Ask an Air Force Dentist

[AFDDS]

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AFDDS,

I've spoken with many people who've basically made it seem like the AF HPSP is almost impossible to get for the entire 4 years because so many apply. In fact, a recruiter told me recently that nationwide there were 70 HPSP Army scholarships (4 yr.) given last year compared with 4 HPSP Air Force scholarships (4 yr.).
As I've researched my options, I really believe that the AF is the branch that would fit my family and I best. Do any of you know if the 3 yr. AF scholarship is more attainable? Also, do you apply directly for the 3 year program instead of the 4 year or is the 3 year just a backup to give competitive applicants who aren't accepted for the 4 year scholarship?

The 4-year has gotten more competitive over the last 2 years. We gave out 5-11 4-year scholarships each of those years.

The 3-year scholarship is slightly less competitive in that we give out 35 + or - each year. We still have more applicants than scholarships. The application process is a separate process. You apply for the 3-year scholarship during your first year of dental school.

 

[Vigilante]

I am a graduate of the AF Academy and was commissioned for 5 years as a combat rescue officer, with tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. I am currently a traditional reservist with no break in service since my graduation. I am now applying for dental school and the 4 year AF scholorship. Finances are a major concern of mine, and I was wondering how much my prior service in the AF weighed into the decision-making process? Otherwise, I feel I'm a fairly average applicant (GPA 3.4, DAT 20/21/22) for the scholarship and am concerned I should consider switching branches, as much as I hate the idea, in order to obtain a full scholarship. Considering the limited 4 yr scholarships available, do you feel I am a competitive candidate, or should I look elsewhere?

Thank you for all your help.

 

[AFDDS]

I am a graduate of the AF Academy and was commissioned for 5 years as a combat rescue officer, with tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. I am currently a traditional reservist with no break in service since my graduation. I am now applying for dental school and the 4 year AF scholorship. Finances are a major concern of mine, and I was wondering how much my prior service in the AF weighed into the decision-making process? Otherwise, I feel I'm a fairly average applicant (GPA 3.4, DAT 20/21/22) for the scholarship and am concerned I should consider switching branches, as much as I hate the idea, in order to obtain a full scholarship. Considering the limited 4 yr scholarships available, do you feel I am a competitive candidate, or should I look elsewhere?

Thank you for all your help.

You should be very competitive.

 

[erwin99]

I had heard that certain bases deploy with more frequency then others. I'm guessing that it relates to the mission of the base (MAJCOM)? Is that right? If so do you know wheich MAJCOMs deploy with more frequency?

 

[AFDDS]

I had heard that certain bases deploy with more frequency then others. I'm guessing that it relates to the mission of the base (MAJCOM)? Is that right? If so do you know wheich MAJCOMs deploy with more frequency?

Deployments are spread out amongst the bases now. Everyone in the AF is eligible to deploy. However, some of the larger bases have more deployment missions because they have more people.

 

[Khompressor]

Is the AF the only branch that offers the 3-year scholarship? I've already been accepted to a dental school for the class of 2015. When should I start the application process?

 

[ALTOSS]

Is the AF the only branch that offers the 3-year scholarship? I've already been accepted to a dental school for the class of 2015. When should I start the application process?

All branches offer 3 yr programs, even 2 yr. The retention rates vary from year to year, so each branch would offer scholarships shorter than 4 yr to meet its needs. It appears 3 yr ones go out pretty quickly.

You should start calling recruiters and filling out applications NOW. It's never too early for this. There are many parts to the application. The entire process can be extremely slow and would seem inefficient at times. I probably drove out to see my recruiter well more than a dozen times to make sure things were going smoothly. I started my application process in June, the day after DAT.

Good luck!

 

[AFDDS]

Is the AF the only branch that offers the 3-year scholarship? I've already been accepted to a dental school for the class of 2015. When should I start the application process?

As noted above, all the services have 3 year HPSP scholarships. The AF will only have 2-year scholarships if needed and that need is rare.

All advice about applying early and getting the process in motion as soon as you can is great advice.

 

[Vigilante]

I've heard there are HPSP spots reserved for active duty...is this true and is the same true for reserve?

 

[AFDDS]

I've heard there are HPSP spots reserved for active duty...is this true and is the same true for reserve?

