Ask an Army Dentist

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ArmyDDS2013 said:
I'm not stupid but I figured that the general trend is that the Army wants you to be in for 1, 2 maybe 3 years before giving you a slot into ortho, perio or endo. That's not to say its impossible to get in straight from dental school. It just seems like current army dentists that like the army will choose to go to residency training to eat up time and expand their skills.

The Army knows that if you are given an Ortho slot after of school, you will have your papers in for resignation when your payback is over. Giving the residency slot to you after 2 or 3 years ensures that the army gets to use you for those extra years without having to pay an outside contractor way more money.

Edit: If the Army wanted more retention with itis dentist and physicians, then all healthcare professionals should be paid able a min of $80k base salary + bah/benefits etc.
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Addressing the first couple paragraphs: Like most schools/organizations - the Army compares all applicants. The selection process focuses not only on academics, but also the other things important as an Army officer - fitness, motivation, performance, etc... Let's look at Ortho as an example - if you have 15 people competing for 3 slots - 5 from dental school - 10 that have been in between 1-8 yrs (this is an example). Who do you think is going to stand out as the more "well-rounded" candidate? The individual that has been in several years, had great recommendations from current officers, or an unknown new officer coming straight out of school? This is not to say an individual coming out of school will never be selected, but the odds are in favor of those who have the strongest resume - new dental graduate or seasoned dental officer. Some specialties don't have as many individuals that apply - therefore chances of getting selected for anyone applying is better.

Starting pay is close to $80,000 and it begins to jump very rapidly from years 2-4 (3 different pay jumps during that time). Bonuses and pay benefits are continually being modified and improved.
 
beijingdds said:
exactly, but at the same time, i think it is fair because many of practicing army dentist gets shxxt all the time. amlgam lines, exams, i mean tens of thousands of them, and many of them got deployed and got their axx blown up. i mean, what more can you ask for? a kid out of dental school get into a residency without doing shxxt?
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No Army dentist has been killed. I have not heard of any Army dentist being injured either while deployed in Afghanistan or Iraq.
 
krmower said:
No Army dentist has been killed. I have not heard of any Army dentist being injured either while deployed in Afghanistan or Iraq.
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I have not heard of many being hurt, but I do know of a least one injury. An Army Reserve dentist received a purple heart in Mosul when a rocket hit our living area. It was a very minor wound, but could have been much worse if he had been closer or if the rocket had fully exploded.
 
dentalOH said:
I have not heard of many being hurt, but I do know of a least one injury. An Army Reserve dentist received a purple heart in Mosul when a rocket hit our living area. It was a very minor wound, but could have been much worse if he had been closer or if the rocket had fully exploded.
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Krmower here is the info I asked you about months ago...I ifnally found it.

I found two casualties of dental officers. One is the reservist with the arm wound who received the purple heart. The other is Dr Robert Frame, a reservist whose team was ambushed. He was shot in the left arm, lost a lot of function. Part of a congressional statement is here.

http://veterans.house.gov/hearings/schedule108/oct03/10-16-03/rframe.pdf

More military dentists in action here:

http://jada.ada.org/cgi/content/full/136/3/301
 
I know Dr. Frame from my time working with him on the house of delegates for the ADA. Great guy with a great attitude.

teeth63a said:
Krmower here is the info I asked you about months ago...I ifnally found it.

I found two casualties of dental officers. One is the reservist with the arm wound who received the purple heart. The other is Dr Robert Frame, a reservist whose team was ambushed. He was shot in the left arm, lost a lot of function. Part of a congressional statement is here.

http://veterans.house.gov/hearings/schedule108/oct03/10-16-03/rframe.pdf

More military dentists in action here:

http://jada.ada.org/cgi/content/full/136/3/301
Click to expand...
 
krmower said:
Addressing the first couple paragraphs: Like most schools/organizations - the Army compares all applicants. The selection process focuses not only on academics, but also the other things important as an Army officer - fitness, motivation, performance, etc... Let's look at Ortho as an example - if you have 15 people competing for 3 slots - 5 from dental school - 10 that have been in between 1-8 yrs (this is an example). Who do you think is going to stand out as the more "well-rounded" candidate? The individual that has been in several years, had great recommendations from current officers, or an unknown new officer coming straight out of school? This is not to say an individual coming out of school will never be selected, but the odds are in favor of those who have the strongest resume - new dental graduate or seasoned dental officer. Some specialties don't have as many individuals that apply - therefore chances of getting selected for anyone applying is better.

