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You are correct. I looked and couldn't find anything new.
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Hello,
I am currently a 2nd year dental student and have become very interested in going into the military after completing school. The one thing that concerns me is that at this point I want to specialize and I am not sure about how things work in the military with specializing. My question is, is it harder or easier to obtain a residency in the army compared to other branches of the military or even civilian programs based upon scores needed, spots, and even number of army hospitals when spots are available. Also, based upon your experience, is obtaining a spot in a dental residency based upon your grades and work in dental school or rather post-college work, deployments, and AEGD's. I really like the idea of gaining initial experience working with the military and even specializing with the military but at the same time I am entirely confused about the how everything works and it is overwhelming at the same time. I don't have a particular residency in mind at this time because I am still just getting into clinic but for the sake of the question lets say OMFS or Ortho (I'm guessing the harder ones to obtain)
Thanks,
I am currently a 2nd year dental student and have become very interested in going into the military after completing school. The one thing that concerns me is that at this point I want to specialize and I am not sure about how things work in the military with specializing. My question is, is it harder or easier to obtain a residency in the army compared to other branches of the military or even civilian programs based upon scores needed, spots, and even number of army hospitals when spots are available. Also, based upon your experience, is obtaining a spot in a dental residency based upon your grades and work in dental school or rather post-college work, deployments, and AEGD's. I really like the idea of gaining initial experience working with the military and even specializing with the military but at the same time I am entirely confused about the how everything works and it is overwhelming at the same time. I don't have a particular residency in mind at this time because I am still just getting into clinic but for the sake of the question lets say OMFS or Ortho (I'm guessing the harder ones to obtain)
Thanks,
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In the Army the acceptance rates for specialties compared to civilian programs tends to be better. This trend is beginning to narrow as more dentists continue to join the Army and the number of applicants increases, but it will still hold true. Search other trends if you would like to know what the difference/ratio has been in the past.
If you will be joining after dental school (this is your only option if you are a D2 and do not have the scholarship), you will be limited in what specialities you can apply for during the fall of your senior year. Each year the programs that direct accessions can apply for varies, so your senior year you will have to see what you can apply for. In years past OMFS, 2 yr AEGD, and Prosth have typically allowed direct accessions to apply - ortho usually has not, and the others may vary by year.
The selection board will look at the 'total package'. As a graduating dental student the only thing they have to look at is grades, LORs and board scores. Once you are a dental officer they can look at those things plus your evaluations, service record and deployments.
Are there any disadvantages for doing a 2yr AEGD straight out of dental school? Will a new dental school grad be way behind compared to other dentists in the program?
What's the story behind the Pros residencies? Why isn't it as popular at the others? What's life like as a specialist?
As for being in the reserves, how does being a specialist or 63B affect your pay?
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1) You do not have the option of choosing the residency right out of school. It is an opportunity that occassionally pops up, but only to those who do OBLC before or during dental school. Most people should plan on doing it the year following graduation and snowbirding for a year. Those who do it right out of school can do just as well as people who are more experienced. Depends on skill and ability level of the person.
2) Pros is a 3 yr residency with a lot of lab time. It is a very demanding residency right behind OMFS as far as demands on time.
3) You can not attend any specialty training offerred by the Active Army as a reservist. There are only around 5-7 programs nationawide in the civilian side that qualify as appropriate for a 63B. Residencies that offer a 1 yr AEGD/GPR with an additional year do not qualify. The ADA website those locations with 2 yr AEGD/GPRs. Other than that I would have to defer to one of our Brothers/Sisters in the Reserve component to answer the pay question. My guess is that it would have very little impact unless one comes on active duty for a prolonged period of time (deployments/mobilizations). My thought behind this is that on the active duty side we only receive the larger pay for our multiyear retention bonuses or 1 yr contracts which is much different than the Reserve components.
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Currently Navy dentist thinking about going green to Army. Any pros or cons of going this route?
