Ask an Air Force Dentist

[ameloblast]

Hi AFDDS,
Thankyou, yes I am a US citizen. Is there a way to get the contact info about the local airforce health care recruiter

Thank you once again for the prompt response. I appreciate that.

I can't speak for the other services and I can't give you concrete answers for the Air Force right now either. You mentioned graduating from the Advanced Standing Program. Are you a U.S. Citizen? If not, you're out of luck. You have to be a U.S. Citizen to serve as an officer.

The AF has been filling most of our needs over the last few years with HPSP students and we haven't recruited very many fully qualified (read already graduated with a license) dentists. That's not to say we won't, but the number has been low. Best way to find out is to contact your nearest Air Force Healthcare recruiter for the latest info.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[AFDDS]

Hi AFDDS,
Thankyou, yes I am a US citizen. Is there a way to get the contact info about the local airforce health care recruiter

Thank you once again for the prompt response. I appreciate that.

This website is probably the quickest way.

http://www.airforce.com/contact-us/recruiter-locator/

 

[teedoff00]

Sorry if it has already been asked, but would you happen to know the availability of the HPSP scholarships this year? I have heard rumors of only 30 AF HPSPs this year, which would have gone down significatly from the 80 last year.

Also, if availability is an issue, what are my chances when I know they offer 3 yr plans to current dental students?

Thanks!

 

[AFDDS]

I think the 30 number is the # of 3-year scholarships available. The 4-year number is probably less.

 

[korndoctor]

The AF is the most competitive scholarship to get while the army is the least. You can search on here for the pros and cons of each. The application for the scholarships are very lengthy you should get started asap in order to turn in your app as soon as you receive your acceptance letter (they might take it before your acceptance but I can't honestly remember). I turned my app in late and all the 4 year scholarships had been given out so I had to settle for a three year.

The physical is seemed to be a little more in depth than your standard physical but wasn't a big deal. Pee in a cup, check your body mass, weigh in etc.

I'm worried I won't be able to get an AF scholarship due to how competitive it is and it is my first choice...if we want it for fall 2010, is right now still early for the scholarship (4 year) because we are all just interviewing now and still haven't received acceptances to dental school until december 1st. Due to this worryness, should I also apply to navy and army just in case I don't receive AF. will they know I have applied to other branches and is this advisable?

for physical, will they ask u to do anything physically like run a mile, do pushups, or is it entirely a medical physical where they examine if your body is okay or not?

thanks for your replies

 

[gszilins]

AFDDS, I am finishing up the 4 year HPSP this year. I of course applied for the AEGD (which I really am looking forward to). They say the selection board meets the 29th of October, does this mean that we will find out if and where we will be doing our AEGD?

One more question: Does the airforce employ dental assistants or hygienists?

Thanks again for all of your great advise.....

 

[yuppers]

I think the 30 number is the # of 3-year scholarships available. The 4-year number is probably less.

.

 

[Truedat]

for physical, will they ask u to do anything physically like run a mile, do pushups, or is it entirely a medical physical where they examine if your body is okay or not?

thanks for your replies

It's a doctor checkup/medical physical. It's just to make sure you are healthy. You don't do any running pushups etc.

 

[AFDDS]

AFDDS, I am finishing up the 4 year HPSP this year. I of course applied for the AEGD (which I really am looking forward to). They say the selection board meets the 29th of October, does this mean that we will find out if and where we will be doing our AEGD?

One more question: Does the airforce employ dental assistants or hygienists?

Thanks again for all of your great advise.....

AEGD board results are usually announced within 1-2 weeks of the board.

We have enlisted technicians and hygienists. We also have some civilians in these positions as well.

 

[erwin99]

Hi, I'm a 3rd year dental student on a 3 year HPSP. I have a couple questions:
1. when applying for AEGD or regular active duty assignments, how is it decided who goes to hawaii (or any other base that everyone wants)? Is it based on grades and NBDE scores? I've heard if you have low board scores you may get stuck somewhere you dont like. Also is there some preferece given to the 4 year scholarship recipients over the 3 year-ers?
2. I'm debating applying for perio residency vs AEGD. My wife has heard (can't remember where) that having done an AEGD you're more valuable to the military and thus more likely to deploy. Any validity to this. What about during or after residency if you specialize? Do military periodontist or endodontist deploy?
3. If I choose not to do an AEGD or residency, will I be forced to be stuck doing only operative (I've heard this is especially the case at bases where residents are trained)? If there are cases that come up and (molar endo, surgical extractions, perio surgeries) will these always be given to the guy that has done the AEGD over the one that hasn't?



