Ask an Air Force Dentist

[HUNKDENTIST]

Does anyone have a current list of Air Force AEGD locations?

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[molarballer]

How long does it take the scroll to come?

 

[oudentist]

What is an OMFS pay after the residency commitment is completed? Is it 50k bonus for being a specialist, 50k multi year retention bonus and 75k critical skills bonus on top of basic pay, BAS and BAH?

 

[ysrebob]

Considering applying to the 3-year HPSP program here since I am way late to the application game for the 4-year scholarship. One question, does anyone know what happens if the AF is "100% staffed" on dentists after you graduate (as was stated earlier in the thread)? Does that mean they don't have a job/place for you once you complete school, and if so, does that affect how/when you can serve your repayment term or do you get sent off to a different branch to fulfill it?

Unlikely to effect you. Manning does sometimes exceed 100%. You would still go onto active duty with the AF and still have some input on where you are sent (but not control of where you are sent).

The AF does tailor accessions to manning needs, but this is difficult to accomplish with HPSP because of the many-year long lag between signing your contract and when you finally come onto active duty. Instead, recruitment of already-graduated (non-HPSP) dentists into the AF is slowed or halted when manning is too high.

 

[lazyindy]

considering applying for the 3-year HSPS program as well. my stats are average (gpa 3.45, and 21 DAT). Do I have any shot at all?

 

[UTKpredent]

What are the typical placements like with the air force? Like what locations and how likely is it that you will be abroad?

 

[distressstudent]

How do I access the SG Details newsletters?
The latest one I have access to is just 2009

 

[ysrebob]

What are the typical placements like with the air force? Like what locations and how likely is it that you will be abroad?

This is completely unknowable; you could in principal be sent to ANY AF installation, so you should join up with a willingness to go anywhere. It's easy to google world maps of USAF installations, so you can see the possibilities.

In reality, during your AEGD year the assignments people will ask you for a ranked list of your preferred bases. They'll compile all the AEGD residents' wish lists and all the open slots on bases worldwide, and make a sincere effort to put people in places they've expressed a preference for. You might not (probably will not) get your top choice, but a majority of people seem to get something from their list. It may have been good luck but even most of my co-residents who asked to get sent to Europe, were. You probably won't get sent overseas unless you express an interest in that. So, the AF does make a sincere effort to accommodate people's preferences.

HOWEVER there are going to be opening at bases nobody wants and people ARE going to get assigned there; it DEFINITELY COULD be you. I do know numerous people who got sent to places they had zero desire to live in -- mostly stateside. And they most definitely went. If getting stationed at Minot AFB SD for four years is going to ruin your life, the AF isn't for you.

This all pertains to first assignment out of residency. If you were to stay in, subsequent assignments can sometimes be negotiated a little more.

 

[Combine33]

Considering joining the AF after graduation and possibly pursuing an AEGD, not an HPSP scholar. Anyone in this forum go that route and what's your experience regarding the process?

 

[distressstudent]

Considering joining the AF after graduation and possibly pursuing an AEGD, not an HPSP scholar. Anyone in this forum go that route and what's your experience regarding the process?

Same as always, contact a recruiter.
It'd be direct accession. There are bonuses and loan repayment program available. See what the recruiter can offer you.

Not sure if AEGD programs are available for direct accession officers. Not at all qualified to answer this question but I can share whatever I know. HPSP applicants apply early into their senior year and get their selection/spots in senior year. If you commission through direct accession after graduation, you might have just missed the selection process to get into an AEGD program directly from dental school.

 

[onza]

Unlikely to effect you. Manning does sometimes exceed 100%. You would still go onto active duty with the AF and still have some input on where you are sent (but not control of where you are sent).

The AF does tailor accessions to manning needs, but this is difficult to accomplish with HPSP because of the many-year long lag between signing your contract and when you finally come onto active duty. Instead, recruitment of already-graduated (non-HPSP) dentists into the AF is slowed or halted when manning is too high.

