Ok I am trying to figure out the army lingo for salary. I was told if I do the 4yr scholarship that during my 4 payback yrs. I would be getting base pay (43,900/yr) + $250/month special pay for being a dentist and after my 2nd year of payback I would start to get $208 board certification pay. Also that there was $10,000 special pay that you get at the end of the year (but this 10,000 could be paid monthly at $833/month.) Does this sound right? I feel like I might not be understanding it correctly. Any help would be awesome!
Ask an Army Dentist
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Hi. I was wondering if the results from the dental residency selection board had been released. I tried to click on the link in AMEDD, but it wouldn't allow me access even though I was using the AKO account. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks.
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Army Residency programs lists have come out. Some quick stats - I do not know how many applied - I assume it's the total number accepted plus alternates - but it may be a little different.
Comprehensive dentist - 20 accepted 8 graduating dental students (all 8 accepted) - 1 alternate
Perio - 4 accepted (1 graduating dental student applied and they beat out Army dentists) - 4 alternate
Endo - 9 accepted - 12 alternates (no dental students - don't think they can apply for endo or ortho right out of school)
Prosth - 5 accepted (1 dental student accepted) - 6 alternates (4 graduating dental students)
Pedo - 2 accepted - 1 alternate (graduating dental student)
Ortho - 3 accepted - 6 alternates - no dental students (probably couldn't apply out of school)
OMFS - 11 accepted - 3 graduating dental students - 9 alternates (3 graduating dental)
Take home point
- great odds of getting a specialty
- graduating dental students do beat out current Army Dentists for spots.
- people selected as alternates do have the chance to slide into positions as peoples minds/circumstances change.
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Find a healthcare recruiter and ask them. Even if scholarships are given out they have alternate lists and use them.
Other than that there are not a lot of other ways to get in. As a senior you can apply for some of the Army specialties, and if accepted come on active duty when you graduate. They offer loan repayment plans. or a signing bonus (don't take both after dental school).
I agree with krmower with great odds of getting a specialty with TIME.
I am currently in a 1 year Army AEGD program. 4 out of 4 who applied DID NOT get in. Granted 3 applied to Endo and 1 applied to OMFS. We are all crossing our fingers that we are on top of the alternate list
Prior service, Decent grades and boards scores, strong letters of recommendations and completed OBLC are not enough for some graduate programs. It has been suggested that good OERS, completed 1 yr AEGD program and deployments will strengthen your application. All these take more time in the military to achieve your goal of entering a competitive graduate program.
Take Home Point: You will eventually get into the residency program of your choice, just be ARMY Strong!
I am currently in a 1 year Army AEGD program. 4 out of 4 who applied DID NOT get in. Granted 3 applied to Endo and 1 applied to OMFS. We are all crossing our fingers that we are on top of the alternate list
Prior service, Decent grades and boards scores, strong letters of recommendations and completed OBLC are not enough for some graduate programs. It has been suggested that good OERS, completed 1 yr AEGD program and deployments will strengthen your application. All these take more time in the military to achieve your goal of entering a competitive graduate program.Take Home Point: You will eventually get into the residency program of your choice, just be ARMY Strong!
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Krmower,
Specifically directing this at you, since you're the only comp dentist I know of in the military on these forums. I've read the little blurbs on the official services' sites, but I'd like to know more about the specialty.
What was your residency like?
Why did you pick it?
You went right out of school (I assume), was it terribly difficult to get in like that?
How different is it as a comp dentist vs a general dentist (with or w/o a 1 year AEGD or something)?
I've read here that you guys get deployed the most of any speciality, could you add anything to that, confirm (this has something to do with you getting the same perks as OMFS in the military)?
When you get out, will you end up working just like a regular general dentist (asking because the ADA doesn't seem to recognize comprehensive dentistry as a specialty)?
Are you happy with your decision and do you see yourself remaining a comprehensive dentist til retirement?
Thanks!
