

Published June 13, 2013
47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --

Job title and unit: 47th Medical Operations Squadron dental assistant

Why she XLed: She managed the dental referral program; scheduling 51 patient treatments with four local clinics, achieving a dental readiness rating of 99.5 percent making Laughlin number one in the Air Force. She aided a fallen worker by calling 9-1-1 and initiating group emergency response systems; delivering a crash cart and more importantly saving a life. Managed records and reception, scheduled appointments, and answered phones earning a patient satisfaction rating of 100 percent. Stepped up during a renovation project and assisted with the relocation of reception and treatment rooms causing no impact to patient care. She assisted two dentists treating 193 patients with 349 procedures contributing to $23,000 in productivity.

Hometown: Del Rio, Texas

Family: Husband, Ricardo; two daughters, Jacqueline and Reyna; two sons, Ricardo Jr. and Jesus.

Time at Laughlin: Five and a half years

Time in military/civil service: Five and a half years

Greatest accomplishment: Earning my National Dental Assisting Certification

Favorite movie: Sex and the City

If you could spend one hour with any person, who would it be and why: My grandma Irene so she could meet the rest of my family.