Ask an USPHS Dentist

[tissy]

Welcome to our United States Public Health Service Dental Thread! We (prior or active duty PHS Dentist) are happy to answer any questions you have for us. Best Kept Secrets!

Many people do not know or know very little about us so let me give you brief summary of who we are 🙂

OVERVIEW OF USPHS
USPHS is one of seven uniformed services. The seven uniformed services are, in order of precedence:

• United States Army.
• United States Marine Corps.
• United States Navy.
• United States Air Force.
• United States Coast Guard.
• United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps.

The first five uniformed services are members of the Armed Forces. We receive the same pay and benefits as the armed forces ( GI bill, special pays, tax free allowances etc.) and only consist of commissioned officers.

How to become a PHS Dental Officer? 1) get commissioned as an officer and 2) choose a job with one of the government agencies that employs PHS dentists.

This is a list of the agencies in PHS and depending on the agency we can be assigned to:

• Indian Health Service (IHS)
• Bureau of Prisons (BOP)
• U.S. Boast Guard (USCG)
• US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Health Service Corps
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
• National Institutes of Health (NIH)

SALARY AND BENEFITS
For the most part, Commissioned Corps officers enjoy the same benefits as their counterparts in their sister uniform services. Among the many benefits officers receive are:

• Competitive starting pay that increases with promotions and years of service
• Loan repayment potential
• Health care and dental care for officers at no cost
• Low-cost health care and dental care for your family
• Healthcare benefits continue during retirement
• Low-cost group life insurance
• Thirty days of paid vacation per year – beginning the first year
• Paid sick leave, maternity leave, and Federal holidays
• Retirement plan with benefits eligibility beginning after 20 years of service
• Thrift Savings Plan (retirement saving and investment plan similar to 401(k)

All dentists are eligible for both contractual, special-pay bonuses and monthly, and special-pay bonuses!
We also have scholarship programs for dental students and advanced education opportunities.

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[tissy]

Here are a couple of threads from a few years ago:

Ask a USPHS Dentist
United States Public Health Service - Dental Questions

 

[Dr.CinnamonRoll]

How many spots were open this/last few years, and what does this mean in terms of competitiveness of getting accepted for the scholarship?

 

[tissy]

How many spots were open this/last few years, and what does this mean in terms of competitiveness of getting accepted for the scholarship?

Are you referring to how many spots are and have been opened in job vacancies? Give me a few days to get an answer for you in regards to your question of competitiveness of scholarships. Many things have recently been updated or changed so I want to make sure I get you the correct information. 🙂

 

[tissy]

How many spots were open this/last few years, and what does this mean in terms of competitiveness of getting accepted for the scholarship?

Their is a National Health Service Corps loan repayment program. The NHSC score is used to evaluate locations for recipients of the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship and Loan Repayment Program. The scholarship covers the costs of dental school tuition and fees, as well as providing a monthly stipend. The loan repayment program provides $50,000 towards student loans in return for two years of service. Typically, a score of 14 or greater is required to receive full benefits for these programs. This also includes the BOP for most of there locations.

I can't post links from my SDN account but if you google:

National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship and Loan Repayment Program

You should be able to find all the info on their website!

 

[cooliyak]

Welcome to our United States Public Health Service Dental Thread! We (prior or active duty PHS Dentist) are happy to answer any questions you have for us. Best Kept Secrets!

Many people do not know or know very little about us so let me give you brief summary of who we are 🙂

OVERVIEW OF USPHS
USPHS is one of seven uniformed services. The seven uniformed services are, in order of precedence:.

• 
  
  
  • United States Army..
    [*]United States Marine Corps..
    [*]United States Navy..
    [*]United States Air Force..
    [*]United States Coast Guard..
    [*]United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps..
    [*]National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps..

The first five uniformed services are members of the Armed Forces. We receive the same pay and benefits as the armed forces ( GI bill, special pays, tax free allowances etc.) and only consist of commissioned officers.

How to become a PHS Dental Officer? 1) get commissioned as an officer and 2) choose a job with one of the government agencies that employs PHS dentists.

This is a list of the agencies in PHS and depending on the agency we can be assigned to:.

• 
  
  
  • Indian Health Service (IHS).
    [*]Bureau of Prisons (BOP).
    [*]U.S. Boast Guard (USCG).
    [*]US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Health Service Corps.
    [*]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
    [*]Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
    [*]Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
    [*]National Institutes of Health (NIH).