Specifically directing this at you, since you're the only comp dentist I know of in the military on these forums. I've read the little blurbs on the official services' sites, but I'd like to know more about the specialty.
What was your residency like?
Why did you pick it?
You went right out of school (I assume), was it terribly difficult to get in like that?
How different is it as a comp dentist vs a general dentist (with or w/o a 1 year AEGD or something)?
I've read here that you guys get deployed the most of any speciality, could you add anything to that, confirm (this has something to do with you getting the same perks as OMFS in the military)?
When you get out, will you end up working just like a regular general dentist (asking because the ADA doesn't seem to recognize comprehensive dentistry as a specialty)?
Are you happy with your decision and do you see yourself remaining a comprehensive dentist til retirement?
Thanks!
Hi Everyone, Please Help me!
I'm currently a D4 dental student. It's about time for graduation and I am posting in regards to trying to obtain the FULL ARMY lifestyle while being a dentist. I am very interested in being detached with a Special Forces Unit, Ranger Regiment (if they have dentist in any of their Battalions), 101st Airborne Infantry..you name it. I applied for the 1 year AEGD program since it was mandatory, but I hear if you accept it, its leaning more to the DENTCOM side of the fence. I want to pretty much be in the ****. It's a bit odd for me to say this, but I figure I have the rest of my life to do Dentistry. I love getting my hands dirty and doing grunt work. Since I'm in the Army, why not make the most of it and do what a soldier is trained to do. Please do help me in the right direction if any of you can, I would be greatly appreciative of it. Thank you!
-TT
I'm currently a D4 dental student. It's about time for graduation and I am posting in regards to trying to obtain the FULL ARMY lifestyle while being a dentist. I am very interested in being detached with a Special Forces Unit, Ranger Regiment (if they have dentist in any of their Battalions), 101st Airborne Infantry..you name it. I applied for the 1 year AEGD program since it was mandatory, but I hear if you accept it, its leaning more to the DENTCOM side of the fence. I want to pretty much be in the ****. It's a bit odd for me to say this, but I figure I have the rest of my life to do Dentistry. I love getting my hands dirty and doing grunt work. Since I'm in the Army, why not make the most of it and do what a soldier is trained to do. Please do help me in the right direction if any of you can, I would be greatly appreciative of it. Thank you!
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I would disagree that comprehensive dentists get deployed the most. In all my years in the Army, I never saw a single 63B get deployed from a post I was stationed at, but the 63A's were going over all the time. That doesn't mean that they don't deploy, but far more 63A's deploy than 63B's. The reason for this may be that most dentists only deploy once in their whole career. So the 63A's that are in for 4 years usually deploy during that 4 years and get out, while the 63B's tend to stay in for 20 years and only deploy once during that 20 years. So the 63B's probably all deploy eventually, but not many are deployed at any given time. Not sure if that makes sense.
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You will have to do the 1-yr AEGD to be a SF dentist. They want someone with an advanced skill set that can handle anything thrown their way in the field. I know a couple of guys that were SF dentists in 5th group at Ft Campbell. Being an SF dentist is a pretty much a guaranteed entrance into any specialty you choose, the selection boards eat that up. You can be attached to a brigade and train/deploy with them whether you do the AEGD or not, but it is far more likely if you do the AEGD. After my AEGD, almost everyone in my class was assigned to a brigade upon graduation and deployed, whereas 63As without the AEGD usually deploy as PROFIS. Doing the AEGD is definitely not "leaning towards the DENCOM side of the fence," actually quite the opposite.
FYI dentists in the Army are trained to do dentistry and that is about all they do. Outside of OBLC, being deployed, or being assigned to a brigade, you don't get to do any "soldier" activities. Occasionally you might get to march in a change of command ceremony and do a PT test, but other than that it is 0730-1630 drilling and filling.
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I agree with Hawk. If you do the 1 yr AEGD you will have a better chance of getting assigned to a combat unit - especially if you ask for it.