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Pros - chance to specialize and number of specialty slots, promotions
Cons - locations - you won't be near a beach anymore
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I am currently a senior dental student applying to the ARMY reserve component. The paper work will be submitted probably by the end of this month. I am still debating reserve vs Active, my main reason for choosing reserve is that the loan repayment is 250K vs 120K for Active. My total dental school + undergraduate loan = 240K ( before interest ). Also, I am married, one child, my wife is not working.
With this knowledge in mind I need some clarification:
1. Residency: I plan on applying to a residency program after I join the ARMY probably around September 2013. If I do a 2yr residency( Endo or 2yr AEGD) after that do I become Active for 2 years then finish the remaining years in the reserve? or how does it work after you complete your residency?
2. Pay/rank/promotions: what are things one can do as a reservist to increase his/her chance of getting promotions other than the residency? Since I will have a full time job it will be a little difficult to volunteer for deployment, is there anything else one can do?
3. Retirement: I plan on staying for at least for 20 years to qualify for the retirement, probably even longer. With this mind is it wise to go the reserve route?
Thanks
With this knowledge in mind I need some clarification:
1. Residency: I plan on applying to a residency program after I join the ARMY probably around September 2013. If I do a 2yr residency( Endo or 2yr AEGD) after that do I become Active for 2 years then finish the remaining years in the reserve? or how does it work after you complete your residency?
2. Pay/rank/promotions: what are things one can do as a reservist to increase his/her chance of getting promotions other than the residency? Since I will have a full time job it will be a little difficult to volunteer for deployment, is there anything else one can do?
3. Retirement: I plan on staying for at least for 20 years to qualify for the retirement, probably even longer. With this mind is it wise to go the reserve route?
Thanks
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1. Residency: I plan on applying to a residency program after I join the ARMY probably around September 2013. If I do a 2yr residency( Endo or 2yr AEGD) after that do I become Active for 2 years then finish the remaining years in the reserve? or how does it work after you complete your residency?
If you do the reserves you can not apply for any specialty training through the military. You would do it on your own in a civilian program.
2. Pay/rank/promotions: what are things one can do as a reservist to increase his/her chance of getting promotions other than the residency? Since I will have a full time job it will be a little difficult to volunteer for deployment, is there anything else one can do?
Promotions in the Reserve are tied to available spots. In the Reserve Component There are only a certain number of spots at each rank. If those that are higher rank than you stay in a long time the promotions will be hard to come by.
3. Retirement: I plan on staying for at least for 20 years to qualify for the retirement, probably even longer. With this mind is it wise to go the reserve route?
In the Reserves you do not get your retirement until you are 62. If you search on line you can see what the Reserve retirement will be worth. If you look at those 2 things you can decide if you feel it would be wise in your circumstances.
I'm considering applying for the Army's HPSP, and I just got accepted to a dental school and need to make up my mind. My concern is that I'm going to spend four years getting all this great experience and then go to serve and be stuck doing filling all day. I spoke with some one who went through the Navy program years ago who said the procedures were pretty basic. Can anyone fill me in on the day-to-day of an Army dentist? Are there procedures you don't/can't perform? Do you do any crown/bridge? I don't want to feel like I'm wasting my time. Thanks!!
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I think it's a sure possibility, although slight. The Army will own you for four years for going to d school for 4 years for free. But I have seen Army dentists enjoying doing just that and serving the country. If you have any reservation about the possibility of not being able to do the things that you want to do, then do not join. IMHO, there should be more reasons for wearing the uniform and being an officer than financial reasons alone.
As an HPSP D2, Interested in working with the Army to do research during my summer. My school does not allow time to do a typical ADT, but will give us "time off" for research. I have contacted a few people with no avail and was wondering if you have any idea how I can get involved in Army dental research?
Thanks
Thanks
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The Army only has one full-time dental research center located at Ft. Sam Houston. I have not known of individuals to work with them. If you wanted to broach the subject you should contact Ms. Roxanne Floreas who cordinates the ADTs to see if it something she can facilitate. Her contact information is found in the HPSP handbook in MODS.