Starting pay is close to $80,000 and it begins to jump very rapidly from years 2-4 (3 different pay jumps during that time). Bonuses and pay benefits are continually being modified and improved.
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Does anyone know the current ADSO (service obligation) for each specialty training? I think they all change from time to time. thanks
 
My packet was complete a couple of weeks ago and sent up. Does anyone know when the selection committee or board meets in September? How long afterwards do they let you or your recruiter know? I'm hoping for a 4-year starting October 1st.
 
trent said:
My packet was complete a couple of weeks ago and sent up. Does anyone know when the selection committee or board meets in September? How long afterwards do they let you or your recruiter know? I'm hoping for a 4-year starting October 1st.
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They meet this week, but results will typically take 2-3 weeks to be released because it has to be signed off on at various Army levels outside of recruiting.
 
So this question is mainly for krmower but any one else with experience, feel free to chime in!

I have decided (95%) that I want to do a 2 year AEGD. I know that there are many different factors that go into the board's decision as to who they select for the residency, but what should I do to make myself more "attractive" as an applicant? I am a 3rd year student currently and would LOVE to do the program in Hawaii. Would I have a shot? What kind of board scores are we looking at? Class rankings? GPA? Letters of recommendation? I want to get dialed in early!! Can I harass/stalk certain people that would be to my advantage? My back up 2 yr will be Ft. Bragg, but like I said Hawaii is number one!
 
geometric-pain said:
So this question is mainly for krmower but any one else with experience, feel free to chime in!

I have decided (95%) that I want to do a 2 year AEGD. I know that there are many different factors that go into the board's decision as to who they select for the residency, but what should I do to make myself more "attractive" as an applicant? I am a 3rd year student currently and would LOVE to do the program in Hawaii. Would I have a shot? What kind of board scores are we looking at? Class rankings? GPA? Letters of recommendation? I want to get dialed in early!! Can I harass/stalk certain people that would be to my advantage? My back up 2 yr will be Ft. Bragg, but like I said Hawaii is number one!
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The board that selects for residencies is seperate from the decision on where you go.

For getting selected they are going to look for things that make you stand out, just like for dental school - extra-curricular activities, service, prior-military, strong letters of recommendations, basically - what makes you different from others. Get to know a faculty member well that will be able to write you a strong letter. Be involved in a club as an officer, etc...

For assignments, the directors get together after people are selected, and then divy everyone up. They try to make each class balanced so there are some old, some new. Some smart, some average. Some male, some female, etc... Only thing you can do to increase your chances of going to a certain location is to go and visit that place so the director gets to know you.
 
krmower said:
Only thing you can do to increase your chances of going to a certain location is to go and visit that place so the director gets to know you.
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Thanks! I guess its time for me to plan some vacation time in Hawaii!
 
geometric-pain said:
Thanks! I guess its time for me to plan some vacation time in Hawaii!
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I think that is what worked for me getting in the program. If you are HPSP Junior or below you can try to do it for a TDY. If you are a senior you can go on a vacation 🙂 Let me know and I can set up a vist for you at the program.

[email protected]
 
I've emailed my recruiter but don't get a response...
Does anyone know if the selection committee has already met this month? Then, it takes a couple of weeks for them to tell you?
 
trent said:
I've emailed my recruiter but don't get a response...
Does anyone know if the selection committee has already met this month? Then, it takes a couple of weeks for them to tell you?
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Once the board does meet - it takes 2-3 weeks for the list to be released. Not sure if the board has met.
 
A classmate of mine heard that the selection board met yesterday. We are both first year dental students, hoping for 4-year scholarships and wondering about finances for this year and beyond. A 3-year would be great, too. I wonder how long it will take to hear something? The recruiter is pretty unresponsive. I'm hoping when he finds out, he will pass along the information pretty fast. I suppose the 4-year scholarships were all gone by this round?
 
for starting d-school in fall 2010, how many army hpsp scholarships are there this year? i haerd 300 but didnt know there was that many in this recession..anyone have ideas?
 
korndoctor said:
for starting d-school in fall 2010, how many army hpsp scholarships are there this year? i haerd 300 but didnt know there was that many in this recession..anyone have ideas?
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As of 1 Oct we were authorized the following: 80 4yr scholarships and 50 3yr scholarships. The boards meet 1 to 2 times a month and results are released 2-3 weeks later. The latest board is meeting at this time.
 
my recruiter told me there is est 250 - 300 scholarships hpsp for dental...so he's not telling truth then?
 
krmower said:
He may be lumping all the HPSP scholarships together (medical/dental/optometry/vet) - he may not know how it was broken down.

