Ask an Army Dentist

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About how many new dentists enter the Army per year? (hpsp and directs)
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I'm currently an active duty Army officer. I plan on applying next year for dental school through Army or Air Force HPSP. If I am accepted do I have to go through OBC or basic training again?
 
ajaxkid said:
I'm currently an active duty Army officer. I plan on applying next year for dental school through Army or Air Force HPSP. If I am accepted do I have to go through OBC or basic training again?
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I can't answer for the Army, but I have a resident coming this summer that was a Army Officer prior to dental school. He will not be attending COT prior to coming here. So for the AF, it is a big no.
 
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Prior service enlisted does have to go to Army OBC. Prior service officer does not have to attend. However, on dental pay charts the VSP DASP specialty pays do not consider prior commissioned service outside the dental corps as credible service. For base pay prior TIS does count.
 
I've heard that the Army has given away most of its scholarships and I may not have a shot until Oct. 1, 2009. The recruiter said it would still be considered a 4-year scholarship. I have some questions about that.

1. I assume the stipend would start Oct. 1st?
2. How and when would the Army pay Fall 2009 tuition?
3. Also, how about books and other expenses for Fall 2009?
4. Assuming it is still considered a 4-year scholarship, would still be eligible for $20k bonus?
5. When would you hear about scholarship awards, Oct. 1st or would the selection board decide earlier in the summer and then just make it official Oct. 1st, when they have money again?

Thanks.
 
trent said:
I've heard that the Army has given away most of its scholarships and I may not have a shot until Oct. 1, 2009. The recruiter said it would still be considered a 4-year scholarship. I have some questions about that.

1. I assume the stipend would start Oct. 1st?
2. How and when would the Army pay Fall 2009 tuition?
3. Also, how about books and other expenses for Fall 2009?
4. Assuming it is still considered a 4-year scholarship, would still be eligible for $20k bonus?
5. When would you hear about scholarship awards, Oct. 1st or would the selection board decide earlier in the summer and then just make it official Oct. 1st, when they have money again?

Thanks.
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You are correct. The Army 4 yr scholarships are beginning to run out. The remaining scholarships will be given out competatively. What that means is that instead of anyone who is qualified automatically getting the schorship, now they will rank everyone to give out the remaining scholarships. This is one of those examples of "early bird gets the worm". The 3, 2, and 1 yr scholarships have different numbers that are available for them, so they still have many of those scholarships available.

Anyone can take the $20k bonus (1, 2, or 3 yr HPSP) - however they will owe 4 yrs if they take it.

Books and equipment that you purchase, you send in the receipt and the form signed by your school - the Army reimburses you.

Tuition is automatically paid to the school

Stipend begins when you start school

Scholarships are given out on a monthly basis when the board meets and reviews the packets. Typically the results of these boards are released about 3 weeks after the board selects the applicants.
 
krmower said:
Stipend begins when you start school
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one minor correction
Students are eligible to begin receiving benefits based on the latest of three dates (benefit start date):
1) The signature date of the Oath of Office
2) The signature date of the Service Agreement
3) The start date of academic year.

Thus if you sign contract in October, and your schools starts in September, you will not get stipend backpaid to September. Your stipend will start on the day you sign contract.

As for tuition - it is paid for entire term/semester in which the benefit start date occurs. So if you sign contract in October, and school starts in September, tuition will be paid for the whole semester.
 
krmower said:
You are correct. The Army 4 yr scholarships are beginning to run out. The remaining scholarships will be given out competatively. What that means is that instead of anyone who is qualified automatically getting the schorship, now they will rank everyone to give out the remaining scholarships. This is one of those examples of "early bird gets the worm". The 3, 2, and 1 yr scholarships have different numbers that are available for them, so they still have many of those scholarships available.

Anyone can take the $20k bonus (1, 2, or 3 yr HPSP) - however they will owe 4 yrs if they take it.

Books and equipment that you purchase, you send in the receipt and the form signed by your school - the Army reimburses you.

Tuition is automatically paid to the school

Stipend begins when you start school

Scholarships are given out on a monthly basis when the board meets and reviews the packets. Typically the results of these boards are released about 3 weeks after the board selects the applicants.
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Wow. I'd never thnk the Army would be sold out so soon. I've heard the same for AF and Navy.
 
