Ask any questions to a Navy Dentist!

[Tiankum]

This is correct information. You'll get the semester/fees all paid for in that semester that you swear in, but your stipend won't start until Oct. 1st or the day that you swear in if it's later than that.

Do you have to tell them you would like to be considered for the 4 year HPSP from the FY2011 budget or would that be automatic?

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[Smills91]

Do you have to tell them you would like to be considered for the 4 year HPSP from the FY2011 budget or would that be automatic?

It's either 3 year or 4 year depending on what you chose. It'll come out of whatever budget they have at that time. You just say 3 or 4.

 

[Tiankum]

It's either 3 year or 4 year depending on what you chose. It'll come out of whatever budget they have at that time. You just say 3 or 4.

I'm saying if I'm already on the wait list for the 4 year HPSP...Should I let them know that I want to be considered for the 4 year HPSP on the FY2011 budget once Oct. hits?

 

[del Sol DOHC]

I'm saying if I'm already on the wait list for the 4 year HPSP...Should I let them know that I want to be considered for the 4 year HPSP on the FY2011 budget once Oct. hits?

I think that everyone who passed the professional board, but did not get formally selected for a FY 2010 scholarship will be automatically considered for a FY 2011 scholarship. That's what my recruiter told me.

 

[Smills91]

I think that everyone who passed the professional board, but did not get formally selected for a FY 2010 scholarship will be automatically considered for a FY 2011 scholarship. That's what my recruiter told me.

this

 

[Tiankum]

So this is what I've found out by talking to my recruiter and Lt. Peterson. The wait list is definitely moving. I was number 7 on it about a month ago and am now number 5. Apparently the Navy is trying to decide how many to pull off the wait list by using a portion of the FY2011 budget..I think they're trying to decide whether to do it at all personally. My recruiter spoke with Lt. Rhodes who apparently told him that we should know what the Navy is going to do about it all within a couple of months. Hope that helps whoever is in my situation and anxiously waiting the call of acceptance into the program.

 

[Tiankum]

If you're an HPSP participant coming out of dental and wanting the 2 year AEGD..where would you end up going if you were accepted into that program? Is it pretty tough to get into?

 

[del Sol DOHC]

If you're an HPSP participant coming out of dental and wanting the 2 year AEGD..where would you end up going if you were accepted into that program? Is it pretty tough to get into?

The program is in Bethesda, MD. Apparently, it is pretty tough to get right out of dental school. I was told that you pretty much have to be in the top 2% of your class.

 

[Smills91]

If you're an HPSP participant coming out of dental and wanting the 2 year AEGD..where would you end up going if you were accepted into that program? Is it pretty tough to get into?

I think the 2 year AEGD is designed more for the 'career' guys in the military, as it allows them to get 'specialty pay' and progress up the military ladder for those that don't want to be 'specialists'. So to get it coming right out of dental school seem imprudent from the military's Point of View. I think they use it more as a carrot to dangle to re-up after your initial commitment is done.

 

[JamesNixon123]

Quick question guys. WHen does the board meet again. And Is it true that the Navy station is located in Nashville, TN and got flood out. The reason for this question is bc my recuiter told me all of this. Am tryin to find out what going on with my application. I keep on reading that their are no more scholarships left but my recuiter keeps on telling me that their are many more left. I guess but i think that he is tellin me what I want to here.

 

[del Sol DOHC]

Quick question guys. WHen does the board meet again. And Is it true that the Navy station is located in Nashville, TN and got flood out. The reason for this question is bc my recuiter told me all of this. Am tryin to find out what going on with my application. I keep on reading that their are no more scholarships left but my recuiter keeps on telling me that their are many more left. I guess but i think that he is tellin me what I want to here.

I'm pretty sure all these decisions are being made in Bethesda, MD. That's like the heart of the U.S. Navy Dental Corps.

 

[Tiankum]

Quick question guys. WHen does the board meet again. And Is it true that the Navy station is located in Nashville, TN and got flood out. The reason for this question is bc my recuiter told me all of this. Am tryin to find out what going on with my application. I keep on reading that their are no more scholarships left but my recuiter keeps on telling me that their are many more left. I guess but i think that he is tellin me what I want to here.

.

 

[baseballjunkie]

Quick question guys. WHen does the board meet again. And Is it true that the Navy station is located in Nashville, TN and got flood out. The reason for this question is bc my recuiter told me all of this. Am tryin to find out what going on with my application. I keep on reading that their are no more scholarships left but my recuiter keeps on telling me that their are many more left. I guess but i think that he is tellin me what I want to here.