Can you please explain how AFIT works? Does Air Force have an agreement with certain universities and you are guaranteed acceptance or one just applies any school? Thank you

 

[thegoatest]

What is an OMFS pay after the residency commitment is completed? Is it 50k bonus for being a specialist, 50k multi year retention bonus and 75k critical skills bonus on top of basic pay, BAS and BAH?

Wondering the same thing.

 

[DuckDS]

The nearest AF recruiter doesn't respond to my emails, so should I try to find another recruiter? Does it matter if the recruiter is not in the same state?

 

[DuckDS]

If I applied to University of the Pacific (3 year dental school), got accepted, and chose to go there, would my HPSP scholarship be converted to a 3 year scholarship with 3 years payback (with the assumption that I initially applied for and received the 4 year AF HPSP)? I am assuming it would be, considering the Navy does that.

 

[thegoatest]

If I applied to University of the Pacific (3 year dental school), got accepted, and chose to go there, would my HPSP scholarship be converted to a 3 year scholarship with 3 years payback (with the assumption that I initially applied for and received the 4 year AF HPSP)? I am assuming it would be, considering the Navy does that.

Yes, it would be. I personally spoke with an Air Force student at UoP who did that. I am also on the 4 year scholarship and it will be converted to a 3 year if I choose UoP.

 

[distressstudent]

When we have to submit our preferences for our station, are we told which bases are the ones we can be potentially sent to?

For example, I see on the map that Arizona has an Air Force base. However, let's say there are no need for any new dentist there at the time and no dentists would be sent there. So when making my list, would I be told that Arizona is not an option?

Edit: found Matt's blog post.

"
If you follow my on twitter, or read the tweets off to the side on my blog, you'll know that we got our base list not long after my previous post with all the bases that had openings. We had lots of great options but we were disappointed to find many of the bases we wanted were not available. However, we were still able to put bases on our "dream sheet" that were not on "the list" just in case an opening popped up. Surprisingly, it seems that many AEGD residents from around the country put bases high on their list that were not available (apparently) but ended up going there. To be honest, I have no clue what the list we got was all about because it seems like people went to lots of bases that weren't on "the list". So who knows! Maybe they just make their best guess at which bases will be open, I have no idea"

If anyone else have anything else to add that'd be great too

 

[Roto Picante]

When we have to submit our preferences for our station, are we told which bases are the ones we can be potentially sent to?

For example, I see on the map that Arizona has an Air Force base. However, let's say there are no need for any new dentist there at the time and no dentists would be sent there. So when making my list, would I be told that Arizona is not an option?

Edit: found Matt's blog post.

"
If you follow my on twitter, or read the tweets off to the side on my blog, you'll know that we got our base list not long after my previous post with all the bases that had openings. We had lots of great options but we were disappointed to find many of the bases we wanted were not available. However, we were still able to put bases on our "dream sheet" that were not on "the list" just in case an opening popped up. Surprisingly, it seems that many AEGD residents from around the country put bases high on their list that were not available (apparently) but ended up going there. To be honest, I have no clue what the list we got was all about because it seems like people went to lots of bases that weren't on "the list". So who knows! Maybe they just make their best guess at which bases will be open, I have no idea"

If anyone else have anything else to add that'd be great too

 

[Roto Picante]

