Ask an Air Force Dentist

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flyingforever said:
I am applying to HSPS, whats the physical requirement. Air Force just scheduled my physical examination.
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If you don't mind, where are you located? I'm in LA and been talking to my recruiter regularly, but he keeps postponing my physical...first it was supposed to be in early September, then October, and now I'm not sure. He sounds really busy and I'm afraid he's just blowing me off.
 
Vigilante said:
If you don't mind, where are you located? I'm in LA and been talking to my recruiter regularly, but he keeps postponing my physical...first it was supposed to be in early September, then October, and now I'm not sure. He sounds really busy and I'm afraid he's just blowing me off.
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The recruiter is in VA.
 
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I have researched the AF hpsp program a lot and I know that I want to apply. However, I have been unable to get a hold of a recruiter who can get me started on the app process. I have called my local recruiters and also non-local recruiters. Can anyone help me get in touch with a good recruiter? Is it getting too late to apply now? Thanks!
 
This is the recruiter in Virginia but if he can't help you, he will direct you to the right spot I am sure. Great guy.

Thomas W. McCray Jr., TSgt, USAF
Health Professions Recruiter
Phone: (703) 271-1601
 
Roto Picante said:
This is the recruiter in Virginia but if he can't help you, he will direct you to the right spot I am sure. Great guy.

Thomas W. McCray Jr., TSgt, USAF
Health Professions Recruiter
Phone: (703) 271-1601
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Thanks Roto Picante. I called and left a message with TSgt McCray. I hope he gets back to me soon! :xf:
 
dnellyuw10 said:
I had already used this locator service and called all recommended local recruiters. No one got back to me. That is why I asked for recommendations for a good recruiter. Thanks again to Roto.
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Have you contacted TSgt McCray?
Thomas W. McCray Jr., TSgt, USAF
Health Professions Recruiter
Phone: (703) 271-1601

He is assisting me with application process since I don't have any recruiter in my area.
 
Hi there, I'm currently a senior Undergrad at the University at Buffalo and I was wondering when I need to apply for the scholarship. I know that dental students usually apply during their first/second year, but as a student under the early assurance program, I was hoping I could apply earlier. Early assurance at Buffalo, however, is conditional the student needs to maintain a 3.7 overall GPA every semester and get a 20/30 on their DAT's academic average, PAT and Reading Comprehension.
Now that I'm in my last year, I only have two more semesters before dental school. I will also be DAT's in November. So, just to sum it up, is it possible for an undergrad senior in the Early Assurance Dental Program to apply during undergrad. Thank you!
 
kchen1202 said:
Hi there, I'm currently a senior Undergrad at the University at Buffalo and I was wondering when I need to apply for the scholarship. I know that dental students usually apply during their first/second year, but as a student under the early assurance program, I was hoping I could apply earlier. Early assurance at Buffalo, however, is conditional the student needs to maintain a 3.7 overall GPA every semester and get a 20/30 on their DAT's academic average, PAT and Reading Comprehension.
Now that I'm in my last year, I only have two more semesters before dental school. I will also be DAT's in November. So, just to sum it up, is it possible for an undergrad senior in the Early Assurance Dental Program to apply during undergrad. Thank you!
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You need to contact your recruiter now. Not sure what the deadline is this year, but you may have missed it. I think you still have some time though.
 
I was just wondering if implant placement is something that is taught in the AF AEGD. I saw implants on an online list, but I didn't know if they meant placing implants or just restoring them. Thanks!
 
jlmsg said:
I was just wondering if implant placement is something that is taught in the AF AEGD. I saw implants on an online list, but I didn't know if they meant placing implants or just restoring them. Thanks!
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Placing and restoring implants is covered in our one and our two year AEGD programs. You cannot be credentialed to place them out of a 1 year program, but you can out of the 2 year program.
 
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Hi,
I have a question regarding airforce dentistry and multiyear retention bonuses. I know that in the army after you complete an AEGD 1 yr there is a program called the Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) program which is pretty much a check list of things to do such as 100 extractions, 15 molar endos, etc...After you complete these requirements you are eligible for a multiyear retention bonus. I am considering transferring to the AF after my army obligation is up and was wondering if this ACP would be recognized by the AF. Do they have a similar program?

Thanks
 
mjhul said:
Hi,
I have a question regarding airforce dentistry and multiyear retention bonuses. I know that in the army after you complete an AEGD 1 yr there is a program called the Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) program which is pretty much a check list of things to do such as 100 extractions, 15 molar endos, etc...After you complete these requirements you are eligible for a multiyear retention bonus. I am considering transferring to the AF after my army obligation is up and was wondering if this ACP would be recognized by the AF. Do they have a similar program?

Thanks
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AF originated the program. I think it's transferable, but not 100% sure. It should be.
 