Once in a combat unit since you are no longer "assigned" to the Dental Corps it will be up to you and your new Commander (who is not a dentist) to shape your experiences. I know many dentists that have gotten to do some cool things while assigned as a Brigade dentist (Airborne, Air Assault, etc...). If you ask for certain types of units - 101st or 82nd Airborne, SF, etc... you have a great chance of getting them.
If you also want to experience things beyond that volunteer for a deployment. It will allow you to have some control over when you go. If you are assigned to a Brigade you will know soon after arriving when they are planning on deploying next - so you won't have to volunteer.
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Krmower,
Specifically directing this at you, since you're the only comp dentist I know of in the military on these forums. I've read the little blurbs on the official services' sites, but I'd like to know more about the specialty.
What was your residency like?
It was not like another year of dental school. It was also not just an additional year on top of the 12 month AEGD program. We saw patients M-Th and had a didactic day on Fri. We did unit PT 3 mornings/week. We prepared 1 lecture a year to our DENTAC. We had to write a paper on a topic we chose. On our didactic days we did literature reviews, listened to lectures from our specialty docs, and did hands on labs. We had consultants flown in to lecture to us (Stanley Malamed, Douglass Damm, etc...). We began with advanced cases and built on them. We were able to take on long comprehensive cases because we had 2 yrs to complete them. We rotated through each specialty for a total of 1 week each month i.e. 1 week all prosth, 1 week endo pm/perio am, 1 week OS, 1 week comprehensive - whatever we wanted to do. 3 months rotation OMFS the first year. It is much different than the 1 yr program.
Why did you pick it?
Because I like doing everything. If I ever get out I will be able to refer less cases out (more $$$). I receive the benefits of being a specialist in the military (assignment opportunities, bonuses). If I decide later I want to specialize in a different specialty I can after 5 yrs (other specialists can not - they specialize and they are stuck).
You went right out of school (I assume), was it terribly difficult to get in like that?
Not at the time. Although it is more competative now, the last class that was accepted had all 8 dental students that apply get accepted.
How different is it as a comp dentist vs a general dentist (with or w/o a 1 year AEGD or something)?
You will have much more autonomy as a comp dentist. Different level of respect. You will also make much more money.
I've read here that you guys get deployed the most of any speciality, could you add anything to that, confirm (this has something to do with you getting the same perks as OMFS in the military)?
As Hawk mentioned, general dentists get deployed the most. In a given deployment they will always request more general dentists than any other specialty. That being said, they do allow other specialists to volunteer and jump into general dentists spots on a deployment.
The deployment I am currently on has prosthodontists (a lot), periodontists (many), pediatric dentists, and endodontists that all volunteered and took the place of either comp dentists or general dentists.
Next to general dentists, comp dentists probably do deploy in higher numbers than other specialists. This is due to the fact that they have a skill set that lets them be fairly self sufficient in a remote location while minimizing the need to medevac patients to other locations to get work done.
The other reason is that there are a lot more comp dentists then any other specialty. That being said I still forsee comp dentists only being deployed once in their career unless they volunteer for a 2nd one. There will always be enough new comp dentists coming in as well as older ones that haven't gone to fill the need.
When you get out, will you end up working just like a regular general dentist (asking because the ADA doesn't seem to recognize comprehensive dentistry as a specialty)?
I will work as a general dentist - but I will be a "super duper" general dentist
With my pension and investments I may also be able to retire, teach in a dental school, work in a community clinic, volunteer in some 3rd world country, work for the VA - the options are vast. I like being able to have choices.
Are you happy with your decision and do you see yourself remaining a comprehensive dentist til retirement?
I currently do see myself staying at least until 20 - possibly more. I have already stayed past my initial obligation and I am enjoying what I do. If it ever stops being fun it is nice to know I can go out and start a practice and not miss a step.
Thanks!
Hope that helps
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Thank you very much, that was more response than I expected! Best of luck with the deployment.
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Correction...you are no longer assigned to Dencom...still in the Dental Corps...