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How's does the sign on bonus works for Army? My recruiter said that any civilian dentist who decides to join army is paid 75,000 sign on bonus. Is there any service time obligation with it?
I mean do you just get it for joining the army or you have to do a pay back time for it.
Thanks.
I mean do you just get it for joining the army or you have to do a pay back time for it.
Thanks.
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3 options
1) You will owe 3 yrs for taking the $75k sign on bonus (money all at once).
2) The other option is that you can come in as a general dentist and sign on for 4 yrs for $25k each year ($100k total).
3) The last option is loan repayment for $40k (taxed) each year - can take up to 4 yrs for 4 yrs payback.
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Thank you for this thread! I am currently a pre-dent who just got an acceptance into school. I have submitted my HPSP application, but want some second opinions on certain things I have been told before I commit to it (if I even get accepted):
1 During the four years of active duty, will you be stationed in probably just one area those 4 years or will you be relocated often?
2 Will my potential spouse have trouble finding work in areas where most of the bases are? Would she be able to find work with the military?
3 Will I get enough experience during those four years? Do most feel prepared to go into private practice after their four years?
4 The norm seems to be one deployment over the 4 years at a length of 6 months, correct?
5 Do you feel generally safe when youre deployed?
6 What are hardship assignments/tours?
7 During IRR, what are the chances that Ill be called up?
8 I should be reviewed in the February board is that considered late? Any numbers on how many scholarships are still left out of how many total?
Sorry for all the questions and thanks in advance!
1 During the four years of active duty, will you be stationed in probably just one area those 4 years or will you be relocated often?
2 Will my potential spouse have trouble finding work in areas where most of the bases are? Would she be able to find work with the military?
3 Will I get enough experience during those four years? Do most feel prepared to go into private practice after their four years?
4 The norm seems to be one deployment over the 4 years at a length of 6 months, correct?
5 Do you feel generally safe when youre deployed?
6 What are hardship assignments/tours?
7 During IRR, what are the chances that Ill be called up?
8 I should be reviewed in the February board is that considered late? Any numbers on how many scholarships are still left out of how many total?
Sorry for all the questions and thanks in advance!
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1 if you want to just give 4 yrs and get out, you'd most likely be stationed in one spot and do 4.
2 i was told it's really 99% up to your spouse to find a job. it really depends on the location and the career field. check out ft irwin and bethesda, md, for example, to see the difference.
3 it depends on your duty station, but if you want just give 4 yrs and then get out, you probably won't learn much--you'll have a lot of catching up to do. search threads. there are plenty of discussions on sdn about this.
4 no. there are plenty of officers who were never deployed. the formula is much more complicated than that: you could be assigned to be a brig dentist or you could volunteer. yes, there are many volunteers for many reasons.
5 i haven't deployed, so i don't know but people told me once inside fob (forward op base), you are pretty safe. remember, IEDs go off when you are moving from pt a to pt b. i haven't heard a single military dentist died or critically injured
6 combat deployment. it could be location specific, but i wouldn't worry about that for now. it probably won't be applicable to you, anyway.
7 closed to zero.
8 i don't think so, but the program has been getting more competitive every year. but with good stats, you should not have a problem. i don't know exactly how many are left (any hard numbers being tossed around sdn might not be accurate, fyi)
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6. A hardship tour is any assignment (typically overseas) where your family can not go with you. There are not many of these. Examples would include Kuwait, Sinai, and sometimes Korea (although families can frequently come with you). There are no hardship tours in the US.
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thank you for your response...in reference to #3 - so im guessing doing at least a 1 year AEGD is recommended? Im pretty sure I want to brand out into private practice but not sure how far along. I am fighting my age too because I'd be 31 by the time I get out of school, 35 by the time I finish serving AD (if no residency)
thank you - do you have any additional feedback or differing answers from ALTOSS? The more feedback, the better...thank you!
