Ask an Army Dentist

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Armyhealth said:
Yes, that is the current policy. Everything changes based on the state of needs for the Army but right now it is a max of 90 days.
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Which policy is this?
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Army Medical Department (AMEDD) Reserve Component (RC) 90-Day “Boots-on-the-Ground” (BOG) Rotation Policy
allusmels said:
Which policy is this?
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The Army Medical Department (AMEDD) Reserve Component (RC) 90-Day “Boots-on-the-Ground” (BOG) Rotation Policy from the Pentagon 2018
 
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I'll be a D1 starting in the fall and am thinking about joining the National Guard. How are dental students/recent grads going about attending DCC and BOLC? Summer between D1 and D2 is the only summer free to attend trainings.
 
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Can anyone shed some light on Army Endodontics and Perio?
Wondering things like class rank/GPA, whether they prefer AEGD/GPR right out of school, chances of getting into a program directly out of school.

Thanks!
 
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awhLS said:
I'll be a D1 starting in the fall and am thinking about joining the National Guard. How are dental students/recent grads going about attending DCC and BOLC? Summer between D1 and D2 is the only summer free to attend trainings.
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I can't speak to the National Guard piece, but in general, Army scholarship recipients either do DCC before dental school or in between D1 and D2, and complete BOLC right after graduation.
 
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pitttooth said:
Can anyone shed some light on Army Endodontics and Perio?
Wondering things like class rank/GPA, whether they prefer AEGD/GPR right out of school, chances of getting into a program directly out of school.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Endo was pretty competitive this year, and perio is moderately competitive historically. They are ALWAYS going to factor in your grades and GPA when they rank you amongst your competitors for the program---but that's just it---it is all about who your competing against. And your chances obviously get harder if more people decide to apply that year (For example, take 2017 vs 2018 Endo then look at the same years for Ortho!)That's not to say the person with the highest grades will always get it. It's a cumulative score when they look at the overall person/application. If you are on an HPSP scholarship and do the Army AEGD right after school, you'll expand your Army network and rapport within the Army education program so your letters of recommendation may be stronger as well. If you are applying right out of school and everyone else has done the AEGD and has a few more years of experience, unless your grades really outshine the competition, you may not have enough other factors to rank higher than them (military experience, assignments, extracurricular involvement, etc.). It looks good to the board when you can say, with experience, I've understood the different specialties and after my AEGD or GPR I really fell in love with this one. But that doesn't necessarily need to happen. Your letters of recommendation and statement of motivation are very important as well. I know this is a vague answer but there are so many variables.

I've attached the historical data for residency acceptances.
 

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If I stay in the Army, I would consider doing the AEGD-2 or Prosth residency. Since I'm almost done with the AEGD-1, I'm wondering which route would be a better path. It seems like I'd enhance my scope a lot more with prosth, but I've heard it's more difficult to get a job on the outside as a prosthodontist and the cases and patients you do get can be much more challenging than as a general dentist. You could practice general dentistry still, but I've heard others in the community don't look fondly on you for doing that...? Another positive is that you could go into education, or possibly work in a specialty practice as a prosthodontist.

On the other hand, the AEGD-2 would really give someone an excellent foundation in general dentistry that seems like it would translate well to any other area of dentistry, and allow you to become board certified too. This, along with the GI bill, seems like it would be very helpful if someone ever wanted to apply to a civilian specialty program on the outside, such as pedo. Not only that, you're a very well-rounded dentist, and could do well just about anywhere. One of the downsides is that I've heard (from a AEGD-2 grad) that you don't get much more clinical experience beyond the AEGD-1, but you get a far greater didactic exposure and know the "why" of everything you do.

It seems like they're both great programs. Does anyone who has more experience in the Army, or has done either of the programs (esp on top of an AEGD-1) have any insight? Obviously it's different for everyone, I'd just love some perspective.
 
Hi,

When I graduate from dental school in 2021, can I work in Camp Humphrey's, South Korea without an AEGD. Can my husband come with me as well?
 
