Ask an Air Force Dentist

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I am interested in both the 4-year and 3-year HPSP.

I've emailed a recruiter in my area this past winter, but contact was quickly lost. I know any time is a good time to start inquiring into the application process, but can I wait until I receive an acceptance letter come December to apply or are there things I can start setting up right now?

From what I've read on this thread, it seems like I'm only supposed to apply to a 4-year in the case for UoP and then it will become converted to a 3-year? Also if I don't receive the 4-year, I will get put on the list for a 3-year?

If you wait until December you'll be too late for the 4-year. I did a lot of stuff even early in my junior year of undergrad to get them out of the way (MEPS, Air Force interview, etc.). You should be applying for the HPSP and dental school at the same time, if not sooner for the HPSP.

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Is dental anesthesiology recognized by the Air Force as a legitimate residency? I know they attempted to make it a certified "specialty" last year, but it was turned down. I am mildly interested in this field, but as it does not have the official title of "specialist", I wasn't too sure.
 
Hello,
Please let me know if you've already answered any of the Qs I'm about to ask.

(1) I am considering applying for the scholarship and i read that you need a 20 on the DAT - does this automatically disqualify all applicants who do not have these scores ?

(2) On a flyer it states, While in dental school, you'll serve 45 days each year on active duty in the AirForce with the full pay and allowances of a Second Lieutenant. What does this mean ? Are there any obligations during school?

(3) Also, is there anywhere I could go read about the requirements and selection factors for the scholarship? Also the percentage of applicants who receive it.

(4) Provided that I've received the scholarship, do you get stationed randomly or do we choose the top 3 choices we want to get stationed at?

(5) I haven't started the application process yet bc my dat scores are at 18. Could I start after I retake the DAT (Late September) and still be able to receive the scholarship for Fall 2014 ?
 
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Hi, I am graduating from dental school this upcoming May (2014) and am in the process of applying to bases for active duty (I do not plan on attending an AEGD-1 program). Does anyone have any insight as to which bases are most preferable for a young, single male? Which bases are closest to towns with some form of entertainment/nightlife/beaches? I know this is not what the AF is about; however, I am indeed a young male still trying to have a life outside of my career. Thanks for your help!
 
I am currently applying to dental schools and was considering the HPSP. However, my undergrad was business (3.0) and i did my science pre-reqs at a community college after I graduated, which have been 3.75. Do they average out the undergrad with the science gpa? or do they only go by the undergrad?

thank you!
 
Hi, I am graduating from dental school this upcoming May (2014) and am in the process of applying to bases for active duty (I do not plan on attending an AEGD-1 program). Does anyone have any insight as to which bases are most preferable for a young, single male? Which bases are closest to towns with some form of entertainment/nightlife/beaches? I know this is not what the AF is about; however, I am indeed a young male still trying to have a life outside of my career. Thanks for your help!

Hey! I am wondering the same thing...except I'm a girl. I am also graduating this May and in the process of trying to figure out where I would like to go. Which bases are you thinking? Do you know how well they will try to match our preferences?
 
Hi I was wondering how many 3 yrs scholarships are offer for this cycle.

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Hi, I am graduating from dental school this upcoming May (2014) and am in the process of applying to bases for active duty (I do not plan on attending an AEGD-1 program). Does anyone have any insight as to which bases are most preferable for a young, single male? Which bases are closest to towns with some form of entertainment/nightlife/beaches? I know this is not what the AF is about; however, I am indeed a young male still trying to have a life outside of my career. Thanks for your help!

Hey! I am wondering the same thing...except I'm a girl. I am also graduating this May and in the process of trying to figure out where I would like to go. Which bases are you thinking? Do you know how well they will try to match our preferences?

I figured no one replied to these because it's pretty easy to look at a map of the bases and figure which ones are near the coast.

When looking at the west coast LA AFB is a pretty nice option. I was stationed there and most people lived in Redondo or Hermosa Beach. There is a lot to do there. The clinic is small and the base is mostly officers so not sure it's going to be the most interesting dentistry (also probably the same issue at places that have residencies) but the area offers a lot of entertainment/nightlife/beaches. Vandenberg is in a really pretty area on the coast but it's a bit of a drive to anything with a population base (Pismo Beach is small but ok during the summer, Santa Barbra is awesome). Travis really isn't costal and is surrounded by farmland but SF is nearby for weekend trips. McChord is where my wife's family is the area right around in Tacoma isn't great but you can go to Gig Harbor or something. Not real sure about night life there.