SALARY AND BENEFITS
For the most part, Commissioned Corps officers enjoy the same benefits as their counterparts in their sister uniform services. Among the many benefits officers receive are:.

• 
  
  
  • Competitive starting pay that increases with promotions and years of service.
    [*] Loan repayment potential.
    [*] Health care and dental care for officers at no cost.
    [*] Low-cost health care and dental care for your family.
    [*] Healthcare benefits continue during retirement.
    [*] Low-cost group life insurance.
    [*] Thirty days of paid vacation per year – beginning the first year.
    [*] Paid sick leave, maternity leave, and Federal holidays.
    [*] Retirement plan with benefits eligibility beginning after 20 years of service.
    [*] Thrift Savings Plan (retirement saving and investment plan similar to 401(k).

All dentists are eligible for both contractual, special-pay bonuses and monthly, and special-pay bonuses!
We also have scholarship programs for dental students and advanced education opportunities..

Thanks for this post. I’m super interested in the USPHS. I’m stuck in a situation where I most likely wouldn’t be able to do it for another 3 years, but I’m looking into it now just in case my opportunity comes sooner.

 

[rebecca_chatul_tov]

Their is a National Health Service Corps loan repayment program. The NHSC score is used to evaluate locations for recipients of the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship and Loan Repayment Program. The scholarship covers the costs of dental school tuition and fees, as well as providing a monthly stipend. The loan repayment program provides $50,000 towards student loans in return for two years of service. Typically, a score of 14 or greater is required to receive full benefits for these programs. This also includes the BOP for most of there locations.

I can't post links from my SDN account but if you google:

National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship and Loan Repayment Program

You should be able to find all the info on their website!

Can you be a reservist in the USAR while full time PHS?

 

[tissy]

Can you be a reservist in the USAR while full time PHS?

Hi Rebecca! You are active duty when you are in the United States Public Health Service so you will not be able to serve in the army reserve. PHS is one of the seven uniformed services. The seven uniformed services are PHS, USAF, USA, USN, USCG, USMC, and NOAA.

 

[rebecca_chatul_tov]

Hi Rebecca! You are active duty when you are in the United States Public Health Service so you will not be able to serve in the army reserve

Couple of questions...

Are there any foreign service functional areas in PHS? Prior to applying to dental school I was working on my masters in crop breeding and plant genetics with a certificate in Middle Eastern studies. I'm interested in food security issues and would like to maybe work for the state department or FAO after retirement. Are there opportunities with the PHS that intersect with agencies that are involved with global health such as USAID?

 

[AppalachianDentalBoy]

How different is working for the USPHS compared to working at a FQHC?

 

[tissy]

How different is working for the USPHS compared to working at a FQHC?

I apologize for the delayed response. I'm not familiar with FQHC so I really can't give an answer for your question. I can tell you that USPHS is one of the seven uniformed services. The seven uniformed services are USAF, US Army, US Navy, US Coast Guard, US Marines, USPHS, and NOAA. When you join USPHS you are active duty and receive the same benefits as being in the other services.

 

[del Sol DOHC]

What is the USPHS regulation for the amount of prior service time you are allowed to have and still commission into the USPHS? I remember reading long ago that you need some kind of waiver if you have more than 8 years, and then if you had more than12 (15?) years, the Surgeon General had to approve it or something like that. And is that prior service time active duty only? Do you have that information? Thank you!

 

[tissy]

What is the USPHS regulation for the amount of prior service time you are allowed to have and still commission into the USPHS? I remember reading long ago that you need some kind of waiver if you have more than 8 years, and then if you had more than12 (15?) years, the Surgeon General had to approve it or something like that. And is that prior service time active duty only? Do you have that information? Thank you!

Yes, if you have more than 8 years you have to get a waiver. I actually did an inter-service transfer from the USAF to PHS and had 13 years active duty in the AF. I had to sign an agreement that I would serve at least 10 years in PHS before retiring. If you need to get in touch with one of the agencies just let me know and I can direct you that way. I wouldn't recommend calling the 1-800 line since they may not have all the updated info in our field. I was discouraged and almost gave up looking into transferring because I was told by an individual that I couldn't join since I had 13 years active duty. I recommend looking at the list I updated on this forum and find a location/agency where you want to work. When you find the location, call the agencies liaison. I'm here to help if you have any questions and/or direction!