NMC2010 said:
If I stay in the Army, I would consider doing the AEGD-2 or Prosth residency. Since I'm almost done with the AEGD-1, I'm wondering which route would be a better path. It seems like I'd enhance my scope a lot more with prosth, but I've heard it's more difficult to get a job on the outside as a prosthodontist and the cases and patients you do get can be much more challenging than as a general dentist. You could practice general dentistry still, but I've heard others in the community don't look fondly on you for doing that...? Another positive is that you could go into education, or possibly work in a specialty practice as a prosthodontist.

On the other hand, the AEGD-2 would really give someone an excellent foundation in general dentistry that seems like it would translate well to any other area of dentistry, and allow you to become board certified too. This, along with the GI bill, seems like it would be very helpful if someone ever wanted to apply to a civilian specialty program on the outside, such as pedo. Not only that, you're a very well-rounded dentist, and could do well just about anywhere. One of the downsides is that I've heard (from a AEGD-2 grad) that you don't get much more clinical experience beyond the AEGD-1, but you get a far greater didactic exposure and know the "why" of everything you do.

It seems like they're both great programs. Does anyone who has more experience in the Army, or has done either of the programs (esp on top of an AEGD-1) have any insight? Obviously it's different for everyone, I'd just love some perspective.
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From monetary standpoint in the military, it makes more sense to do a AEGD-2. You work less hours, can get board certified (pay) easier and faster, and qualify for the same retention bonus as someone who finished prosth. From a dentistry standpoint, you do learn more in depth as a prosthodontist at the specialist level, and understands more about other areas of dentistry as well. AEGD-2 experiences vary depends on location, mentorship, and support.
 
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tryingmybest123 said:
Hi,

When I graduate from dental school in 2021, can I work in Camp Humphrey's, South Korea without an AEGD. Can my husband come with me as well?
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Depends on whether you get a 12-month unaccompanied tour or a 24-month accompanied or "with dependents." You should contact HRC before putting your preference in to see if they can make that happen for you. They frequently change Officers at HRC so you should contact your HPSP Program Manager (Ms. Roxanne O'Neal) when your list of assignments comes out to find out who your HRC Assignments Officer is at that time.
 
Hi everyone. I will be graduating in 2020 and am trying to join the army again.

I had a few basic questions if anyone can chip in. (Sorry didn't do much research as everything happened so fast)

1. My mother who lives in Korea is very sick and I want to stay with her until she passes away.. so I want to get stationed in Korea if possible. Is there any way I can sign a contract stating that I will be stationed to Korea? or do I have no say on where to be stationed? btw, I am NOT in the HPSP or receiving any scholarship benefits from the military.

2. How hard is it to join the army as a dentist? I recently talked with a recruiter and she said I needed a 3.5GPA from my dental school to be competitive and I am nowhere near a 3.5 :(

3. Does the US army require residency or can I start working straight out of school? How long is the officer training?

4. Lastly, when I was an enlisted soldier 15 years ago.. the fastest way to get promoted was to have a high PT score and show great leadership traits such as leadership etc.. As a dental officer how does one get promoted then? Would it be production? or just time in service? More specialty training??

Thanks in advance everyone and have a great Memorial day weekend!

Dennis,
 
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Dennis,

1. There is no way your contract will ever guarantee you a duty location. As Big Hoss stated, they will ask your preferences. Fortunately for you, Korea is one of the easier overseas assignments to request and be granted, as it is a top priority for HRC to fill it 100%. I can link you with the assignments officer at HRC to align it [email protected], but to reiterate, there is NO GUARANTEE. You'll want to get on the recruiting/HRC radar 6 months before you graduate so the timing aligns with graduation (the process to get you an Army contract takes at least 180 days). So start your application in October/November timeframe.

2. There is NO MINIMUM GPA. If your recruiter told you this, he/she is misinformed (again, send me an email if this is the case). It is competitive (there are between 10-15 slots awarded nationwide annually to fully qualified dentists) but certainly possible even with a lower GPA. The application will look at the total person--not just disqualify you for low grades.

3. The Army does not require residency training and you can work straight out of school. Army training is now 2-fold:
1) Direct Commissioning Course (DCC) a 4 week program at Fort Sill, OK. followed by 2) Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC) a 6 week program at Fort Sam Houston, TX.

