Endo and OS as a 63A

[Rlow04]

As a 63A, if there is an Oral Surgeon, Endodontist, or 63B in my clinic, is it possible to learn more endo and OS from them? Of course, this assumes that they don't mind teaching and are willing to help. I know that we're limited to our scope of practice, but I've heard of a 63A who developed an interest in endo (and was preparing to apply for a residency) and was able to do a good amount of endo. I'm just wondering if this is a rare exception.

I've developed an interest in extractions and endo during my second year of school, and I'm trying to figure out if it would be a good idea to request a big post that has 63E/63N/63Bs (Like Ft. Hood or Ft. Bragg). Or would it be better to look for a post without a 63E/63N/63B so that I can do more cases myself?

I realize that a good solution would be an AEGD (1r or 2yr), and that is something my wife and I are considering, but we also want to have a realistic expectation of what the possibilities as a 63A are.



And for those who are new to Army speak, 63_ is the designation that the Army gives to each specialty within dentistry:

63Average Dentist
63Better Dentist
63Endodontist
63Noral Surgeon
etc. (Here's the rest: http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/aroffjobs/bldental.htm)

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[krmower]

As a 63A, if there is an Oral Surgeon, Endodontist, or 63B in my clinic, is it possible to learn more endo and OS from them? Of course, this assumes that they don't mind teaching and are willing to help. I know that we're limited to our scope of practice, but I've heard of a 63A who developed an interest in endo (and was preparing to apply for a residency) and was able to do a good amount of endo. I'm just wondering if this is a rare exception.

I've developed an interest in extractions and endo during my second year of school, and I'm trying to figure out if it would be a good idea to request a big post that has 63E/63N/63Bs (Like Ft. Hood or Ft. Bragg). Or would it be better to look for a post without a 63E/63N/63B so that I can do more cases myself?

I realize that a good solution would be an AEGD (1r or 2yr), and that is something my wife and I are considering, but we also want to have a realistic expectation of what the possibilities as a 63A are.



And for those who are new to Army speak, 63_ is the designation that the Army gives to each specialty within dentistry:

63Average Dentist
63Better Dentist
63Endodontist
63Noral Surgeon
etc. (Here's the rest: http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/aroffjobs/bldental.htm)

Oral Surgeons are typically located in the hospitals. Although hospital clinics may have general dentists as well, they are typically small clinics and the majority of the general dentists will not be located at the same clinic as the Oral Surgeon. Therefore it makes it much more difficult to try to shadow or get mentored by an OMFS when they are not located by you. Whether or not your OIC or Commander will cut you loose to get mentored a lot by either an endodontist or OMFS may vary. Endodontists may or may not be in the same clinic as you, and thus you may run into the same problem listed above.

63Bs will typically be in every clinic, and could be a person that you could do cases with.

The Army does offer an exodontia externship for 63As that is 4 months long. First considerations are given to those who have not done a 1 yr AEGD. It is competitive to get and does not change your pay in any way.

I would look at the 1 yr AEGD if you are looking at Endo or OMFS. This will make you more competitive and it will help you to know which way you want to go.

YMMV as far as what you can do. Where I am located the endodontist is not booked very far out, so all endo cases go to him to make sure he is fully utilized. As far as OMFS we can keep the cases or send them to the hospital whatever we and the patient decides to do. It can vary greatly by location, but if you go somewhere that has a 1 or 2 yr AEGD or any other type of training program, you are going to be competing for patients and specialist attention with the residents.

 

[Rlow04]

Thank you, that makes sense. I haven't heard about the Exodontia program, that sounds like exactly what I'm looking for. Where can I learn more about it? Can your family go with you or do you have to go alone? Which posts host this program?

 

[krmower]

Thank you, that makes sense. I haven't heard about the Exodontia program, that sounds like exactly what I'm looking for. Where can I learn more about it? Can your family go with you or do you have to go alone? Which posts host this program?

The exodontia program is done at Ft. Leavenworth, KS. Because it is considered a temporary training assignment your family does not go. It is 4 months long. If I can find a link or document I will try to post it. It is an application process and the best qualified candidate is chosen.

 

[Rlow04]

The exodontia program is done at Ft. Leavenworth, KS. Because it is considered a temporary training assignment your family does not go. It is 4 months long. If I can find a link or document I will try to post it. It is an application process and the best qualified candidate is chosen.

If you can find the link/document, I would appreciate it. Otherwise I'll just call the Ft. Leavenworth dental office and figure out who I should contact for more info.

 

[Rlow04]

I just got off the phone with an NCO at Ft Leavenworth, and unfortunately he said that the exodontia program is long gone. Oh well, that just makes the 1 year AEGD more attractive.