Usually a few for Active duty and Academy Cadets. If none apply, those go out to other applicants. As far as I know, none are specifically held for reserves, but they might use one of the active duty ones. Don't know if that's ever been an issue.

 

[mola_pulla]

Where can I get information regarding the size of the dental clinics on each base and if they have specialists there? I've been searching for this info but I have been having a really hard time getting it.
Thanks

 

[AFDDS]

Where can I get information regarding the size of the dental clinics on each base and if they have specialists there? I've been searching for this info but I have been having a really hard time getting it.
Thanks

That specific information is considered sensitive information, so you probably won't find it.

 

[mola_pulla]

That specific information is considered sensitive information, so you probably won't find it.

Will it be given to me at least when it's time to rank my base selection? I'd like to know what type of experience I'll have in each clinic that I rank.

 

[AFDDS]

Will it be given to me at least when it's time to rank my base selection? I'd like to know what type of experience I'll have in each clinic that I rank.

You will be given some of the information when it comes time to rank order bases. Are you planning on doing an AEGD or not?

 

[mola_pulla]

You will be given some of the information when it comes time to rank order bases. Are you planning on doing an AEGD or not?

Yes, I'm just starting the AEGD at Nellis in a couple of weeks.

 

[studentdr]

My question might be a little stupid, but how common is it for Air Force dentists to be deployed to war zones? Are they "on the front line"?

 

[AFDDS]

My question might be a little stupid, but how common is it for Air Force dentists to be deployed to war zones? Are they "on the front line"?

If you mean, are they kicking down doors, the answer is no. If you mean are they deployed close to the action, the answer is yes on occasion.

 

[want to drill]

AFDDS,
I am interested in applying to the AF for the 3 year scholarship, mostly because I have heard that they are the most family friendly. When one gets deployed, what can happen? Do you get sent to another base overseas, like to Germany, or to a military hospital in the middle of a war-zone, or both? If you get sent overseas to another base, your family goes with you, correct?
Probably my biggest question is that of qualifying for the scholarship. You have to have an avg of 18 on DAT, and 3.5 gpa or higher, but the recruiter said that exceptions can be made. He said as an example if someone worked during undergrad, or if you had a family while going through undergrad.... Do those things make that big of a deal in order to get an exception? I did both during undergrad. My DAT is higher than 18's, but my GPA is a touch lower.
The recruiter came to our school today and answered some of our questions. I have emailed him some more questions, and asked him to get the application stuff sent to me so I can get on it but I am hoping you may be able to answer sooner. He told us that he gets hundreds of emails every day so it may take him a while to respond....
Thanks again!

 

[fujindesu]

What's the retention rate in af? The recruiter I talked to didn't really give a **** cuz it seems af is saturated with dentists. Recruiter try much harder to get enlisted than dentists which is very odd to me. Thanks

 

[rjh5146]

I am wondering if there is anything specific that the air force is looking for in the applicants for the HSPS. I have a 3.94 gpa, AA/TS/PAT 22/21/26 DAT, research experience, and a decent amount of extracurriculars. I have heard they only award 5-10 4yr scholarships per year, so I'm assuming it is extremely competitive. Would I be considered competitive and is there anything I can do to make me a better candidate?

 

[AFDDS]

AFDDS,
I am interested in applying to the AF for the 3 year scholarship, mostly because I have heard that they are the most family friendly. When one gets deployed, what can happen? Do you get sent to another base overseas, like to Germany, or to a military hospital in the middle of a war-zone, or both? If you get sent overseas to another base, your family goes with you, correct? Sounds like you are confusing deployment with a PCS move. If you deploy, it will be unaccompanied (without your family). You can get sent to another AF base, but usually sent to an AF base in theatre. If you PCS or move to a base in Europe or the Pacific, your family can go with you (unless it's Korea or Turkey).

Probably my biggest question is that of qualifying for the scholarship. You have to have an avg of 18 on DAT, and 3.5 gpa or higher, but the recruiter said that exceptions can be made. He said as an example if someone worked during undergrad, or if you had a family while going through undergrad.... Do those things make that big of a deal in order to get an exception? I did both during undergrad. My DAT is higher than 18's, but my GPA is a touch lower.
I think the minimum DAT is currently 19. A waiver will be entertained if your DAT is higher than 19 and your GPA is lower than 3.5. Now, how much higher makes a difference. If we are talking 20, the waiver may not mean much. If it's 23 it may make a huge difference.