For Army dental it is exactly what I stated.
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Thanks krmower...that makes more sense...are you a practicing army dentist? if so could you give me more information on the life of army dentist...deployment schedules, etc...also if we wanted to specialize after 4 years of service, can we leave the military and specialize in the civilian world..just because my wife wants me in states as quickly as possible.
 
korndoctor said:
Thanks krmower...that makes more sense...are you a practicing army dentist? if so could you give me more information on the life of army dentist...deployment schedules, etc...also if we wanted to specialize after 4 years of service, can we leave the military and specialize in the civilian world..just because my wife wants me in states as quickly as possible.
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I am a dentist - been out of dental school 7.5 years. I blog regularly at www.armystrongstories.com where I talk about the procedures I do and other aspects of Army life.

After your obligation is up you can do whatever you want. The Army will not pay for you to specialize. If you want to specialize through the Army - you will owe more time. If you check the threads we've posted a lot about this topic.
 
like through this ask an army dentist thread?

are there a lot of humanitarian opportunities available to developing countries to serve their dental needs?
 
korndoctor said:
like through this ask an army dentist thread?

are there a lot of humanitarian opportunities available to developing countries to serve their dental needs?
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Look through this specific thread and also do searches in the military dentist forum

No - not a lot of humananitarian missions. Many dentists use their own vacation time and find their own groups to go with and help.
 
but the army does do humanitarian missions if we choose to do so on our own vacation time?

so there are 80 4 year scholarships. I won't have letters in or physical done until december...will that be too late or still on time for the scholarships?
 
korndoctor said:
but the army does do humanitarian missions if we choose to do so on our own vacation time?

so there are 80 4 year scholarships. I won't have letters in or physical done until december...will that be too late or still on time for the scholarships?
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No - you find your own humanitarian mission with your own organization.

December will still give you a reasonable chance at the scholarship.
 
cleardot.gif
To make a long story short, I applied for the Army HPSP but didnt get accepted. I applied because I want to live over sees, preferably in Europe, anywhere. I am considering joining the Army after dental school, just so I can live over sees and be a part of the Army. The military is the only way to be a dentist overseas. However, I have a dentist who owns his own practice and wants to sell it to me when I'm done with dental school. It is in Utah (which is highly saturated with dentists because it is a coveted place to live by outdoor enthusiasts and mormons; of which I'm both), and the practice nets 125K a year. I recognize that finance is not a good enough reason to obtain an HPSP to begin with, and the HPSP is a better deal than some loan repayment deal I'd have to settle for to join the Army after dental school. However, considering the fact that I want to live over seas, my question is this: If you were me, wanted to live over seas but had to give up a successful practice to do it, and knew that you were making a decision that wasn't the financially wiser decision, would you join the Army? Accordingly, how easy or difficult is it to sign up and immediately be stationed overseas? Are the cons of being in the Army so great that they would detour you from joining if you were in my position?
 
bowtheman said:
cleardot.gif
To make a long story short, I applied for the Army HPSP but didnt get accepted. I applied because I want to live over sees, preferably in Europe, anywhere. I am considering joining the Army after dental school, just so I can live over sees and be a part of the Army. The military is the only way to be a dentist overseas. However, I have a dentist who owns his own practice and wants to sell it to me when I'm done with dental school. It is in Utah (which is highly saturated with dentists because it is a coveted place to live by outdoor enthusiasts and mormons; of which I'm both), and the practice nets 125K a year. I recognize that finance is not a good enough reason to obtain an HPSP to begin with, and the HPSP is a better deal than some loan repayment deal I'd have to settle for to join the Army after dental school. However, considering the fact that I want to live over seas, my question is this: If you were me, wanted to live over seas but had to give up a successful practice to do it, and knew that you were making a decision that wasn't the financially wiser decision, would you join the Army? Accordingly, how easy or difficult is it to sign up and immediately be stationed overseas? Are the cons of being in the Army so great that they would detour you from joining if you were in my position?
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Yeah, i just talked to the decom commander and he said all the hpsp were sold out this year. i guess everyone is joining the army because of the economy. if you want to live overseas, especially in Europe, i don't think HRC will guarantee a new graduate anything. Even if they send you to Germany lets say, you can get attached to a field unit and get deployed. this is a tough choice you have to make yourself considering you did not get the hpsp. I did have hpsp and i could care less where they sent me and i got my school paid for. For you, just don't regret it if they only paid some small change and sent you to Afghanistan. army is not an organization which you can negotiate, you go where the order says.