I got the same info from my recruiter about the flood. I'm waiting for my final selection letter and that supposedly is what is holding it up.

Here is the link for the flood story:

http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=53216

 

[John Durian]

hey you guys, i would like some clarification. i zoomed in near the end (pages 11-13) and saw that a lot of people in the months 03/2010-05/2010 are talking about being waitlisted for the hpsp already...

i'm applying this june 2010 (next month) for the 2011 cycle. does this mean that there are no more 3-4 year hpsps left??

 

[baseballjunkie]

hey you guys, i would like some clarification. i zoomed in near the end (pages 11-13) and saw that a lot of people in the months 03/2010-05/2010 are talking about being waitlisted for the hpsp already...

i'm applying this june 2010 (next month) for the 2011 cycle. does this mean that there are no more 3-4 year hpsps left??

No. HPSP are gone for FY2010. They have not yet begun to tap into 2011 yet.

 

[jim85213]

Would an AEGD or a GPR provide more endo experience? Or is it the same?

 

[NavyNick]

I'm pretty sure all these decisions are being made in Bethesda, MD. That's like the heart of the U.S. Navy Dental Corps.

To clear up a few things.

1) The Navy Dental Corps is not based out of NNMC-Bethesda, it's ran out of BUMED headquarters in DC.

2) There is no AEGD program in Bethesda, the closest one is Portsmouth Naval Medical Center

3) Navy Medicine Manpower Education and Training command is at bethesda but the majority of decisions are made at Navy Personnel Command, which is in NSA Millington, outside of Memphis; not in Nashville. There are no naval facilities in Nashville; there is however a MEPSCOM station for military entrance. And yes Millington was completely flooded and shut-down.

Hope this helps.

 

[Tiankum]

To clear up a few things.

1) The Navy Dental Corps is not based out of NNMC-Bethesda, it's ran out of BUMED headquarters in DC.

2) There is no AEGD program in Bethesda, the closest one is Portsmouth Naval Medical Center

3) Navy Medicine Manpower Education and Training command is at bethesda but the majority of decisions are made at Navy Personnel Command, which is in NSA Millington, outside of Memphis; not in Nashville. There are no naval facilities in Nashville; there is however a MEPSCOM station for military entrance. And yes Millington was completely flooded and shut-down.

Hope this helps.

Does that mean that they're not going to be making anymore decisions until everything there is up and running? Also, have they came out and said when they are going to open the NPC up again?

Thanks

 

[NavyNick]

As far as making decisions, that's dependent on a lot of things. NAVPERSCOM is up and running. But at a diminished capacity. The got their servers back up last week.

 

[del Sol DOHC]

To clear up a few things.

1) The Navy Dental Corps is not based out of NNMC-Bethesda, it's ran out of BUMED headquarters in DC.

2) There is no AEGD program in Bethesda, the closest one is Portsmouth Naval Medical Center

3) Navy Medicine Manpower Education and Training command is at bethesda but the majority of decisions are made at Navy Personnel Command, which is in NSA Millington, outside of Memphis; not in Nashville. There are no naval facilities in Nashville; there is however a MEPSCOM station for military entrance. And yes Millington was completely flooded and shut-down.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for clearing things up. However, isn't the Naval Postgraduate Dental School at NNMC-Bethesda? I believe they have a 1 year AEGD, a 2 year AEGD, a GPR, and a couple of other residencies there.

 

[NavyNick]

Thanks for clearing things up. However, isn't the Naval Postgraduate Dental School at NNMC-Bethesda? I believe they have a 1 year AEGD, a 2 year AEGD, a GPR, and a couple of other residencies there.

You're right, I'm stationed at NNMC @ the moment, I never think of the NPDS as being Bethesda.
http://www.bethesda.med.navy.mil/careers/postgraduate_dental_school/AEGD_1_Yr/

 

[789]

Would an AEGD or a GPR provide more endo experience? Or is it the same?

In my opinion AEGD’s provide more clinical experience with endo, operative, and pros. I would go the AEGD route for endo. GPR’s tend to be more geared toward oral sx and perio because GPR’s are based out of hospitals.

With that said I have seen people do GPR’s and AEGD’s and still get accepted to endo training. Your performance in Dental School/AEGD or GPR residency, experience in endo, and performance as a Navy Dentist, are going to be driving factors in your selection for Endo. Good luck!

 

[kingstrider]

I'm a 2nd year student at UK and am on a Navy HPSP. I'm already looking at AEGD programs and am wondering what the chances are of getting my first choice. I know several students who were ahead of me and all but one got their choice. I'm also wondering what anybody has to say about Norfolk as that is currently my number one pick.