If you are looking to do "fun Army stuff" and still want to specialize, you should wait a minimum of 2 years after graduation until you start a specialty. This will give you a benefit in terms of the Multi year retention bonus and still give you time to go to Division/Group, etc. I find that those people that go to a Bravo program straight out of school tend to regret doing so, since they didn't realize those doors that close once they graduate from the B program.
Eric
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Not all of us regret it
I agree...I feel that people coming out of dental school should realize that certain doors close when they go into the B program. I have seen too many people not realize their options..
Hoping your deployment is going well!
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Actually the deployment has been pretty pleasant. I've posted some pictures of it at http://www.armystrongstories.com/blogger/kendall-mower might bring back some memories of Iraq for you
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Actually the deployment has been pretty pleasant. I've posted some pictures of it at http://www.armystrongstories.com/blogger/kendall-mower might bring back some memories of Iraq for you
Oh yes it does...I check your page frequently! Those rain pics....arrrggghhhh
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Actually the deployment has been pretty pleasant. I've posted some pictures of it at http://www.armystrongstories.com/blogger/kendall-mower might bring back some memories of Iraq for you
Wow, amazing blog!! You should've shared this earlier man, almost makes me want to join the Army just for the deployments, though I don't know if I could deal with tents again, only had to put up with those for a month of my saudi/kuwait deployment in the AF.
What is "Medical Proficiency 9B"? Also, do you carry a gun (9mm)?
Are you required to take pictures of people's mouths for every procedure, or is that just a educational hobby you do? Man, those stained teeth are fscking gnarly! Did she explain why she chewed betel nut? Why were you living in Thailand (nevermind this one, just read your first blog post) and why are that guy's teeth so insanely stained?
You can do wisdom teeth extractions too, I thought that was OMFS only? How did you anesthetize him, just locally? And, why did you remove the nerve, will it just rot in there or something if you don't? Wow, how did he develop that abcess?! Are those autoclaves in your clinic? If so, is that the typical method used for sterilization?
That woman (female soldier) with the massive swelling behind the front teeth, you mentioned not taking care of her teeth, what exactly did she have to do (or not do) specifically to get them like that? And man, stitching inside the mouth, that's gotta be some of the most crazy hard stitching anywhere on/in the body! Do you learn that in dental school, or is that a comprehensive dentist thing?
Man, I never thought of people having such fscked up teeth... this is just reinforcing my thoughts on having such an easy time my whole life with my own teeth, and trying to help others have it better too.
Thanks again for sharing, you're really an awesome source of info on this site.
Edit: Didn't realize your blog was so long and so thorough, they should make all the branches do this with their medical officers (not every single one, but at least have a few). Anyway, incredible source of info, god, not only is it telling me so so so much about Army dentistry, but it's piquing my interest on the dental side unhealthily! I think I could come up with a new thread just asking you questions about all these radiographs and patient cases you post! I'll definitely do a blog like this once I'm in, regardless of branch, very inspiring.
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Wow, amazing blog!! You should've shared this earlier man, almost makes me want to join the Army just for the deployments, though I don't know if I could deal with tents again, only had to put up with those for a month of my saudi/kuwait deployment in the AF.
Actually the tents were only for about 3 days while we were in transient housing - we stay in CHUs (containerized housing units) out here with A/C and heat- I will post pictures of those as well I haven't done it yet cause I need some things in the future to still blog about.
What is "Medical Proficiency 9B"? Also, do you carry a gun (9mm)?
9B in the Army means that you are board certified in your specialty. 9A means that you have been recognized by the Surgeon General.
While deployed we do carry a 9mm everywhere.
Are you required to take pictures of people's mouths for every procedure, or is that just a educational hobby you do? Man, those stained teeth are fscking gnarly! Did she explain why she chewed betel nut? Why were you living in Thailand (nevermind this one, just read your first blog post) and why are that guy's teeth so insanely stained?
The pictures I take so that I can adequately represent what I see to anyone who wants to read the blog ... It adds more credibility.