4. Time in service (in good standings). Good reports, performance, and additional schools/professional development (as dentist and solider) plays a higher role past the rank of MAJ (O-4).
 
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Big Time Hoosier said:
No. They may ask for preferences, but it all boils down to the needs of the military.

Big Hoss
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TheArmyDentist said:
Dennis,

1. There is no way your contract will ever guarantee you a duty location. As Big Hoss stated, they will ask your preferences. Fortunately for you, Korea is one of the easier overseas assignments to request and be granted, as it is a top priority for HRC to fill it 100%. I can link you with the assignments officer at HRC to align it [email protected], but to reiterate, there is NO GUARANTEE. You'll want to get on the recruiting/HRC radar 6 months before you graduate so the timing aligns with graduation (the process to get you an Army contract takes at least 180 days). So start your application in October/November timeframe.

2. There is NO MINIMUM GPA. If your recruiter told you this, he/she is misinformed (again, send me an email if this is the case). It is competitive (there are between 10-15 slots awarded nationwide annually to fully qualified dentists) but certainly possible even with a lower GPA. The application will look at the total person--not just disqualify you for low grades.

3. The Army does not require residency training and you can work straight out of school. Army training is now 2-fold:
1) Direct Commissioning Course (DCC) a 4 week program at Fort Sill, OK. followed by 2) Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC) a 6 week program at Fort Sam Houston, TX.

4. Time in service (in good standings). Good reports, performance, and additional schools/professional development (as dentist and solider) plays a higher role past the rank of MAJ (O-4).
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Thanks guys!!

I will look into it and post again if I still have more questions. :)
 
TheArmyDentist said:
Depends on whether you get a 12-month unaccompanied tour or a 24-month accompanied or "with dependents." You should contact HRC before putting your preference in to see if they can make that happen for you. They frequently change Officers at HRC so you should contact your HPSP Program Manager (Ms. Roxanne O'Neal) when your list of assignments comes out to find out who your HRC Assignments Officer is at that time.
Click to expand...

Thank You,

If I do not take the 1year AEGD, will I be at a disadvantage when being placed at a post?
Will I be doing less clinical cases compared to someone who did a 1year AEGD?
 
Can someone clarify AGED for me? I know that it is mandatory to apply for AEGD, however which program is it that we are applying to- 1Yr or 2Yr? I'm a bit confused because I thought graduating dentists could only apply for the 1Yr, and later on you could apply for the 2Yr. How about other specialities? When can you start applying for those? TIA
 
You have to apply to the 1yr AEGD right out of school but you don’t have to attend even if they accept you. If accepted and you agree then you will start right after graduating.

I’m coming from an Army oral surgery perspective so please correct me if this is different for other specialties (I know other branches are different for sure):

You can apply to whatever residency you have the prerequisites for during your senior year of dental school. However the timeline is different. While your civilian colleagues are applying for residency that will start in ~6mos, in the Army (with the exception of the AEGD-1yr) you are applying for a program that starts in ~18mos. So even if you get accepted as a dental school senior your first year in the military will be as a “snow-bird”, working as a general dentist for that year before starting your residency. While you can apply while in school, it’s only really common for AEGDs and oral surgery programs to grant acceptances to senior dental students.

There are times when you don’t have to do the snow-bird year but it’s rare, it’s been happening more in oral surgery recently with them not being able to fill all slots they can pull from the next years class but typically they will be looking at people already on active duty since they can usually PCS earlier and have completed BOLC already.
 
Hi everyone! I recently applied to dental school and was interested in applying for the HPSP, but I have asthma that is solely associated with animal allergies. Am I pretty much disqualified for the HPSP? I called multiple recruiters and no one seems to know so I'm not sure if this scholarship is worth pursuing or not. Thanks for the help!
 
You may be able to get your PCP to write a letter stating that and be alright. Not 100% on that though but I had a similar letter written for a prior surgery and antiobiotic allergy.
 
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blankguy said:
You mean they already started this fiscal year? I thought it started on October 1st?:confused:

Anyways thanks for the info. I had this suspicion that the recruiter saying "not everybody deploys" was just advertising BS.
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FYI MOST 63A's over the past 6 years have not deployed. I never did and know very few that have and all of them requested to deploy.
 