by the way, if you are a new graduate and thinking about stationed at Belgium, Italy, or even some good spots in Germany, keep dreaming.....

bottom line, army will not guarantee you anything before you sign up, and even they did, they can change it the last minute and send you somewhere you don't want to go. I would say, you are taking a risk. unless you plan to stay in the army and do a residency and make COL, it is very risky....
 
umkcdds said:
i just tried to access the armystrongstories website from my office computer and it was blocked by the filters due to "gruesome content."
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Hah! I love kmowers blog and read it all the time. One time I showed my wife some of the pictures and she looked like she was going to barf. I was surprised! I mean, really, who doesn't want to know what the IA looks like at the bottom of an extraction socket? Or that a gnarly herpigonasyphilade that needs biopsy? Everyone loves that stuff right?
 
Hello all:

I seek some urgent advice. I have privately messaged a couple of you individually, but I also value the input some of you Army dentists may have to offer.

I am struggling between what to do for my HPSP scholarship and possibly for the next 10 yrs or so of my life. I have been accepted to the Army HPSP program for 3 yrs, but am also currently waiting to hear back from the Air Force. The army has given me a deadline of next week and i don't think I'll hear from the AF by then - so if I accept the Army i'll forfeit my possibility with the AF. However, I do think my chances of getting into the AF are rather low because of the very limited spots and high number of applicants.

So, do you think I should join the Army in lieu of the AF, or not at all. Do you think that the AF offers a significantly better quality of life and experience than the Army, that it is not worth doing the Army, or do you think that the Army will be unpleasant. Or should I just hope i get into the AF and not consider the army.

Something to consider:
1) I do NOT NEED to join the military for financial reasons. I'm really joining it to get the experience.

2) I do NOT come from a military background. In fact, very much the opposite. I sometimes feel out of place when talking to enlisted, because it becomes immediately apparent that I have a much higher level of education. (Not trying to be arrogant here, just explaining a concern that I may have with regards to fitting into the Army, or the military for that matter).

3) I do NOT have kids, and am not married. However, I am in a relationship now, and while I hope to marry this girl, she has explained she is supportive. But most importantly I am concerned about the "sacrifice" she may have to make by following me (if she does. I am ok living apart if it means she is happy to stay where she wants to stay). I do NOT want to subject her to such sacrifices and other unknown sacrifices that might take place in our lives because of my commitment to the military.

4) I am also concerned about the likelihood of being attached to an Army brigade, and being deployed for 12-15months. I think i could easily handle 6 months - but 12-15months is significant. And all possible means of avoiding that possible deployment of 12-15mths require specializing or doing the two yr comprehensive AEGD (which i can considering anyway). But I don't want to join the Army and become stuck to the amalgam line - i really want to make the most of it, but i wonder if there are inherent limitations to the Army.

I know a number of you are in the Army and i have read almost all posts - and you guys were the inspiration for applying to the Army - so thanks!! If any of you do find insult with this post - please don't! I've spend ages trying to figure out if the military is right for me, and I have come to the conclusion it is.

I am ultimately trying to find out if there is a significant difference in the experience one will get from being a dentist in either the Army or AF. Following graduation, I definitely plan on doing either a 1yr AEGD or the 2yr Comprehensive AEGD. Will this in some way affect my quality of life in either branches of the military? (I believe having a 2yr comp AEGD will prevent me from being deployed for 12-15months - tho I very much look forward to humanitarian work with Afgans/kids).

Look forward to any replies!

kind regards snorkeling doc.
 
I really want to get HPSP from army or AF and I didn't know we can start applying before getting acceptance. I am thinking about to meeting a recruiter next week... Do I have a chance???
 
krmower said:
As of 1 Oct we were authorized the following: 80 4yr scholarships and 50 3yr scholarships. The boards meet 1 to 2 times a month and results are released 2-3 weeks later. The latest board is meeting at this time.
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My understanding is that my file is still under consideration. A classmate is in the same predicament and he has developed this theory is that we are just "maybes" and that if the Army still has money left at the end of choosing everyone that they really want, we may have a shot... in like March.

