Shaw Airman wins AF Dental NCO of the Year

Published May 21, 2013
By 20th Fighter Wing
Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- He distinctly remembers the fluoride that the dental assistant said was "bubblegum flavor." He remembers that it tasted nasty no matter how much the assistant wanted to call it bubblegum. But oddly enough, this was the best part of his experience to the dentist, said Tech. Sgt. Evan Singleton.

The first time he saw the dental chair, he wanted to touch everything, he exclaimed.

That was more than 20 years ago.

This same love of the dentist carried over to his career as he recently was awarded the Dental NCO of the Year Award at Air Force level for his work as the NCO in charge of dental logistics.

Singleton has been a dental assistant in the Air Force for more than 13 years and has worked in all aspects of the career field. He recently volunteered and was accepted as the 20th Fighter Wing's Personal and Family Readiness NCO. This is a special duty assignment at the Airman and Family Readiness Center here.

The Beaufort, S.C, native has worked in orthodontics, the branch of dentistry dealing with the prevention and correction of irregular teeth, as by means of braces; periodontics, the branch of dentistry dealing with the study and treatment of diseases of the bone, connective tissue and gum surrounding and supporting a tooth; and endodontics, which deals with the nerves of the tooth, general dentistry and oral surgery.

Although winning an Air Force level award is a major accomplishment, Singleton claims he was just doing his trade.

"I just did my job," he said casually. "You find something that you like to do and continuously do it. When someone sees you are doing a great job they will nominate you for an award."

While Singleton is a modest person, his commander realizes the huge accomplishment Singleton achieved.

"I was extremely excited when I saw he won at the Air Force level," said Col. David Mapes, 20th Dental Squadron commander. "This has never happened in my career. I've had people win at the command level, but I've never had anyone win at Air Force level. It just goes to show Singleton's character and the caliber he performs at."

Singleton earned the award not only through his hard work, but also through his community involvement and working toward a higher education.

"He was put up for the award because I felt he was the best of the best," Mapes added. "He is one of the best NCOs I have ever had in my 15 years in the Air Force. He is on top of everything. He doesn't give up on anything. He understands responsibility and is a great example for Airmen of all ranks."

"To be a good NCO, you have to know your people, always want to help and know when someone needs to chat," Singleton explained. "I think to be a great NCO and a great leader you have to communicate with your people. Don't just communicate with the people you supervise, communicate with everyone."

Singleton didn't just take care of his people, but also his patients.

"You treat the patients as if they are family," he said. "You make sure you take the best care of the patients as possible."

Singleton was able to learn from his patients.

"Everyone has to get their annual dental appointment so you run into everyone on base at least once," he said. "I like that. You learn a lot of diversity by meeting people."

Those are the same people who also need to be cleared to go downrange.

"You impact everyone from the pilots to the mechanics," Singleton added. "Everyone has to be dental qualified to be deployable. If you are not qualified because of dental, you are not ready to perform the mission if you are tasked to be deployed."

Whether Singleton is working in the dental clinic or in his new section he said, "I am just trying to do the best that I can no matter where I am."

"I left dental because I wanted to help people in a much bigger way," Singleton said. "After doing something for so long it became easy and routine. So, I wanted to challenge myself with something new."

Singleton plans to return to the dental career field after he completes his four-year special duty assignment at A&FRC.

"I was sorry to lose him to family support, but this is a good opportunity for him to expand his Air Force knowledge and gain other skill sets," Mapes said.

As for advice for other Airmen, Singleton says it's simple--enjoyment.

"Whatever your job is, enjoy it and make it fun," he said. "That is what I did. If you love what you are doing it just makes everything easier."

While the dental technician takes a break from taking care of other's teeth after 13 years, he wants to remind everyone to keep their teeth healthy.

"Brush and floss every day and see the dentist," he said as a matter of fact.

After all, he does know best--the Technical Sergeant has only had one cavity in his entire life, and that was more than 20 years ago.

Shaw Airman wins Dental NCO of the Year