I'll try and list a few things that I have learned about the assignments process. I am currently coming up on a PCS. Keep in mind I have never worked at AFPC so what i share is based solely on my own experience and what I have been told by assignments.
1. First of all, the assignments process is a very fluid thing. You have to remember that they are trying to predict the spaces available months in advance. The fact that they even give a list is a gift really. And like I said, it is only an educated guess.
2. They are making assignments for 500+ general dentists, all be it, not every one moves every year so maybe 1/3 to 1/4 get new assignments every summer. Try playing chess with that many pieces.
3. PCS/separation/Retirement: Things may change from what they expect based on previously unannounced PCS's, separations, or retirements. For example: They may expect no openings at Spangdahlem but then have 2 people separate just a few months before PCS season then all of a sudden they have holes to fill.
4. RANK; Assignments are at least partially dictated by rank. A base may have a LtCol moving this summer but that spot would not necessarily be open to a new Capt unless they can't fill it with someone of a higher rank.
5. MIL to MIL: There are married couples in the DC that are both active duty dentists. The AF does a lot to keep them together. So they will get a spot at a base with 2 openings, that may be a great base or a crappy base.
6. HUMANITARIAN: Some assignments can be made based on needs of the immediate family outside of the normal circumstances. I.e: impending death of sibling, parent or dependent. I know there are other reasons to get a Humanitarian assignment but i wont venture a guess on what will and wont be considered.
7. EFMP: This is a program from families with someone who as additional medical needs. So if your son or daughter is Autistic for example, they will need special medical and educational care where ever the AF sends you. So the AF may want to send you to the middle of no where but if they can't handle your family's medical needs at that base then your assignment most likely would change. Even if someone in you fam has mild depression that could stop a PCS. This is a very complicated process and I won't go more into it here.
8. DEROS: People stationed overseas have a specified day that they have to return or get a new assignment. So people with a DEROS MUST move at a specific time. Stateside assignments may last anywhere from 2-4 years or even longer. So why does that affect assignments. They are more likely to know ahead of time how many slots will be open at OCONUS bases. Also, if someone stateside is expecting to move a certain year, they may not move because all other available slots were filled with people coming back from OCONUS and other MUST moves.
9. HPSP and AEGD: People who don't do an AEGD can't go OCONUS for their first assignment. AEGD are MUST moves. They can only fill certain spots based on the experience and capabilities. A highly skilled AEGD resident can be sent to a small base with only a few dentists. Someone identified as needing more training/supervision will likely go to a base with a few more mentors around.
10. Korea and Turkey: People that volunteer to go to these spots for a year generally speaking get their choice of follow on. Not always true but usually.

I am sure there are lots and lots of other factors that I don't know about. But as you can see, they cant just send you a list of all the openings and say choose one. Honestly, I am surprised they even let us have dream sheet.

As far as location goes, there 3 in Japan, 2 in Turkey, 3 Germany, 1 Italy, a handful in England, 2 Alaska, 1 Hawaii that are all considered overseas or OCONUS. Pretty much all stateside or CONUS bases have dental clinics. Some are larger or residency bases, others are smaller. Some only have 1-3 dentists. Most smaller bases require at least some experience outside of the AEGD.

If you want my opinion, only put bases you would be happy going to on your dream sheet. If you put something on there just to fill your list, you may get sent there. I would put any base you want to go to even if it isn't on their "List" for the above reasons. Guarantee the list will change a dozen times in the next months. Make sure your Residency Director is well aware of where you want to go. They will advocate for you when they can. I list only OCUNOS bases even though there weren't many slots on the list. Some on my dream sheet didn't have any spots on the list. I got one of those bases.

If you have other base specific questions let me know. Some info just isn't available to those that haven't gone active duty yet.

 

[distressstudent]

