Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. -- Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Panula, Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of the Dental Laboratory Element at the 61st Medical Squadron, is transforming smiles and boosting confidence through his meticulous dental work. Stationed at Los Angeles Air Force Base (LAAFB), for just over three months, he is already making a significant impact, recently achieving an advanced Dental Lab Certification in Crown and Bridge.
His role involves fabricating dental appliances using both traditional and digital methods. "The best part of my job is helping people smile," Panula shared with a smile of his own. "Seeing the visible boost in a patient’s confidence after receiving a well-crafted restoration is incredibly rewarding", he beamed.
Securing his Dental Lab Certification in Crown and Bridge is a notable milestone in his career. “Patients benefit from the added detail in their restorations. It’s like viewing everything through a microscope, ensuring the highest quality of work,” he explains. This certification not only highlights his individual skills but also enhances the overall quality of care provided at LA AFB.
Maj. Khiem Nguyen, Dental Flight Commander and Chief of Dental Services at the 61st Medical Squadron, praised the NCOIC’s dedication to his craft. “Since his arrival at LA AFB, Tech Sergeant Panula hit the ground running. His hard work and innovative mindset elevated our lab’s capabilities and ensured we meet the diverse needs of our patients. His certification also underscores our commitment to providing ready, reliable dental care,” expressed Nguyen. In addition to crafting dental appliances, Panula is also responsible for ensuring the labs equipment is maintained at peak performance and they have the supplies they need to meet the mission.
The significance of his certification extends beyond personal accomplishment. Only 19% of Air Force dental lab technicians achieve this level of certification. His skills are vital in delivering high-quality prosthetics that support optimal dental function and aesthetics. “A successful dental practice requires a team approach,” Nguyen added, “Tech Sergeant Panula’s expertise ensures that our lab operates at the highest standard, aligning with our mission: To Provide Ready Reliable Dental Care—Anytime, Anywhere.”
Panula entered the Air Force as a Dental Laboratory Technician—a less common route when considering most members cross-train into the lab from other roles. He’s served for 12 years in the military, sharing that enlisting felt natural for him; “I grew up as an Air Force Brat, my background has always driven my dedication.”
Despite his accomplishments, he acknowledges the challenges of maintaining sharp skills in a solitary lab environment. “Working alone can sometimes make skills feel rusty,” he admits. Nevertheless, his ambition is undeterred. He is already planning to pursue further certifications, including specialties in Implantology or Digital Workflow, to stay at the forefront of dental technology.
For patients at LA AFB, his work is transformative. “The level of detail in my restorations significantly improves their self-esteem and overall dental health,” he notes. His commitment to continuous education and self-development not only benefits the patients but also enriches the dental clinic’s capabilities, ensuring the highest quality of care.
As he continues to enhance smiles, confidence, and overall dental readiness, the dental lab tech remains dedicated to his craft, embodying the Air Force Core Value of “Excellence in All We Do.” His expertise and unwavering dedication are invaluable assets to the dental clinic which assists 3,200 joint service active-duty members across Space Base Delta 3, Space Systems Command HQ, and 152 geographically separated units in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area.
Air Force Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Panula works with a smile as he shapes a crown to perfection for a patient at the Los Angeles Air Force Base Dental Lab, El Segundo, Calif. Panula recently secured a Dental Lab Certification in Crown and Bridge, a notable milestone in his career, and a certificate in which only 19% of AF Dental Lab Technicians hold. (U.S. Space Force photo by Amy Urbina).