Another post-Katrina milestone 9 dentistry residents complete training Published Aug. 15, 2007 By Steve Pivnick 81st Medical Group Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Keesler Medical Center graduated its first class of advanced education in general dentistry residents since Hurricane Katrina, Aug. 9 in the 815th Airlift Squadron auditorium. Graduates and their first permanent duty assignments: Capts. (Drs.) Merrill Alley (Misawa Air Base, Japan), Michael DiFelice (Lackland Air Force Base, Texas), Wendy Lobre ( Royal Air Force Menwith Hill, England), Jared Richardson (Hill AFB, Utah), Martin Roberson (Cannon AFB, N.M.), Caroline Rhodes Sisson and Lloyd Sisson (Keesler). According to Staff Sgt. Jill Higgins, noncommissioned officer-in-charge of dental education, the 12-month ADGD program "produces competent, well-rounded Air Force general dental officers who can effectively manage the comprehensive, multidisciplinary oral health needs of the Air Force community and eligible beneficiaries." The program includes didactic and clinical training in endodontics, oral surgery, orthodontics, periodontics, fixed and removable prosthodontics, treatment planning, operative dentistry and pediatric dentistry. In addition to these disciplines, forensic dentistry, infection control, preventive dentistry, special needs dentistry, advanced cardiac life support, oral pathology, radiology, IV sedation/ pain/anxiety control, anesthesia/operating room, physical diagnosis and medical risk assessment are emphasized. Residents are also exposed to implant dentistry, cosmetic dentistry and computer-generated crown restorations.