 

[CGtoDentistry]

Thanks for running this thread! I'm a USCG Officer and Academy Grad wanting to pivot into the USPHS following dental school. How competitive would you say it is to earn a commission with the PHS and then shoot back to the USCG? Is it easy to go on TDYs with the PHS? I'm really up for traveling and doing work in a variety of locations

 

[tissy]

Thanks for running this thread! I'm a USCG Officer and Academy Grad wanting to pivot into the USPHS following dental school. How competitive would you say it is to earn a commission with the PHS and then shoot back to the USCG? Is it easy to go on TDYs with the PHS? I'm really up for traveling and doing work in a variety of locations

I'm IM'd you my response to your thread!

 

[ArmyHPSP2020]

Hello,

I’m currently a D4 on a 4 year HPSP. A couple of questions for you.

1. If I owe 4 years active duty and 4 years of the reserves, would I be able to transfer after the 4 years of active duty or would I owe the 4 years of reserves first?

2. I’m looking into doing a 2-year AEGD and in the army that is consider a 63B and a specialist. I’d therefore be eligible for the higher retention bonus. Would I be able to sign an active duty agreement with USPHS and be eligible for the same retention bonus?

Thanks in advance!

 

[tissy]

Hello,

I’m currently a D4 on a 4 year HPSP. A couple of questions for you.

1. If I owe 4 years active duty and 4 years of the reserves, would I be able to transfer after the 4 years of active duty or would I owe the 4 years of reserves first? Yes it will transfer! USPSH is one of the seven uniformed services such as army so it will transfer. You will only be obligated to the 4 years reserve first if you completely separated active duty after your contract of 4 years.

2. I’m looking into doing a 2-year AEGD and in the army that is consider a 63B and a specialist. I’d therefore be eligible for the higher retention bonus. Would I be able to sign an active duty agreement with USPHS and be eligible for the same retention bonus? Yes, the 2 year AEGD is similar to the Army where you would have a higher retention bonus. I believe it's 50K plus the 20K incentive bonus a year for a 4 year contract. Be aware that the 1 year AEGD does not count at all. USPHS also has 2 year AEGD or GPR programs and specialty residencies depending on which agency is offering it. Remember if you do a 2 year AEGD with the ARMY it doesn't apply to your 4 year contract and you will not start getting paid right away as you would in USPHS I believe. Let me know if you have any more questions 🙂

Thanks in advance!

 

[ArmyHPSP2020]

Thanks for the response!

So, just to verify, if I were to do the 2-year AEGD through the army I would not qualify for the retention bonus with the USPHS? I’d have to do the 2-year AEGD through USPHS?

 

[tissy]

Thanks for the response!

So, just to verify, if I were to do the 2-year AEGD through the army I would not qualify for the retention bonus with the USPHS? I’d have to do the 2-year AEGD through USPHS?

You will qualify for the retention bonus if you did it through the army or any recognized ADA 2 year or specialty civilian residency. I was just stating if you decide to not do it through the army that you could do it through PHS.

 

[ArmyHPSP2020]

You will qualify for the retention bonus if you did it through the army or any recognized ADA 2 year or specialty civilian residency. I was just stating if you decide to not do it through the army that you could do it through PHS.

Ok, I see! Is there somewhere I can get more information and look into this more?

 

[del Sol DOHC]

Yes, if you have more than 8 years you have to get a waiver. I actually did an inter-service transfer from the USAF to PHS and had 13 years active duty in the AF. I had to sign an agreement that I would serve at least 10 years in PHS before retiring. If you need to get in touch with one of the agencies just let me know and I can direct you that way. I wouldn't recommend calling the 1-800 line since they may not have all the updated info in our field. I was discouraged and almost gave up looking into transferring because I was told by an individual that I couldn't join since I had 13 years active duty. I recommend looking at the list I updated on this forum and find a location/agency where you want to work. When you find the location, call the agencies liaison. I'm here to help if you have any questions and/or direction!

Thank you so much for your response! I am currently active duty Navy with 3 more years left on my commitment. At that point, I will be at 12 years. I am extremely interested in transferring to the USPHS at that time with no break in service. I have heard that the process to commission into the PHS sometimes can take 2 years or more. Do you have an idea of when I should start the process of inter-service transfer? Thanks again!

 

[tissy]

Thank you so much for your response! I am currently active duty Navy with 3 more years left on my commitment. At that point, I will be at 12 years. I am extremely interested in transferring to the USPHS at that time with no break in service. I have heard that the process to commission into the PHS sometimes can take 2 years or more. Do you have an idea of when I should start the process of inter-service transfer? Thanks again!