On the east coast you have bases in FL. Eglin/Hurlburt are around some really good beaches and it's affordable to live but personally I thought it was a bit redneck...the area is referred to as the redneck riviera. I'm not really familiar the other FL places but MacDill looks like it could be nice with Tampa and St. Pete there.

Charleston is a great city and I really like it as far as towns in the south.

Langley is a pretty good place. There is a ton of military in the area though which can be a negative for some single guys (or positive for some).

DC with Andrews/Bolling has been my favorite place to live. DC is a young city with lots of young professionals. There aren't really beaches there but Delaware isn't that far for weekend trips.

Dover is kind of far from cities with great night life.

McGuire isn't far from Philly (or even NYC).

Hanscom is close to Boston.

All that being said I have friends who have loved their time at places like Minot or Sheppard (two places that often get a bad rap). It's really all about finding what each place has to offer...if there isn't all that much no real worries because you'll only be there for 3 years or so.
 
Hello,
Please let me know if you've already answered any of the Qs I'm about to ask.

(1) I am considering applying for the scholarship and i read that you need a 20 on the DAT - does this automatically disqualify all applicants who do not have these scores ?

(2) On a flyer it states, While in dental school, you’ll serve 45 days each year on active duty in the AirForce with the full pay and allowances of a Second Lieutenant. What does this mean ? Are there any obligations during school?

All it means is you'll get paid as if you were on active duty for 45 days out of the year. You get orders but the orders just say to attend school. You don't actualy do anything. You're not allowed to leave the country, that's all.

(3) Also, is there anywhere I could go read about the requirements and selection factors for the scholarship? Also the percentage of applicants who receive it.

(4) Provided that I've received the scholarship, do you get stationed randomly or do we choose the top 3 choices we want to get stationed at?

You rank where you'd like to go and they try to match it

(5) I haven't started the application process yet bc my dat scores are at 18. Could I start after I retake the DAT (Late September) and still be able to receive the scholarship for Fall 2014 ? I would get in there now anyway and start talking to a recruiter and just let them know you'll be retaking it.

Answered the ones I knew, hope that helps
 
anyone knows when the selection committee meets again this year?
 
I apologize in advance because I'm sure this question has been asked and answered in this thread, but I don't feel like searching through 33 pages to find it. I'm wondering just what the chances are of being stationed in Colorado. I know the process for the "dream sheet" but if I put every air force base in Colorado at the top of my list, what are my chances of getting one of them? Anyone on here with experience with that? Thanks!
 
I was told I can't get started on the HPSP application process until I have a letter of acceptance from a D school. Is this true?

Also, if my BS gpa is under 3.5 but my MS is over 3.5 and my combined GPA is under 3.5 can I still apply for the HPSP?
 
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I was told I can't get started on the HPSP application process until I have a letter of acceptance from a D school. Is this true?

Also, if my BS gpa is under 3.5 but my MS is over 3.5 and my combined GPA is under 3.5 can I still apply for the HPSP?

False. You can apply now but it will be considered as incomplete until you get an acceptance letter.

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I'm applying for the three year scholarship. My application was submitted early last week. Anyone know when the board meets next?
 
hi i have a question
I am graduating next year and looking....to join the Air force!
wondering if there is a program that will repay my school loans...and give me a stipend as well..
I am going to be a citizen as soon as I graduate which is 6-2014.
and is it true that there are specialty programs in the army that we can join? I am very interested in orthodontics department. I heard that it is easier to get in if I am involved in the air force??
also........can i get stationed in foreign countries? please let me know thanks so much!!
 
Curious if an AEGD 1 or 2 counts as time served. I'm sure this has been answered in here somewhere, but would appreciate it. Thanks guys
 
Hello, I would like to throw bunch of questions and see if I could get answer from these. I will start my research on this topic, but I just wanted to throw out these questions first as an initial research. I would very appreciate it if you can answer any of the questions. I am deciding if I should get federal loans to start off my practice later on, or I should start from zero debt with military scholarship. Please be objective on your answers for me. I have zero knowledge about the scholarship, so please bear with me if I am throwing out an obvious question. These are the questions that I have thrown out to recruiters, but seems like they are only providing the good sides of each question, and did not give me clear answers for these.