 

[789]

I'm a 2nd year student at UK and am on a Navy HPSP. I'm already looking at AEGD programs and am wondering what the chances are of getting my first choice. I know several students who were ahead of me and all but one got their choice. I'm also wondering what anybody has to say about Norfolk as that is currently my number one pick.

Norfolk is a great program and clinic. They usually have 2-3 Endodontist, 2-3 Prosthodontists, 2-3 Oral Surgeons, 3-4 Periodontists, 1 Orthodontist, it is great clinical experience and is a very strong program. You do rotations with all specialists and learn from them first hand. There was a didactic course offered every Monday and Wednesday in the afternoons. However, all Navy AEGD and GPR Programs are ADA accredited and good programs as well. I don’t think you would be disappointed with Norfolk. There are plenty of patient cases to choose from (except removable, that was difficult to get), but all areas provide a great experience for training. Good luck!

 

[Tiankum]

Does anyone know when the Navy usually wants you to do ADT if you're going to be on "school orders"?

 

[Herme]

Does anybody know what the "back-paying of tuition" includes if you swear in for the HPSP after your classes start? I'll be starting classes 8/16 and swearing in on Sept 1. My Selection Letter states that my tuition will be back paid, but what about the books, dental kit, microscope rental, etc? On my "projected cost of attendance" sheet from my school, there are many items listed that are not technically considered tuition, so I'm wondering if I'm going to be paying for all of my books and other non-tuition expenses for that first semester without the hope of them being reimbursed bye the Navy.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Smills91]

Does anybody know what the "back-paying of tuition" includes if you swear in for the HPSP after your classes start? I'll be starting classes 8/16 and swearing in on Sept 1. My Selection Letter states that my tuition will be back paid, but what about the books, dental kit, microscope rental, etc? On my "projected cost of attendance" sheet from my school, there are many items listed that are not technically considered tuition, so I'm wondering if I'm going to be paying for all of my books and other non-tuition expenses for that first semester without the hope of them being reimbursed bye the Navy.

Thanks in advance!

All your 'costs' will get retropaid. However, your stipend pay won't begin to accumulate until you swear in.

 

[goosestuff]

Does anybody know what the "back-paying of tuition" includes if you swear in for the HPSP after your classes start? I'll be starting classes 8/16 and swearing in on Sept 1. My Selection Letter states that my tuition will be back paid, but what about the books, dental kit, microscope rental, etc? On my "projected cost of attendance" sheet from my school, there are many items listed that are not technically considered tuition, so I'm wondering if I'm going to be paying for all of my books and other non-tuition expenses for that first semester without the hope of them being reimbursed bye the Navy.

Thanks in advance!

Most schools are used to dealing with HPSP students. Check with your FinAid dept to find out what documentation you need to show that you will commission sept 1. If they do it like my school, you won't be billed, and they will bill the Navy once you show them your commissioning docs. Or, if you must pay the bill upfront, you do it with stafford loans, and then it all gets reversed once the Navy pays your bill.

Long story short - contact your FinAid dept first and ask them.

 

[789]

Does anyone know when the Navy usually wants you to do ADT if you're going to be on "school orders"?

As far as I know there is no specified time to do ADT, but then again I did HPSP not HSCP. However, I don't think HSCP is any different with regard to ADT because you are already on AD. Just make sure you do ADT once every fiscal year. If you are available and if you school schedule allows it, you can do your ADT at a Navy Dental Clinic by doing an ‘internship’. This is a great option once you have completed your third year of dental school. Many times dental schools will allow the dental work you do at the Navy clinic to count toward your ‘dental school requirements’. Another good option is to go to Officer Indoctrination School (OIS), but only if that is possible with your school schedule and if you are able to get into a class at OIS. Remember OIS is approx 5 weeks. If you can’t do OIS during your dental school time then do it after dental school.

 

[baseballjunkie]

As far as I know there is no specified time to do ADT, but then again I did HPSP not HSCP. However, I don't think HSCP is any different with regard to ADT because you are already on AD. Just make sure you do ADT once every fiscal year. If you are available and if you school schedule allows it, you can do your ADT at a Navy Dental Clinic by doing an ‘internship’. This is a great option once you have completed your third year of dental school. Many times dental schools will allow the dental work you do at the Navy clinic to count toward your ‘dental school requirements’. Another good option is to go to Officer Indoctrination School (OIS), but only if that is possible with your school schedule and if you are able to get into a class at OIS. Remember OIS is approx 5 weeks. If you can’t do OIS during your dental school time then do it after dental school.