I'll try and list a few things that I have learned about the assignments process. I am currently coming up on a PCS. Keep in mind I have never worked at AFPC so what i share is based solely on my own experience and what I have been told by assignments.
1. First of all, the assignments process is a very fluid thing. You have to remember that they are trying to predict the spaces available months in advance. The fact that they even give a list is a gift really. And like I said, it is only an educated guess.
2. They are making assignments for 500+ general dentists, all be it, not every one moves every year so maybe 1/3 to 1/4 get new assignments every summer. Try playing chess with that many pieces.
3. PCS/separation/Retirement: Things may change from what they expect based on previously unannounced PCS's, separations, or retirements. For example: They may expect no openings at Spangdahlem but then have 2 people separate just a few months before PCS season then all of a sudden they have holes to fill.
4. RANK; Assignments are at least partially dictated by rank. A base may have a LtCol moving this summer but that spot would not necessarily be open to a new Capt unless they can't fill it with someone of a higher rank.
5. MIL to MIL: There are married couples in the DC that are both active duty dentists. The AF does a lot to keep them together. So they will get a spot at a base with 2 openings, that may be a great base or a crappy base.
6. HUMANITARIAN: Some assignments can be made based on needs of the immediate family outside of the normal circumstances. I.e: impending death of sibling, parent or dependent. I know there are other reasons to get a Humanitarian assignment but i wont venture a guess on what will and wont be considered.
7. EFMP: This is a program from families with someone who as additional medical needs. So if your son or daughter is Autistic for example, they will need special medical and educational care where ever the AF sends you. So the AF may want to send you to the middle of no where but if they can't handle your family's medical needs at that base then your assignment most likely would change. Even if someone in you fam has mild depression that could stop a PCS. This is a very complicated process and I won't go more into it here.
8. DEROS: People stationed overseas have a specified day that they have to return or get a new assignment. So people with a DEROS MUST move at a specific time. Stateside assignments may last anywhere from 2-4 years or even longer. So why does that affect assignments. They are more likely to know ahead of time how many slots will be open at OCONUS bases. Also, if someone stateside is expecting to move a certain year, they may not move because all other available slots were filled with people coming back from OCONUS and other MUST moves.
9. HPSP and AEGD: People who don't do an AEGD can't go OCONUS for their first assignment. AEGD are MUST moves. They can only fill certain spots based on the experience and capabilities. A highly skilled AEGD resident can be sent to a small base with only a few dentists. Someone identified as needing more training/supervision will likely go to a base with a few more mentors around.
10. Korea and Turkey: People that volunteer to go to these spots for a year generally speaking get their choice of follow on. Not always true but usually.

I am sure there are lots and lots of other factors that I don't know about. But as you can see, they cant just send you a list of all the openings and say choose one. Honestly, I am surprised they even let us have dream sheet.

As far as location goes, there 3 in Japan, 2 in Turkey, 3 Germany, 1 Italy, a handful in England, 2 Alaska, 1 Hawaii that are all considered overseas or OCONUS. Pretty much all stateside or CONUS bases have dental clinics. Some are larger or residency bases, others are smaller. Some only have 1-3 dentists. Most smaller bases require at least some experience outside of the AEGD.

If you want my opinion, only put bases you would be happy going to on your dream sheet. If you put something on there just to fill your list, you may get sent there. I would put any base you want to go to even if it isn't on their "List" for the above reasons. Guarantee the list will change a dozen times in the next months. Make sure your Residency Director is well aware of where you want to go. They will advocate for you when they can. I list only OCUNOS bases even though there weren't many slots on the list. Some on my dream sheet didn't have any spots on the list. I got one of those bases.

If you have other base specific questions let me know. Some info just isn't available to those that haven't gone active duty yet.

Thank you Sir!

That was a lot more comprehensive of an answer than I can hope for. It's a wealth of information that folks like me who are still in dental school won't come across. This comes up quite often in discussion with my fellow hpsp classmates, but none of us really know what to expect at all! This really help paints the picture.

As someone who hopes to get an OCONUS assignment, I really appreciate the insight

 

[pigman5010]

I am applying for the 3-year HPSP. My question is, during my time in IRR, will I be allowed to leave the country for long? Like could I just leave the country after 3 year of active duty then not come back?

 

[Crusty Navy Guy]

I am applying for the 3-year HPSP. My question is, during my time in IRR, will I be allowed to leave the country for long? Like could I just leave the country after 3 year of active duty then not come back?

No - you cannot. When I was in the IRR, I actually had to do an in person muster once. It sucked to do it especially since people told me you don't have to do anything in the IRR. Thing is - once in the IRR, you have to still live as a US citizen until you are discharged. You can leave to visit, but not permanently. Once the 8 years or active / IRR are completed and you've received your discharge, you are free to do whatever.

 

[pigman5010]

No - you cannot. When I was in the IRR, I actually had to do an in person muster once. It sucked to do it especially since people told me you don't have to do anything in the IRR. Thing is - once in the IRR, you have to still live as a US citizen until you are discharged. You can leave to visit, but not permanently. Once the 8 years or active / IRR are completed and you've received your discharge, you are free to do whatever.