Hello,

I am currently attempting to apply to the AF HPSP, after a couple of transfers from a recruiter in Long Island, NY I got hold of a Tsgt in Manhattan. However, it has been very difficult communicating with the recruiter. He has sent me an application, but a lot of the emails he is sending me is not getting through to me. I don't know if this is a real problem of the email not getting to me or if this is a method to test my motivation to apply or to shoo me away. I was supposed to meet with him yesterday, and found no nobody at the office (apparently he sent me an email stating he could not make it, which I never received). He said he will transfer me to one of his colleagues if he can not meet me next week. Hopefully this will be then of this problem. Is there only one AF HPSP recruitment office in the NYC area?

Thanks
 
I found out this past Thursday, Dec. 1, that I was not selected for the 3-year HPSP. I'm super bummed about it, but still interested in the Air Force, so I'm thinking about the loan repayment program after I graduate. Can you tell me a little more about it? Is it very competitive? Is it still a max repayment of $40k per year? When do I need to apply for it? Are there other options apart from the loan repayment for me?

Another question... Do you think there is any chance of a 2-year HPSP offering this next year?
 
I think this program would be pretty cool. Does anyone know how competitive a three or four year scholorship is? What kind of GPA/DAT do you need to get one?

Can an applicant take a three year scholarship for UoP?
 
iamspartacus2 said:
I found out this past Thursday, Dec. 1, that I was not selected for the 3-year HPSP. I'm super bummed about it, but still interested in the Air Force, so I'm thinking about the loan repayment program after I graduate. Can you tell me a little more about it? Is it very competitive? Is it still a max repayment of $40k per year? When do I need to apply for it? Are there other options apart from the loan repayment for me?

Another question... Do you think there is any chance of a 2-year HPSP offering this next year?
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At this time, the AF isn't bringing anyone on active duty that isn't on HPSP. Also, you have to be on active duty for 6 months to be eligible to apply for the HPLRP.

2-year scholarships are allocated based on need. Some years they are offered and some they aren't. Hard to say if we will need to offer any yet.
 
Is there someone I can contact in the Air Force who oversees the dental hpsp program? I want to know some of the specifics of the scholarship and what happens after I graduate dental school.
 
Hypothetically speaking....

What if there is someone who was recently admitted into a dental school that is also offering this person a full ride scholarship.

But this person genuinely wants to join the program because of his future aspirations! Because he has wanted to be a dentist in the air force for a long time.

If he was admitted as one of the recipients of the 4-year program, will he still get the stipend, train as an officer (he is looking forward to that part...so I've heard) but since the air force isn't responsible for paying any tuition or associated fees, will he have a chance of possibly proposing to receive a percentage of the funding the school would have gotten for tuition and used it for loan payback from undergrad, to survive in the summer, (he plans to do research at the dental school he will be attending and starts this summer with no job and funding would start until September from Air Force), and to have something saved for rainy days and as security?

Just was wondering😀
 
I think you are confusing the HPSP program with the Navy's HSCP program. All services offer the HPSP. It is a 4 year scholarship that pays a monthly stipend as well as all tuition and required feeds. You don't receive any credit toward retirement while in the HPSP program. The Navy's HSCP program doesn't pay tuition and fees, but you get paid like you were enlisted (not sure the rank) and you count that time toward retirement.

PSKDentist said:
Hypothetically speaking....

What if there is someone who was recently admitted into a dental school that is also offering this person a full ride scholarship.

But this person genuinely wants to join the program because of his future aspirations! Because he has wanted to be a dentist in the air force for a long time.

If he was admitted as one of the recipients of the 4-year program, will he still get the stipend, train as an officer (he is looking forward to that part...so I've heard) but since the air force isn't responsible for paying any tuition or associated fees, will he have a chance of possibly proposing to receive a percentage of the funding the school would have gotten for tuition and used it for loan payback from undergrad, to survive in the summer, (he plans to do research at the dental school he will be attending and starts this summer with no job and funding would start until September from Air Force), and to have something saved for rainy days and as security?

Just was wondering😀
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Maybe this question has already been asked - I was curious to know if anyone had joined the AF after completing a civilian OMFS residency? I have spoken briefly to a recruiter regarding the finanical support that would be given to pay off school loans which would require a comittment of atleast 3 years (three) in the air force. If anyone has done this route, could you please let me know of your thoughts? What is the scope of practice as an AF oral surgeon? Thanks.
 
I am quite the gun enthusiasts and joining the military is so appealing because I get the opportunity to be not only pay off my debt, but also learn more about military guns. I have a series of questions regarding gun use in the military as a Dental officer.

1. Are you required/ able to carry a gun?

2. How do the shooting ranges work in the military? Do you have unlimited access to ammo, or do you have a set amount to practice with?

3. If I was interested, could I get access to more heavy duty guns (full autos etc.), as a dentist in the AF and practice with it?
 
ktran17 said:
I am quite the gun enthusiasts and joining the military is so appealing because I get the opportunity to be not only pay off my debt, but also learn more about military guns. I have a series of questions regarding gun use in the military as a Dental officer.

1. Are you required/ able to carry a gun? No/possibly when deployed

2. How do the shooting ranges work in the military? Most can only be used when you are qualifying with your weapon. Do you have unlimited access to ammo, or do you have a set amount to practice with?No

3. If I was interested, could I get access to more heavy duty guns (full autos etc.), as a dentist in the AF and practice with it? Maybe
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We can sometimes get special access for a few people to shoot some of the heavier weapons.
 
