Promotion Ceremony for Captain Richard Waddell, 78th Dental Squadron, General Dentist to Major.

Presiding Official: Lieutenant Colonel Rene Saenz, 78th Dental Squadron Commander was held on 27 May 2017. Major Richard W. Waddell is an Advanced Trained General Dentist of the 78th Dental Squadron at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. He performs broad scope general dentistry and ensures the readiness for over 3000 active duty personnel.
Major Waddell graduated Magna cum laude from the University of Georgia in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology with honors.
While at the University of Georgia, Major Waddell was a ROTC cadet and earned a Health Professionals Scholarship to attend dental School at the University of Southern California and in 2011 graduated dental school with honors. Major Waddell then began active duty as an Advanced General Dentistry resident at Elgin Air Force Base graduating in the top of his class. He now is serving at Robins Air Force Base as a general dentist.

ASSIGNMENTS

• July 2011--July 2012, Dental Resident, Advanced Education in General Dentistry, 96th Dental Squadron, Elgin Air Force Base, Shalimar, Florida.
• August 2012--July 2016, General Dentist, 6th Dental Squadron, MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida.
• August 2016--present, General Dentist, 78th Dental Squadron, Robins Air Force Base, Warner Robins, Georgia.

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

• 2013 Commissioned Officer of the July-September.
• 2014 Commissioned Officer of the Quarter July-September.
• 2015 Commissioned Officer of the Quarter October-December.
• 2016 The Air Force Achievement Medal.

In Major Waddell's new assignment his title will be Clinical/Support Flight Commander of the 78th Dental Squadron at Robins Air Force Base. He will over see 30 active duty and civilian employees treating over 3000 patients annually.
Major Waddell is the son of Calvin and Susan Waddell, from Paulding County. Also Louise Clark is his mother, she also lives in Paulding County.