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tryingmybest123 said:
If I do not take the 1year AEGD, will I be at a disadvantage when being placed at a post?
Will I be doing less clinical cases compared to someone who did a 1year AEGD?
Click to expand...
I'm also curious about this. Does anyone have a good explanation?
 
knewstance said:
I'm also curious about this. Does anyone have a good explanation?
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yes and no. It really depends on the location you are assigned and the staff there. Most new general dentists without a residency will be assigned to clinics with a lot of other dental support. This is good if the more senior dentists are interested in training you, not so good if they don't want to or they dont have the patient load/facilities to share cases.
Many clinic leaderships will restrict case type until competency can be assessed or if another provider is willing to supervise you. Most places I have found have wonderful dentists who are willing to help you grow, but this is not a guarentee. Out of residency you will have a recommendation for credentially which will allow you to take on more complicated cases that maybe a new grad wouldnt have at first and will give you an oppertunty to work in more isolated clinics.
It is also very dependent on location and mission type (like if you're at a FTDR location -First Term Dental Readiness) you might be stuck going a mostly a bunch of large restorations and extractions. The Army will use you as it needs.
The AEGD also helps you build clinical skills such as speed, organization, Army stuff under a controlled enviroment.
 
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Hi,
I will be graduating in April 2020. I’ve already completed BOLC. Does anyone know if I could complete CCC prior to reporting to an AEGD or my first post?

thanks!
 
ArmyHPSP2020 said:
Hi,
I will be graduating in April 2020. I’ve already completed BOLC. Does anyone know if I could complete CCC prior to reporting to an AEGD or my first post?

thanks!
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Unless you have a snowbird year, probably not. CCC is changing from 9 weeks to 20 weeks by 2022 with pilots until then and there are 9 week CCC starting in MAR and JUL- both would occur either before you're out of dental school or after the start of an AEGD.
 
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do 1 year AEGD grads have higher chance to go abroad compared to if didnt do the AEGD
 
Here are some of the questions that I currently have.
- Since you have done both military and private practice, what would you say is the better life style?
- I have been told that you are very limited to your treatments especially if you are a general dentist/ recent graduate. Most dentist only do basic operatives such as filling and extractions or exams. Is this true ?
- Do military dentistry give you vast experience and knowledge that can help you once you go to civilian practice or would you say that you can get the same amount of experience in the real world just as quickly after graduating.
- I read online that military dentistry provides funding for continuing education. Do you know of this is true and to what extent ?
- I am unsure which branch of service you are in, but I am planning on applying for the army. Do you know if it is similar across the branches or if some branches are worse for dentist ?
- Although monetary incentive is a great bonus to the HPSP scholarship, the tuition at my school is fairly cheap (in state). Besides the scholarship, would you say that , in your opinion, the pros of military dentistry out weigh the con?
As for the life of a dentist in the military, are you govern strictly on what you can do? Is there autonomy in practice? Would you say that the years of experience in military is like an AEGD? Were you able to do many different cases and have a lot of experience on implants, bridges crowns restorative dentistry as well? And do they have the opportunity to implement digital dentistry into their treatments?

I know this is a lot of questions so I apologize but thank you for understanding. I am trying to apply for the 3 year HPSP and am currently trying to make sure I really like what I am committing to.
 
When do individuals on the alternate list for the 1-year AEGD usually find out if they were selected or not? Is there a way to know where you are on the OML?
 
ArmyHPSP2020 said:
When do individuals on the alternate list for the 1-year AEGD usually find out if they were selected or not? Is there a way to know where you are on the OML?
Click to expand...

You may find out in a few weeks. People will turn down the AEGD because they either aren't interested or because they get accepted into a different specialty.
 
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customx said:
You may find out in a few weeks. People will turn down the AEGD because they either aren't interested or because they get accepted into a different specialty.
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My recruiter told me that we don't find out until June. Will people really find out in the next few weeks if they got off the alternate list?
 
havefunsometimes2 said:
My recruiter told me that we don't find out until June. Will people really find out in the next few weeks if they got off the alternate list?
Click to expand...