OIS is now ODS (officer development school- same thing, different name). Also, under HSCP there is no requirement to do ADT. However, you're required to do the PRT every 6 months.

 

[NavyTeeth]

I understand the AEGD is good for future promotions in the Navy, and for possibly later specialties, is there any other benefit? (eg. more pay?)

 

[dheav005]

I understand the AEGD is good for future promotions in the Navy, and for possibly later specialties, is there any other benefit? (eg. more pay?)

while the AEGD/GPR programs are great for an extra year of training, they dont really factor into promotions for the dental corps. if you stay around long enough, you will make O-4 and by the time you are up for O-5, that AEGD will be so far back in your past, it will have ben covered up by another residency or other career events. it will give you some insight into how the Navy likes to run their residency programs and if you might want to pursue a specialty, but there is no extra pay benefits for the AEGD/GPR. if you do a 1-year ACP (which is virtually the same thing) you qualify for a bonus program, but i dont know much about how that works.

 

[Smills91]

while the AEGD/GPR programs are great for an extra year of training, they dont really factor into promotions for the dental corps. if you stay around long enough, you will make O-4 and by the time you are up for O-5, that AEGD will be so far back in your past, it will have ben covered up by another residency or other career events. it will give you some insight into how the Navy likes to run their residency programs and if you might want to pursue a specialty, but there is no extra pay benefits for the AEGD/GPR. if you do a 1-year ACP (which is virtually the same thing) you qualify for a bonus program, but i dont know much about how that works.

Care to elaborate more on the ACP one what it is and how it differs from AEGD/GPR?

 

[grmaster1]

Care to elaborate more on the ACP one what it is and how it differs from AEGD/GPR?

read this

 

[Smills91]

read this

Good info. Thanks.

From the looks of it, could I accurately deduce it as being a more didactically focused/intense AEGD program?

I'm having a hard time distinguishing what the actual differences would be between the two on a day to day basis.

Thanks again.

 

[dheav005]

Good info. Thanks.

From the looks of it, could I accurately deduce it as being a more didactically focused/intense AEGD program?

I'm having a hard time distinguishing what the actual differences would be between the two on a day to day basis.

Thanks again.

not much from a day-to-day operation standpoint. ACPers generally are expected to take on more complex cases and treatment plan appropriately. they seem to have some more presentation requirements. AEGD class behind mine had two ACP guys that jsut worked alongside the AEGD folks, just at a higher level.

 

[Smills91]

not much from a day-to-day operation standpoint. ACPers generally are expected to take on more complex cases and treatment plan appropriately. they seem to have some more presentation requirements. AEGD class behind mine had two ACP guys that jsut worked alongside the AEGD folks, just at a higher level.

SO essentially, ACP can be viewed as an 'advanced' Advance Education in General Dentistry residency? ;-) lol

 

[elto]

Hi:

I am foreign trained dentist about to graduate from a 2 year Advanced Standing program. I am currently an ensign with the US Navy and considering going into active duty.
I have spoken to my detailer and they are offering several locations to me including Japan and Guam. I am seriously considering the Guam offer but would like to have some input especially about the chances to get deployed once you are there, lifestyle ( have a 13 y/o daughter) , pros-cons, etc.....
Thank you.....

 

[NAVY DDS 2010]

Hi:

I am foreign trained dentist about to graduate from a 2 year Advanced Standing program. I am currently an ensign with the US Navy and considering going into active duty.
I have spoken to my detailer and they are offering several locations to me including Japan and Guam. I am seriously considering the Guam offer but would like to have some input especially about the chances to get deployed once you are there, lifestyle ( have a 13 y/o daughter) , pros-cons, etc.....
Thank you.....

Why Guam? I spent 3 weeks there - (2 weeks too long). Some people like it there, others, well, get tired of that place too quickly. Not much to do there. But, if you like top scuba dive or snorkel, there are great places to go.

 

[Toothus Rufus]

Hi:

they are offering several locations to me including Japan and Guam. I am seriously considering the Guam offer but would like to have some input especially about the chances to get deployed once you are there, lifestyle ( have a 13 y/o daughter) , pros-cons, etc.....
Thank you.....