So for how long can I leave for visit?

 

[Rapunzel_RDH]

I'm pretty bummed that this thread isn't as active anymore! It has been super informative but definitely out of date at this point. (I've read every page and it was like a novel... I read such great things about Elmendorf and was so sad when I read that it is no longer an AEGD location.) Hoping AFDDS or someone similarly "in the know" might have some updated admission stats, location/program changes, etc. for the HPSP. I'm currently taking my pre-requisites at a post-baccalaureate pre-medical part-time evening program while working full time as a dental hygienist at the VA. Any chance that being a hygienist or having VA experience will work in my favor? I do have a recruiter I have been corresponding with and plan on calling him this week but it doesn't hurt to have a few different sources of information (especially from those in the HPSP or with AF dental experience).

 

[distressstudent]

Do you apply to the AEGD itself, or do you apply to an 1yr - AEGD program at a particular base?

For example, I am interested in being stationed in Travis for their 1yr - AEGD program. Do I get to submit a input on which base I conduct my training in AEGD in like we normally would on where we would like to get stationed?

@MatthewLeeDDS

 

[drake6]

Do you apply to the AEGD itself, or do you apply to an 1yr - AEGD program at a particular base?

For example, I am interested in being stationed in Travis for their 1yr - AEGD program. Do I get to submit a input on which base I conduct my training in AEGD in like we normally would on where we would like to get stationed?

@MatthewLeeDDS

In your AEGD application you will have the opportunity to rank the programs.

 

[caffeine jitters]

I am an applicant this cycle, and upon reaching out to my Air Force HPSP recruiter, he told me I would only be eligible for the 3 year HPSP scholarship because I don't have an admissions letter yet.... How can that be? Obviously dental schools cannot offer acceptance until December 1st, so why even have a 4 year scholarship if no one can get it...? Is this recruiter mistaken, and if he is, what are my next steps?

 

[Armyhealth]

I am an applicant this cycle, and upon reaching out to my Air Force HPSP recruiter, he told me I would only be eligible for the 3 year HPSP scholarship because I don't have an admissions letter yet.... How can that be? Obviously dental schools cannot offer acceptance until December 1st, so why even have a 4 year scholarship if no one can get it...? Is this recruiter mistaken, and if he is, what are my next steps?

Not sure on Air Force but you would still be good for Army. Would be glad to offer any assistance you need, send me a PM.

 

[DynamicDental]

I am an applicant this cycle, and upon reaching out to my Air Force HPSP recruiter, he told me I would only be eligible for the 3 year HPSP scholarship because I don't have an admissions letter yet.... How can that be? Obviously dental schools cannot offer acceptance until December 1st, so why even have a 4 year scholarship if no one can get it...? Is this recruiter mistaken, and if he is, what are my next steps?

Your recruiter may be mistaken. I am an applicant as well this cycle, applying for the 4 year scholarship, while applying to schools at the same time and have not had any problems applying so far.

 

[caffeine jitters]

Your recruiter may be mistaken. I am an applicant as well this cycle, applying for the 4 year scholarship, while applying to schools at the same time and have not had any problems applying so far.

You may want to triple check with that. I asked him how it would be possible for any applicant to get a 4 year scholarship if no one will have an acceptance letter when the board meets. Attached was his response.

 

[Armyhealth]

You may want to triple check with that. I asked him how it would be possible for any applicant to get a 4 year scholarship if no one will have an acceptance letter when the board meets. Attached was his response.

He has no idea what he is talking about....switch recruiters ASAP! Coming from a recruiter by the way haha!

 

[caffeine jitters]

He has no idea what he is talking about....switch recruiters ASAP! Coming from a recruiter by the way haha!

lol WOW.... he was the closest air force recruiter to me. When I called the Air Force they only gave me the option of speaking with the recruiter nearest to me (university location). Do you think it would be advantageous to use my parents home address?

 

[Armyhealth]

lol WOW.... he was the closest air force recruiter to me. When I called the Air Force they only gave me the option of speaking with the recruiter nearest to me (university location). Do you think it would be advantageous to use my parents home address?

