Update 4/2/2012: Happy April Fools Day 2012 — Unfortunately, in-flight dentistry hasn’t quite taken off yet!
Don’t be surprised if during your next visit to the friendly skies you hear the faint whine of the dental drill. Two major airlines are poised to announce the addition of the DentAir program to their flight services. The program has been in its trial stage since January 1, 2012 and has met with such success that it is now being expanded throughout both airlines. After years of cost-cutting, many airlines are trying to woo back disgruntled fliers by offering extra in-flight services that cater to their frequent travelers.
I hate to be a naysayer, but I did have my doubts when I first heard about this program. I mean, dentistry in the air? But after discussing the idea with both patients and other dentists, I have to admit that being an aerodentist is actually something I could see myself doing after I graduate from dental school.
The program is currently offered on about 5% of domestic flights, as well as several international destinations. Patients can requests services while checking in online up to 24 hours in advance or they can request an appointment once they get to their gate. A full range of services are offered, including routine cleaning and exams, custom whitening trays, and restorations.
What Patients Are Saying About the DentAir Program
We all know how difficult it is to fit dental check-ups into our busy schedules nowadays. But with the addition of the DentAir program, people can fly where they need to — and get an exam on the way.
Kerri Zrisk, creator of the DentAir concept, explains, “Whether you are a business traveler or a retired couple vacationing around the world, you probably struggle to find the time to get to your dentist. With this program, the dentist comes to you. We realized that passengers already had time slots open in their schedules — the only problem was that they were flying on airplanes during these lulls in their day. So we started thinking, ‘How can we get the dentists to these people?’ The DentAir program naturally followed.”
Many patients expressed relief that they had access to dental professionals while traveling. After all, dental emergencies rarely occur at convenient times. Phil Mitewth, director of sales for Mardott International, said, “As a busy executive, I simply don’t have time to go to the dentist. With my busy schedule of flights, it’s easy to get my dental work done – and I have to say that there’s nothing quite as exhilarating as having a root canal over the Panama Canal.”
Passenger Joseph Miller was equally excited. “I couldn’t wait to get caps on my badly-stained two front teeth. Getting it done in the air was awesome and I would even say it was the crowning moment of my whole vacation!”
What Dentists Are Saying About the Dental Air Program
New York Dentist Dr. Mo Lerr, DDS stated, “Many patients are flying down to Mexico to get their dental work done at a fraction of the cost. By being an airplane dentist, I have some time to persuade them to get their dental work done in-country. I can even offer cheaper prices since there are no taxes in the friendly skies!”
Dr. Daryl B. Payne says, “A lot of my colleagues were skeptical at first, but I will always remember doing my first ‘mile-high’ filling. I just revved up the drill and waited. As an aerodentist, I’ve learned to just hold the drill in the mouth and let the turbulence guide me to the decay. It works every time, and I’ve never had a patient leave.”
Most dentists that were interviewed said they feel like an integral part of the flight team, despite their unique role. Dr. Timothy DeKay chimed in, “Everything has gone fairly smoothly so far. One time the pilot did tell me to lay off the suction since it was decreasing cabin pressure, but other than that we’ve had a pretty good working relationship.”
The Stewardentess: A Fulfilling Career Choice
Aerodentistry, like traditional dentistry, requires specially-trained support staff. After a recent flight, I was able to meet up with long-time Delta stewardess Meredith Russell. She returned to school last year to get her dental assisting degree and has recently been certified the first stewardentess in the nation.
In our interview she mused, “Sometimes it gets really boring during the downtime after I’ve collected the empty drink cups and pretzel bags. I felt like there was something I was missing out on as a stewardess and I wanted more out of my career. In-flight dental assisting was just a natural extension of my duty to make everyone’s flight perfect.”
The Future of Dentistry
Whether aerodentistry will really take off remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: dentists are branching out and considering unconventional treatment venues. It could be the recent economic recession or just a shift away from traditional care models, but whatever the reason, dentistry is expanding to reach more people.
“It’s hard to say what the next 5 or 10 years will bring,” says Dave Capitt, dean of Michigan State School of Dentistry, “but if you ask me, the future of dentistry is up in the air.”
cool one..thanks for all these tips……
Mercier Orchards sounds like a must-visit spot for anyone who loves fresh fruit, delicious treats, and a fun-filled day! The variety of jams, honeys, and ciders sounds amazing—definitely a great place to stock up on local goodies. The U-pick experience must be such a great activity for families, especially during blueberry season! Nothing beats the taste of fresh, sun-ripened fruit straight from the source. Thanks for sharing this recommendation—I’ll be adding Mercier Orchards to my travel list!
Great tips for traveling with kids! Keeping little ones entertained on long trips can be tough, but having a plan makes all the difference. I love how you focus on preparation—it really helps avoid those mid-trip meltdowns. Do you have any favorite travel-friendly snacks that work well for kids? Looking forward to more travel hacks!
Thanks for sharing your travel experience! Road-tripping with little ones can be a challenge, but it sounds like the drive to Blue Ridge was worth it. I love the idea of having a rental car since exploring the area seems to require one. Do you have any must-visit spots or hidden gems in Blue Ridge that first-time visitors should check out?
Wow, the London Eye seems like the perfect way to take in London from a whole new angle. It’s interesting to hear that Merlin targets an international audience with the Coca-Cola London Eye – that truly sets it apart from other UK-based attractions. Can’t wait to read about your other adventures with the Merlin Annual Pass, especially the one at Madame Tussauds!
Thanks for sharing your experience! The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway sounds like a perfect way to explore the charm of small Southern towns. I appreciate the tip about outdoor seating — it makes a huge difference when you’re trying to soak in the views. I had no idea McCaysville and Copperhill were basically the same town split by a state border. That’s such a fun fact and adds even more character to the trip!
This is a great overview of Tumodo’s travel management features. The convenience of mobile and email approval is a huge win for corporate teams. Travel policy violations are a major headache for companies, so having tools to track and understand them is super valuable. And the fact that Tumodo partners with over 500 airlines and millions of hotels worldwide makes it a very robust platform for global business travelers.
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Using Bounce was such a stress-free experience for me. I booked my luggage storage online in just a few clicks, and when I arrived, the check-in process was fast and easy. Knowing my bags were safe allowed me to enjoy my day completely. No more worrying about finding a place to stash my suitcase between check-out and my flight. I highly recommend Bounce to anyone on the go.
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This is a restaurant recommendation from Galle. I found a true gem inside the fort — The Arch Restaurant (Seafood restaurant Galle Fort). The food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully served. The cozy atmosphere made it a lovely dining experience, perfect after a day exploring the fort.