I can't speak to the Guam part but I was in Japan for 3 years and loved it. I was in Yokosuka, which is on the mainland and just a short train ride from Yokohama, and Tokyo. It is a very safe country and that region is easy to travel from and exciting and (tons of people, restaurants, sights, entertainment....). The other main region of Japan where there are numerous clinics is Okinawa. It is the southern most island (s) of the country and great for water sports (fishing, diving, sailing). Not as exciting as Yokosuka area and a bit harder to travel from. If you are adventurous I think you and your family could enjoy either place but I am partial to Yokosuka. If you have some more specific questions ask me off line and I would be happy to give you more info.

 

[Tuthman]

I graduated in 2003 and have had my own office for 7 years now. I am needing to change the pace and do something different. I don't really enjoy the business part of it and it never shakes out the way you think money wise.
I am prior service in the Air Force as enlisted. What do you think my chances would be of getting commisioned as an O4 in the Navy?

If I take the loan repayment option, how does that work? Do I owe an extra three years for the 40,000 a year? How easy is it to get that? And, would I not qualify for another 75,000 bonus if I am committed to paying back for the 120,000. So If I join, I would get the 75,000 up front, then have to apply for the 120,000 loan repayment and if I get it, serve a total of 6 years before I get get another signing bonus?

Thanks for the help in understanding all this. I want to make an informed decision.

 

[DentistDevilDog]

I leave for ODS this Saturday and I was looking on the Navy officer training command website about ODS and they posted a list of required items to bring. It says 8 white shirts, 8 pairs of briefs, 10 white socks, 5 black socks, etc.
Do we really need to bring all that stuff or would you recommend just buying it there? Any other recommendations of items you would bring with you that made your life easier?
Thanks

 

[sfoksn]

Is there an "automatic" acceptance stats that one should have?

For this year, Navy dental program is offering 40 less seats, because they had to give out 40 extra seats last year.

Also, which program has highest acceptance rate?

I heard it was Army, if so, what is their trade off?

Thank you.

 

[topgum]

Does anyone know the maximum amount of time you could expect to be deployed and at sea? I keep hearing mixed answers and that it varries what type of ship you are placed on, and where you are placed on tour. Is this true?

 

[Tiankum]

Wow...I've just been told by a Navy dental officer that they are doing away with the $20,000 sign-on bonus! What the heck is that about? Does that mean that if we've been selected but have not yet been commissioned then I can't receive the bonus?

 

[Smills91]

Wow...I've just been told by a Navy dental officer that they are doing away with the $20,000 sign-on bonus! What the heck is that about? Does that mean that if we've been selected but have not yet been commissioned then I can't receive the bonus?

Means that they're probably reducing their budget and feel that with the economy tanking, and likely continually going to tank, they can still hit up their quotas each year without the signing bonus.

 

[del Sol DOHC]

Wow...I've just been told by a Navy dental officer that they are doing away with the $20,000 sign-on bonus! What the heck is that about? Does that mean that if we've been selected but have not yet been commissioned then I can't receive the bonus?

We should be fine, Tiankum. My select letter says that my accession bonus has been approved, so I am not worried. If it is going away, it is probably going to be for the FY11 applicants.

 

[Tiankum]

We should be fine, Tiankum. My select letter says that my accession bonus has been approved, so I am not worried. If it is going away, it is probably going to be for the FY11 applicants.

Yeah man, I checked mine after I talked with my recruiter... apparently if it goes away it will be for next year. Whew...

 

[dheav005]

Does anyone know the maximum amount of time you could expect to be deployed and at sea? I keep hearing mixed answers and that it varries what type of ship you are placed on, and where you are placed on tour. Is this true?

(sigh)...ok, its very simple. your job is dependent on the needs of the Navy. there is no max/min to being deployed or at sea. if your duty station is a ship or with the Seabees or the Marines, you go where they go. in the field, underway, forward deployed - wherever your unit goes, you go with them. sometimes that will mean doing things that arent even dentally related - ask the Army guys about this one!

the varied answers you get are because it is different for everyone. two friends and i have just rolled off three different aircraft carriers: one went to the yards for 6 months and did a workup cycle only the catch about a month and a half of deployment, another was in the yards for more than a year and never left US territorial waters & i was out to sea for 20 out of 24 months with 2 deployments. its all a shell game based a huge number of different cyclic schedules with the added bonus of random world events affecting your personal life! woot.

 

[UCSD6]

(sigh)...ok, its very simple. your job is dependent on the needs of the Navy. there is no max/min to being deployed or at sea. if your duty station is a ship or with the Seabees or the Marines, you go where they go. in the field, underway, forward deployed - wherever your unit goes, you go with them. sometimes that will mean doing things that arent even dentally related - ask the Army guys about this one!

What are some examples of stuff a dentist is forced to do, that is not dental related?