You do whatever you need to but I would find a recruiter who knows what they are doing, just remember this person you are working with has a big impact on your career and what you want to do. Just go read the scrolls post, there are three med students who were boarded 6 months ago from the Air Force and are still waiting on scroll approvals. One of them I switched to Army and we had her to the board in a couple weeks and just awaiting the results. How important is Air Force vs Navy/Army?

 

[caffeine jitters]

You do whatever you need to but I would find a recruiter who knows what they are doing, just remember this person you are working with has a big impact on your career and what you want to do. Just go read the scrolls post, there are three med students who were boarded 6 months ago from the Air Force and are still waiting on scroll approvals. One of them I switched to Army and we had her to the board in a couple weeks and just awaiting the results. How important is Air Force vs Navy/Army?

I am an applicant for the 4 year Navy HPSP as well, I wanted to apply for the Air Force HPSP to increase my odds. I have not given much consideration to the Army because I know of a few civilian dentists that used Army HPSP and they advised me against that branch. I realize this is just their experience, but I trust what they had to say.

 

[Armyhealth]

I am an applicant for the 4 year Navy HPSP as well, I wanted to apply for the Air Force HPSP to increase my odds. I have not given much consideration to the Army because I know of a few civilian dentists that used Army HPSP and they advised me against that branch. I realize this is just their experience, but I trust what they had to say.

That is fine, I am here to help anyway not to sell you on our scholarship. At least you are dual applying Navy they are usually pretty efficient in their application process. Hopefully the Air Force recruiter will come around or you can get in touch with another one.

 

[Bis-GMA111]

I am an applicant for the 4 year Navy HPSP as well, I wanted to apply for the Air Force HPSP to increase my odds. I have not given much consideration to the Army because I know of a few civilian dentists that used Army HPSP and they advised me against that branch. I realize this is just their experience, but I trust what they had to say.

increase your odds by applying for the army as well. if i remember correctly, my air force recruiter told me when i applied there were <25 scholarships the year i applied

 

[caffeine jitters]

Can anyone tell me how I should respond to my recruiter's e-mail? I know he is mistaken but I don't want to overstep.

 

[Incis0r]

Can anyone tell me how I should respond to my recruiter's e-mail? I know he is mistaken but I don't want to overstep.

I would call - this kind of thing needs to be clarified over the phone since acceptances don't go out till Dec. 1.

 

[pinwheeels]

This has been the most enlightening thread on SDN. Midway through reading it, I shared the idea with my husband, and now we are both all-in for me to apply for the HPSP and proudly serve in the USAF! I'm sad to see that the last two pages have really dwindled in activity. Is @AFDDS still around to answer questions? He was enormously helpful for all the years he put into this thread, so I'm extremely grateful for what he did here. I have compiled a few questions myself after reading the full 35 pages.

1. I have seen elsewhere that the AEGD residency is now required for all AF HPSP graduates to complete. So, would any applications to specialize have to be after this is completed? Or can some graduates still get accepted straight into specialty residency out of dental school? If I were to do both AEGD & specialize afterward, how are those education years paid back with the HPSP years? I understand they're served concurrently, but with 2 residencies in there (AEGD and specialty), will all 3 payback terms be served concurrently? I guess this would only matter if someone were to specialize in the longest residency OMFS since it would either have to be 4+1 consecutively paid back, or hopefully 4 while concurrently paying back the 1 AEGD year on top of being concurrent with HPSP payback.
2. My spouse wants to continue an advanced degree, ideally while I'm in dental school too. Would he be able to qualify for in-state tuition benefits since I'll be a 2nd Lt in dental school, or would we just have to wait one year to obtain state residency?
3. I want to serve a full career in the AF. Would this be helpful to mention in my letter or interview for the AF? Is this something that is asked or I should mention in my personal statement? Would the AF favor a scholarship candidate who wants to serve longer than just the payback years?
4. I want to PCS to Korea for a year, or longer. But since they don't allow dependents, is there a way for me to still move my family there and live off-base and stay longer than a year? I'm half-Korean so that's why Korea is so desirable for me.
5. Humanitarian missions have been mentioned on this thread and I was just curious, what type of missions did these include and where did they take place? How often do these occur and were they always 2-weeks in length?
6. This question is for the HPSP recipients:
   When you interviewed for your schools, did you mention that your plans include to serve as a military dentist through HPSP? Do you believe they viewed this favorably toward their decision to accept you? What kind of feedback did you sense from them if you did mention it? Supportive/indifference/surprised?