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If you are considering doing the 1 year, I would recommend doing the 2 yr AEGD instead. If your plan is to get out of the Army and get into private practice you will be better off. You will leave the service with skills that you won't receive on your own in private practice. This will not only make you more compitant, but also more profitable.
In my opinion the extra time you invest in yourself by doing the 2 yr AEGD will be worth the decreased salary for those 2 extra years since in the end your earning potential will increase if you do the 2 yr AEGD as compared to not doing one - just my 2 cents.
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For anyone wondering, my recruiter informed me today that less than 10 of the 70 HPSP scholarships available for Army have been taken at this point.
By any chance did your recruiter let you know when we all might hear something? I thought I read somewhere that the board met early last week. Just wondering how long it takes to find out. I haven't seen any posts on SDN about anyone getting the scholarship yet.
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He said that people typically hear 1-2 weeks out from the board meeting.
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Thank you. For the 2 year AEGD, do I have to serve an additional 2 years in payback?
So is it a or b? or neither
a. 4 years schools + 2 years AEGD + 4 years payback + 2 years IRR
b 4 years schools + 2 years AEGD + 6 years payback
AEGD salary is similar to what I'd be making during active duty years, correct? Also, if I do the 2 years AEGD, I could specialize in those 2 years instead, correct?
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Payback for the 2 yr AEGD occurs concurrently with any other pay back you owe (HPSP). So if you begin the program during your first 2 years you will owe 6 yrs total. If you wait then it will add additional time. Explanations about this and other specialties are present in other threads.
I agree with this completely. It is important I think for those of us hoping and doing our utmost to receive the HPSP scholarship to see it more as a chance to serve our nation not only as a free ride through school and a payback of four years. I see it as a great opportunity to give back to the men and women who have so selflessly served our amazing country. If any of us join the army with the attitude of just "doing our time and taking the benefits" then we are not doing anyone a service as officers in the United States Army or as dentists. That is what the army and the dental profession is all about- service and commitment.
Annilori, are you Army Stong?
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oFkGsT8SmE[/YOUTUBE]
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oFkGsT8SmE[/YOUTUBE]
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anyone a current a HPSP recipient? About how much is the current monthly stipend after taxes? Trying to see what kind of budget I may have for housing etc..
I just got the offer. My recruiter siad 2.2k per month
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nice! congrats! isnt it taxed though?
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Mine comes to two monthly payments of $1,050. The $20,000 signing bonus ended up being about 13-14K after taxes. Looking forward to that tax refund.
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Mine comes to two monthly payments of $1,050. The $20,000 signing bonus ended up being about 13-14K after taxes. Looking forward to that tax refund.
so the stipend ends up being about 1050x2 = 2100...does that mean its not taxed? i was told its taxed?
That's before taxes.
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I am applying under immigration program of forces and that entails either 3 years active duty commitment or six years of reserves commitment.
I was mis-informed by recruiter that 75K is like free money which you get just for joining the army. So as you said in #3 : if I take 40K, i owe an extra year for that money, right? That doesn't sound bad. I have not applied only for financial reasons, but just want to know exactly what my terms and conditions of service will be. Its important that recruiters provide "right" information to applicants which unfortunately they don't.
And Doc - whats CV review? Recruiter said my packet has gone for CV review and he is waiting on results and then if it comes back positive, it will go for February board review.
Which are the Feb board dates?
Thanks
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When you join the Army you sign up for at least 3 years. Dentists can come in and take the $75k while fulfilling this 3 yr obligation. You can also take loan repayment for as many years as you want (anywhere between 1-4 in lieu of or in addition to) at $40k/yr. So you could also take loan repayment for 3 years.
If you were a specialist you could instead take the multiyear retention bonus at 4 yrs ($50k/yr) instead of the other two options.
CV typically refers to your resume or curriculum vitae. Although I have not seen it referred to as this, it may be referring to reviewing your packet for completeness.