As someone who is in an AEGD, trust me. Specialty board results should be released in the next 1-2 weeks. Those individuals will be given a few weeks to make a decision and then even more spots will be come available. That being said, official orders won't be received until about April
 
Do they inform you of your location posting right away if you match into a LTHET residency?
 
Josh904561 said:
Here are some of the questions that I currently have.
- Since you have done both military and private practice, what would you say is the better life style?
- I have been told that you are very limited to your treatments especially if you are a general dentist/ recent graduate. Most dentist only do basic operatives such as filling and extractions or exams. Is this true ?
- Do military dentistry give you vast experience and knowledge that can help you once you go to civilian practice or would you say that you can get the same amount of experience in the real world just as quickly after graduating.
- I read online that military dentistry provides funding for continuing education. Do you know of this is true and to what extent ?
- I am unsure which branch of service you are in, but I am planning on applying for the army. Do you know if it is similar across the branches or if some branches are worse for dentist ?
- Although monetary incentive is a great bonus to the HPSP scholarship, the tuition at my school is fairly cheap (in state). Besides the scholarship, would you say that , in your opinion, the pros of military dentistry out weigh the con?
As for the life of a dentist in the military, are you govern strictly on what you can do? Is there autonomy in practice? Would you say that the years of experience in military is like an AEGD? Were you able to do many different cases and have a lot of experience on implants, bridges crowns restorative dentistry as well? And do they have the opportunity to implement digital dentistry into their treatments?

I know this is a lot of questions so I apologize but thank you for understanding. I am trying to apply for the 3 year HPSP and am currently trying to make sure I really like what I am committing to.
Click to expand...
Since you have done both military and private practice, what would you say is the better life style?


I was in the Army for 7 years and specialized. I recently transitioned out. During that time I moonlighted on the side. I think private practice is much better, more efficient, pays better, has better hours, you are respected more by the patient and staff, and is much more family friendly. This is a personal decision though. Each provider is different, each person has their preferences. The military is much slower pace and you get bogged down with useless trainings, briefing, requirements, etc. Private practice is more stressful in that you are on your own and unlike the military production matters more.


- I have been told that you are very limited to your treatments especially if you are a general dentist/ recent graduate. Most dentist only do basic operatives such as filling and extractions or exams. Is this true ?

Depends on where you are. If you don’t do an AEGD you may initially be looked at as needing more help and supervision. Like anything, trust is earned. Show that you can competently do certain procedures and your leadership will likely give you more freedom in time. Also, if you are stationed at a place with a lot of specialists that could go either way. As a specialist myself I was more than happy to train the GPs that were genuinely interested. They could do the simple cases and I’d take the tougher ones. It’s all about forming a relationship with those existing dentists and making the effort on your part.


- Do military dentistry give you vast experience and knowledge that can help you once you go to civilian practice or would you say that you can get the same amount of experience in the real world just as quickly after graduating.

I’d say you gain speed and learn certain tricks that will help you in an environment where you are allowed to work at a slower pace. That’s good for some, not so for others. I’ll also say I’ve seen providers become complacent and stay in that slow mode rather than elevating or challenging themselves. It’s all about taking personal responsibility. You’ll gain more experience faster in private practice but in the military you will likely work closer with the specialists and can be supervised doing specialty procedures if you make the effort and the specialist is willing to take the time to supervise you initially.


- I read online that military dentistry provides funding for continuing education. Do you know of this is true and to what extent ?

Yes and no. It all depends on the funding your unit has and when you ask. It’s a tricky game. You need to ask when the funding is there, show/justify how the CE will benefit you as a provider, and ask to go when the unit can stand not to have you seeing patients. If you’re at a large base or clinic with a lot of providers that will be easier as the rest can pick up the slack. If you’re at a smaller installation they may need you at that time for “the mission” and so you may get denied. The key to this is plan it all out and ask early before your schedule gets booked or it interferes with some training or requirement. In my experience the funding wasn’t there most of the time, even as a specialist. The Army is cutting budgets and money is being diverted to other aspects or departments outside of dentistry (medicine, combat arms, etc.). Your unit may not pay for it but they will likely give you PTDY (time off where it is not charged to your leave [vacation] days. Yes, this means you will have to pay for everything including travel, fees, accommodations, etc. though and you need to consider most Army bases are not in the most metropolitan areas. You typically get, but are by no means guaranteed, between 1-2 weeks a year but I cannot stress enough that you need to make your intentions known for these trainings early. As a new dentist to the military you’re likely not going to be approved to go to the nicest and most costly CE. If there is a cheaper way, location, method, etc. to get the same training then the Army will want you to go that route.