 

[seminole0928]

I was recently accepted for the Air Force 3 year HPSP and am currently signing my commissioning paperwork. I am married, with a child, so I am interested in the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) but I am finding mixed information on my coverage. Will I be covered for $400K for the entire 3 years, or only during the 45 days (+120 after) of active duty per year? Also, I was told that I would be deducted $100 per month for this coverage which seems a bit steep based on the monthly premiums I've found on the Dep. of Veteran Affairs website?

 

[tissy]

This has been the most enlightening thread on SDN. Midway through reading it, I shared the idea with my husband, and now we are both all-in for me to apply for the HPSP and proudly serve in the USAF! I'm sad to see that the last two pages have really dwindled in activity. Is @AFDDS still around to answer questions? He was enormously helpful for all the years he put into this thread, so I'm extremely grateful for what he did here. I have compiled a few questions myself after reading the full 35 pages.

1. I have seen elsewhere that the AEGD residency is now required for all AF HPSP graduates to complete. So, would any applications to specialize have to be after this is completed? Or can some graduates still get accepted straight into specialty residency out of dental school? If I were to do both AEGD & specialize afterward, how are those education years paid back with the HPSP years? I understand they're served concurrently, but with 2 residencies in there (AEGD and specialty), will all 3 payback terms be served concurrently? I guess this would only matter if someone were to specialize in the longest residency OMFS since it would either have to be 4+1 consecutively paid back, or hopefully 4 while concurrently paying back the 1 AEGD year on top of being concurrent with HPSP payback.
2. My spouse wants to continue an advanced degree, ideally while I'm in dental school too. Would he be able to qualify for in-state tuition benefits since I'll be a 2nd Lt in dental school, or would we just have to wait one year to obtain state residency?
3. I want to serve a full career in the AF. Would this be helpful to mention in my letter or interview for the AF? Is this something that is asked or I should mention in my personal statement? Would the AF favor a scholarship candidate who wants to serve longer than just the payback years?
4. I want to PCS to Korea for a year, or longer. But since they don't allow dependents, is there a way for me to still move my family there and live off-base and stay longer than a year? I'm half-Korean so that's why Korea is so desirable for me.
5. Humanitarian missions have been mentioned on this thread and I was just curious, what type of missions did these include and where did they take place? How often do these occur and were they always 2-weeks in length?
6. This question is for the HPSP recipients:
   When you interviewed for your schools, did you mention that your plans include to serve as a military dentist through HPSP? Do you believe they viewed this favorably toward their decision to accept you? What kind of feedback did you sense from them if you did mention it? Supportive/indifference/surprised?

Did you ever get your questions answered? I can get you in contact with a USAF recruiter who actually recruits for HPSP to answer your questions.

 

[Armyhealth]

This has been the most enlightening thread on SDN. Midway through reading it, I shared the idea with my husband, and now we are both all-in for me to apply for the HPSP and proudly serve in the USAF! I'm sad to see that the last two pages have really dwindled in activity. Is @AFDDS still around to answer questions? He was enormously helpful for all the years he put into this thread, so I'm extremely grateful for what he did here. I have compiled a few questions myself after reading the full 35 pages.

There is also an HPSP Facebook that is all those who have been accepted, current or past into any HPSP program for any branch. I would go on that page and you will get a bunch of current AF HPSP willing to help. It is by invite only so if you need help getting in the group send me a PM.