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Hello. Glad that I found this post. I graduated on 2011 and have been practicing general dentistry in a private practice (PPO setting- corporate) setting for a year and half. I have been struggling quite a bit being a newbie general dentist and have been looking for some other ways. I got couple of questions in being an active duty army dentist
1. What range of procedures are you looking at when you are an army GP ? Just a whole lot of amalgam restorations? Are there opportunities to learn? Chances to take a CE course?
2. What does it take to get accepted in specialty programs in the army? OMFS, Perio, prosth, endo? What are the acceptance rates? If you dont get accepted the first time, can you re-apply each December?
3. I am looking for a deployment to Korea as my fiancée is there. What are the chances getting deployed to Korea when I apply? There is not a whole lot of point being an army gp if I cannot got to Korea. Is there a chance that I can get deployed to somewhere else that I do not want? (i.e. middle east). In that case, can I deny the request?
1. What range of procedures are you looking at when you are an army GP ? Just a whole lot of amalgam restorations? Are there opportunities to learn? Chances to take a CE course?
2. What does it take to get accepted in specialty programs in the army? OMFS, Perio, prosth, endo? What are the acceptance rates? If you dont get accepted the first time, can you re-apply each December?
3. I am looking for a deployment to Korea as my fiancée is there. What are the chances getting deployed to Korea when I apply? There is not a whole lot of point being an army gp if I cannot got to Korea. Is there a chance that I can get deployed to somewhere else that I do not want? (i.e. middle east). In that case, can I deny the request?
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1. What range of procedures are you looking at when you are an army GP ? Just a whole lot of amalgam restorations? Are there opportunities to learn? Chances to take a CE course?
It depends on the location you are assigned to. In the civilian world if you worked in a group practice with specialists - the bulk of those procedures would be done by them and you would get what was left over...so it is in the Army. If you are in a clinic wiht lots of specialists - you will focus on the other 'non-specialty' procedures. Those locations that don't have specialists will provide more opportunities to branch out. The problem is that those locations without specialists usually have very few dentists - so trying to get to those places as a general dentist can be difficult.
The Army requires a certain number of annual CEs, so opportunities to attend CE will be provided by the Army. This may include being sent to conferences, given time off to attend conferences on your own, or having CE set up by the local dental command to meet Ce requirements.
Best opportunity to learn is to take advantage of any of the post graduate training opportunities that the Army has (traditional specialties or 2 yr AEGD).
2. What does it take to get accepted in specialty programs in the army? OMFS, Perio, prosth, endo? What are the acceptance rates? If you dont get accepted the first time, can you re-apply each December?
Selection for specialty training occurs every December. Applications are due by November. Application packets include the typical (grades, board scores, letter's of recommendation, etc...) You can reapply as often as you like. You can apply for up to 2 specialties at a time (except for OMFS which only allows you to apply to them). Acceptance rates have been posted for the past several years throughout this forum.
3. I am looking for a deployment to Korea as my fiancée is there. What are the chances getting deployed to Korea when I apply? There is not a whole lot of point being an army gp if I cannot got to Korea. Is there a chance that I can get deployed to somewhere else that I do not want? (i.e. middle east). In that case, can I deny the request? Once you join the Army you have very limited options on turning down assignments. If you are coming in as a direct accession like you are, you can request Korea as your assignment. You do not have to join if they don't guarantee it. You should also discuss the length of the assignemnt, since Korea can be as short as 1 year. Korea is not considered a deployment. You will not go to a deployed area like Afghanistan immediately upon joining, but you could deploy later in your career, and would not really have an opportunity to decline it. Understand that if you join the Army you could deploy.
It depends on the location you are assigned to. In the civilian world if you worked in a group practice with specialists - the bulk of those procedures would be done by them and you would get what was left over...so it is in the Army. If you are in a clinic wiht lots of specialists - you will focus on the other 'non-specialty' procedures. Those locations that don't have specialists will provide more opportunities to branch out. The problem is that those locations without specialists usually have very few dentists - so trying to get to those places as a general dentist can be difficult.
The Army requires a certain number of annual CEs, so opportunities to attend CE will be provided by the Army. This may include being sent to conferences, given time off to attend conferences on your own, or having CE set up by the local dental command to meet Ce requirements.