- I am unsure which branch of service you are in, but I am planning on applying for the army. Do you know if it is similar across the branches or if some branches are worse for dentist?

No branch is better or worse. It’s all about what you want and perspective. The Army is bigger, has more dentists, has more opportunities for specializing because it is bigger, and is typically has more opportunities for non-dental stuff (cross training, general military courses, broadening opportunities, etc.). I can say based on what I hear from my friends in the Navy and the Air Force they generally have more desirable base locations, treat their people a little nicer, are generally less heavy on the aspects outside of dental (the pressure to do general military courses and education [air assault school, airborne school, etc.]), and their physical fitness test is easier ;)

As a side note to this, as of October 2019 all the services, while still separate, fall under the Defense Health Agency (DHA) for medical and dental. There has been a lot of bumps in the transition but in theory it will streamline all military healthcare and help prevent redundancy and gaps. In the future you’re likely to see a blurring and joint activities in a lot of areas but each branch will maintain their own fitness and core standards.


- Although monetary incentive is a great bonus to the HPSP scholarship, the tuition at my school is fairly cheap (in state). Besides the scholarship, would you say that , in your opinion, the pros of military dentistry out weigh the con?

Let’s be honest, as much as patriotism is a factor, most people take the scholarship for financial reasons. I can’t answer this for YOU and I would turn this question on you. What do you want? What do you value? What are you willing to put up with in terms of extraneous (outside of dental) bs? Each person needs to decide if they want to sign on the dotted line and be free of that loan obligation financially or if they prefer absolute autonomy and personal freedom (going on leave in the Army can be a bear with all the paperwork and processes, especially if you want to travel to a foreign country…it makes you feel like an irresponsible preschooler) at the expense of a monthly loan payment.


As for the life of a dentist in the military, are you govern strictly on what you can do? Is there autonomy in practice? Would you say that the years of experience in military is like an AEGD? Were you able to do many different cases and have a lot of experience on implants, bridges crowns restorative dentistry as well? And do they have the opportunity to implement digital dentistry into their treatments?

See above responses. An AEGD will be much more concise and likely academic than clinical practice but there are similarities. I don't know of anyone though that would want a 3-4 year AEGD so I'd look at it as just slower years of clinical practice by and large. All those things you mentioned are available and possible in the Army but whether or not you get to utilize them is a separate question. What you need to understand and consider is who your Commander/ Officer in Charge [boss] is. Whether you get to do/ use it is completely up to him or her based on how much confidence they have in your clinical ability, how proactive you are, your attitude, how much need there is, who else is stationed with you, and where you are stationed (practicing at a big base like Fort Sam Houston will be very different than a relatively small base like Fort Irwin). Also it will depend on the amount that your unit sends cases out ADDP (refers out to private practices in the area because they cannot meet the need or demand for whatever reason). Best I can tell you on that is this...show up with a positive attitude daily, try not to complain too much despite all the bs and extra non dental stuff, be a "yes" person who goes above and beyond (as a supervisor I can tell you this gets noticed), be genuine, and do your best with the resources and skills you have. I have my personal opinions and bias about the Army but I’ve tried to give you an unbiased opinion. At the end of the day it’s about what you want, what you’re willing to deal with, and what your long term goals are. Don’t make the decision lightly. There are pros and cons either way with long term ramifications. Make the best choice for YOU and don’t feel pressured either way. Best of luck
 
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SoCalDoc2013 said:
Since you have done both military and private practice, what would you say is the better life style?


I was in the Army for 7 years and specialized. I recently transitioned out. During that time I moonlighted on the side. I think private practice is much better, more efficient, pays better, has better hours, you are respected more by the patient and staff, and is much more family friendly. This is a personal decision though. Each provider is different, each person has their preferences. The military is much slower pace and you get bogged down with useless trainings, briefing, requirements, etc. Private practice is more stressful in that you are on your own and unlike the military production matters more.


