Guyanese, U.S. Air Force dental expand care, enhance readiness during LAMAT 2026

Published April 3, 2026
By Andrea Jenkins
Air Forces Southern Public Affairs

WEST COAST DEMERARA, Guyana --

U.S. Air Force dental teams are delivering care in fast-paced clinics across Guyana, treating high volumes of patients alongside host-nation providers during Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team 2026.

The mission combines patient care with operational readiness by placing Airmen in real-world, resource-constrained environments. Working in shared treatment spaces with Guyana Ministry of Health providers, U.S. and partner-nation teams exchange knowledge, adapt to constraints and build the relationships required for future operations.

Across clinical sites, dental teams are addressing high demand for care, with many patients presenting with advanced dental decay and infection. Efforts are focused on procedures that reduce pain, control disease and restore function while maximizing the number of patients treated.

“We have three dental teams here focusing on high-impact, essential procedures such as fillings, extractions, prophylactic cleanings and rapid triage for patients presenting with acute pain and infection,” said Lt. Col. Puneet Pande, 349th Medical Squadron dentist. “In this resource-limited setting, access to advanced and preventive dental care is limited, so we prioritize relieving pain, controlling disease and restoring basic function for as many patients as possible.”

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U.S. Air Force Reserve Lt. Col. Puneet Pande, 349th Medical Squadron dentist, performs a dental filling on a Guyanese patient at Cheddi Jagan Dental School in Georgetown, Guyana, March 18, 2026. During the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team 2026 mission, Air Force dentists used restorative treatments like fillings to help preserve natural teeth to maintain long-term oral health. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dakota Carter)

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A U.S. Air Force Reserve dentist extracts a pediatric patient’s tooth at Cheddi Jagan Dental School in Georgetown, Guyana, March 18, 2026. During the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) 2026 mission, Air Force dental teams used extractions to address immediate dental concerns, while collaborating to share best practices and emphasize preventive care with their host nation counterparts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dakota Carter)

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A U.S. Air Force Reserve dentist administers local anesthesia to a pediatric patient at Cheddi Jagan Dental School in Georgetown, Guyana, March 18, 2026. During the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) 2026 mission, Air Force dental teams focused on preventive care and early intervention to address issues before they progress. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dakota Carter)

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A U.S. Air Force Reserve dentist prepares a pediatric patient for a tooth extraction at Cheddi Jagan Dental School in Georgetown, Guyana, March 18, 2026. During the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) 2026 mission, preventive dental care and early treatment played a key role in maintaining oral health and reducing the progression of dental disease in children. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dakota Carter)

Operating in a partner-nation clinical environment requires teams to adjust to limited equipment and supplies, reinforcing skills associated with contingency operations.

“Working in a partner-nation clinic enhances our medical readiness by requiring us to adapt quickly,” Pande said. “Resources are limited, so we have to improvise and still deliver effective care under austere conditions. It strengthens our clinical decision-making, flexibility and teamwork, skills that directly translate to deployed or contingency environments.”

Care is delivered through integrated teams, with U.S. and Guyanese providers coordinating patient flow, sharing treatment spaces and collaborating throughout procedures.

“We’re working side-by-side with Guyanese providers,” said Pande. We’re coordinating patient triage, sharing treatment spaces and exchanging techniques in real time. It’s a true two-way exchange. We gain experience working in a resource-constrained environment, while they benefit from additional capacity and exposure to our clinical practices. Together, we’re strengthening skills, improving patient care and building lasting partnerships.”

For host-nation providers, collaboration reinforces shared approaches to care and professional exchange.

“There’s not a right or wrong way, just different ways of doing the same thing,” said Dr. Rushaim Taylor, a Guyanese dental surgeon. “I got to show him my way, and he explained his. We were talking through the different steps and learning from each other. All in all, it was a good experience, I’m glad you guys came and I look forward to seeing you again.”

The exchange extends to dental assistants and technicians, supporting clinic operations and efficiency.

“It’s been really nice,” said Kimberly Moore, a dental assistant. I’ve had a lot of fun. Everybody’s been nice, very helpful. We were able to share how we improvise with what we have, especially with sterilization and managing equipment between patients,”

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U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Eirleen Hyun, 349th Medical Squadron dentist, performs a dental procedure at De Kinderen Regional Hospital in West Coast Demerara, Guyana, March 17, 2026. During the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) 2026 mission, early intervention and routine care helped reduce the need for more complex dental treatments while improving overall patient outcomes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dakota Carter)

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U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Amanda Moss, 908th Aeromedical Staging Squadron flight chief, right, and Lt. Col. Eirleen Hyun, 349th Medical Squadron dentist,left, care for a Guyanese patient at De Kinderen Regional Hospital in West Coast Demerara, Guyana, March 17, 2026. During the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) 2026 mission, dental teams focused on preventive care, providing exams, cleanings, and guidance to help patients maintain long-term oral health. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dakota Carter)

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U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Eirleen Hyun, 349th Medical Squadron dentist, center, and Tech. Sgt. Amanda Moss, 908th Aeromedical Staging Squadron flight chief, right, discuss dental procedural techniques with a Guyanese dentist at De Kinderen Regional Hospital in West Coast Demerara, Guyana, March 17, 2026. This collaboration, part of the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) 2026 mission, encouraged the synchronization of clinical standards and the sharing of best practices between medical professionals. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dakota Carter)

Sustaining operations in a resource-constrained environment requires continuous adjustment to processes and equipment limitations.

“The biggest challenges are limited supplies and equipment,” said Pande. “We don’t always have the materials we’re used to, so we have to adapt and develop alternative techniques. For example, we don’t have high-suction evacuation systems, so patients have to rinse and spit between steps. It slows us down, but we adjust and continue providing care.”

In addition to treatment, teams incorporate preventive care and patient education to support longer-term outcomes and reduce future demand.

“We focus heavily on patient education - explaining the causes of cavities and encouraging patients to return for preventive care. Many patients are unaware of available services beyond emergency treatment. During procedures, we also try to provide additional care, like sealants and fluoride treatments, to protect other teeth and reduce future issues.”

LAMAT provides a platform for interoperability and strengthens professional relationships between U.S. and partner-nation providers.

“Missions like LAMAT 2026 are important not only for immediate care, but for building trust, strengthening partnerships and improving interoperability with host-nation providers,” said Pande. “They enhance long-term readiness and prepare teams to operate effectively in diverse, resource-constrained environments while fostering lasting professional relationships.

"This mission is very meaningful to me," added Pande. "I have a personal connection to the region, as many people in Guyana share a similar cultural background to mine. That connection makes patient interactions even more special. Seeing the impact we have - helping people out of pain and improving their quality of life - is incredibly rewarding. It’s been an incredible experience. I’m grateful to be part of this mission and hope to continue participating in future LAMAT missions. The relationships built here - both with host-nation providers and fellow team members - are something that stays with you long after the mission ends."

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