 

[Rapunzel_RDH]

There is also an HPSP Facebook that is all those who have been accepted, current or past into any HPSP program for any branch. I would go on that page and you will get a bunch of current AF HPSP willing to help. It is by invite only so if you need help getting in the group send me a PM.

I am also interested in the AF HPSP and would love assistance getting into the Facebook group. I've been getting emails sporadically and playing phone tag with my recruiters. I'm becoming frustrated.

 

[BluntForceTrauma]

I am also interested in the AF HPSP and would love assistance getting into the Facebook group. I've been getting emails sporadically and playing phone tag with my recruiters. I'm becoming frustrated.

Welcome to the process. Stay on em.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

 

[whatisit350]

I know the air force hpsp is pretty competitive, so I was considering applying to the other branches as well. Do you think the individual branches would look down upon this?

 

[caffeine jitters]

I know the air force hpsp is pretty competitive, so I was considering applying to the other branches as well. Do you think the individual branches would look down upon this?

No. Some recruiters might, but they should have no reason too. If you come across a recruiter that will not work with you because you’re applying to all three branches, find another one.

 

[whatisit350]

No. Some recruiters might, but they should have no reason too. If you come across a recruiter that will not work with you because you’re applying to all three branches, find another one.

Hi Caffeine, I see you are with the Navy. Originally, I assumed that in the Navy (as a dentist serving their repayment time for an HPSP) you would be on a ship for the most part. But then I read that you actually wouldn't be on a ship for that long. Would you mind chiming in with your opinion on the matter? One reason why I'm concerned with this, is I get sea sick very quickly. Not sure how I would be able to handle being at sea for long.

@Big Time Hoosier I believe you are/were Navy as well. I would love to hear your opinion as well, if you don't mind.

 

[caffeine jitters]

Hi Caffeine, I see you are with the Navy. Originally, I assumed that in the Navy (as a dentist serving their repayment time for an HPSP) you would be on a ship for the most part. But then I read that you actually wouldn't be on a ship for that long. Would you mind chiming in with your opinion on the matter? One reason why I'm concerned with this, is I get sea sick very quickly. Not sure how I would be able to handle being at sea for long.

@Big Time Hoosier I believe you are/were Navy as well. I would love to hear your opinion as well, if you don't mind.

I will be starting Dental School this fall, so I have zero experience - with that said, I believe it’s all about where you’re most needed. I would venture to guess that you spend most time at a base, with some time spent on a ship during a deployment. Again, no experience - I suggest asking this in the Navy’s thread.

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

Hi Caffeine, I see you are with the Navy. Originally, I assumed that in the Navy (as a dentist serving their repayment time for an HPSP) you would be on a ship for the most part. But then I read that you actually wouldn't be on a ship for that long. Would you mind chiming in with your opinion on the matter? One reason why I'm concerned with this, is I get sea sick very quickly. Not sure how I would be able to handle being at sea for long.

@Big Time Hoosier I believe you are/were Navy as well. I would love to hear your opinion as well, if you don't mind.

Sorry, I can’t help you out too much with this. I’ve never been assigned to a ship. But, of the two years someone is assigned to a ship they can expect to spend a year of that at sea.

Big Hoss

 

[Armyhealth]

When your packet moves to the board they have no idea you are applying to other branches. This is something only the recruiter will know. Some offices have an internal policy that they only want applicants that are only for their branch. Like @caffeine jitters said if they give you grief just move on to another recruiter. It is not their decision to let you apply.

I know the air force hpsp is pretty competitive, so I was considering applying to the other branches as well. Do you think the individual branches would look down upon this?

 

[whatisit350]

When your packet moves to the board they have no idea you are applying to other branches. This is something only the recruiter will know. Some offices have an internal policy that they only want applicants that are only for their branch. Like @caffeine jitters said if they give you grief just move on to another recruiter. It is not their decision to let you apply.

Thanks for the heads up. And I see a lot of your other posts through out this site. Thanks for that info too! You wouldn't happen to be based out of San Antonio would you?

Also, on this topic of finding another recruiter, what are the rules for that? Do they have to be in your city? Sorry, I'm a little new to military stuff