Thanks for all your help in this thread, its cleared up a ton of information for me already!

 

[AFDDS]

Hi, I'm a 3rd year dental student on a 3 year HPSP. I have a couple questions:
1. when applying for AEGD or regular active duty assignments, how is it decided who goes to hawaii (or any other base that everyone wants)? Is it based on grades and NBDE scores? I've heard if you have low board scores you may get stuck somewhere you dont like. Also is there some preferece given to the 4 year scholarship recipients over the 3 year-ers?
Board scores have nothing to do with assignments. Also, no preference is given to people with 4 year scholarships.

Assignments are based on openings and the needs of the USAF. Hawaii is not going to happen for someone just coming in. We have too many people already on Active Duty that are requesting Hawaii. Typically, you need to do a remote assignment to get Hawaii.

AFPC looks at what bases will have openings and you will get to choose from those.
2. I'm debating applying for perio residency vs AEGD. My wife has heard (can't remember where) that having done an AEGD you're more valuable to the military and thus more likely to deploy. Any validity to this. What about during or after residency if you specialize? Do military periodontist or endodontist deploy?
AEGD graduates are more likely to deploy than Perio or Endo. Not that those specialties won't deploy, because some Periodontists have. Specialists like Ortho, Endo, Perio, Prosth usually have to volunteer to go, but not always. AEGD graduates are "more valuable". We need all specialties.
3. If I choose not to do an AEGD or residency, will I be forced to be stuck doing only operative (I've heard this is especially the case at bases where residents are trained)? If there are cases that come up and (molar endo, surgical extractions, perio surgeries) will these always be given to the guy that has done the AEGD over the one that hasn't? If you aren't credentialed to do those other things, you won't be able to do them. That being said, the USAF Dental Service wants you to enjoy your practice. If you look back through some of my posts, you will see that I've said several times that we don't have the so called "amalgam lines". It is true that some of your procedures may be limited if you go to a base with a residency, but you aren't in it. The command staff and residency staff has the obligation to get the residents trained and therefore will give some cases to the residents. At Elmendorf, we don't take cases away from our General Dentistry staff. In other words, if you see a patient at sick-call and complete a pulpectomy and want to finish the root canal, we're not going to take that case away, you would be allowed to complete it.



Thanks for all your help in this thread, its cleared up a ton of information for me already!

Sounds like you want an AEGD, but aren't sure. Let me say that I know I'm biased as a Program Director, but it is worth every second you spend in the program. Ask yourself this. Would you be better off taking a weekend course to learn something, or would it be better to spend 1 year learning it with specialty oversight?

 

[Gentledental1]

Hello,
This thread is awesome, sorry if this question has already been asked but i'm knees deep in pathology for a test tomorrow so I had to make it quick and couldn't go through the whole thing. I'm a second year dental student on a 3 year hpsp scholarship:

One, is there anyway to switch from a 3 year to a 4 year scholarship? I chose the three year, my recruitor was trying to get me to go for 4 years as I had excellent grades and scores, but for some reason i was short sighted and now i've changed my mind seeing how pointless that extra year of loans was.

and two, is there somewhere that I can find a list of all the bases that offer residency programs? I just want to see what is offered where.

Thanks alot!

 

[AFDDS]

Hello,
This thread is awesome, sorry if this question has already been asked but i'm knees deep in pathology for a test tomorrow so I had to make it quick and couldn't go through the whole thing. I'm a second year dental student on a 3 year hpsp scholarship:

One, is there anyway to switch from a 3 year to a 4 year scholarship? I chose the three year, my recruitor was trying to get me to go for 4 years as I had excellent grades and scores, but for some reason i was short sighted and now i've changed my mind seeing how pointless that extra year of loans was.

and two, is there somewhere that I can find a list of all the bases that offer residency programs? I just want to see what is offered where.

Thanks alot!

Unfortunately, there is no way to switch once you have already started school.

