Dental clinic renovation enters next phase Published April 30, 2008 By Col. (Dr.) Julie Collins 81st Dental Squadron KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. -- The dental clinic, one of the few 81st Medical Group areas remaining functional after Hurricane Katrina, is undergoing renovation. The clinic is being upgraded into a state-of-the-art facility, implementing the latest technology. Structural improvements are also being made. The renovation is a three-phase project. The first phase is complete. The second phase begins Monday. It's expected to be the most difficult because it involves the largest number of dental treatment rooms and the entire administrative section. Work on this phase is scheduled to take about three months. The third phase, affecting the facility's east wing, begins in August. Essentially, the dental clinic is being split into two separate sections. Construction in the center of the clinic includes six treatment suites, administrative offices and the main waiting area. The front door leading to the clinic from the dental parking lot is closed during this phase. The front desk is temporarily relocated to the dental conference room. Access to the front desk for check-in is through the door on Fisher Street nearest to Second Street and across from the child development center. After patients check in they may need to leave the building and re-enter at the west end, toward First Street. Phone numbers remain the same. Renovation includes floors are being refinished with ceramic tile, walls repainted and cabinets upgraded to a handle-free system. Each dental treatment room is being outfitted with new dental chairs. Electric handpieces are included. This "drill" is much quieter than air-driven models. An intra-oral camera with a viewing screen visible to the patient is incorporated into the design of the chair. Patients are able to clearly see the condition of their teeth and gums, which allows dentists to more easily discuss dental problems and explain treatment options. The current renovation is expected to be complete around October. Clinic radiology is scheduled for upgrade in January. New digital x-ray technology is becoming the standard of care, greatly reducing the amount of radiation exposure to the already-minimal dose dental x-rays deliver.