ARMY AEGD 1 VS 2 YEAR

[Freshdentist22]

I’m currently trying to decide on whether I want to apply to the 1 or 2 year AEGD. Receiving extensive training and learning how to handle complex cases is something very important to me when selecting a residency. I’m not sure if I plan on staying in after my commitment but I still don’t mind doing a 2 year residency. I was looking for some pros and cons of both or if someone can talk about their experiences in the programs. Is the 1 year sufficient enough or is the 2 year better for what I’m looking for?

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[D1Bound]

I’m currently trying to decide on whether I want to apply to the 1 or 2 year AEGD. Receiving extensive training and learning how to handle complex cases is something very important to me when selecting a residency. I’m not sure if I plan on staying in after my commitment but I still don’t mind doing a 2 year residency. I was looking for some pros and cons of both or if someone can talk about their experiences in the programs. Is the 1 year sufficient enough or is the 2 year better for what I’m looking for?

If you don’t want to do career military, 2 year is a waste of your time. You will be doing academic treatment plan presentations and projects and lectures. You’ll already be doing a fair bit of this in the 1 year AEGD.

 

[ShortShortsDad]

I know a couple people who did both and they said they almost did more clinical hands on work in the 1yr residency vs the 2yr.

Most people who do the 2yr do it to “specialize” and become adminodontosts - ride a desk or be a commander. The 2yr grads who want to practice clinically are usually exceptional, their reputation is just dragged down by the majority who collect welfare pushing papers for years doing jack****.

A downside of a 1yr is while the training is especially good they aren’t guaranteed to get to use it - they could still be sent to an exam/filling job or may be more likely to go to a less desirable location. They will still likely do more than a dentist straight out of school. While I would hate to spend an extra year in the Army, I have seen too many general dentists skills completely atrophy and have to face private practice unprepared in a trial by fire situation so I’d still recommend the 1yr

 

[ArmyToothDoc]

I’m currently trying to decide on whether I want to apply to the 1 or 2 year AEGD. Receiving extensive training and learning how to handle complex cases is something very important to me when selecting a residency. I’m not sure if I plan on staying in after my commitment but I still don’t mind doing a 2 year residency. I was looking for some pros and cons of both or if someone can talk about their experiences in the programs. Is the 1 year sufficient enough or is the 2 year better for what I’m looking for?

Similarities:
- Clinical rotations through various specialties. 1-on-1 hands-on training with specialists. That opportunity is rare or very expensive in the private sector. Most 1-Year AEGDs do not have an orthodontist or pediatric dentist.
- Didactic lectures from each specialty.
- Residents give lectures on clinical care conferences and go through treatment planning boards. Table clinic/CE lecture requirements vary depending on location.

Differences:
- 2-Year AEGD you go through 2x amount of clinical rotations and 2x amount of didactics compared to the 1-Year AEGD. Most people choose the Comp Dentistry program because they don't want to focus on 1 specialty.
- 2-Year AEGD focus is to get you ready for challenge the American Board of General Dentistry. There will be mock boards similar to the ABGD during residency. More extensive focus on the "why" in addition to "how" to do things. Home
- 2-Year AEGD has a Master's requirement via Uniformed Services University for you to do conduct a research project/write a thesis.
- In a 2-Year AEGD, you have longer time to treatment plan more complex cases and carry out more extensive treatment. You are more likely to focus on quadrant dentistry in a 1-Year AEGD. Higher level of credentials for a 2-Year AEGD grad. As a 2-Year AEGD grad, it qualifies you for board-certification pay (when you pass your oral boards 1yr after graduation) and higher retention bonuses as an 63B.

AGD Fellowship Requirements
- 1-Year AEGD gives you 150 hours. 2-Year AEGD gives you 300 hours.

 

[Freshdentist22]

Similarities:
- Clinical rotations through various specialties. Most 1-Year AEGDs do not have an orthodontist or pediatric dentist.
- Didactic lectures from each specialty.
- Residents give lectures on clinical care conferences and go through treatment planning boards. Table clinic/CE lecture requirements vary depending on location.

Differences:
- 2-Year AEGD you go through 2x amount of clinical rotations and 2x amount of didactics compared to the 1-Year AEGD. Most people choose the Comp Dentistry program because they don't want to focus on 1 specialty.
- 2-Year AEGD focus is to get you ready for challenge the American Board of General Dentistry. There will be mock boards similar to the ABGD during residency. More extensive focus on the "why" in addition to "how" to do things. Home
- 2-Year AEGD has a Master's requirement via Uniformed Services University for you to do conduct a research project/write a thesis.
- In a 2-Year AEGD, you have longer time to treatment plan more complex cases and carry out more extensive treatment. You are more likely to focus on quadrant dentistry in a 1-Year AEGD. Higher level of credentials for a 2-Year AEGD grad. As a 2-Year AEGD grad, it qualifies you for board-certification pay (when you pass your oral boards 1yr after graduation) and higher retention bonuses as an 63B.

AGD Fellowship Requirements
- 1-Year AEGD gives you 150 hours. 2-Year AEGD gives you 300 hours.

Thank you for that breakdown !

 

[D1Bound]

Thank you for that breakdown !

I can't emphasize enough how much it is like dental school. You will have prep checks. You will pour models. If you do not want a career in the Army, pick the shortest path and GET OUT. The Army has great education, but I think the biggest value is in their actual residency training. Just my two cents.