I will be going to OBLC this summer and was wondering how the stay will be? Meaning, will we be able to bring our spouse with us? Are they really strict on who's there with us? I have heard from other officers that have brought family with them, but my orders have told me that family members are not allowed.
 
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ready2drill82 said:
I will be going to OBLC this summer and was wondering how the stay will be? Meaning, will we be able to bring our spouse with us? Are they really strict on who's there with us? I have heard from other officers that have brought family with them, but my orders have told me that family members are not allowed.
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You may share a room with another officer. Won't know ahead of time Better wait until you get down there to see what your situation is like.
 
ready2drill82 said:
I will be going to OBLC this summer and was wondering how the stay will be? Meaning, will we be able to bring our spouse with us? Are they really strict on who's there with us? I have heard from other officers that have brought family with them, but my orders have told me that family members are not allowed.
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You may be put on post at the Bachelor's Officer's Quarters which were single rooms when I was there. I'm not sure how they'll treat an extra guest, you may have to pay extra.

Or, if there are too many people on post, what was done in my year was that the Holiday Inn near the North Star Mall was booked. While we had singles, here is where I can see they may try to book you two per room. We only stayed there half of OBC, then moved back on post for the last half.

"Wait and see" is the best advice.
 
teeth63A....How did you feel about Army life as a dentist? Was it what you expected? Thanks for responding.
 
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i mean, i know it would turn out to be cheaper and even more fun because you will probably be going to other countries as well, but after you get your degree, are you still required to travel to other countries such as Iraq or can you open up your own office? is there anything you dislike about being forced what do to and what not to do or you get used to it? than you..:D:D
 
ready2drill82 said:
I will be going to OBLC this summer and was wondering how the stay will be? Meaning, will we be able to bring our spouse with us? Are they really strict on who's there with us? I have heard from other officers that have brought family with them, but my orders have told me that family members are not allowed.
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they can go, yes, but they cannot stay with you. as long as they have their own living quarters, that you pay for out of your own pocket, then yes, they can go with you.
 
teeth63a said:
You may be put on post at the Bachelor's Officer's Quarters which were single rooms when I was there. I'm not sure how they'll treat an extra guest, you may have to pay extra.

Or, if there are too many people on post, what was done in my year was that the Holiday Inn near the North Star Mall was booked. While we had singles, here is where I can see they may try to book you two per room. We only stayed there half of OBC, then moved back on post for the last half.

"Wait and see" is the best advice.
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Hey teeth,

Another person asked how your experience working as an Army dentist was (above my post). Can you tell us how it was, your daily schedule, and transition into civilian life?
 
I am currently a second year HPSP dental student and I'm interested in the AEGD program once I graduate from school. Does anyone know some basic information about the AEGD program (ie Base locations, number of seats availabe, and the grades/test scores recommended). Thank you
 
deadjaw said:
I am currently a second year HPSP dental student and I'm interested in the AEGD program once I graduate from school. Does anyone know some basic information about the AEGD program (ie Base locations, number of seats availabe, and the grades/test scores recommended). Thank you
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Which length of program are you considering? Are you looking for a 1 year or a 2 year?

The 2 years are at Ft. Bragg, NC, Ft. Hood, Tx, and in Hawaii.
 
I was wondering when does the Army actually disperse the monthly stipend and bonus into the account? I was told it would happen when i start classes. I'm going to a school where the 1st years actually have to take classes over the summer before the rest of the students come in the fall. Is this when they will disperse it or will I have to wait until the fall?
 
blacksuperman said:
I was wondering when does the Army actually disperse the monthly stipend and bonus into the account? I was told it would happen when i start classes. I'm going to a school where the 1st years actually have to take classes over the summer before the rest of the students come in the fall. Is this when they will disperse it or will I have to wait until the fall?
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Been too long for me to remember. I would check the HPSP handbook (I believe it is on MODS), or you can contact the HPSP office and ask them.
 
Odd question: Is there a dentist at the army base in American Samoa or is a contracted spot?
 
geometric-pain said:
Odd question: Is there a dentist at the army base in American Samoa or is a contracted spot?
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In the Pacific the only bases are Hawaii, Korea, and Japan. Any other locations that have Army personnel would go see a civilian dentist on the economy, or go to another service dentist.