The recruiter came to our school today and answered some of our questions. I have emailed him some more questions, and asked him to get the application stuff sent to me so I can get on it but I am hoping you may be able to answer sooner. He told us that he gets hundreds of emails every day so it may take him a while to respond....
Thanks again!

Make sure you are talking with a healthcare professions recruiter and not a regular recruiter. You will get answers from someone more familiar with what you are asking.

 

[AFDDS]

What's the retention rate in af? The recruiter I talked to didn't really give a **** cuz it seems af is saturated with dentists. Recruiter try much harder to get enlisted than dentists which is very odd to me. Thanks

Depends on what point you are looking at. It is around 50%. Which is what it takes to maintain our current number based on retirements, separations, etc...

We are at 100% manning, but every year a certain number retire and a certain number separate, so we are still recruiting. Sounds like you are talking to a regular recruiter and not a health professions recruiter. Health Professions recruiters only recruit for Medicine, Dental, Nursing, Optometry, etc...

 

[AFDDS]

I am wondering if there is anything specific that the air force is looking for in the applicants for the HSPS. I have a 3.94 gpa, AA/TS/PAT 22/21/26 DAT, research experience, and a decent amount of extracurriculars. I have heard they only award 5-10 4yr scholarships per year, so I'm assuming it is extremely competitive. Would I be considered competitive and is there anything I can do to make me a better candidate?

You should be very competitive with those numbers. We look at the whole person, so the research experience will only help.

I've conducted several interviews and I get to listen to my boss conduct them almost weekly. I am amazed, sometimes, how unprepared some candidates are for their interview. You need to be prepared to talk about yourself, your hopes, your desires, and why you want to be in the AF.

 

[Clutch34]

For how many months are AF dentists usually deployed?

 

[OMSohyes]

Love the wealth of info in this thread, but it's been a while since I've looked through all of it so please bear with me if this is repeated somewhere: if you're accepted to civilian out-service training after dental school, I know that payback has to be consecutive (not concurrent) with the payback for the HPSP. But I'm curious, during the time you're doing this residency, do you receive your normal USAF salary or are only any expenses being covered?
Also, I saw a document online (that hadn't been updated since 2008) that said the AF was only allowing ROTC cadets or USAF Academy grads to apply for the 4 year AF HPSP. Do you know if that's still the case?

 

[AFDDS]

For how many months are AF dentists usually deployed?

6 months

 

[AFDDS]

Love the wealth of info in this thread, but it's been a while since I've looked through all of it so please bear with me if this is repeated somewhere: if you're accepted to civilian out-service training after dental school, I know that payback has to be consecutive (not concurrent) with the payback for the HPSP. But I'm curious, during the time you're doing this residency, do you receive your normal USAF salary or are only any expenses being covered?
Also, I saw a document online (that hadn't been updated since 2008) that said the AF was only allowing ROTC cadets or USAF Academy grads to apply for the 4 year AF HPSP. Do you know if that's still the case? No. This policy went out in about 2008

The answer depends on whether or not you enter active duty before you train or if you get an educational deferment to train.

If you are already on active duty, you will get your normal pay and payback will be consecutive.

If you get an ed deferment, you will not have entered active duty and you do not get paid. You also do not owe anything for your training, because it will be non-sponsored. This almost never happens in the AF.

 

[MTD52]

Sorry if this has been answered earlier, but couldn't find it with a quick search and I figured it was simple enough to ask. When does the AEGD or residency start if you are accepted....as soon as you graduate, before you serve active duty, correct? And that is additional time, not part of the commitment, if I understand correctly.

Edit: I also found some information stating that if you don't do an AEGD or residency, you would more likely be placed in a larger base so that you could learn more. Understandable, just wondering how the bases rate as far as size goes, mainly on the East Coast, as that is where I would prefer to stay.

Thanks in advance. Think I found some more info but would like the clarification.

 

[AFDDS]

Sorry if this has been answered earlier, but couldn't find it with a quick search and I figured it was simple enough to ask. When does the AEGD or residency start if you are accepted....as soon as you graduate, before you serve active duty, correct? And that is additional time, not part of the commitment, if I understand correctly.

