Ask any questions to a Navy Dentist!

[SJC]

You don't sound like you'd be happy to deploy. I guarantee you that most entering the service do not want to deploy. However, you need to expect to be deployed at some point early on. They are giving you something for HPSP, so you owe them something. Now, as for being "stuck" on a ship, I used to think that way. I was married with 2 young children and I did not want to deploy. However, I knew I would deploy and my AEGD director tried to make it so we all knew what kind of deployments we would be in store for so we would be able to choose our next duty station wisely. I chose a ship that had a lot of short deployments (most were 1 month or so, but I had one 3-month at the start of OIF). I deployed 11/24 months while assigned to the USS Emory S. Land (AS-39). I can only say having done a deployment that it was one of the best things that I've ever done. The camaraderie when deployed is so different than when not. Also, my wife and officer's spouses club came together during deployments and they really helped each other out. She basically could do about anything with the kids without me being there, but women are resilient that way. Hope that helps.

Hedgy. I didn't know how many dentists the Navy would need on their ships vs on land. Sounds like if you're a dentist on the Navy, you will spend time on board a ship, pretty much guaranteed. Now when they say deployed do they mean time spent exclusively on ship?

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[Hedgy]

Hedgy. I didn't know how many dentists the Navy would need on their ships vs on land. Sounds like if you're a dentist on the Navy, you will spend time on board a ship, pretty much guaranteed. Now when they say deployed do they mean time spent exclusively on ship?

Negative. Potential deployments are on a ships, Marines, or SeaBees. Deployment isn't guaranteed with any of them. From my AEGD group and GPR group (20 total) at Great Lakes, 2 were stationed stateside at Navy bases. One had a preemie baby at 27 weeks, so she had to stay. The other was married to another dentist. They were both stationed at San Diego. She was at the 32nd St clinic and he was on the USS Constellation (since been decommissioned). You can be stationed on a ship in dry dock or being overhauled, thus won't deploy. However, you may end up working out of a van or barge next to the ship. Depending on how many dentists they need, volunteers for deployment, and which unit you are assigned, you may/may not deploy with the Marines. The SeaBees set up bases and get things ready for deployments, training missions, etc. I'm not familiar with their deployment schedule, but I was told to expect one or two 6-month deployments with them. I'd rather hear from someone that has served with the SeaBees on that. You can also put in for the isolated billets like Diego Garcia. You won't deploy, but can't take family either. Usually, they are 1-year tours. Tough to fill, but detailers seem to give favors to those that take them (ie give you preference on next duty station).

Remember the detailers have to fill deployable billets and must fill billets first. They will always offer those first. If there is to be a personnel shortage, it will be at a large base clinic. Best thing you can do is educated yourself on the types of deployable billets and which will be the best for you and/or your family. For many it's location, others it's the type of tour, and yet other's it's about a career move that will favor their promotion or chances of getting into residency. Myself and others that have done these tours are just trying to give you our perspective so you can make more informed choices.

 

[Tiankum]

Anyone happen to have the answers to BMDOC ??? I would be in your debt!

Thanks!

 

[del Sol DOHC]

BMDOC was a big pain in the ass, but we all have to do it at some point. I doubt anyone saved the answers, but even if they did, I'm sure you don't really want them. Honor, courage, commitment, Shipmate!

 

[Tiankum]

BMDOC was a big pain in the ass, but we all have to do it at some point. I doubt anyone saved the answers, but even if they did, I'm sure you don't really want them. Honor, courage, commitment, Shipmate!

Yeah, took a while but I got it done. How's Navy Dentistry where you're at?

 

[del Sol DOHC]

Yeah, took a while but I got it done. How's Navy Dentistry where you're at?

It's great. I love working with the Marine Corps so far, and I am really enjoying my job. How is your residency?

 

[Tiankum]

It's great. I love working with the Marine Corps so far, and I am really enjoying my job. How is your residency?

The residency is good man...lots of work and not enough time to do it all though. The patient's we're treating are definitely multidisciplinary. We get to work closely with a lot of specialists. I'm really enjoying it so far.

 

[distressstudent]

I have a slight intention of specializing, and so I was doing my homework and came across this comment.

I have been curious about this myself. Can anyone comment specifically on the competitiveness of a post-service applicant for a civilian residency?

It was a couple of years back, and that thread couldnt give him a good answer because many of them were still doing their active service. I was wondering if anyone can share their insight into this?

I am considering specializing, but the Navy doesn't take many applicants for all specialties because the lack of need for certain specialty. If I can't get a military residency, would my chances of getting into a residency program be damaged by the fact that I would have been out of dental schools for 4 years?

 

[Hedgy]

I have a slight intention of specializing, and so I was doing my homework and came across this comment.



It was a couple of years back, and that thread couldnt give him a good answer because many of them were still doing their active service. I was wondering if anyone can share their insight into this?

I am considering specializing, but the Navy doesn't take many applicants for all specialties because the lack of need for certain specialty. If I can't get a military residency, would my chances of getting into a residency program be damaged by the fact that I would have been out of dental schools for 4 years?