So to answer your question - Army has neither in American Samoa
 
krmower said:
In the Pacific the only bases are Hawaii, Korea, and Japan. Any other locations that have Army personnel would go see a civilian dentist on the economy, or go to another service dentist.

So to answer your question - Army has neither in American Samoa
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is there a way to see or check how many exact slots are available for each army dental clinic per year?

Also is there a link on dencom to see exactly which bases have clinics that we can work at after graduation?
 
I've read quite a few posts over the past few months and finally decided to join. I see that many of you are Pacific grads and was wondering if any of you have any insights or advice on how a future fellow soldier might gain acceptance.
thanks
 
prearmydentist said:
I've read quite a few posts over the past few months and finally decided to join. I see that many of you are Pacific grads and was wondering if any of you have any insights or advice on how a future fellow soldier might gain acceptance.
thanks
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I'm not a Pacific gtad - but applying early is the major factor. Just as anything else - as time goes on and supply dries up + demand and competativeness goes up.

It's not too late now for the Army - but inventory is low.

For next year you should begin planning and coordinating early fall so you are ready to go when next year selection boards begin in January.
 
ArmyDDS2013 said:
I got the physical a few months back. There were a lot of people who were overweight and possibly some that might have been under (women). The night before, you have to fast so that your blood glucose levels and other readings are in the "normal" range. You will either get a Physician or a PA to check up on your vitals/physicals like bone joints etc. It's REALLY fast/easy and most people should get through this with ease. The following day,you get your blood results back and those that had elevated and depressed levels of whatever have to retake the test. If you have had any surgeries, like LASIK for example, you need a waiver from your doctor etc. or else you will not pass your physical on that day. You always can send it in and get it fixed later but that's just heads up. There were some really upset people that didn't pass but I'm sure everything turned out well in the end. The army needs and wants you...haha :rolleyes:
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ditto

I needed a waiver for my eyesight, it needed a waiver but was waiverable. I took an eye exam and the optometrist was telling me how my glasses were REALLY not good enough (wear contacts hadnt updated the prescription in a while). I was also nervous as hell but the PA doing my exam was awesome, and even when I was "calmed" down it was still much higher than normal - i dont even want to get into my HR but it was all good since I didnt have any other issues. Waiver was approved after visting my ophthalmologist and my prescription was only a point or so for my glasses off. the whole process went smoothly and the scholarship came through. I would say try not to be worried and it will work out. :thumbup:
 
prearmydentist said:
I've read quite a few posts over the past few months and finally decided to join. I see that many of you are Pacific grads and was wondering if any of you have any insights or advice on how a future fellow soldier might gain acceptance.
thanks
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As far as insights go, I only have this to say: the HPSP involves a whole lot more paperwork than you would imagine. This is because when you agree to the terms and are accepted, then you are commissioned as an officer. Meaning security clearance and physical and a few other things. The security in itself was like 30 or 40 pages of stuff.

Long story short: lots of paperwork to become an officer.

There is no way around it, and it takes time to do properly. If you rush things, then your packet will get rejected for some missed signature somewhere and will take longer because you will end up waiting for the next review board. This is where the recruiter is your best friend. Work closely with them and they will make your life easier.

Thats it.
 
Thanks for the responses. I've already had my Army physical, and everything is a "go" as soon as I get an acceptance letter. My DAT scores are fairly competitive...18 overall 19 PAT nothing below 17. Quan was around 20 and reading was 24. I plan to retake it, though. Can't hurt, right? I really need help getting an interview. I'm a non-trad student-28 who worked my way through school. I am 50% owner of a full-service dental lab, and I have 100s of hours shadowing/interning. That's the short of it...any more suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
 
I'm not sure if this is a ridiculous question or not... but is it possible as a 4 yr HPSP to defer active duty payback in order to enter a civilian residency directly after graduating? Then after completing the residency, pay back the four years as a specialist? Thanks
 
Iceman105 said:
I'm not sure if this is a ridiculous question or not... but is it possible as a 4 yr HPSP to defer active duty payback in order to enter a civilian residency directly after graduating? Then after completing the residency, pay back the four years as a specialist? Thanks
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Not without making arrangements with graduate education ahead of time. They have not done this in a long time, so your chances would be slim to none. However you never know unless you ask. You can do a google search for "Army dental corps graduate dental education" to get their contact info.
 