Edit: I also found some information stating that if you don't do an AEGD or residency, you would more likely be placed in a larger base so that you could learn more. Understandable, just wondering how the bases rate as far as size goes, mainly on the East Coast, as that is where I would prefer to stay.

Thanks in advance. Think I found some more info but would like the clarification.

Currently our AEGD programs begin in August. You will be on active duty, but it is a neutral year for payback.

If you don't do an AEGD, you will usually be placed at a larger base, but not always. Depends on the needs of the AF. Also, which bases are open will vary from year-to-year, so hard to say if the East coast is a possibility now.

 

[rowsdower]

I was accepted to the 3 Year HPSP about a month ago to only later find out that a mistake was made and that I was not going to be offered the scholarship. As you could imagine this was very disappointing for me and my family. While I have not given up hope I realize that some other opportunity will show up. I still want to be a part of the AF after I graduate but I read earlier that the AF is not accepting dentists directly. I was told that the best way to get in the AF is apply for the AEGD when I graduate. Is this something attainable or is this only available for a select few individuals outside? I would imagine that most of the spots for AEGD go to the HPSP recipients. Thanks

 

[dr roger]

Does Air force hire international dentist with US school experience but who dont have DDS/DMD.

 

[fzako]

Doc, what do you see happening to AF dentist's in the next few years as far as manning is concerned? Assuming all goes to plan i may be able to apply to dental school in 2014. i know AF dentists are currently 100 percent manned, but with the "force shaping" going on has anything been said about reducing dental provider numbers or slots, or removing dentists from active duty? I am an enlisted dental tech, and was hoping you would know if/how this could help my chances when applying to dental school and HPSP.

Thank you

 

[AFDDS]

I was accepted to the 3 Year HPSP about a month ago to only later find out that a mistake was made and that I was not going to be offered the scholarship. As you could imagine this was very disappointing for me and my family. While I have not given up hope I realize that some other opportunity will show up. I still want to be a part of the AF after I graduate but I read earlier that the AF is not accepting dentists directly. I was told that the best way to get in the AF is apply for the AEGD when I graduate. Is this something attainable or is this only available for a select few individuals outside? I would imagine that most of the spots for AEGD go to the HPSP recipients. Thanks

When we have quotas for general dentists, we usually hold a few AEGD spots for direct accessions. However, we don't have any general dentist quotas right now, so this would be a long shot at this point.

 

[AFDDS]

Does Air force hire international dentist with US school experience but who dont have DDS/DMD.

No.

 

[AFDDS]

Doc, what do you see happening to AF dentist's in the next few years as far as manning is concerned? Assuming all goes to plan i may be able to apply to dental school in 2014. i know AF dentists are currently 100 percent manned, but with the "force shaping" going on has anything been said about reducing dental provider numbers or slots, or removing dentists from active duty? I am an enlisted dental tech, and was hoping you would know if/how this could help my chances when applying to dental school and HPSP.

Thank you

Being prior service can certainly help you, but it won't guarantee you a slot. We like to see dental techs apply because they already have some knowledge fo what's going on.

As far as force shaping, etc... nothing has been discussed at this point. We are able to keep from ding it right now by adjusting recruiting. As long as we have our current retention rates, I think you will see the scholarship levels stay right where they are.

 

[yosef3]

I am a 3 year HPSP recipient was supposed to receive my first stipend today. I checked my bank account and only received ~$100. Will the rest come today?

 

[AFDDS]

I am a 3 year HPSP recipient was supposed to receive my first stipend today. I checked my bank account and only received ~$100. Will the rest come today?

?? don't know. Do you have access to mypay?

 

[laker17]

I'm very interested in the opportunities that the HPSP provides but I have some concerns... mainly my 4 knee surgeries. Two on each knees. They don't hinder me at all but I would like to know if I'm pretty much automatically disqualified or if I still have a shot. Thanks!

 

[AFDDS]

I'm very interested in the opportunities that the HPSP provides but I have some concerns... mainly my 4 knee surgeries. Two on each knees. They don't hinder me at all but I would like to know if I'm pretty much automatically disqualified or if I still have a shot. Thanks!