Best opportunity to learn is to take advantage of any of the post graduate training opportunities that the Army has (traditional specialties or 2 yr AEGD).
2. What does it take to get accepted in specialty programs in the army? OMFS, Perio, prosth, endo? What are the acceptance rates? If you dont get accepted the first time, can you re-apply each December?
Selection for specialty training occurs every December. Applications are due by November. Application packets include the typical (grades, board scores, letter's of recommendation, etc...) You can reapply as often as you like. You can apply for up to 2 specialties at a time (except for OMFS which only allows you to apply to them). Acceptance rates have been posted for the past several years throughout this forum.
3. I am looking for a deployment to Korea as my fiancée is there. What are the chances getting deployed to Korea when I apply? There is not a whole lot of point being an army gp if I cannot got to Korea. Is there a chance that I can get deployed to somewhere else that I do not want? (i.e. middle east). In that case, can I deny the request? Once you join the Army you have very limited options on turning down assignments. If you are coming in as a direct accession like you are, you can request Korea as your assignment. You do not have to join if they don't guarantee it. You should also discuss the length of the assignemnt, since Korea can be as short as 1 year. Korea is not considered a deployment. You will not go to a deployed area like Afghanistan immediately upon joining, but you could deploy later in your career, and would not really have an opportunity to decline it. Understand that if you join the Army you could deploy.
Here is my question that maybe someone can shed a little light on for me.
I am currently a Private Practice Doc and currently in the reserves. I have been in for the last 2 years and waiting for my 0-4 promotion. I have been in private practice for 10 yrs and my experience is a lot greater than most GPs. I have IV sedation lic as well as a fellowship in implants and a surgical GPR. I leave for AFG in 3 months and I am doing a 90 BOG. I was continplating going active duty after I return. Here are some of my concerns.
1- I am 38 now and wouldnt be active duty until 39, if I did apply for a speciality would they see it as too old at this pt.
2- As a 63 A would I ever be able to get a command position (as I am very into the military side of things)
3- If I didnt specialize would I be bored?
4- Going in as an 0-4 would there be any issues or concerns?
Thanks
I am currently a Private Practice Doc and currently in the reserves. I have been in for the last 2 years and waiting for my 0-4 promotion. I have been in private practice for 10 yrs and my experience is a lot greater than most GPs. I have IV sedation lic as well as a fellowship in implants and a surgical GPR. I leave for AFG in 3 months and I am doing a 90 BOG. I was continplating going active duty after I return. Here are some of my concerns.
1- I am 38 now and wouldnt be active duty until 39, if I did apply for a speciality would they see it as too old at this pt.
2- As a 63 A would I ever be able to get a command position (as I am very into the military side of things)
3- If I didnt specialize would I be bored?
4- Going in as an 0-4 would there be any issues or concerns?
Thanks
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Having already done a 1 yr GPR you are eligible to do the ACP program (see other threads). Once you complete the requirements for this program it would entitle you to a higher level of bonus pay as well as differentiate yourself and your skillset within the Army and possibly the procedures you do.
1- I am 38 now and wouldnt be active duty until 39, if I did apply for a speciality would they see it as too old at this pt.
38 is not to old at all. 42 tends to be the cut off for active duty since mandatory retirement is at 62 and you need the 20 yrs for the pension. As you ponder coming on active duty you will also need to make sure the Reserve is willing to release you from your current contract. If you have been paid money by them for a certain period of time, you would need to fulfill that obligation or be prepared to pay it (or portions back). If they are not ready to release you then you are stuck.
2- As a 63 A would I ever be able to get a command position (as I am very into the military side of things) Not likely. Although you can be considered for any job, one of the qualifiers for many jobs is whether or not the individual has specialized. If they have not, then it will be an impedement.