krmower said:
Not without making arrangements with graduate education ahead of time. They have not done this in a long time, so your chances would be slim to none. However you never know unless you ask. You can do a google search for "Army dental corps graduate dental education" to get their contact info.
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Thanks krmower. A follow-up question I have would be what should I be focused on accomplishing during dental school if I am certain that I want to ultimately do a residency in periodontics? Is it more likely that I could get accepted directly into one of the army's residencies, or try the aforementioned civilian pathway? I know I'd be applying with other officers that had already been deployed, etc. but what if I had very competitive stats from school?
 
Iceman105 said:
Thanks krmower. A follow-up question I have would be what should I be focused on accomplishing during dental school if I am certain that I want to ultimately do a residency in periodontics? Is it more likely that I could get accepted directly into one of the army's residencies, or try the aforementioned civilian pathway? I know I'd be applying with other officers that had already been deployed, etc. but what if I had very competitive stats from school?
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Exactly as you said, you may want to consider going in for your obligation, then apply for an army residency. Once you have some experience and as long as you have good evaluations, you stand to have a good shot of getting in an army residency. On top of that, you still get the same pay as an army dental officer while you're in the residency. Civilian residents don't make any money while doing a residency. The only trade off is that you'll spend more time in the military. ITs not such a bad thing since you have a healthy population who doesn't have to worry about insurance payment, while you'll have top notch equipment.

My understanding too is that you'll need to be an all star student to get into a residency right out of school.

I know there are 8 or 9 endo slots. One of them is a civilian spot at Iowa. I don't know what the situation is for perio, there may be a non-army spot in a civilian school that the army pays for.
 
teeth63a said:
Exactly as you said, you may want to consider going in for your obligation, then apply for an army residency. Once you have some experience and as long as you have good evaluations, you stand to have a good shot of getting in an army residency. On top of that, you still get the same pay as an army dental officer while you're in the residency. Civilian residents don't make any money while doing a residency. The only trade off is that you'll spend more time in the military. ITs not such a bad thing since you have a healthy population who doesn't have to worry about insurance payment, while you'll have top notch equipment.

My understanding too is that you'll need to be an all star student to get into a residency right out of school.

I know there are 8 or 9 endo slots. One of them is a civilian spot at Iowa. I don't know what the situation is for perio, there may be a non-army spot in a civilian school that the army pays for.
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No civilian slots for perio, and the chance of the Army letting you apply for one is very very slim (none).

Realize that applying from school the only thing you have going for you are board scores, GPA, and class rank. Those are what you need to focus on.

Once in the Army there will be so many other things that can build your resume (annual evaluations, assignments, deployments, schools, etc...)
 
Thanks for the info Teeth and krmower, much appreciated.

Any advice for an army dentist whose spouse is a civilian dentist?? I understand that there is no easy road for family life with potential deployments/relocations... and my wife will most likely be an orthodontist... so obviously it would be quite a while before she would be able to settle down into a practice if she's following me around!

Is there any method for me to avoid a great number of moves once ADT starts? If I do an army perio residency, does that lock me into one base for the duration of the residency?? Just trying to gather an idea of how much that element varies... although I completely understand I am at the mercy of what the army needs!
 
Iceman105 said:
Thanks for the info Teeth and krmower, much appreciated.

Any advice for an army dentist whose spouse is a civilian dentist?? I understand that there is no easy road for family life with potential deployments/relocations... and my wife will most likely be an orthodontist... so obviously it would be quite a while before she would be able to settle down into a practice if she's following me around!

Is there any method for me to avoid a great number of moves once ADT starts? If I do an army perio residency, does that lock me into one base for the duration of the residency?? Just trying to gather an idea of how much that element varies... although I completely understand I am at the mercy of what the army needs!
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If your wife wants to be an orthodontist you need to be prepared to live apart while she does her training. After her training if she follows you please realize she will have to get a state license and find a practice wherever you go.

If she remains a general dentist there is a chance that she could work for the Army as a contract dentist at the same location as you.

If you do any type of training you will be at the location you train until you are done and then move once it is completed. So if you do perio count on 2 bases - Ft Gordon for your specialty training and one other as your next/final assignment.