Only way to know for sure is to contact a recruiter and schedule a MEPPS physical.

 

[SFO]

I am confused about the extra pay that goes to specialists (incentive, variable, other). If we are paying off an educational commitment (say the AF sends us to civilian residency, sponsored) will we be eligible for the additional pays of that specialty once practicing for the AF as a specialist? From what I have been able to find online, there is some confusion on this...

Thanks

 

[jbop]

AFDDS,

I'm having trouble contacting my recruiter. I'm going to apply to dschool next summer, so I'd be calling to just learn about the details. I called him and left a message weeks ago, but he never called back. There's only one AF healthcare recruiting office in my state, so I'm out of options. What should I do?

 

[AFDDS]

AFDDS,

I'm having trouble contacting my recruiter. I'm going to apply to dschool next summer, so I'd be calling to just learn about the details. I called him and left a message weeks ago, but he never called back. There's only one AF healthcare recruiting office in my state, so I'm out of options. What should I do?

Call every day until they call you back. PM me the state and office you are trying to contact.

 

[Dada dentist]

Just got out of the AF dental corps (I was a Major), discovered this forum and thought I'd add some information for those considering the AF. For me, it was a great, extremely worthwhile experience. But my reasons for getting out were well-reasoned and valid. Here are the benefits and drawbacks that I experienced/observed, please consider them as you make your decision:

Benefits:
1. HPSP-- Got 4 years of dental school paid for!
2. Got to use my Montgomery GI Bill for dental school too! (prior service)
3. Attended AEGD at my first choice of location-- this one year was worth more than last two years of dental school combined.
4. Got first choice of assignment-- First, a remote tour to Korea (fantastic place to go)
5. Got first choice for follow-on-- Italy for three years (also fantastic).
6. Expedited naturalization for my wife (for active duty overseas)
7. The AF delivered two healthy babies for us-- first one cost $47, second one $35!
8. Increased clinical competence quickly from the get-go out of dental school.
9. Doing dentistry for some great young enlisted kids-- yes there are some young punks out there, but you will find out how many truly awesome young people there are in our country, esp. when they are properly led.

Drawbacks:
1. You probably won't be as lucky as I was. Do not underestimate your chances of being sent to the middle of nowhere. I've seen folks reduced to tears when they find out where they're going.
2. If you don't do the AEGD you'll be slinging amalgam. They won't credential you to do much more than that.
3. Even with the AEGD, you'll plateau professionally pretty fast. Again, they won't easily credential you to do more than what you learn in that one year. As you progress in rank, you will do clinical dentistry less and less...
4. The AF dental corps promotes 100% to O-5 and 50-60% to O-6. This means that even someone with a malignant personality disorder can be in a position of legal authority over you, and they are essentially untouchable. You would shudder at some of the abuses of power I've witnessed myself.
5. Moving frequently is hard on a family, esp. as the kids get older.
6. Doesn't make any financial sense, I don't care what they tell you. It gets old producing in a day what you get paid for two weeks of service.
7. You'll always have a boss! I can't wait to own my own business.

If I could guarantee that you would get what I got out of it, I'd say do it immediately! But since there are no guarantees, you must be flexible and weight the costs/benefits for yourself. I wish you the best in making your decision!

 

[Vigilante]

Just got out of the AF dental corps (I was a Major), discovered this forum and thought I'd add some information for those considering the AF. For me, it was a great, extremely worthwhile experience. But my reasons for getting out were well-reasoned and valid. Here are the benefits and drawbacks that I experienced/observed, please consider them as you make your decision:

Benefits:
1. HPSP-- Got 4 years of dental school paid for!
2. Got to use my Montgomery GI Bill for dental school too! (prior service)
3. Attended AEGD at my first choice of location-- this one year was worth more than last two years of dental school combined.
4. Got first choice of assignment-- First, a remote tour to Korea (fantastic place to go)
5. Got first choice for follow-on-- Italy for three years (also fantastic).
6. Expedited naturalization for my wife (for active duty overseas)
7. The AF delivered two healthy babies for us-- first one cost $47, second one $35!
8. Increased clinical competence quickly from the get-go out of dental school.
9. Doing dentistry for some great young enlisted kids-- yes there are some young punks out there, but you will find out how many truly awesome young people there are in our country, esp. when they are properly led.