AEGD Residencies:
Langley AFB, VA
Bolling AFB, DC/Andrews AFB, MD
Eglin AFB, FL
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
Keesler AFB, MS (also has GPR and endo)
Scott AFB, IL
Sheppard AFB, TX
Lackland AFB, TX (2-year AEGD and most specialties)
Offutt AFB, NE
USAF Academy, CO
Nellis AFB, NV
Travis AFB, CA (also has OMS)
Elmendorf AFB, AK (My personal favorite AEGD-1)

 

[preOMFS]

AF programs are competitive. However, if you have the grades, etc... to get into a civilain program, you'll get accepted to the AF programs. Not everyone gets in the first time they apply, so don't think it's a lock. You'll be competing against less people in the AF so the selection % is higher.

If you apply to civilian OMS programs as well as AF programs and get into both, are you forced to take the AF residency or do you get a choice?

 

[yuppers]

At one point can a person applying for a 4 year scholarship back out without any stings attached?

 

[AFDDS]

If you apply to civilian OMS programs as well as AF programs and get into both, are you forced to take the AF residency or do you get a choice?

It doesn't really work that way. To apply, you will apply to the AF board. Once accepted, they will tell you if you are going to the AF program or if you will need to apply to civilian programs (sponsored for AFIT). All applicants for OMS right out of dental school have to interview with the AF OMS consultant before applying. So, if you are considering this as an option, you need to contact the consultant before you do anything.

 

[AFDDS]

At one point can a person applying for a 4 year scholarship back out without any stings attached?

I'll get the 100% answer for you.

Personally, I think once you raise your hand and take the oath, you should honor your word, but I'll have to check the exact rules and get back to you.

 

[yuppers]

I'll get the 100% answer for you.

Personally, I think once you raise your hand and take the oath, you should honor your word, but I'll have to check the exact rules and get back to you.

I am currently applying for it and just had my interview a couple weeks ago so I don't even know if I am accepted yet. Some family and personal issues arose, and I decide it would be probably be better for me not to pursue the scholarship.

 

[preOMFS]

AFPC works hard to get you something you choose. Just please remember, sometimes "needs" of the Air Force or lack of openings at a particular base may dictate the need to send you somewhere else. See some comments on other threads about location. Most of the time it's not where you at, it who you're there with that make a location or break it.

In your opinion, would an oral surgeon have a better shot at getting their top choice as opposed to a GP because there are less surgeons?

 

[AFDDS]

I am currently applying for it and just had my interview a couple weeks ago so I don't even know if I am accepted yet. Some family and personal issues arose, and I decide it would be probably be better for me not to pursue the scholarship.

I received confirmation today that you can back out anytime before you receive any money. Once you receive money, you are obligated.

Don't give up on it yet. If you need a certain location due to a hardship that is possibly doable. Talk to your recruiter and see if they can help you first.

 

[AFDDS]

In your opinion, would an oral surgeon have a better shot at getting their top choice as opposed to a GP because there are less surgeons?

Less surgeons equals less quotas for surgeons equals less places to put them. So statistically, no. It all depneds on where openings are.

 

[yuppers]

I received confirmation today that you can back out anytime before you receive any money. Once you receive money, you are obligated.

Don't give up on it yet. If you need a certain location due to a hardship that is possibly doable. Talk to your recruiter and see if they can help you first.

When do you start receiving the money? Right before COT?
Yeah, I will continue to look into it and all my options.
Thanks.

 

[AFDDS]

When do you start receiving the money? Right before COT?
Yeah, I will continue to look into it and all my options.
Thanks.

Don't know the answer to that one. Maybe one of the other recipients can tell you.

 

[bowtheman]

I am considering accpeting the AFHPSP, but the majority of my decision to join the military is so that I can live over seas. However, if I join the military I will have to give up a private practice that nets 125K a year, working 3 days a week. I am considering giving it up just so I can live over seas since military is the only way to be a dentist over seas. How easy is it to be stationed overseas right out of dental school? Should I accept the AFHPSP?

 

[AFDDS]

I am considering accpeting the AFHPSP, but the majority of my decision to join the military is so that I can live over seas. However, if I join the military I will have to give up a private practice that nets 125K a year, working 3 days a week. I am considering giving it up just so I can live over seas since military is the only way to be a dentist over seas. How easy is it to be stationed overseas right out of dental school? Should I accept the AFHPSP?

It depends on openings. Some openings are held for AEGD trained dentists becuase they have skill sets we need OCONUS. However, if there are enough openings, it's not that hard. Just remember, you may not get Italy or Germany. It may be Japan. Needs of the Air Force come first.