1. What would be basic timeline of how whole military service work after graduation? (assuming I will be getting military scholarship for 4 years)

2. After I find my recruiter, would there be certain criteria for me to pass (ex: academically, physically, etc.)

3. If I become a U.S. military dentist who’s serving in the base, would I be in part of military training every morning? How would the whole physical training works for me as an army dentist?

4. I would like to know what my working hour would be as a military dentist. (per day/ per week)

5. As far as I know, I will be sent-out to certain places – deployment is it? (either within U.S. or foreign countries). Do I get to choose the place? If so, is the place given to military dentists based on their performance/grade or do you guys pick the place randomly (my interest would be to be sent out to Korea, how many spots are available each year? And what are the chances?)

6. If I am to stay in the army for 4 years, would I be staying in the same place for 4 years, or do I have to expect to move after certain period?

7. Is life expense included in the military scholarship negotiable or fixed at the beginning of school year? And if applicable, may I ask the range of how much money you offer for life expense in the scholarship while I am enrolled in school?

8. If I get married during my academic period, do you offer more life expenses for my spouse after marriage? Also, do you guys support my marriage in some ways? (for example, providing place for marriage, marriage fund, or etc.)

9. Starting my service in the military, would it be possible for me to commute, or is it mandatory to stick around the base for 4 years?

10. If I am to involve myself in residence program for specialty, would it count as part of my military time (4 years of service I would assume) or no?

11. Can you give me summary of what benefits I will be getting as a military dentist, and can you specify those benefits in detail if possible?

12. How many days of vacation are allowed each year, and does that include holidays or separate?

13. Last question, I will be turning my N-400 to get my neutralization in process. While I apply for my citizenship, would it be possible for me to also apply for military scholarship?


Additional Question: I won’t have the money to pay for my tuition. So, it’s going to be either getting federal loan for my tuition + pay for debt as I work in other dentist’s office + open my practice later on (vs.) get military scholarship start zero for dental tuition + serving in the military pay for my undergraduate loan + after 4 years serving open my practice with financial loan. What do you think would be the fastest way for me to become stable in this field? I want to ultimately open my practice later in my career, and I will ask another forum to guide me through the process of opening a practice.

Most of these can be answered can be answered by a quick search online. The rest have already be answered on the forum and can be searched for with keywords. The person who used to answer the questions on here hasn't responded in months.
 
Hi, I am currently applying for the 3 years and got everything done months ago and was able to make it into the first round.

My recruiter called me last week and left me a voice mail to call her back. I've been calling her everyday both cell phone and office, as well as emailing her but no responses. I was wondering if there is anything else I can do to find out whether I've been selected for the scholarship or not.

Thank you

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Hi,
I would like to know if it is likely for any dental graduate to be commanded to work out of US? And how likely is it to stay in the state that you choose.
Thanks,
 
Hi,
I would like to know if it is likely for any dental graduate to be commanded to work out of US? And how likely is it to stay in the state that you choose.
Thanks,
There are overseas and stateside bases with dental clinics. You can be sent to any one of them but in general, overseas bases are sought after and a dentist just out of school won't go (just out of a 1 yr AEGD will though). Stateside bases and assignments are dependent on the needs of the AF.
 
Curious if an AEGD 1 or 2 counts as time served. I'm sure this has been answered in here somewhere, but would appreciate it. Thanks guys
This has already been answered if you search, but it is a complicated answer. To simplify, if you do the residency right after dental school, it is considered "neutral time" and if you wait, you might incur an extra year or 2 of service. The more complicated answer is that if you do Air Force residencies you must pay back for every year of the residency, however if you still owe years for dental school, you payback years for residency and years for d school at the same time, so the "effective" payback or total years payback doesn't change. Example... 4 year HPSP owes 4 years. Does an AEGD 1. The first year of practice after the residency is payback for year one of the residency and year 1 of d school. The second year of practice, there is no residency time left to pay for so it is only payback for year 2 of d school. Therefore 1 year of residency and 4 year of payback and you are out. You can see how this gets confusing if you do a 1 year AEGD, are paying back, when you get acceptance to a 4 year OMS residency for instance.
 
Just wanted to let everyone know that I'm a current dental student (graduating in May) and I have a blog over at usafdds.blogspot.com that I've used to chronicle what it's like to be a dental student on the Air Force HPSP scholarship.