You can start the process now if you can get someone in your command to sign a release form for you. Just make sure you explain to them that the process takes probably a year and half or so. If the Navy is downsizing like the Air Force, they may be happy to release you even if you are still in contract. I can get you in contact with the Coast Guard so you can get ahead of the game. 🙂

 

[tissy]

New applicants who wish to apply to the Corps will now be able to use AES to electronically submit their PHS-50 application and supporting documents.

https://www.usphs.gov/apply/apply.aspx

 

[tissy]

October Vacancy List

 

[tissy]

February Vacancy List

 

[MentallyFlossy]

February Vacancy List

Thanks for posting the vacancies.

Openings in the Coast Guard are rare from what I see.

This means that Coast Guard dentists are liking their jobs and staying in their positions.
That is great for the CG, but does it also mean slower promotion from O-4 to O-5 and O-5 to O-6?
From what I read here, there is a non-compete promotion from O-3 to O-4 at 4 years, but does the math change after that?

On a different topic, does the Coast Guard keep any dentists in the reserves?

 

[rafacena]

February Vacancy List

Hi, is serving in the USPHS like the military where we have to enroll before starting dental school and serve 4 years after graduating from dental school? Can I PM you with more questions?

 

[cooliyak]

Hi, is serving in the USPHS like the military where we have to enroll before starting dental school and serve 4 years after graduating from dental school? Can I PM you with more questions?

No, not in that sense. In other ways, yes, very much like the military. I believe you can’t even apply for the USPHS until you are graduated/licensed. The only reason the military makes you do that is because they are paying for schooling. The 4 year commitment with the military is also just because they are paying. There is no option for the USPHS to pay for your schooling. That is, unless you combine your USPHS career/service with the NHSC scholarship. In that case, you would apply for the NHSC scholarship before/during dental school, apply for the USPHS after graduation, and fulfill your NHSC at a USPHS site that qualifies. USPHS is more of a career option than just to pay for dental school.

 

[Navy_Dentist_2019]

I’m a general dentist currently 3 years into my 4 year HPSP payback with the Navy (Aug 2023). I am hoping to switch over to the USPHS without a gap in service. I would love to talk to someone who has done this transfer somewhat recently. I have lots of questions / things I want to make sure I’m understanding correctly.

1. How do I go about initiating the transfer? And how far in advance do I need to initiate the transfer? Was it a total nightmare?
2. Is it true that the USPHS gives you credit for dental school when it comes time to calculate retirement pay? I’m on the old retirement system, so can I expect 60% of my base pay at 20 years of active service?
3. Small in the grand scheme of things, but do my accrued leave days go with me? (I’ll have 84 days of leave to use before Aug 2023 if not.)
4. Coast Guard vs IHS… It doesn’t get much better than the Coast Guard patient population, but I’d prefer to live in the mountain west. Which should I choose??

 

[LFA20]

I was in the the process of transferring but decided to stay in the navy instead. I began the paperwork and had the interview with the USPHS committee and was recommended. I can only answer the initial process of the transfer since I didn’t really completely transferred over.

1. I would contact your command career counselor. I think there is a bunch of documents(statement of service, etc) you need to have signed by your command for the inter-service transfer. I would begin the process as soon as possible(like now).

5. I think there are openings in the IHS or BOP for where you want to live. Have you looked up the vacancy list? There is barely any openings in the coast guards for O3-O-4(for any location).

 

[Navy_Dentist_2019]

I was in the the process of transferring but decided to stay in the navy instead. I began the paperwork and had the interview with the USPHS committee and was recommended. I can only answer the initial process of the transfer since I didn’t really completely transferred over.

1. I would contact your command career counselor. I think there is a bunch of documents(statement of service, etc) you need to have signed by your command for the inter-service transfer. I would begin the process as soon as possible(like now).

5. I think there are openings in the IHS or BOP for where you want to live. Have you looked up the vacancy list? There is barely any openings in the coast guards for O3-O-4(for any location).

Thanks for the response! I’m moving down to Lejeune next month (operational so I can leave after 1 yr if I want) so I will get in touch with the career counselor down there as soon as I get down there.

Also I am on the mailing list to receive the vacancies each month. I did notice the O-3 and O-4 vacancies for the coast guard are very limited so you’re right, my choice might be made for me.

 

[ColumbiaDoc]

Hello,

sorry to wake up a inactive thread but is there a upper age limit to get into the USPHS; I am going to be turning 50 soon and might want to look at alternatives to private practice. Tia