3- If I didnt specialize would I be bored? Opportunities will vary based upon where you go. If you are in a group practice setting, the specialists will do a lot of the specialty procedures and you will be performing more 'general dentist' centric procedures. Whether you do any other types of things (endo, prosth, OS, etc...) will depend on patient demand. If a location has 10 GP's and all of them want to do prosth and implants...who does the operative? 63Bs (2 yr AEGD graduates) typically have more autonomy and diversity in practice.
4- Going in as an 0-4 would there be any issues or concerns? No. Although all rank granted for someone coming in on active duty has to be approved at higher levels. It is likely you would come in with the same rank you had in the Reserves.
1- I am 38 now and wouldnt be active duty until 39, if I did apply for a speciality would they see it as too old at this pt.
38 is not to old at all. 42 tends to be the cut off for active duty since mandatory retirement is at 62 and you need the 20 yrs for the pension. As you ponder coming on active duty you will also need to make sure the Reserve is willing to release you from your current contract. If you have been paid money by them for a certain period of time, you would need to fulfill that obligation or be prepared to pay it (or portions back). If they are not ready to release you then you are stuck.
2- As a 63 A would I ever be able to get a command position (as I am very into the military side of things) Not likely. Although you can be considered for any job, one of the qualifiers for many jobs is whether or not the individual has specialized. If they have not, then it will be an impedement.
3- If I didnt specialize would I be bored? Opportunities will vary based upon where you go. If you are in a group practice setting, the specialists will do a lot of the specialty procedures and you will be performing more 'general dentist' centric procedures. Whether you do any other types of things (endo, prosth, OS, etc...) will depend on patient demand. If a location has 10 GP's and all of them want to do prosth and implants...who does the operative? 63Bs (2 yr AEGD graduates) typically have more autonomy and diversity in practice.
4- Going in as an 0-4 would there be any issues or concerns? No. Although all rank granted for someone coming in on active duty has to be approved at higher levels. It is likely you would come in with the same rank you had in the Reserves.
Why thank you for the quick reply.
I realize that it is all on what station you get.
Just not sure I would be able to do just "general" dentistry if I did not get selected into a specialty. Having to give up a successful practice on a "what if" scenario is a huge gamble. The other question is, I know that there are larger numbers of recent grads coming into the army because of their student loan debt. Is there any credit or acknowledgment of prior experience?
I realize that it is all on what station you get.
Just not sure I would be able to do just "general" dentistry if I did not get selected into a specialty. Having to give up a successful practice on a "what if" scenario is a huge gamble. The other question is, I know that there are larger numbers of recent grads coming into the army because of their student loan debt. Is there any credit or acknowledgment of prior experience?
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Dentists who come on active duty can be awarded constructive credit. Several factors are considered when they determine what to give to an individual. Post graduate dental training, specialty training, and previous time as an active duty officer are looked at when determining what to bring someone in as. The number of years someone has been in private practice can be looked at, but is not necessarily considered in the constructive credit decission.
Someone coming in with post-graduate training and the experience you have could play toward your advantage when applying for additional training. The advantage of the 2 yr AEGD program is that you come into it and build from where you are at - not starting all over again back at where you were at after graduating dental school.
Hi, I understand that we are suppose to attend officer training, but i was wondering if there is any difference between choosing to attend the officer training before dental school compare to going to the training after dental school.
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1) In past years there were sometimes differences in the amount of time of the courses before or after school. Currently they are the same amount of time, but that could change again.
2) If you have BOLC done before dental school, there is a chance that if you apply for any specialty training you could begin immediately after graduating dental school rather than the normal 18 months if there was a slot open from the year prior.
3) If you do BOLC before school, it will help you understand the military lingo and life so that if you do any military externships you will already have your uniforms and understand what they are talking about.
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Does anyone know if you start receiving the living stipend and sign-on bonus as soon as you sign the contract or do they wait until classes begin?
I heard the bonus will be given to you when school started. 9k on first month, 9k on the 2nd month, then 2k on the 3rd months.
These are taxable btw
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About the time differences, is that something that can only be determine during the year you are graduating?
Also when you say applying for the specialty training, does that also include 1 year AEGD?
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