So, I have two questions for you:
1) Does the board actually extend offers after every meeting or once a month?
2) Any predictions (or historical info) on when the scholarship money will run out for this cycle?
 
geometric-pain said:
Thanks! I guess its time for me to plan some vacation time in Hawaii!
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Hey..

I know this is a little late in your posting...but what are you looking to get out of the Army? Are you looking for a good "Army experience" or just to improve your dental skills and become a good dentist? If you are looking for the former, I would hold off on your 2 year program...and enjoy the army for a bit. Once you are a 63B, most of the cool slots (special forces, Division dental slots, etc) are not really available. I have had several people tell me they should have waited a couple years before doing their program...as they want these slots now, but really can't get them..

If you are looking to be a great dentist, and don't have a high concern for doing the fun Army stuff, then do the program asap!

Hope this helps a little.
 
Does anybody know if you can still get any student loans out when you are on the military scholarship? I was talking to a young dentist who graduated maybe 4 years ago, he did air force, and his friend did army. He said they could sill get like 30,000 out in loans if he needed.

Im just curious, Ill be getting married and it would be comforting knowing whether or not I could get some extra money just in case. Especially if I want to go somewhere like Tufts where rent is crazy high. Thanks in advance
 
gmarra said:
Does anybody know if you can still get any student loans out when you are on the military scholarship? I was talking to a young dentist who graduated maybe 4 years ago, he did air force, and his friend did army. He said they could sill get like 30,000 out in loans if he needed.

Im just curious, Ill be getting married and it would be comforting knowing whether or not I could get some extra money just in case. Especially if I want to go somewhere like Tufts where rent is crazy high. Thanks in advance
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you can get it if you don't do hpsp...and just come into the Army...but if you do hpsp...you can't do it until your obligation is up..

Eric
 
gmarra said:
Does anybody know if you can still get any student loans out when you are on the military scholarship? I was talking to a young dentist who graduated maybe 4 years ago, he did air force, and his friend did army. He said they could sill get like 30,000 out in loans if he needed.

Im just curious, Ill be getting married and it would be comforting knowing whether or not I could get some extra money just in case. Especially if I want to go somewhere like Tufts where rent is crazy high. Thanks in advance
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yes, you can still get student loans even if you have the HPSP scholarship.
 
gmarra said:
Does anybody know if you can still get any student loans out when you are on the military scholarship? I was talking to a young dentist who graduated maybe 4 years ago, he did air force, and his friend did army. He said they could sill get like 30,000 out in loans if he needed.

Im just curious, Ill be getting married and it would be comforting knowing whether or not I could get some extra money just in case. Especially if I want to go somewhere like Tufts where rent is crazy high. Thanks in advance
Click to expand...

I took out the stafford loans all 4 yrs I was receiving HPSP. I then repaid what I hadn't used when I graduated. I had a wife and kids - and the stipend wasn't as big back then as it is now.
 
trent said:
My understanding is that my file is still under consideration. A classmate is in the same predicament and he has developed this theory is that we are just "maybes" and that if the Army still has money left at the end of choosing everyone that they really want, we may have a shot... in like March.

So, I have two questions for you:
1) Does the board actually extend offers after every meeting or once a month?
2) Any predictions (or historical info) on when the scholarship money will run out for this cycle?[/QUOTE
______________________________________________________
Here's the answers

1) They will extend offers as they go for the 4 yr scholarships until they run out. Then they will go to a wait list.

2) It's not the scholarship money that runs out - it's the number of scholarships. So they will run out depending on how many and how early applicants apply. I would say by March things will get tight.
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Last edited:
snorkelingdoc2b said:
Hello all:

I seek some urgent advice. I have privately messaged a couple of you individually, but I also value the input some of you Army dentists may have to offer.

I am struggling between what to do for my HPSP scholarship and possibly for the next 10 yrs or so of my life. I have been accepted to the Army HPSP program for 3 yrs, but am also currently waiting to hear back from the Air Force. The army has given me a deadline of next week and i don't think I'll hear from the AF by then - so if I accept the Army i'll forfeit my possibility with the AF. However, I do think my chances of getting into the AF are rather low because of the very limited spots and high number of applicants.

