Army TDA vs TOE dental assignments

[Armydent]

I'm just curious if there is anyone on this board who has worked as a TDA (training) Dental Officer. I am considering either becoming either a Brigade Dentist, or possibly a Dental Officer supporting a TDA unit. I know an advantage of going the TDA route is that you have the opportunity to take advantage of the Exodontia program (if it's still offered). But are there any disadvantages?

If there is anyone who has some experience or knowledge of others who have done either of those jobs, any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

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[krmower]

I'm just curious if there is anyone on this board who has worked as a TDA (training) Dental Officer. I am considering either becoming either a Brigade Dentist, or possibly a Dental Officer supporting a TDA unit. I know an advantage of going the TDA route is that you have the opportunity to take advantage of the Exodontia program (if it's still offered). But are there any disadvantages?

If there is anyone who has some experience or knowledge of others who have done either of those jobs, any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

In the Army you are either a Brigade Dentist or in a TDA facility. The majority of dentists are TDA - only a few are in Brigade assignments. I am not sure what you mean by a TDA (training) Dental Officer. A TDA dentist by definition is someone who works in the clinic full time and belongs to the Dental Corps as their asset. A Brigade Dentist may work in the same dental clinic, but his schedule is dictated by both himself and the unit he/she belongs to - and the local dental commander does not control him/her in any way. He/she may have other jobs or training they do that are non-dental related.

As a TDA dentist you can still deploy just as a brigade dentist can. The deployments are shorter. I don't see many other disadvantages - you are doing what you were trained for...dentistry.

The exodontia program is still going strong. The newest people beginning the program just started last week. It is set up primarily for general dentists that haven't done any post-graduate training. If there are not enough qualified applicants in that category they will also accept dentists that have graduated from a 12 month AEGD program.

 

[Armydent]

I am not sure what you mean by a TDA (training) Dental Officer.

That was a misunderstanding on my part. I was thinking instead of a Dental Officer supporting a TDA unit. For example, I was thinking of the DENTAC clinics which support basic training units. What you said makes a lot more sense. Thanks for the explanation.

 

[teeth63a]

That was a misunderstanding on my part. I was thinking instead of a Dental Officer supporting a TDA unit. For example, I was thinking of the DENTAC clinics which support basic training units. What you said makes a lot more sense. Thanks for the explanation.

TDA=Table of Distribution and Allowances, aka non-deployable units
TOE=Table of Organization and Equipment, aka deployable units.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army/toe.htm

The TOE and TDA designators are the typical non-intuitive jargon the military uses. In my experience, you really have no say in the matter, you're assigned to where the army needs you. If assigned to a TDA unit like a DENTAC, you'll still be PROFIS to a TOE unit.

This conversation has happened before...search the forum for "TDA TOE"

 

[AirborneDentist]

Unless you have done a 1 year residency, you are going to want to go TDA first...this will get your feet wet in the Army. Once you have been in for about a year, I say go for a brigade slot. This is one of the best jobs in the Army. I spent 3 awesome years in the 82nd...and would stay there for a career if a career track would allow it.

Eric