As a comprehensive dentist we do extensive training in OMFS. Once you are done with your residency you do those procedures you feel you are competant and trained to do. As a Comp dentist I don't have to ask peoples permission. On the same note, I am expected to be able to provide the same level of care that an OMFS would (just like in private practice). If you don't you can have that privelege/credential taken away from you.
At the base I work at in Iraq we have the ability to do either IV sedation with the anesthesiaologits/CRNA or local anesthetics with novacaine. We do both - the majority are with novacaine.
The tooth was being pulled out anyway - taking the nerve out was just for fun - both the tooth and nerve were discarded after the procedure.
Are those autoclaves in your clinic? If so, is that the typical method used for sterilization?
These are the typical autoclaves both while deployed as well as back in the regular dental clinics. The regular dental clinics more frequently use the Pelton and Crane (or "Big Bertha") autoclaves that are able to handle a much larger capacity of instruments. They also use vacuum assisted sterilizers that are built into walls so you have a clean side and dirty side for sterilization.
That woman (female soldier) with the massive swelling behind the front teeth, you mentioned not taking care of her teeth, what exactly did she have to do (or not do) specifically to get them like that? And man, stitching inside the mouth, that's gotta be some of the most crazy hard stitching anywhere on/in the body! Do you learn that in dental school, or is that a comprehensive dentist thing?
You don't floss you get periodontal disease (bone loss). Learn it in the comprehensive dentist training.
Man, I never thought of people having such fscked up teeth... this is just reinforcing my thoughts on having such an easy time my whole life with my own teeth, and trying to help others have it better too.
Thanks again for sharing, you're really an awesome source of info on this site.
Edit: Didn't realize your blog was so long and so thorough, they should make all the branches do this with their medical officers (not every single one, but at least have a few). Anyway, incredible source of info, god, not only is it telling me so so so much about Army dentistry, but it's piquing my interest on the dental side unhealthily! I think I could come up with a new thread just asking you questions about all these radiographs and patient cases you post! I'll definitely do a blog like this once I'm in, regardless of branch, very inspiring.
Best of luck
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Why do we need Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons then?
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1) Because not all non-OMFS dentists have the same skill sets.
2) Some space infections - lateral pharyngeal in particular - should only be handled by an OMFS.
3) Facial trauma
4) orthognathic surgeries
5) not all dentists are going to have sedation capabilities
6) Someone has to make the "big bucks"
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I must admit, I had a lot of great experiences in the army, done tons of OS(full bony), emergency treatments, endo etc.... and they are my fundation to build upon. However, on the other side of the token, I think army has blindfolded me for the business aspect of the dentistry. I had tough time adjusting to the business side of this field when I first got out. That is why....these people can't make it out in the real world but have no choice going back. Also, I personally know some retired COLs could not make it out in the civilian world but stick with the military as a GS or contractor OIC. I am like, dude, I have seen enough of you here, move on man!Is really a personal choice? maybe maybe not. I don't think anyone would turn down 200000 annual salary if they can make that much out in the civilian sector.
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I'd be more than happy to retire from the military with zero debt (and all those years or working without the stress of a mountain of debt to pay off along the way... I've had student loans, and even in the 20k range, it isn't fun; probably live longer
, and military retirement at O-5 would be great. I don't need to drive a 100k car, save millions and millions, and own a big house. Plenty of people work their entire lives and never make as much as an O-5 gets in just his/her pension. (I won't even bother including here the 100ks in bonus money along the way). They can't make it in the real world? What does that even mean, and how do you know they can't (how is it not a choice to work for the govt instead of private sector, you make it sound like they're a complete hack, or eating cat food and can't make ends meet)? I don't even see a downside to working as a GS dentist/supervisor after retirement, sounds great to me (who wants to retire and then start all over again, yuck!)
In regard to you, how is coming out of the Army into private business any different than coming out of dental school into private business? I don't see how the Army could have had a negative impact there. If anything it would've boosted your chances, with less starting financial burden and much better clinical skills.