- I have been told that you are very limited to your treatments especially if you are a general dentist/ recent graduate. Most dentist only do basic operatives such as filling and extractions or exams. Is this true ?

Depends on where you are. If you don’t do an AEGD you may initially be looked at as needing more help and supervision. Like anything, trust is earned. Show that you can competently do certain procedures and your leadership will likely give you more freedom in time. Also, if you are stationed at a place with a lot of specialists that could go either way. As a specialist myself I was more than happy to train the GPs that were genuinely interested. They could do the simple cases and I’d take the tougher ones. It’s all about forming a relationship with those existing dentists and making the effort on your part.


- Do military dentistry give you vast experience and knowledge that can help you once you go to civilian practice or would you say that you can get the same amount of experience in the real world just as quickly after graduating.

I’d say you gain speed and learn certain tricks that will help you in an environment where you are allowed to work at a slower pace. That’s good for some, not so for others. I’ll also say I’ve seen providers become complacent and stay in that slow mode rather than elevating or challenging themselves. It’s all about taking personal responsibility. You’ll gain more experience faster in private practice but in the military you will likely work closer with the specialists and can be supervised doing specialty procedures if you make the effort and the specialist is willing to take the time to supervise you initially.


- I read online that military dentistry provides funding for continuing education. Do you know of this is true and to what extent ?

Yes and no. It all depends on the funding your unit has and when you ask. It’s a tricky game. You need to ask when the funding is there, show/justify how the CE will benefit you as a provider, and ask to go when the unit can stand not to have you seeing patients. If you’re at a large base or clinic with a lot of providers that will be easier as the rest can pick up the slack. If you’re at a smaller installation they may need you at that time for “the mission” and so you may get denied. The key to this is plan it all out and ask early before your schedule gets booked or it interferes with some training or requirement. In my experience the funding wasn’t there most of the time, even as a specialist. The Army is cutting budgets and money is being diverted to other aspects or departments outside of dentistry (medicine, combat arms, etc.). Your unit may not pay for it but they will likely give you PTDY (time off where it is not charged to your leave [vacation] days. You typically get between 1-2 weeks a year but I cannot stress enough that you need to make your intentions known for these trainings early. As a new dentist to the military you’re likely not going to be approved to go to the nicest and most costly CE. If there is a cheaper way, location, method, etc. to get the same training then the Army will want you to go that route.

- I am unsure which branch of service you are in, but I am planning on applying for the army. Do you know if it is similar across the branches or if some branches are worse for dentist?

No branch is better or worse. It’s all about what you want and perspective. The Army is bigger, has more dentists, has more opportunities for specializing because it is bigger, and is typically has more opportunities for non-dental stuff (cross training, general military courses, broadening opportunities, etc.). I can say based on what I hear from my friends in the Navy and the Air Force they generally have more desirable base locations, treat their people a little nicer, are generally less heavy on the aspects outside of dental (the pressure to do general military courses and education [air assault school, airborne school, etc.]), and their physical fitness test is easier ;)

As a side note to this, as of October 2019 all the services, while still separate, fall under the Defense Health Agency (DHA) for medical and dental. There has been a lot of bumps in the transition but in theory it will streamline all military healthcare and help prevent redundancy and gaps. In the future you’re likely to see a blurring and joint activities in a lot of areas but each branch will maintain their own fitness and core standards.


- Although monetary incentive is a great bonus to the HPSP scholarship, the tuition at my school is fairly cheap (in state). Besides the scholarship, would you say that , in your opinion, the pros of military dentistry out weigh the con?

Let’s be honest, as much as patriotism is a factor, most people take the scholarship for financial reasons. I can’t answer this for YOU and I would turn this question on you. What do you want? What do you value? What are you willing to put up with in terms of extraneous (outside of dental) bs? Each person needs to decide if they want to sign on the dotted line and be free of that loan obligation financially or if they prefer absolute autonomy and personal freedom (going on leave in the Army can be a bear with all the paperwork and processes, especially if you want to travel to a foreign country…it makes you feel like an irresponsible preschooler) at the expense of a monthly loan payment.


