Dental clinic takes top AETC honor

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Olufemi A. Owolabi
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Air Education and Training Command recently released the names of the annual Medical Service Award winner, and a unit with Laughlin's 47th Medical Group emerged as a winner.

The 47th MDG's dental clinic was recently announced as the 2007 AETC's outstanding small clinic.

"This award simply confirmed what we've known all along," said Lt. Col. Joseph Aigner-Varoz, commander, 47th Medical Support Squadron. "Our dental professionals truly lead the best small dental clinic in AETC. It's great to see their hard work in keeping Laughlin's Airmen fit to fight."

According to Maj. Joanna McPherson, 47th Aeromedical-Dental Squadron, who recently joined the award winning team of dentist and dental technicians, this achievement reflects the team's hard work and the caliber of people in the unit.

Major McPherson said since she started working with the team she could see that it was an amazing group of Airmen to work with.

"Our staff not only provides excellent dental care to our patients, but they also get involved in the community and make time to better themselves," she said. "I'm pleased they are getting the recognition they deserve."


Having won at the AETC level, recipients will advance to the Air Force level of competition.

"Winning an AETC award shows that we've got awesome people who can and do get the job done day-in and day-out," Master Sgt. Gary Aittama, 47th MDG. "Because we work as a team, we can accomplish anything."

The squadron's chief dentist, Lt. Col. Michael Beto, also echoed Sergeant Aittama's opinion.

"The teamwork put forth by our folks is amazing; their initiative is exemplary," said Colonel Beto. "I have been in the Air Force Dental Corps for 21-years. I can tell you the quality of dental care provided at Laughlin compared with the best in the Air Force. We've had two "Outstanding" ratings during Health Services Inspections; One 100 percent compliant in 2004; One 96 percent complaint in 2007. I have no doubt we should win at the Air Force level."