 

[license2kill]

It depends on openings. Some openings are held for AEGD trained dentists becuase they have skill sets we need OCONUS. However, if there are enough openings, it's not that hard. Just remember, you may not get Italy or Germany. It may be Japan. Needs of the Air Force come first.

Is Japan relatively easy to get? And if you don't mind, where are the AF bases in Japan?

 

[PreDentRob]

And how good are the chances of getting Italy after doing a 1-yr AEGD? If you did get an oversees assignment, how long would you be there?

 

[PreDentRob]

Can someone give me more details on the humanitarian missions? I want to do as many of them as possible. What is the limit on how many you can do? Do other people choose where and when you have to go or does your base get to choose where you go? If I wanted to create and organize a new mission in a particular underserved country, is there any chance of doing something like that? Is there any way my wife could come too, like if she paid her own way?

 

[AFDDS]

Is Japan relatively easy to get? And if you don't mind, where are the AF bases in Japan?

Relatively easy. Misawa AB (northern Japan, not sure of exact city), Yakota AB (Tokyo), Kadena AB (Okinawa)

 

[AFDDS]

And how good are the chances of getting Italy after doing a 1-yr AEGD? If you did get an oversees assignment, how long would you be there?

Depends on whether or not there is an opening. Maybe 1 spot every other year or so will open there for new graduates. Too many people already on active duty that put some time in away from their family that want to go there.

Most overseas assignments are 3 years if you take your family. some are 2 if you don't and some are 1 and you can't take your family (usually have to volunteer for these)

 

[AFDDS]

Can someone give me more details on the humanitarian missions? I want to do as many of them as possible. What is the limit on how many you can do? Do other people choose where and when you have to go or does your base get to choose where you go? If I wanted to create and organize a new mission in a particular underserved country, is there any chance of doing something like that? Is there any way my wife could come too, like if she paid her own way?

No limit on how many. Not everyone gets to do one. Better chance of going if you have been to an AEGD. They are a coveted and many people want to go. The missions are set up by the base. You wouldn't be able to set one up and your wife would not be able to go.

 

[mmc58]

AEGD board results are usually announced within 1-2 weeks of the board.

We have enlisted technicians and hygienists. We also have some civilians in these positions as well.

Do you know how the news will arrive??? I keep checking my email but I have no idea if it comes by email or snail mail.

 

[AFDDS]

Usually via email. They will use whatever you gave them as your primary contact. It takes some time to get the info out.

 

[lphiewok]

I'm worried I won't be able to get an AF scholarship due to how competitive it is and it is my first choice...if we want it for fall 2010, is right now still early for the scholarship (4 year) because we are all just interviewing now and still haven't received acceptances to dental school until december 1st. Due to this worryness, should I also apply to navy and army just in case I don't receive AF. will they know I have applied to other branches and is this advisable?

this is exact same question i have.
can you please give us any ideas on this question?

 

[AFDDS]

this is exact same question i have.
can you please give us any ideas on this question?

There aren't as many 4-year HPSP scholarships this year as we have had in the past few years. I don't know the exact number. It will be competitive this year. As I've stated before, you should start applying for scholarships when you are applying to dental school. Your recruiters should have told you the same thing.

Applying to more than one service is a tricky subject. Some will tell you it is frowned upon. I can't say for sure. I will give you my personal opinion. If I wanted a scholarship and didn't care which service I joined, I would apply to all 3. If the AF was my main choice and I would be unhappy with the other services, I wouldn't apply to them and would wait to apply for a 3 year AF scholarship.

Many of these decisions are very personal ones. Being prior Army, I contacted the Army recruiter when I was considering joining. My ex brother-in-law was an AF dentist at the time and talked me into contacting the AF recruiter. Ultimately the decision came down to my interaction with the recruiters and the AF won going away. That was a personal decision that only I could make. You will need to do the same.

 

[theplge]

AFDDS,

I've read there are a few specialties that you cannot apply to directly out of school (namely ortho and endo). If I'm interested in pursuing one of these, would it still be worthwhile to do an AEGD first (even though the bulk of your time in the AEGD won't be in these areas)? Are AEGD grads given preferential treatment for specialties? Is it possible to just do a couple of years of active duty out of school and then apply for endo or ortho?

Thanks for your time!

 

[AFDDS]

AFDDS,

I've read there are a few specialties that you cannot apply to directly out of school (namely ortho and endo). If I'm interested in pursuing one of these, would it still be worthwhile to do an AEGD first (even though the bulk of your time in the AEGD won't be in these areas)? Are AEGD grads given preferential treatment for specialties? Is it possible to just do a couple of years of active duty out of school and then apply for endo or ortho?