I've got sections dedicated to answering the most common questions about the scholarship (stipend, active duty pay, reimbursements, MEPS, HPSP application process, finding a recruiter, etc.), especially from the perspective of a dental student. I started it in 2010 and plan to continue forward into my Air Force career as a source of first hand up-to-date information about the HPSP. Just want to help those who are in the position I was in several years ago trying to figure out how this all worked.

Check it out!
 
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Hello, I would like to throw bunch of questions and see if I could get answer from these. I will start my research on this topic, but I just wanted to throw out these questions first as an initial research. I would very appreciate it if you can answer any of the questions. I am deciding if I should get federal loans to start off my practice later on, or I should start from zero debt with military scholarship. Please be objective on your answers for me. I have zero knowledge about the scholarship, so please bear with me if I am throwing out an obvious question. These are the questions that I have thrown out to recruiters, but seems like they are only providing the good sides of each question, and did not give me clear answers for these.

1. What would be basic timeline of how whole military service work after graduation? (assuming I will be getting military scholarship for 4 years)

Start pushing your recruiter to get things rolling the summer the year before dental school if you can (as in... if you'll start dental school in 2015, start rolling in summer of 2014). Earlier if you want. I did MEPS really early.

2. After I find my recruiter, would there be certain criteria for me to pass (ex: academically, physically, etc.)

Yep. Got to have outstanding stats and pass a general physical and review of your medical history. Your recruiter will help direct you with all of this.

3. If I become a U.S. military dentist who’s serving in the base, would I be in part of military training every morning? How would the whole physical training works for me as an army dentist?

You'll have time to workout but I don't know for certain. I know the COT requirements are pretty easy to meet so I can't imagine it would be too hard to maintain your physical health.

4. I would like to know what my working hour would be as a military dentist. (per day/ per week)

5 days per week, ~8 hrs/day, 30 days off each year

5. As far as I know, I will be sent-out to certain places – deployment is it? (either within U.S. or foreign countries). Do I get to choose the place? If so, is the place given to military dentists based on their performance/grade or do you guys pick the place randomly (my interest would be to be sent out to Korea, how many spots are available each year? And what are the chances?)

My understanding is that deployment is rare and is often filled with volunteers.

6. If I am to stay in the army for 4 years, would I be staying in the same place for 4 years, or do I have to expect to move after certain period?

Most likely the same

7. Is life expense included in the military scholarship negotiable or fixed at the beginning of school year? And if applicable, may I ask the range of how much money you offer for life expense in the scholarship while I am enrolled in school?

The HPSP gives you a fixed stipend and does NOT change based on where you go to school or live (or if you're married and how many kids you have). If you're in Oklahoma City or New York you get the same. It's about $2200/month (pre-tax).

8. If I get married during my academic period, do you offer more life expenses for my spouse after marriage? Also, do you guys support my marriage in some ways? (for example, providing place for marriage, marriage fund, or etc.)

Not during school. After school you'd get a bump in some of your pays by adding a dependent. Of course with a stipend and some good planning you could always save up and pay cash for your wedding like I did. But you're just a regular guy in school getting some money and free school.

9. Starting my service in the military, would it be possible for me to commute, or is it mandatory to stick around the base for 4 years?

You can live on or off base

10. If I am to involve myself in residence program for specialty, would it count as part of my military time (4 years of service I would assume) or no?

I believe your time in training does not count towards paying back your HPSP requirement but then after specializing you pay back your requirement for HPSP and having specialized at the same time. That might be confusing and I'm not the best source on this.

11. Can you give me summary of what benefits I will be getting as a military dentist, and can you specify those benefits in detail if possible?

My blog (usafdds.blogspot.com) goes into this in detail in the "Got a Question?" section. Long story short you can expect to be paid about $80,000-90,000 on average. On top of that you can get life insurance and obviously TriCare.

12. How many days of vacation are allowed each year, and does that include holidays or separate?

30

13. Last question, I will be turning my N-400 to get my neutralization in process. While I apply for my citizenship, would it be possible for me to also apply for military scholarship?

No clue. Get with a recruiter ASAP would be my suggestion.


Additional Question: I won’t have the money to pay for my tuition. So, it’s going to be either getting federal loan for my tuition + pay for debt as I work in other dentist’s office + open my practice later on (vs.) get military scholarship start zero for dental tuition + serving in the military pay for my undergraduate loan + after 4 years serving open my practice with financial loan. What do you think would be the fastest way for me to become stable in this field? This 100% depends on your personal definition of "stable" I want to ultimately open my practice later in my career, and I will ask another forum to guide me through the process of opening a practice.

