NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- A new total force integration dental clinic opened its doors for business here Nov. 2.

Dentists and dental technicians from the 926th Aerospace Medical Squadron examined 27 patients in their recently constructed clinic as part of preventative health assessments during the unit training assembly weekend.

"This project has been a long-term effort between the Air Force Reserve and Regular Air Force," said Lt. Col. Patrick Hsieh, 926th AMDS commander. "The RegAF's 99th Dental Squadron has been instrumental to our operations, sharing its space with us for the past several years so we could ensure our members were current on their dental requirements."

"We're excited to unveil this facility that will expedite exams for Team Nellis and pleased to share the space with our RegAF dental counterparts," he said.

The dental clinic has two treatment rooms equipped with state-of-the-art digital radiography, including panoramic capability to enable full diagnosis of patients' oral condition. It also has separate areas for instrument sterilization and processing and for administrative functions.

The facility is collocated with flight medicine, decreasing travel time for main base and flightline personnel. Additionally, it enables patients to complete their dental examinations while waiting to be seen by the doctor, reducing the overall time required to complete both the medical and dental portions of the PHA.

"The new dental clinic provides superior accessibility for the PHA process," said Lt. Col. Lance Kim, 926th AMDS dentist. "Transit time from main base to the Mike O'Callaghan Federal Medical Center requires approximately 10 minutes per way, translating to roughly 100 hours per year saved in commuting time and overall increased readiness of the 926th Group."

The $500,000 construction project funded by the 926th Group was designed as a TFI enabler. The RegAF can use the facility on weekdays without any impact on Reserve operations, and the Reserve uses it during drills without any impact to RegAF operations.

"The relationship between the 99th DS and 926th AMDS has always been successful, and this clinic demonstrates the collaborative dedication of service to our patients," said Col. Daniel Streck, 99th DS commander. "We look forward to the ongoing partnership between the RegAF and Reserve here."