Drawbacks:
1. You probably won't be as lucky as I was. Do not underestimate your chances of being sent to the middle of nowhere. I've seen folks reduced to tears when they find out where they're going.
2. If you don't do the AEGD you'll be slinging amalgam. They won't credential you to do much more than that.
3. Even with the AEGD, you'll plateau professionally pretty fast. Again, they won't easily credential you to do more than what you learn in that one year. As you progress in rank, you will do clinical dentistry less and less...
4. The AF dental corps promotes 100% to O-5 and 50-60% to O-6. This means that even someone with a malignant personality disorder can be in a position of legal authority over you, and they are essentially untouchable. You would shudder at some of the abuses of power I've witnessed myself.
5. Moving frequently is hard on a family, esp. as the kids get older.
6. Doesn't make any financial sense, I don't care what they tell you. It gets old producing in a day what you get paid for two weeks of service.
7. You'll always have a boss! I can't wait to own my own business.

If I could guarantee that you would get what I got out of it, I'd say do it immediately! But since there are no guarantees, you must be flexible and weight the costs/benefits for yourself. I wish you the best in making your decision!

Awesome post! Thanks for taking the time to write all that. Just a few quick questions...
When you say they won't credential you to do much more than you learn in your year of AEGD, what does that entail? I mean, do you feel like you got enough experience to easily transition to private practice and take on complex patients?
How hard is it to get into a AEGD program in the AF? I've heard they make everyone at least apply for it, but do they accept a lot as well? I guess Part 1s are switching to pass/fail anyway, but is there a gpa they look for, or research experience, or anything else?
Do they also transition specialists out of clinical work as they move up in rank? Or is it mainly the GDs they move to desk duty?

Thanks again. I've always planned on doing HPSP but this definitely helps me plan on how to make the most of it. Hopefully I can avoid packing amalgam full time...

 

[AFDDS]

Thanks for posting. I've always said, the AF isn't for everyone. It's good to have some info on here so people can see what the perceived downsides are.

Just got out of the AF dental corps (I was a Major), discovered this forum and thought I'd add some information for those considering the AF. For me, it was a great, extremely worthwhile experience. But my reasons for getting out were well-reasoned and valid. Here are the benefits and drawbacks that I experienced/observed, please consider them as you make your decision:

Benefits:
1. HPSP-- Got 4 years of dental school paid for!
2. Got to use my Montgomery GI Bill for dental school too! (prior service)
3. Attended AEGD at my first choice of location-- this one year was worth more than last two years of dental school combined.
4. Got first choice of assignment-- First, a remote tour to Korea (fantastic place to go)
5. Got first choice for follow-on-- Italy for three years (also fantastic).
6. Expedited naturalization for my wife (for active duty overseas)
7. The AF delivered two healthy babies for us-- first one cost $47, second one $35!
8. Increased clinical competence quickly from the get-go out of dental school.
9. Doing dentistry for some great young enlisted kids-- yes there are some young punks out there, but you will find out how many truly awesome young people there are in our country, esp. when they are properly led.

Drawbacks:
1. You probably won't be as lucky as I was. Do not underestimate your chances of being sent to the middle of nowhere. I've seen folks reduced to tears when they find out where they're going.
2. If you don't do the AEGD you'll be slinging amalgam. They won't credential you to do much more than that.
3. Even with the AEGD, you'll plateau professionally pretty fast. Again, they won't easily credential you to do more than what you learn in that one year. As you progress in rank, you will do clinical dentistry less and less...
4. The AF dental corps promotes 100% to O-5 and 50-60% to O-6. This means that even someone with a malignant personality disorder can be in a position of legal authority over you, and they are essentially untouchable. You would shudder at some of the abuses of power I've witnessed myself.
5. Moving frequently is hard on a family, esp. as the kids get older.
6. Doesn't make any financial sense, I don't care what they tell you. It gets old producing in a day what you get paid for two weeks of service.
7. You'll always have a boss! I can't wait to own my own business.

If I could guarantee that you would get what I got out of it, I'd say do it immediately! But since there are no guarantees, you must be flexible and weight the costs/benefits for yourself. I wish you the best in making your decision!