I would say if you don't want to be in the military, don't do it. It's 4 years of your life and you can definitely survive as a dentist by taking out loans at an inexpensive school and honing your business skills and contacts during school. As a civilian you'd get earlier exposure to business and that gives you some advantage. However, being strapped with tons of debt can really mess some people up, especially those that think they'll go out and buy whatever they want to when school ends. If you go the "traditional" route, just live like a student for another 4 years and kill your loan, learn the craft, figure out what you want, and make it happen. All that said, I joined the AF because I wanted to be in the AF and ultimately you'll have to make that decision as well. The HPSP has a financial component but it is a military decision above all (in my opinion).
 
Just wanted to let everyone know that I'm a current dental student (graduating in May) and I have a blog over at usafdds.blogspot.com that I've used to chronicle what it's like to be a dental student on the Air Force HPSP scholarship.

I've got sections dedicated to answering the most common questions about the scholarship (stipend, active duty pay, reimbursements, MEPS, HPSP application process, finding a recruiter, etc.), especially from the perspective of a dental student. I started it in 2010 and plan to continue forward into my Air Force career as a source of first hand up-to-date information about the HPSP. Just want to help those who are in the position I was in several years ago trying to figure out how this all worked.

Check it out!
Hello,
I am a senior in college and just started with the HPSP application and was wondering if you could answer some of my questions. Do you know how long do MEPS usually take to process the medical documents? Also, do you fill out the the medical form first and after they process then you do the rest of the application or you do everything altogether? And my recruiter told me that I have to take a computer test at first for a commissioned officer, I didnt know you have to take a test and then apply for HPSP scholarship. Can you give me some information about the computer test like what do they test for and all that?
Thank you
 
Hello,
I am a senior in college and just started with the HPSP application and was wondering if you could answer some of my questions. Do you know how long do MEPS usually take to process the medical documents? Also, do you fill out the the medical form first and after they process then you do the rest of the application or you do everything altogether? And my recruiter told me that I have to take a computer test at first for a commissioned officer, I didnt know you have to take a test and then apply for HPSP scholarship. Can you give me some information about the computer test like what do they test for and all that?
Thank you


As far as the medical documents are concerned, I believe your recruiter does some sort of preliminary health thing with you so that MEPS is aware of anything they'll need to double check. For example, I had ACL surgery about 10 years ago and MEPS knew that when I arrived so they could specifically take a look at that. I eventually had to have my medical records released to the AF but I honestly can't remember if that was before or after MEPS. I think most of the application can be filled out before MEPS since MEPS is more of a screening tool to make sure you qualify physically. Then again you're not the one actually filling it out really, it's your recruiter.

As far as this computer test is concerned, I've never heard of this and I did not take a computer test. You might want to double check because I don't think it's something you'll have to do unless things have changed in the last few years.
 
Hello,
I am a senior in college and just started with the HPSP application and was wondering if you could answer some of my questions. Do you know how long do MEPS usually take to process the medical documents? Also, do you fill out the the medical form first and after they process then you do the rest of the application or you do everything altogether? And my recruiter told me that I have to take a computer test at first for a commissioned officer, I didnt know you have to take a test and then apply for HPSP scholarship. Can you give me some information about the computer test like what do they test for and all that?
Thank you

I just finished MEPS a few weeks ago and I have not taken any computer test.
 
Is dental anesthesiology recognized by the Air Force as a legitimate residency? I know they attempted to make it a certified "specialty" last year, but it was turned down. I am mildly interested in this field, but as it does not have the official title of "specialist", I wasn't too sure.
Its not a recognized specialty by the USAF.
 
Hi, I am graduating from dental school this upcoming May (2014) and am in the process of applying to bases for active duty (I do not plan on attending an AEGD-1 program). Does anyone have any insight as to which bases are most preferable for a young, single male? Which bases are closest to towns with some form of entertainment/nightlife/beaches? I know this is not what the AF is about; however, I am indeed a young male still trying to have a life outside of my career. Thanks for your help!
Saw you got some other answers. The AF will let you know where the openings are and you will get to choose from them. You will be assigned wherever you are needed the most. Unfortunately, that may not be near a big city.
 