So, do you think I should join the Army in lieu of the AF, or not at all. Do you think that the AF offers a significantly better quality of life and experience than the Army, that it is not worth doing the Army, or do you think that the Army will be unpleasant. Or should I just hope i get into the AF and not consider the army.

Something to consider:
1) I do NOT NEED to join the military for financial reasons. I'm really joining it to get the experience.

2) I do NOT come from a military background. In fact, very much the opposite. I sometimes feel out of place when talking to enlisted, because it becomes immediately apparent that I have a much higher level of education. (Not trying to be arrogant here, just explaining a concern that I may have with regards to fitting into the Army, or the military for that matter).

3) I do NOT have kids, and am not married. However, I am in a relationship now, and while I hope to marry this girl, she has explained she is supportive. But most importantly I am concerned about the "sacrifice" she may have to make by following me (if she does. I am ok living apart if it means she is happy to stay where she wants to stay). I do NOT want to subject her to such sacrifices and other unknown sacrifices that might take place in our lives because of my commitment to the military.

4) I am also concerned about the likelihood of being attached to an Army brigade, and being deployed for 12-15months. I think i could easily handle 6 months - but 12-15months is significant. And all possible means of avoiding that possible deployment of 12-15mths require specializing or doing the two yr comprehensive AEGD (which i can considering anyway). But I don't want to join the Army and become stuck to the amalgam line - i really want to make the most of it, but i wonder if there are inherent limitations to the Army.

I know a number of you are in the Army and i have read almost all posts - and you guys were the inspiration for applying to the Army - so thanks!! If any of you do find insult with this post - please don't! I've spend ages trying to figure out if the military is right for me, and I have come to the conclusion it is.

I am ultimately trying to find out if there is a significant difference in the experience one will get from being a dentist in either the Army or AF. Following graduation, I definitely plan on doing either a 1yr AEGD or the 2yr Comprehensive AEGD. Will this in some way affect my quality of life in either branches of the military? (I believe having a 2yr comp AEGD will prevent me from being deployed for 12-15months - tho I very much look forward to humanitarian work with Afgans/kids).

Look forward to any replies!

kind regards snorkeling doc.
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_______________________________________

Most dentists coming in don't have the military background - you'll fit right in. That is something you learn as you go.

Assignments are pretty stable for 4 years - unless you go to a residency (you will be moved once you are done) you and your fiance can try to coordinate something there for her.

Deployments with a brigade for 12 months will not happen to you right out of school. 90% of the deployments are for 6 months. About 10% of the deployments are with a brigade. No deployment goes to 15 months any more.

I would recommend asking an AF recruiter to speak with 2-3 AF senior dentists (Lieutenant Colonel or above). Ask them about their current jobs and you will start to see quickly that AF does not have the same clinical load to keep all their dentists busy. Comapred to the other services you will start to see AF dentists assigned to many more adminstrative jobs/programs comparatively.

Army dentistry may not be as glamorous all the time - but you will work hard, have plenty of patients, and reap the benefits.
 
umkcdds said:
i just tried to access the armystrongstories website from my office computer and it was blocked by the filters due to "gruesome content."
Click to expand...

You can ask for them to lift the block - it's an official army site - so they should allow access.

I try to keep it gruesome - it's more entertaining!
 
bowtheman said:
cleardot.gif
To make a long story short, I applied for the Army HPSP but didnt get accepted. I applied because I want to live over sees, preferably in Europe, anywhere. I am considering joining the Army after dental school, just so I can live over sees and be a part of the Army. The military is the only way to be a dentist overseas. However, I have a dentist who owns his own practice and wants to sell it to me when I'm done with dental school. It is in Utah (which is highly saturated with dentists because it is a coveted place to live by outdoor enthusiasts and mormons; of which I'm both), and the practice nets 125K a year. I recognize that finance is not a good enough reason to obtain an HPSP to begin with, and the HPSP is a better deal than some loan repayment deal I'd have to settle for to join the Army after dental school. However, considering the fact that I want to live over seas, my question is this: If you were me, wanted to live over seas but had to give up a successful practice to do it, and knew that you were making a decision that wasn't the financially wiser decision, would you join the Army? Accordingly, how easy or difficult is it to sign up and immediately be stationed overseas? Are the cons of being in the Army so great that they would detour you from joining if you were in my position?
Click to expand...