I saw a post on this thread from 2009 or so about it being pretty easy to get stationed overseas, but difficult for a first assignment after residency - is this still the case for an accompanied tour (where you can bring your family)? We're very interested in living overseas - Europe or elsewhere.
 
SFO said:
I saw a post on this thread from 2009 or so about it being pretty easy to get stationed overseas, but difficult for a first assignment after residency - is this still the case for an accompanied tour (where you can bring your family)? We're very interested in living overseas - Europe or elsewhere.
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I think it has gotten easier. More asignments are offered up to those just out of their residencies now.
 
Hi, I read the begging and the end of this post only because its so long. I haven't come across any information regarding the financial aspect of AF (maybe the information was in the middle). I was on the air force website and the pay scale said that I will get about $38,000 a year. But it also says that there are other incentives like bonus pay, enlisting bonus, meal and housing allowance, etc. I also heard that there is an additional pay for just being a dentist. Basically people keep telling me that a dentist makes 40 a year, others are saying 80, others are saying 100. I would like a clear break down of how much a dentist gets payed during his 4 year repayment period, how easy is it to move up a rank, is there a sign on bonus for 4 years, and what about health insurance/malpractice insurance.

This is very important information for me to know because if the pay is only 40 a year there might be an incentive to just take out the loans and repay them on my own without spending 4 years in a military.
Thank you very much.
 
I don't know if its covered in detail in this thread or not, but it is covered in several others if you do a search.

bottom line is:
Base pay for a Capt and 0 years of service is $3771/month = $45,252 per year
Incentive pay - $20K/year
BAH - varies by location
BAS fixed $ amount, but cannot remember off the top of my head.


So its $65K plus BAH and BAS.
 
thompsonae12 said:
What are the chances of being deployed if you take a 4-year scholarship? If you did deploy would safety be a major issue?
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I don't want to sound too terse, but you would be in the military. It is possible you would deploy. Typically, you don't deploy to places other than war zones or close by. I won't say you are being shot at every day or that you are even in any danger at all, but it all depends on where you are.
 
I have already accepted an AEGD and I am now wanting to decline it. I have not done COT training yet. Will I be able to decline and get a new assignment?
 
I'm a senior in dental school and recently started considering the Army/navy/AF option. From what I read around here they would help me pay off only part of my loans because I'm joining now, is that correct? I also was accepted in an AEGD program and will start this summer, does anyone know how that would affect me possibly joining the AirForce?

What worries me is being deployed or the "schedule" if you wanna call it that.
I am a woman 🙂 and I'm married ( no children yet). If I join the AF how likely is it that I will be sent out abroad without my husband? What about having children? We are considering having them sometime in the next 4-5 years but how would joining the AF impact that?
Thanks a lot!
 
I see listed below your post that you are an IDP student? If you are an international dentist that isn't a resident of the United States then you are not eligible for the HPSP scholarship.
 
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soriandra said:
I'm a senior in dental school and recently started considering the Army/navy/AF option. From what I read around here they would help me pay off only part of my loans because I'm joining now, is that correct? I also was accepted in an AEGD program and will start this summer, does anyone know how that would affect me possibly joining the AirForce? If you are not already on HPSP with the AF, your chances of joining right now are nil. The only non HPSP accessions we are currently taking are specialists in areas we are short handed.

What worries me is being deployed or the "schedule" if you wanna call it that.
I am a woman 🙂 and I'm married ( no children yet). If I join the AF how likely is it that I will be sent out abroad without my husband? What about having children? We are considering having them sometime in the next 4-5 years but how would joining the AF impact that?
Thanks a lot!
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I've answered the deployment question several times. If deploying is going to cause problems for you, don't join. It's that simple. The AF is the military and we occasionally deploy. We have several denitsts deployed all the time. But that doesn't mean you will deploy often, but there is always a chance. And it won't always be convenient for you. I missed my son's birthday, his first day of school ever, losing his first tooth, my wedding anniversary, etc.. while I was deployed. It wasn't convenient, but it was my duty.


Occasionally, and its rare, we will have someone that gets orders to deploy or to move and it isn't convenient for them. Then the "its all about me" sentiment comes out and they make everyone's life around them miserable. What they don't realize is that most of the time, deploying is inconvenient for all of us and if they don't go, someone has to deploy. We serve at the discretion of the AF and for the needs of the Air Force.


I'm not writing this to chastise you in any way. I just want you to understand and others reading to understand that joining the military (AF, Army, Navy, Marines, CG) is referred to as "the service" for a reason. Its all about serving at the discretion of your nation. Weigh all of this out before you sign a contract and go from there.
 
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I will be applying for the AEGD this upcoming summer/fall. Should I be doing anything, contacting anyone, making those "I'm really interested in attending your program" phone calls, etc?

Are the programs pretty uniform or are some better for oral surgery whereas others are more focused on endo, etc...?

Is the application the standard grades, class rank, boards, recommendation letters? Anything else I should be preparing for?

Thanks!
 
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