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I'd be more than happy to retire from the military with zero debt (and all those years or working without the stress of a mountain of debt to pay off along the way... I've had student loans, and even in the 20k range, it isn't fun; probably live longer
They can't make it in the real world? What does that even mean, and how do you know they can't (how is it not a choice to work for the govt instead of private sector, you make it sound like they're a complete hack, or eating cat food and can't make ends meet)? I don't even see a downside to working as a GS dentist/supervisor after retirement, sounds great to me (who wants to retire and then start all over again, yuck!)
In regard to you, how is coming out of the Army into private business any different than coming out of dental school into private business? I don't see how the Army could have had a negative impact there. If anything it would've boosted your chances, with less starting financial burden and much better clinical skills.
Good argument, but....I think pros and cons of military dentistry has been discussed numerous times here and I don't want to talk about it again.
That is what I feel PERSONALLY. You might argue differently, that is OK. But I wish I could have more business exposure, which is impossible in the military, and I got to learn all of that from scratch.
As much as coushy it sounds in the military, I still enjoy my freedom and civilian life. Yeah, it is tough out here and there is no guarantee for anything but hey, oppertunities lies within risks.
Just my person experience. Nothing against those who are hardcore army guys, and I saulte your service
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Good morning everyone,
It has been a loooooong time since I have been at SDN and now I am an Army dentist in the 1 yr AEGD. So far, it's been a good experience. We just got our next duty assignments and I got my 1st choice----Bamberg, Germany!
I was just wondering if anyone knows any of the dentists there or in Germany, because I have a few questions to ask about command sponsorship, PCS-ing, family travel orders, passports/visas for my family and things like that. I have found a lot of the information I was looking for online, but I would like to talk to someone who has personally done it. If you happen to know someone who wouldn't mind a few questions, please let me know. I would appreciate it greatly!!!
On the flip-side, if anyone else has questions for ME (AEGD, Army life, transition from dental school, etc), please let know!
Thank you!
It has been a loooooong time since I have been at SDN and now I am an Army dentist in the 1 yr AEGD. So far, it's been a good experience. We just got our next duty assignments and I got my 1st choice----Bamberg, Germany!
I was just wondering if anyone knows any of the dentists there or in Germany, because I have a few questions to ask about command sponsorship, PCS-ing, family travel orders, passports/visas for my family and things like that. I have found a lot of the information I was looking for online, but I would like to talk to someone who has personally done it. If you happen to know someone who wouldn't mind a few questions, please let me know. I would appreciate it greatly!!!
On the flip-side, if anyone else has questions for ME (AEGD, Army life, transition from dental school, etc), please let know!
Thank you!
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I'd be more than happy to retire from the military with zero debt (and all those years or working without the stress of a mountain of debt to pay off along the way... I've had student loans, and even in the 20k range, it isn't fun; probably live longer
They can't make it in the real world? What does that even mean, and how do you know they can't (how is it not a choice to work for the govt instead of private sector, you make it sound like they're a complete hack, or eating cat food and can't make ends meet)? I don't even see a downside to working as a GS dentist/supervisor after retirement, sounds great to me (who wants to retire and then start all over again, yuck!)
In regard to you, how is coming out of the Army into private business any different than coming out of dental school into private business? I don't see how the Army could have had a negative impact there. If anything it would've boosted your chances, with less starting financial burden and much better clinical skills.
This ought to make things even better for you then Kahr - If you have done all your military schools and specialty training - the normal time line is to pin on O-6 (Colonel) at 18 yrs. Most Army dentists retire as an O-6 which means even higher retirement pay
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Easiest thing I found in the past was to send an intro email to the DENTAC Commander. That will get the dialogue going and speed up the assignment of a sponsor that you can begin communicating with.
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This ought to make things even better for you then Kahr - If you have done all your military schools and specialty training - the normal time line is to pin on O-6 (Colonel) at 18 yrs. Most Army dentists retire as an O-6 which means even higher retirement pay
I don't know sir, O-8 may be a bit more my level.
