Dentistry goes high tech at annual conference Published March 4, 2016 By Angela Woolen Robins Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- For the sixth year, Robins has hosted the Robins Air Force Base Dental Continuing Education Conference. Dentists and hygienists can receive continuing education credits in the span of a day while networking with other employees of the dental community. "This is an opportunity we don't get very often in Central Georgia," said Maj. (Dr.) Stephanie Trahan, 78th Dental Squadron clinical dentist. Further, those who work in private practice get the chance to get the military prospective of dentistry. "We have different challenges with readiness. This is a pure learning experience," Trahan said. In all, there were five lectures held at the Museum of Aviation on Feb. 26 given by various dentists throughout the Air Force. One of those, Lt. Col. Cade Salmon from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, spoke on CAD/CAM Principles and Materials. "Every day new stuff comes out. It changed dentistry a lot," Salmon said of the computer-aided design and manufacturing. Other lectures included using Botox in dentistry, hospital dentistry and surgery. About 300 people attended the conference, up from 250 last year. The event also has the added benefit of meeting people face-to-face. Most continuing education is done online. "The conference is growing by leaps and bounds. It allows us to partner with the local dental society as a way of collaborating ideas," said Lt. Col. Rene Saenz, 78th DS commander.