 

[AFDDS]

Awesome post! Thanks for taking the time to write all that. Just a few quick questions...
When you say they won't credential you to do much more than you learn in your year of AEGD, what does that entail? I mean, do you feel like you got enough experience to easily transition to private practice and take on complex patients? Depends on what you put into it. As a director, I wanted a broad experience for my residents. some put more into their program and by default, they got more out of it.
How hard is it to get into a AEGD program in the AF? I've heard they make everyone at least apply for it, but do they accept a lot as well? I guess Part 1s are switching to pass/fail anyway, but is there a gpa they look for, or research experience, or anything else? We try to have enough AEGD spots for all that want one. In any given year, we have some people that just do not want an AEGD, for whatever reason. I think this is a mistake to just turn down the training. We also have a few that go directly into traditional specialty programs. Not everyone gets an AEGD, but its a very high percentage. We look at the whole person, not just one particular stat.
Do they also transition specialists out of clinical work as they move up in rank? Or is it mainly the GDs they move to desk duty? Depends. You have to remember, you will be an AF Officer and a Dentist. It's not one or the other. With rank comes responsibility. My experience has been that the only people that get out of pt care totally, are those that wanted out to begin with. I have been in jobs that traditionally were held by people that didn't see pts and I still took time to see pts. I think that's what we do and I like it, so I'm going to keep doing it.

Thanks again. I've always planned on doing HPSP but this definitely helps me plan on how to make the most of it. Hopefully I can avoid packing amalgam full time...

I know you weren't necessarily asking me these questions, but wanted to give you my opinion as well. Thanks.

 

[Vigilante]

I know you weren't necessarily asking me these questions, but wanted to give you my opinion as well. Thanks.

Thanks again. Always good to hear multiple perspectives.

 

[Dada dentist]

Awesome post! Thanks for taking the time to write all that. Just a few quick questions...
When you say they won't credential you to do much more than you learn in your year of AEGD, what does that entail? I mean, do you feel like you got enough experience to easily transition to private practice and take on complex patients?

**Take implants, for example. If you are not credentialed to restore implants out of the AEGD, then you must attend an implant short course to obtain that. Kinda difficult to get that course. Then you have to find a periodontist or oral surgeon willing to work with you on the case, etc...and forget about placing implants as a general dentist. But yes, I feel I got a lot of great experience out of the AEGD. Ready for private practice. If you're willing to go so far as to join the AF in the first place, then it would be plain foolish not to do the AEGD. I've never heard an AEGD grad express regret about doing it.

How hard is it to get into a AEGD program in the AF? I've heard they make everyone at least apply for it, but do they accept a lot as well? I guess Part 1s are switching to pass/fail anyway, but is there a gpa they look for, or research experience, or anything else?

**The AF really wants you to get the AEGD. If you are a reasonably good student and interview reasonably well, you should get it.

Do they also transition specialists out of clinical work as they move up in rank? Or is it mainly the GDs they move to desk duty?

**Unfortunately, I know of some unhappy specialists who are doing more desk duty than they would like. Many choose that path, but most don't. A word of caution about pursuing a dental specialty in the AF. The application process is very different from that used for civilian training. Typically you must apply 3 times (over three years) to get into your specialty of choice. I know a guy who applied to OS 3x and finally got it, two guys who got into ortho after three tries, and one guy who finally got endo after four tries. Then once you get in, they can defer your entry into the training for 1 or even 2 years. That means it can be a 5 year process to apply for a specialty! Of course, you can understand why it is this way-- they want a way to keep you in the service. Specialty training is a juicy carrot.

Thanks again. I've always planned on doing HPSP but this definitely helps me plan on how to make the most of it. Hopefully I can avoid packing amalgam full time...

**Good luck to you!!! Keep an open mind, and a sense of adventure, and you will be fine.

 

[flyingforever]

I am applying to HSPS, whats the physical requirement. Air Force just scheduled my physical examination.

 

[MatthewLeeDDS]

I am applying to HSPS, whats the physical requirement. Air Force just scheduled my physical examination.

Are you talking about MEPS? If so, there's nothing you can really do to "get ready" for it physically. You'll do vision and hearing tests, pee in a cup, get some blood drawn, strip down and do some flexibility exercises. Just show up!