As for the life of a dentist in the military, are you govern strictly on what you can do? Is there autonomy in practice? Would you say that the years of experience in military is like an AEGD? Were you able to do many different cases and have a lot of experience on implants, bridges crowns restorative dentistry as well? And do they have the opportunity to implement digital dentistry into their treatments?

See above responses. I have my personal opinions and bias about the Army but I’ve tried to give you an unbiased opinion. At the end of the day it’s about what you want, what you’re willing to deal with, and what your long term goals are. Don’t make the decision lightly. There are pros and cons either way with long term ramifications. Make the best choice for YOU and don’t feel pressured either way. Best of luck J
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This is an awesome response. Thank you for the thought and time you put into doing this. I'm sure it will help many people.
 
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I understand that assignment selection is not guaranteed. However, I would like to know if someone has a good chance to be sent to Fort Sill, Fort Hood, or Fort Sam Houston if they pick these three as their top choices?
 
D1Bound said:
I understand that assignment selection is not guaranteed. However, I would like to know if someone has a good chance to be sent to Fort Sill, Fort Hood, or Fort Sam Houston if they pick these three as their top choices?
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oh you'll get FT Sill.
 
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GOCHARGERS said:
oh you'll get FT Sill.
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Thanks for the reply. Do you know if it’s possible to take one day of leave a month to go work in a private office? I’m thinking about using some leave and a Saturday here and there to add some income when I start my service
 
D1Bound said:
Thanks for the reply. Do you know if it’s possible to take one day of leave a month to go work in a private office? I’m thinking about using some leave and a Saturday here and there to add some income when I start my service
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all depends on the commander, but i don't see why not.

also (in my opinion) fort sam is the best on your list. fort hood is decent too. if you're an officer you can live off post closer to austin. fort hood also has a lot of general dentist spots as well, but rumor has it that 63A gigs are shifting towards brigade roles.

fort sill is literally in the middle of no where. they have a 1 year aegd and another clinic that is like 90% exams or something (i was almost stationed there).
 
GOCHARGERS said:
all depends on the commander, but i don't see why not.

also (in my opinion) fort sam is the best on your list. fort hood is decent too. if you're an officer you can live off post closer to austin. fort hood also has a lot of general dentist spots as well, but rumor has it that 63A gigs are shifting towards brigade roles.

fort sill is literally in the middle of no where. they have a 1 year aegd and another clinic that is like 90% exams or something (i was almost stationed there).
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GOCHARGERS said:
all depends on the commander, but i don't see why not.

also (in my opinion) fort sam is the best on your list. fort hood is decent too. if you're an officer you can live off post closer to austin. fort hood also has a lot of general dentist spots as well, but rumor has it that 63A gigs are shifting towards brigade roles.

fort sill is literally in the middle of no where. they have a 1 year aegd and another clinic that is like 90% exams or something (i was almost stationed there).
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I’m unsure about if I want to specialize or do AEGD or something of the sort. I definitely want to gain skills and get out and use them in private practice. Ft. Sill may not be a good option then. I’m definitely the type to hustle so I’m hoping I’ll be rewarded for this mentality with some great mentorship wherever I land.

What do you mean by 63A and brigade roles? I’m not with the lingo yet.
 
Big Time Hoosier said:
View attachment 301138

Big Hoss
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29 palms is a desert oasis its probably up there next to san diego and china lake with lemoore just hair below 29
Navy sends their best of the best to 29 palms
Ive heard the golden era of 29 ended last summer after departure of their previous divo
Btw anyone interested in real estate should look into desert hot springs its booming like drakes early rap career
navy never makes bad decisions its infallible like religion
 
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Does anyone know if Army Public Health Dentists still get to practice dentistry?
 
Does anyone have recent residency data? I’m interested in the number of applicants for ortho in the recent years. TIA
 
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ArmyHPSP2020 said:
Does anyone have recent residency data? I’m interested in the number of applicants for ortho in the recent years. TIA
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I'm curious too about how Military ortho works, In private practice you see 60+ patients a day for adjustments
 
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