Dental implantology program approved Published Feb. 10, 2010 By Col. (Dr.) William Dunn 81st Dental Squadron KEESLER AFB, Ms. -- Keesler's graduate dental education program recently received approval to start a one year advanced clinical practice program in dental implantology beginning in July 2010. This program will be the first of its kind in the Air Force. The graduate fellow, to be selected in March, will receive training in all aspects of dental implantology to include selection, treatment planning and placement and restoration of dental implants in selected beneficiaries. The program's director will be Lt. Col. (Dr.) Andre Henriques, a board-certified prosthodontist and 81st Dental Squadron dental laboratory flight commander. "Dental implants have become a mainstream treatment option for individuals with missing single teeth," Colonel Henriques explained. "Dental implants can also be used to anchor a complete denture in selected individuals." The Air Force Dental Service has other ACPs in oral surgery and prosthodontics, but the program in dental implantology is a novel program unique to Keesler. The first graduate of the program will be sent to a clinic without a prosthodontist, but whose patient population requires restoration of dental implants. Keesler's dental education program is the second largest in the Air Force, with a total of 15 residents in four different specialty areas -- a one-year advanced education in general dentistry program, a one-year general practice residency, a two-year endodontic residency and the new one-year advanced clinical practice program in dental implantology.