I am currently applying to dental schools and was considering the HPSP. However, my undergrad was business (3.0) and i did my science pre-reqs at a community college after I graduated, which have been 3.75. Do they average out the undergrad with the science gpa? or do they only go by the undergrad?

thank you!
Average
 
Hey! I am wondering the same thing...except I'm a girl. I am also graduating this May and in the process of trying to figure out where I would like to go. Which bases are you thinking? Do you know how well they will try to match our preferences?
They will try hard to match your preferences as long as it is a place with an opening.
 
Hello,
Please let me know if you've already answered any of the Qs I'm about to ask.

(1) I am considering applying for the scholarship and i read that you need a 20 on the DAT - does this automatically disqualify all applicants who do not have these scores ?
It can depending on your GPA. If you have below a 3.9 GPA, below 20 on the DAT will not be competitive for the scholarship.

(2) On a flyer it states, While in dental school, you'll serve 45 days each year on active duty in the AirForce with the full pay and allowances of a Second Lieutenant. What does this mean ? Are there any obligations during school?

You serve 45 days on active duty and get paid like you are on active duty. Typically, you don't do anything different. Most schools don't have time off to allow you to go anywhere for 45 days, so you just spend those days going to school.

(3) Also, is there anywhere I could go read about the requirements and selection factors for the scholarship? Also the percentage of applicants who receive it.

Some stats have been posted on this thread before. 4 year scholarships are very competitive. 3 year are getting more and more competitive. need at least a 3.7 to apply to the 3-year.

(4) Provided that I've received the scholarship, do you get stationed randomly or do we choose the top 3 choices we want to get stationed at?

You get a list of openings to rank order.

(5) I haven't started the application process yet bc my dat scores are at 18. Could I start after I retake the DAT (Late September) and still be able to receive the scholarship for Fall 2014 ?
You will need to get your DAT up to apply

Its important to remember you can only take the DAT 3 times. So studying hard is important. I have seen someone that had a lower score and they were able to dedicate all day, 7 days a week for like 12 weeks to prepare. Scores went way up.

At this time people with 3.9 GPA and 20 DAT are not getting scholarships. Competitive is not a strong enough word.
 
I apologize in advance because I'm sure this question has been asked and answered in this thread, but I don't feel like searching through 33 pages to find it. I'm wondering just what the chances are of being stationed in Colorado. I know the process for the "dream sheet" but if I put every air force base in Colorado at the top of my list, what are my chances of getting one of them? Anyone on here with experience with that? Thanks!
zero if they don't have an opening. You will get a list.
 
I was told I can't get started on the HPSP application process until I have a letter of acceptance from a D school. Is this true?

Also, if my BS gpa is under 3.5 but my MS is over 3.5 and my combined GPA is under 3.5 can I still apply for the HPSP?
You can start without an acceptance letter, but cannot submit it without one.

They will average your GPAs using some standard formula. If its not above the limit, you won't be able to apply.
 
hi i have a question
I am graduating next year and looking....to join the Air force!
wondering if there is a program that will repay my school loans...and give me a stipend as well..
I am going to be a citizen as soon as I graduate which is 6-2014.
and is it true that there are specialty programs in the army that we can join? I am very interested in orthodontics department. I heard that it is easier to get in if I am involved in the air force??
also........can i get stationed in foreign countries? please let me know thanks so much!!
Must be a citizen to be commissioned. Right now the AF isn't taking any general dentists that are not HPSP recipients (except those having already completed a 2-year AEGD).
 
Curious if an AEGD 1 or 2 counts as time served. I'm sure this has been answered in here somewhere, but would appreciate it. Thanks guys
Been answered quite a few times.

That being said, you do not pay off any HPSP time while in the AEGD programs. Your payback for the AEGD-2 is concurrent with the HPSP though.
 
Hello, I would like to throw bunch of questions and see if I could get answer from these. I will start my research on this topic, but I just wanted to throw out these questions first as an initial research. I would very appreciate it if you can answer any of the questions. I am deciding if I should get federal loans to start off my practice later on, or I should start from zero debt with military scholarship. Please be objective on your answers for me. I have zero knowledge about the scholarship, so please bear with me if I am throwing out an obvious question. These are the questions that I have thrown out to recruiters, but seems like they are only providing the good sides of each question, and did not give me clear answers for these.