 

[krmower]

I just got off the phone with an NCO at Ft Leavenworth, and unfortunately he said that the exodontia program is long gone. Oh well, that just makes the 1 year AEGD more attractive.

The program is still in existance, but due to the expense in sending someone to that location for 4 months, it has had to change tactics. It currently trains individuals stationed there (Ft. Leonard Wood). There will be 2 graduates from the program this month. I have been told though that it will be suspended. Not sure when it will kick up again.

 

[Rlow04]

The program is still in existance, but due to the expense in sending someone to that location for 4 months, it has had to change tactics. It currently trains individuals stationed there (Ft. Leonard Wood). There will be 2 graduates from the program this month. I have been told though that it will be suspended. Not sure when it will kick up again.

Gotcha, that makes sense why they were confused on the phone at Ft Leavenworth. I'll just have to request Ft. Leonard Wood if it's an option and maybe the program will start up again while I'm there.

 

[AirborneDentist]

Gotcha, that makes sense why they were confused on the phone at Ft Leavenworth. I'll just have to request Ft. Leonard Wood if it's an option and maybe the program will start up again while I'm there.

In all honesty, if you go to a post and you show interest in oral surgery, you will find someone to help you. It will most likely be a 63B, but an oral surgeon is never far away. There is never a shortage of teeth to remove..and we are always looking for help.

I learned how to do ext on my first deployment in 2004 by a 63B...since then, as a 63A, I took out over 5,000 teeth...like a said...never a shortage.

Hope that helps...trust me..people want to help you, you just have to ask.

 

[Rlow04]

Thanks, that helps. For some reason I've been worried about landing at a post where I'm only placing amalgam all day and never doing OS or endo or prosth. I know that this is a possibility, but I've realized two things:

1. It is what it is. The Army is paying for my 300-400k schooling, and I've agreed to the terms of the scholarship.

2. No matter where I go, I'm determined to be productive, advance the mission, and develop relationships with mentors that will help me expand my skills. I figure if I have reasonable expectations and a good attitude, it will work out just fine.

For now I need to to learn as much as possible during these last two years of dental school and document my advanced cases. I've got a whole career of CE to fill in any gaps in my knowledge.

 

[AirborneDentist]

Thanks, that helps. For some reason I've been worried about landing at a post where I'm only placing amalgam all day and never doing OS or endo or prosth. I know that this is a possibility, but I've realized two things:

1. It is what it is. The Army is paying for my 300-400k schooling, and I've agreed to the terms of the scholarship.

2. No matter where I go, I'm determined to be productive, advance the mission, and develop relationships with mentors that will help me expand my skills. I figure if I have reasonable expectations and a good attitude, it will work out just fine.

For now I need to to learn as much as possible during these last two years of dental school and document my advanced cases. I've got a whole career of CE to fill in any gaps in my knowledge.

Trust me...you will have more gaps than you realize. The Army will help to fix that

 

[krmower]

Thanks, that helps. For some reason I've been worried about landing at a post where I'm only placing amalgam all day and never doing OS or endo or prosth. I know that this is a possibility, but I've realized two things:

1. It is what it is. The Army is paying for my 300-400k schooling, and I've agreed to the terms of the scholarship.

2. No matter where I go, I'm determined to be productive, advance the mission, and develop relationships with mentors that will help me expand my skills. I figure if I have reasonable expectations and a good attitude, it will work out just fine.

For now I need to to learn as much as possible during these last two years of dental school and document my advanced cases. I've got a whole career of CE to fill in any gaps in my knowledge.

Great attitude!! That will get you far and help you accomplish a lot.

 

[twh019]

Thanks, that helps. For some reason I've been worried about landing at a post where I'm only placing amalgam all day and never doing OS or endo or prosth. I know that this is a possibility, but I've realized two things:

1. It is what it is. The Army is paying for my 300-400k schooling, and I've agreed to the terms of the scholarship.

2. No matter where I go, I'm determined to be productive, advance the mission, and develop relationships with mentors that will help me expand my skills. I figure if I have reasonable expectations and a good attitude, it will work out just fine.

For now I need to to learn as much as possible during these last two years of dental school and document my advanced cases. I've got a whole career of CE to fill in any gaps in my knowledge.

Couldn't have said it better Rlow04!
That's my attitude towards the HPSP opportunity. I'm excited to begin first year of school this July and get closer to joining the Army team as a dentist.

 

[Rlow04]

that sounds like exactly what I'm looking for. Where can I learn more about it? Can your family go with you or do you have to go alone? Which posts host this program?

Are you asking about the exodontia program? It's frozen because of budget issues right now. I talked with a buddy at Ft Leonard Wood who just finished it and it sounds like it might not come back. We'll see - I'll post if I hear anything more.