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This is a very informative thread, I spent the better part of today procrastinating work to read it.
I will be starting dental school next year and have applied for HPSP, before I get in too deep I want to make sure I have my facts straight and was hoping someone can just confirm or refute my thoughts. I would like to reserve the first couple of years after dental school to really advance my clinical skills, so by the time I am ready to start/buy my own practice I am very confident in my abilities and range of procedures. It sound like the best way to do this in the Army is to do a 2yr AEGD followed by the 4 year HPSP commitment. Do you think that I will be at a huge disadvantage if I simply do the 4 year payback and not the AEGD, and if so what procedures will I be lacking skills at as a result?
Additionally, I am curious if you think that working as a civilian dentists for 4 years after dental school will give you the same, more or less clinical exposure as just doing the 4yr HPSP payback? I understand that there are a ton of variables that affect this, so I'm just looking for a general answer, if that's possible.
Thanks guys, and again great thread!
I will be starting dental school next year and have applied for HPSP, before I get in too deep I want to make sure I have my facts straight and was hoping someone can just confirm or refute my thoughts. I would like to reserve the first couple of years after dental school to really advance my clinical skills, so by the time I am ready to start/buy my own practice I am very confident in my abilities and range of procedures. It sound like the best way to do this in the Army is to do a 2yr AEGD followed by the 4 year HPSP commitment. Do you think that I will be at a huge disadvantage if I simply do the 4 year payback and not the AEGD, and if so what procedures will I be lacking skills at as a result?
Additionally, I am curious if you think that working as a civilian dentists for 4 years after dental school will give you the same, more or less clinical exposure as just doing the 4yr HPSP payback? I understand that there are a ton of variables that affect this, so I'm just looking for a general answer, if that's possible.
Thanks guys, and again great thread!
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Main difference between 4 yrs in private practice and 4 yrs in the Army without any additional training would be the group practice environment where you may be ablet to pick up some additional mentoring.
I personally feel the 2 yr AEGD will make you a much better dentist. If you don't do it (and do no other training) you will lack perio surgery skills, Complex oral surgery skills, possible molar endo, and sound decision making abilities in restorative plans. I cringe at times by what I see dentists with no post graduate training do (both in and out of the military) - veneers end up looking like crowns, the tooth under crowns look like little TeePees with no retention, composite restorations fall out because they are too lazy to use a rubber dam, or somehow think that a composite restoration with a deep subgingival proximal (or buccal) box will be just fine if you blow enough air at it while trying to restore it.
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63B is always a good training oppertunity if you decide to stay in. Only 2 years and you are on your way to be an O6. Retirement pay is just awesome if you like 20 years in the military.
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Great, thanks for the help. So what would be the difference in terms of scope of procedures I would be certified to do if I do a 1yr AEGD vs a 2yr AEGD?
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Please read back through the threads - been covered several times in them.
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Isn't the retirement pay after 20 yrs AD a half of the basic at the time of retirement? I assume that is taxable--but even w/o taxes, it's less than $5K a month for O6. After taxes, it'd be less than $4K a month for sure. Are there more entitlements, other than the basic salary pay?
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there are a few other factors including when u initially enter service, but that's pretty much the basic formula.
but honestly, $50k per year for the rest of your life, starting from when you are in your late 40's (assuming you went in right after school and did 20 years straight) isn't too shabby.
As someone who's been in private practice after the military, although my pay is many times what I made in the military, and I have put away quite a bit, because of the market, my savings never went up like they like to portray it in the brochure's from Vanguard, T. Rowe Price, Fidelity, etc.
as many have noted, you won't get rich in the military, or enjoy the same lifestyle that you might in the private sector (although nothing is a given, you will have to WORK, and work HARD, to make top dollar in private practice), but it's not a bad route to go, especially if you get the training you want, and you and your family enjoy the lifestyle. I always enjoyed it, my wife, well..... she wasn't real crazy about it......