Thanks for your time!

It would still be worthwile. If you talk to any specialty program director, they want well rounded residents. Most prefer to have someone that has been practicing because they have some experience. You will get quite a bit of experience in endo and ortho in your AEGD program.

AEGD graduates aren't necessarily given preferential treatment. However, AEGD graduates have worked under an AF Endodontist for a year and if they "shined" in Endo they can get a good letter of recommendation from someone with first hand experience of their capabilities and that can't hurt.

You can do just a year or two of practice and then apply. Your GPA and GRE scores will need to carry you, so keep them as high as you can.

 

[g23armani]

You can do just a year or two of practice and then apply. Your GPA and GRE scores will need to carry you, so keep them as high as you can.

Do all Air Force residency programs require the GRE? Are the scores good for 5 years? (thought I read that somewhere...). If so, can you use scores taken right before you matriculate into dental school? I think I'll have more time to study for the GRE now than in dental school...

 

[AFDDS]

Do all Air Force residency programs require the GRE? Are the scores good for 5 years? (thought I read that somewhere...). If so, can you use scores taken right before you matriculate into dental school? I think I'll have more time to study for the GRE now than in dental school...

GRE scores are good for 5 years. As far as I know, there is no time frame at which you must take them as long as they are less than 5 years old when you apply.

Not all programs require it, but most do. It can't hurt to take it, as it might be a deciding factor at the board.

 

[nailz]

It seems like everyone got news on friday. Should I assume I didn't get in?

 

[AFDDS]

It seems like everyone got news on friday. Should I assume I didn't get in?

Not yet.

 

[mongoldent]

If somebody opts out of the AEDG, is there any potential to switch AEGD sites or is it pretty much set in stone?

 

[Truedat]

AFDDS

What the monthly amount for HDP at Elmendorf?

 

[nailz]

I am an alternate.....so what are the chances of getting a spot? When would I find out about my assignment if I don't get accepted into AEGD? Will I get a dreamsheet to select my bases? If so, does that mean I will probably be at a larger base if I am non AEGD?

 

[AFDDS]

If somebody opts out of the AEDG, is there any potential to switch AEGD sites or is it pretty much set in stone?

As you noted, it's pretty much set in stone.

 

[AFDDS]

AFDDS

What the monthly amount for HDP at Elmendorf?

I'm not familiar with HDP. If this is housing allowance (BAH) it will be around $2k give or take a few hundred dollars.

 

[AFDDS]

I am an alternate.....so what are the chances of getting a spot? When would I find out about my assignment if I don't get accepted into AEGD? Will I get a dreamsheet to select my bases? If so, does that mean I will probably be at a larger base if I am non AEGD?

Getting in will depend on someone else declining the AEGD. It varies from year to year on how many will decline. Some years no on declines and some we'll have 4 or 5.

Not sure when you'll start the process with AFPC if you don't get accepted, but it will be after they have all the commitments in. I'll see if I can find out the exact process for you.

 

[erwin99]

Hi, I'm a Jr HPSP student and am interested in pediatric dentistry. I'm confused how this residency works in the AF. Do they accept new residents every year? Does that number change? Can I apply directly out of school? Where does a pediatric dentist work in the AF exactly? kids of servicemen? What would you say would be the best way to get in? Thanks

 

[erwin99]

Also is there an easy way to find out for each base, how many dentists and how many specialists are stationed there at any given time? (does this change?) Thanks

 

[AFDDS]

Hi, I'm a Jr HPSP student and am interested in pediatric dentistry. I'm confused how this residency works in the AF. Do they accept new residents every year? Does that number change? Can I apply directly out of school? Where does a pediatric dentist work in the AF exactly? kids of servicemen? What would you say would be the best way to get in? Thanks

We don't train any pediatric dentists in the AF. You apply to our board and if accepted, you will then apply to civilian programs and the AF will pay for you to go to a civilian program.

Not sure if they accept residents every year or not. It's based on need. The number can change from year to year. You can apply directly out of school.

You would work in the dental clinic on base. Depending on where you are will depend on who you see. Mostly dependents of active duty.

Best way to get in is to study hard and get good grades. Also, showing interest by completing some extra pediatrics or getting some good letters from the pediatric dentsits at your school will help.