1. What would be basic timeline of how whole military service work after graduation? (assuming I will be getting military scholarship for 4 years)
Payback is 1 year for 1 year. A fact that is not well explained is that you actually sign up for 8 years. If you serve 4 to payback your HPSP, the other 4 are inactive (you are out of the military). See the rest of the thread for more explanations.

2. After I find my recruiter, would there be certain criteria for me to pass (ex: academically, physically, etc.)
Yes

3. If I become a U.S. military dentist who’s serving in the base, would I be in part of military training every morning? How would the whole physical training works for me as an army dentist?
At some bases, yes.

4. I would like to know what my working hour would be as a military dentist. (per day/ per week)
Usually 7-4, 5 days per week.

5. As far as I know, I will be sent-out to certain places – deployment is it? (either within U.S. or foreign countries). Do I get to choose the place? If so, is the place given to military dentists based on their performance/grade or do you guys pick the place randomly (my interest would be to be sent out to Korea, how many spots are available each year? And what are the chances?)
You are mistaking deployment for assignments. You are eligible to be assigned anywhere we have dentists. You will get some input to where you want to be.

You are also eligible to be deployed. No you do not get to pick the place.


6. If I am to stay in the army for 4 years, would I be staying in the same place for 4 years, or do I have to expect to move after certain period?
Usually.

7. Is life expense included in the military scholarship negotiable or fixed at the beginning of school year? And if applicable, may I ask the range of how much money you offer for life expense in the scholarship while I am enrolled in school?

8. If I get married during my academic period, do you offer more life expenses for my spouse after marriage? Also, do you guys support my marriage in some ways? (for example, providing place for marriage, marriage fund, or etc.)

9. Starting my service in the military, would it be possible for me to commute, or is it mandatory to stick around the base for 4 years?
Must live close to base.

10. If I am to involve myself in residence program for specialty, would it count as part of my military time (4 years of service I would assume) or no?

Yes

11. Can you give me summary of what benefits I will be getting as a military dentist, and can you specify those benefits in detail if possible?

Answered too many times in other places.

12. How many days of vacation are allowed each year, and does that include holidays or separate?

13. Last question, I will be turning my N-400 to get my neutralization in process. While I apply for my citizenship, would it be possible for me to also apply for military scholarship?


Additional Question: I won’t have the money to pay for my tuition. So, it’s going to be either getting federal loan for my tuition + pay for debt as I work in other dentist’s office + open my practice later on (vs.) get military scholarship start zero for dental tuition + serving in the military pay for my undergraduate loan + after 4 years serving open my practice with financial loan. What do you think would be the fastest way for me to become stable in this field? I want to ultimately open my practice later in my career, and I will ask another forum to guide me through the process of opening a practice.

I think you will need to be a citizen before you can apply.
 
Hello everyone. Sorry for the hiatus. For some reason, I'm no longer able to log on at work and I wasn't able to log on at home. Got on today and see I'm behind answering questions.
 
I just finished MEPS a few weeks ago and I have not taken any computer test.
As far as the medical documents are concerned, I believe your recruiter does some sort of preliminary health thing with you so that MEPS is aware of anything they'll need to double check. For example, I had ACL surgery about 10 years ago and MEPS knew that when I arrived so they could specifically take a look at that. I eventually had to have my medical records released to the AF but I honestly can't remember if that was before or after MEPS. I think most of the application can be filled out before MEPS since MEPS is more of a screening tool to make sure you qualify physically. Then again you're not the one actually filling it out really, it's your recruiter.

As far as this computer test is concerned, I've never heard of this and I did not take a computer test. You might want to double check because I don't think it's something you'll have to do unless things have changed in the last few years.
Thank You Guys.
I was keep telling the recruiter that I am applying to HPSP scholarship but he still said every person has to take the AFOQT. Now I contacted another recruiter and he is great because he knows what he is doing and I dont have to take the AFOQT.
 
Any captains that entered service between 2009-2011 want to discuss the force reduction. New numbers came out saying they would be getting rid of 130 of 250 of us 47G3B's, C's, and vanillas. My understanding is that volunteering out does not forgive HPSP commitment and recoupment of a portion of tuition paid out would occur. Anyone heard anything different? Does anyone that's out of dental school even look at these forums?
 
I have a question that has been concerning me in regards to dental.

