Army Dentistry - A typical work week

[ilovekitkat]

Hi everyone,

I received a lot of questions about what a typical work day is like. I included a week. I hope it helps some of you out.

Check it out at : GetYourDentistOn.Com under BLOG section.

There are good and bad days in the Army. Just like how there are good and bad days on the civilian side. Still as I am on my way out.... I would do it again.. especially since I am a USC Graduate.

Enjoy the blog post.


Fight On!
-Dr. Loi

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[Alpha Centauri]

Love your posts Doc. Hope to be in your shoes one day

 

[Incis0r]

Thank you for sharing. One follow up question I had while reading: you mention "restorative" procedures a lot - what kinds of procedures does this refer to? Do you enjoy a wide scope of practice?

 

[SEW413]

restorative meaning composites/amalgams, build ups/post,core & crowns, bridges/dentures

 

[MahiMahi]

Thank you for sharing. One follow up question I had while reading: you mention "restorative" procedures a lot - what kinds of procedures does this refer to? Do you enjoy a wide scope of practice?

From the posts I've read by Army dentists, it seems scope of practice is highly location-dependent; e.g. if you're in a location with a good amount of specialists or AEGDs, your opportunities to do interesting stuff will naturally be less than if it was the other way around.

 

[ilovekitkat]

restorative meaning composites/amalgams, build ups/post,core & crowns, bridges/dentures

Exactly. Depending on the clinic you are in there may or may not be a cerec. All clinics have a laboratory, but the skill of the technicians varies from person to person.

 

[ilovekitkat]

From the posts I've read by Army dentists, it seems scope of practice is highly location-dependent; e.g. if you're in a location with a good amount of specialists or AEGDs, your opportunities to do interesting stuff will naturally be less than if it was the other way around.

Exactly. It all depends on your "boss" the officer in charge too or the commander on what they allow you to do. For example I am trained and skilled in rotary Endo, but my old clinic boss oic did not allow me to do them.

Also I found a 6 unit esthetic case last week that I wanted to treat. The commander moved me dental clinics. I asked to still treat this patient, but the commander said no. If is fine someone else will do the treatment.

Your leadership can limit your practice significantly.... a downside of the army dentistry

 

[ilovekitkat]

Exactly. It all depends on your "boss" the officer in charge too or the commander on what they allow you to do. For example I am trained and skilled in rotary Endo, but my old clinic boss oic did not allow me to do them.

Also I found a 6 unit esthetic case last week that I wanted to treat. The commander moved me dental clinics. I asked to still treat this patient, but the commander said no. If is fine someone else will do the treatment.

Your leadership can limit your practice significantly.... a downside of the army dentistry

And this is why a lot of general denstists, young captains choose to not stay in the Army. You have to be very flexible.......

 

[ilovekitkat]

Love your posts Doc. Hope to be in your shoes one day

You will !