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Anything more than 20 yrs you add another 2.5% per year. You also get the medical benefits - health care at bases, prescriptions, Tricare if you aren't near a base. Any access to the facilities at a base - but medical is the bit entitlement beyond the pension.
I wouldn't worry about it now. Get in - take it for a test drive - make the decision as you actually get closer to getting out - don't try to decide before you get in. You ask many of the dentists that stay in for the long haul and their answer is very similiar, "...I was just going to stay in for 4 years and then get out when....".
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well said. pretty much all O-6s i'd met said the same. it seems they'd go somewhere else to get the 2d paycheck after military anyway, so i guess it's not such a bad idea to earn free money for doing nothing.
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Sounds like a job for your recruiter, I'd speak to him/her ASAP.
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The military doesn't have anything to do with switching schools. Their only obligation is paying your tuition - they don't negotiate, mediate, or instigate things with the schools.
This is something you will have to work out. Just realize if you change schools and it is not a seamless transition (i.e. you have to wait a year before you pick up with the other school) you may be considered "dropping out" and they could have you come on active duty as a medical service corps officer. Read your HPSP contract very carefully before you decide to do anything like that.
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Thank you for your answer. I was actually asking whether they will pay for the difference if the school I'm switching to (private) cost more than my current (public) school? Sorry I should've worded it in a better way.
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Yes. They will pay the increased cost. You are not bound to any one school. Just let them know as the transition is going to happen so they can make sure they don't pay the old school and they get the new stuff in the system.
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I'm a current brigade dentist, I've been with my line unit for over 2 years. It's been a good run, but I'm ready to get back to hanging with other fellow dentists and I can now see why a lot of dentists call it quits in the army. Here are some points I want to emphasize and I will be brutally honest:
Advantages:
-You're the only dentist in the brigade, all your leadership are line officers/maybe physicians and therefore have no idea what you do.
-No one watching over your shoulder, you make your own hours. Once I'm done with my last patient for the day I go home.
-It gives you an advantage into getting accepted into a residency
-You will know what its like to be in the "real Army" and all that Hooah stuff
Disadvantages:
-12 month deployments, this is actually a big deal. After deploying for a year, I look at 6 month DENTAC (TDA/Prophis) Deployments as cake-walks (I will elaborate next)
-During deployments you will be with exposed to all the craziness, CONVOYS, plain old stupidity of a line unit. Hurry up and wait. Inventory madness. Sub-par living conditions. And, again, being brutally honest, unlike the DENTAC fobbits (never leave the "wire", google this term if you want more info), you will put to use and you will be on the road, IED threat and all.
-Freakin' field exercises (no showers), JRTC/NTC. Field training is usually a week (or 2) long and you're out in tents. JRTC/NTC is usually 28 days long (you have access to showers, however). As the dentist, your job will be to set up your field clinic and see patients. Its ridiculously boring.
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Hmm, so what are the odds you'll end up as a brigade dentist in the army? Was this a choice you made? Does the type of dentist you are make a difference?
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I've had this question for a while as well. What's the ratio of dentists in DENTAC vs assigned to a unit? I know that it can change, but a rough ratio would help me understand the odds.
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It depends on where you are stationed, if you've deployed or not when a brigade slot opens up, and whether you've done the 1 year AEGD. If you are stationed at a post with few brigades, then obviously your odds of being assigned to a brigade are lower than a post with several brigades. If you are stationed at a post and a brigade slot opens up, sometimes they fill the slot with a DENTAC dentist that hasn't deployed yet. The most likely way to get assigned to a brigade is to do a 1 year AEGD. After you finish the AEGD the Army typically sends you straight to a brigade slot, usually by PCSing you somewhere with an open brigade slot. Its the Army's way of getting paid back for that year of training they just gave you. One of the goals of the AEGD is to provide dentists with the skills to be the only dentist for a brigade and handle anything that is thrown their way.
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