Option 2 is your wife can join also. Then the Army keeps you together.
 
You'd be looking at 3 duty stations (1st one, perio residency, then follow on) over 10 years (4 HPSP, 3 residency, 3 follow on). An LTC endodontist just told me that there are 2-3 perio slots/year at Fort Gordon.
 
teeth63a said:
You'd be looking at 3 duty stations (1st one, perio residency, then follow on) over 10 years (4 HPSP, 3 residency, 3 follow on). An LTC endodontist just told me that there are 2-3 perio slots/year at Fort Gordon.
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4 perio slots/yr. HPSP and specialty payback are simultaneous if you do the specialty training within the first 1-2 yrs of graduating. Best case svenario w/ perio residency right out of school - 3 year residency - 3-4 year HPSP payback (perio payback at same time). Total time owed 7 yrs.
 
krmower said:
4 perio slots/yr. HPSP and specialty payback are simultaneous if you do the specialty training within the first 1-2 yrs of graduating. Best case svenario w/ perio residency right out of school - 3 year residency - 3-4 year HPSP payback (perio payback at same time). Total time owed 7 yrs.
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Better yet :D
 
I'm a prior service Army Officer with less than stellar grades in dental school. My past Officer Efficiency Reports are excellent, but my GPA and board scores are average. Do I have a chance in earning a spot in a residency program (excluding the 2 year AEGD)? If not...is there anything I can do to increase my chances?
 
ShakaZulu said:
I'm a prior service Army Officer with less than stellar grades in dental school. My past Officer Efficiency Reports are excellent, but my GPA and board scores are average. Do I have a chance in earning a spot in a residency program (excluding the 2 year AEGD)? If not...is there anything I can do to increase my chances?
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Did you finish dental school yet
or are you a current dental officer
or are you in private practice?
 
ajaxkid said:
I'm currently an active duty Army officer. I plan on applying next year for dental school through Army or Air Force HPSP. If I am accepted do I have to go through OBC or basic training again?
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I applied to dental school while on active duty, if you have any questions about the application process let me know. Anyway here are some side notes:

1. If you have an active duty obligation, ensure you state in your request for release from active duty that you understand that any time you owe will be served concomitantly with your new service obligation.

2. I had my REFRAD approved by all my commanders: Battalion Commander, Brigade Commander, Division Commander. If all three of these gentlemen support you, it will be very difficult for your branch to disapprove your request.

3. Arrange an appointment with a Dental Commander, and express your desires. Trust me, he/she may come in handy later.
 
ShakaZulu said:
For the sake of anonymity, lets say I have a GPA between 2.7 - 3.1 (4.0 scale), and a board score (NBDE Part I) between 75-80.
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you could get a 1- or 2-year AEGD, but your chances of getting another specialty spot, right out of school, are slim to none.

once you have done an AEGD and have at least a year on active duty, as a dentist, you will have a fairly good chance of getting something other than endo or ortho. at that point, grades and board scores become less important.
 
umkcdds said:
you could get a 1- or 2-year AEGD, but your chances of getting another specialty spot, right out of school, are slim to none.

once you have done an AEGD and have at least a year on active duty, as a dentist, you will have a fairly good chance of getting something other than endo or ortho. at that point, grades and board scores become less important.
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100% agree. With AEGD, good OERs, possibly even a deployment, you'd be a competitive candidate for army residency. Right out of school, probably not. Of course, you can always try.
 
ShakaZulu said:
I'm a prior service Army Officer with less than stellar grades in dental school. My past Officer Efficiency Reports are excellent, but my GPA and board scores are average. Do I have a chance in earning a spot in a residency program (excluding the 2 year AEGD)? If not...is there anything I can do to increase my chances?
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My take will be a little different then others. I think that the prior service will help overcome some of your deficiencies with your grades and GPA - especially if you had good OERs.

If you are looking at specialties other than the AEGD, I think OMFS would be a long shot (usually they want board scores 80+), Prosth and Perio would be possibilities out of school. Other specialties would become possibilities as you get some time in as a Dental Officer. Remember you can always get the 2 yr AEGD, and then re-specialize 5 yrs after you graduate the program.
 
Hey Kromner, do you know where the pedo training locations are?
 
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