As a fellow Utahn I would encourage you to think twice about going back to Utah. You identified many of the problems. Also realize the influx of dentists to Utah - or any location will only increase. If a location is already full - where do the surplus guys go?

$125k/yr is going to be a difficult number for you to pay loans back with - I would not consider it successfull - more OK. You could make much more going up to Alaska for a few years - or you could make about that much working for one of the managed dental companies (without all the business headaches).

Stick in the Army long enough - you can be making much more than that in less then 10 years.

If you come in after school - you will have more "wiggle room" then those on HPSP for assignments. The assignment will be part of the package they will try to work out with you to get you to join. so you could "dig your heels" in to try to get Europe. My recommendation would be to say Europe - and not dictate specific locations - because that is where you can run into a problem if they don't have that place open.

You can also still try to get the 2 or 3 yr HPSP scholarship if interested.
 
Hello Army folks!:

More questions!:

I graduate summer 2013. I apply for the 1 yr AEGD fall 2012.

If I have already done my officer basic training in the summer during dental school, when does the AEGD normally start?

And what happens if I did NOT do my officer basic during dental school, and instead do it AFTER dental school. How does this affect the start of my 1 yr AEGD?

And can I still do cool stuff after i've done a 1 yr AEGD straight out of dental school? And what am I 63A? I think 63b means I am a 2 yr AEGD compre dentist.

Then if I do the 1 yr AEGD - what happens to me? I get assigned either to DENTAC or to a brigade right?

So Airborne advised me that if I want to do cool stuff, I should NOT join the 2yr AEGD program.

So what if I join the 1 yr AEGD? What is the cool stuff? DENTAC? or Brigade? Or either? doesn't really matter?

And if I plan on going into general dentistry but hope to do implants, is doing the 2 yr Comp AEGD worth the extra yr? I hear that extra yr is less clinical experience, but much more heavily weighted toward didactics/research. Is that true? It sounds like if that extra year in the 2yr AEGD is less clinical, it might not really be much more value of an experience? What do you all think?

Thanks for your advice!
 
Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am looking contracting with Army ROTC.

How likely are they to grant me a delay on commissioning if I get conditional acceptance to a Dental School my senior year?

If I obtain the 4 year HPSP scholarship then I can pay back my HPSP and ROTC scholarship obligation at the same time, correct?

How many Army Hospitals have OMS residency?

Very Respectfully,
Cadet
 
clanafanatic09 said:
Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am looking contracting with Army ROTC.

How likely are they to grant me a delay on commissioning if I get conditional acceptance to a Dental School my senior year?

If I obtain the 4 year HPSP scholarship then I can pay back my HPSP and ROTC scholarship obligation at the same time, correct?

How many Army Hospitals have OMS residency?

Very Respectfully,
Cadet
Click to expand...

Hello there:

1. I believe the delayed active duty occurs quiet often. You wouldn't have problem going to d school immediately after college.

2. The service obligation you incur from the ROTC program and HPSP program runs sequentially, not concurrently. If you are a 4 yr ROTC and 4 yr HSPS recipient and graduating next year from d school, even without any post-grad residencies, you would be in the Army serving active for the next 8-9 years. FYI, the HPSP and post-grad residency obligations run concurrently, however (i.e. 4 yr HPSP and OMFS --> still 4 years of active duty obligation), which is a neat thing. It seems the people around me who did ROTC and HPSP track end up staying for 20 years and retire in the Army.

3. Army hospitals that run OMFS residency programs: 3

WA (I forget the name...), TX (SAMC, used to be BAMC), & DC (Walter Reed)

Good Luck
 
clanafanatic09 said:
Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am looking contracting with Army ROTC.

How likely are they to grant me a delay on commissioning if I get conditional acceptance to a Dental School my senior year?

If I obtain the 4 year HPSP scholarship then I can pay back my HPSP and ROTC scholarship obligation at the same time, correct?

How many Army Hospitals have OMS residency?

Very Respectfully,
Cadet
Click to expand...

I would not do ROTC if you are going to have the Army pay for HPSP. All my friends that have gone that route have regretted it. The reason being - you will not be eligible for the Army specialty pays until you have been in at least 10 yrs at a minimum. This compared to 6 years if you don't do ROTC. That is currently a difference of $200k ($50k/yr). Just something to consider.
 
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