MacDill offers a dental assistant program

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jenay Randolph
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 6th Dental Squadron is teaming up with the American Red Cross to offer a program called "Red Cross Dental Assistant Training Program" beginning March 3, 2014 at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.

It is a volunteer program opened to family members of active duty or retired military personnel who are at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED, and can commit to a six-month full-time training schedule. The participants must have unrestricted base access and personal transportation.

In return, the participants receive free dental assistant training and experience.

"Like many squadrons on base, the 6th DS is currently short-manned," explained Staff Sgt. Monica Braden, 6th DS Red Cross Dental Assistant Training Program coordinator. "Therefore, this program allows the squadron to fill the gap in the number of dental assistants available to the dentists and provide the care needed by the MacDill AFB active duty population."

The participating volunteers will assist the 6th DS in completing their mission and providing the best care possible to the MacDill's population.

"Not only do they obtain a marketable job skill and experience for their resumes, but it also opens the possibility for employment at future military installation dental clinics," said Braden. "It trains additional members of the base to be dental assistants."

The 6th Medical Group's role is to support the volunteers and have a Red Cross liaison ready to help coordinate between the volunteers and the 6th MDG. Participants of the program receive a certificate of training from the 6th DS. This certificate is accepted at other military installation dental clinics.

The program is being offered as an outreach program to help military dependents enhance their job marketability. It exists at a number of military dental clinics worldwide in conjunction with the American Red Cross. Individuals interested can pick up and submit completed application packages in person at the 6th DS.

For more information on the Red Cross Dental Assistant Training Program, please contact Staff Sgt. Monica Braden at 813-827-9400 or by email at monica.braden@us.af.mil.