I am wanting to enlist in the AF Reserves. Unfortunately, my teeth are not in the best of shape due to hereditary and pregnancies.
I know I am needing at least 3 root canals (one situation where 2 teeth, side by side, got a cavity in between both teeth and then broke-bottom left side, back). I had 1 tooth extracted (top left side, back) due to an old root canal and I have another tooth that needs extracting due to an old root canal and crown that broke and fell off (bottom right, back). I have 1 crown that comes off (I think they call it an eye tooth?), my dental hygienist friend thinks she can save it and cement back in but I haven't been able to go in to make sure...and of course a few cavities here and there that I can see and 1 wisdom tooth needs to be yanked. I have a bridge in the front that is temporary that they cemented in with permanent cement (My dentist friend did this for me since they know I am strapped for money). You couldn't tell by smiling I have these issues, of course.
It looks bad to me (I am so embarrassed-let alone to even get on here and ask, but I need to have an idea), of course, but my dentists say they have seen worse (I am sure lol). I have been unable to get it treated due to lack of coverage and money...
Do you think this would hold me back? I have no pain from it and can chew...I just don't want to get accepted and then send home once they do a thorough dental exam at BMT...
Thank you in advance for your time...
 
I have a question that has been concerning me in regards to dental.

I am wanting to enlist in the AF Reserves. Unfortunately, my teeth are not in the best of shape due to hereditary and pregnancies.
I know I am needing at least 3 root canals (one situation where 2 teeth, side by side, got a cavity in between both teeth and then broke-bottom left side, back). I had 1 tooth extracted (top left side, back) due to an old root canal and I have another tooth that needs extracting due to an old root canal and crown that broke and fell off (bottom right, back). I have 1 crown that comes off (I think they call it an eye tooth?), my dental hygienist friend thinks she can save it and cement back in but I haven't been able to go in to make sure...and of course a few cavities here and there that I can see and 1 wisdom tooth needs to be yanked. I have a bridge in the front that is temporary that they cemented in with permanent cement (My dentist friend did this for me since they know I am strapped for money). You couldn't tell by smiling I have these issues, of course.
It looks bad to me (I am so embarrassed-let alone to even get on here and ask, but I need to have an idea), of course, but my dentists say they have seen worse (I am sure lol). I have been unable to get it treated due to lack of coverage and money...
Do you think this would hold me back? I have no pain from it and can chew...I just don't want to get accepted and then send home once they do a thorough dental exam at BMT...
Thank you in advance for your time...
You'll have to ask your recruiter about this.
 
Hi guys,

After reading a few pages of this thread, I think the question I have is still a bit unique, and for the most part unanswered. Do forgive me if I have overlooked a topic similar to mines.

This upcoming cycle (June 2014-Dec 2014) I plan to reapply (meh..) to dental schools, but the military route is so appealing to me. The lifestyle, structure and partly that a lot of my family serves in several branches of the military. However, I lack the knowledge I need simply because no one around me has decided to go dental via the military route.

Getting to the question, I am currently finishing up my masters I have a 4.0 GPA and plan to keep that (I graduate this May). If I am to apply for the HPSP scholarship will the board consider both my undergrad GPA (pretty low ~3.1) and masters? Or just one or the other?

I do plan to retake the DAT to increase my chance although I have a 20AA right now but I can do better now that I wont be dedicated to research.
 
They will look at both. The recruiting service has a formula they use to average them. retaking the DAT will be a good idea, but remember you want to score HIGH. Take the time to study and consider a study course for the DAT.
 
They will look at both. The recruiting service has a formula they use to average them. retaking the DAT will be a good idea, but remember you want to score HIGH. Take the time to study and consider a study course for the DAT.
Thanks for your reply. Now I am even more confused. After talking to a recruiter, I have been told that they will only consider undergrad. Do you suggest talking to more than one recruiter even if they are not in my local area?
 
How many graduating students are accepted into an endo residency straight from school? How many apply for these residencies?
 
What are the implications of joining the military for my family? How will joining the military affect my wife? How will it affect my kids? I have heard the Air Force is the one to join for raising a family. Is there any validity to this?
 
What are the implications of joining the military for my family? How will joining the military affect my wife? How will it affect my kids? I have heard the Air Force is the one to join for raising a family. Is there any validity to this?
The only time I can say there was anything "different" for my family than when I was in private practice is when I deployed. Other than that, its about the same. You will move every 4-5 years.
 
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