I think your chances for residency are slim for anything other than Comp (assuming you are talking endo, perio, or prosth). Coming from a civilian practice and assuming you didn't get a residency, I would try to get stationed near Bethesda (Quanitico, Annapolis, Pentagon) and apply immediately to residency that first year. Since the Navy would be giving you something (DA bonus), then the detailer may expect you to do some type of operational tour when you first come in. You could work with the detailer for a 1-year tour on a ship (out of Norfolk or at the Navy ship yard) or take a 1 year tour at Diego Garcia (unaccompanied) with plans to get into a residency. By keeping a tour close or one that can get you a good payback tour (like to Annapolis) that is close to Bethesda, the Navy wouldn't have to move you to get you into a residency. Usually, you have to be at a place for 2 years before they will move you. If you are already there, then that issue is taken out of the equation. I would really try to work the detailer to get you one of those duty stations and tell him/her that you really want to be in XX specialty and see if that carries any weight.

 

[TNdmd311]

Hedgy,

I'll be only a year and a half out of dental school and 28 when I commission. If I have mediocre dental school grades and board scores (bottom half of class), but I apply to OMFS after doing a lesser then desired tour and do things like getting FMF pin will this sort of "override" less then stellar dental school grades? I had good clinical grades just slacked in basic science my first 2 years and that negatively affected my GPA.

I can get good LORs from several retired Navy OMFS they I have good relationships with, I know advanced exodontia training at Parris Island would help an application along with doing a few years in billets that are tougher to fill. I guess my real question is, if I made a career and just kept applying every year is it reasonable to think I could get in or am I dreaming?

 

[shoshoyi]

I'm really interested in becoming a navy dentist and serve for 4 years and then receive the financial benefits for it but I heard one of the first requirements is that we have to be a US citizen. Is this a really strict requirement and I absolutely will not be accepted if I'm only a permanent resident right now? I have been in the US for 9 years now and only recently (last January) received my Green card so I know that I won't be getting my citizenship anytime soon. Are there any military service opportunities with financial benefits for people like me? Or, if not right now, are there options for when I graduate (during which I should be able to receive citizenship finally) where I can serve in the military and have them pay for my dental education?

 

[Iorios]

Hi, just wondering if you become a navy dentist and marry a marine, will you both be able to be located in the same areas or could you potentially be separated? Thanks!

 

[del Sol DOHC]

Hi, just wondering if you become a navy dentist and marry a marine, will you both be able to be located in the same areas or could you potentially be separated? Thanks!

Of all the cross-service mil-to-mil marriage combinations, Navy and Marine Corps is definitely the one that works out the best. Of course it all depends on the career fields and open billets, but I know a few Navy/Marine couples that have always managed to get co-located. It is not guaranteed that you will never be separated, but they really do try very hard to make sure it doesn't happen, if possible.

 

[Hedgy]

Hedgy,

I'll be only a year and a half out of dental school and 28 when I commission. If I have mediocre dental school grades and board scores (bottom half of class), but I apply to OMFS after doing a lesser then desired tour and do things like getting FMF pin will this sort of "override" less then stellar dental school grades? I had good clinical grades just slacked in basic science my first 2 years and that negatively affected my GPA.

I can get good LORs from several retired Navy OMFS they I have good relationships with, I know advanced exodontia training at Parris Island would help an application along with doing a few years in billets that are tougher to fill. I guess my real question is, if I made a career and just kept applying every year is it reasonable to think I could get in or am I dreaming?

If I you are thinking of doing OMFS, a GPR and possibly exodontia will help. I would think anyone who applies will probably have some LORs from Navy/military dentists, so you can only go by clinical skill and grades. FMF/SWMDO will look good, but I don't know how far they go to sway the committee that picks residents. Residencies will put a lot of weight on grades because there is a lot of study and they only thing they have to show how hard you studied are your grades. Doing hardship tours IMO don't guarantee anything except a nice payback tour. However, you could do a hardship tour and request Annapolis or the Pentagon and that would give you a few years to work on a residency and get to meet the program directors, etc.

 

[del Sol DOHC]

...I have mediocre dental school grades and board scores...

If I you are thinking of doing OMFS, a GPR and possibly exodontia will help. I would think anyone who applies will probably have some LORs from Navy/military dentists, so you can only go by clinical skill and grades. FMF/SWMDO will look good, but I don't know how far they go to sway the committee that picks residents. Residencies will put a lot of weight on grades because there is a lot of study and they only thing they have to show how hard you studied are your grades. Doing hardship tours IMO don't guarantee anything except a nice payback tour. However, you could do a hardship tour and request Annapolis or the Pentagon and that would give you a few years to work on a residency and get to meet the program directors, etc.

The only thing I would add to this is that you should definitely consider taking the NBME CBSE. I hear it is kind of brutal, but if you can manage to get a killer score, that would probably make up for your lower grades a bit, and help assure them that you can handle the academics. If you take it and get a crappy score, just don't submit it with your application, and the DUINS board will never know. So far, taking that exam has been optional when applying for OMFS in the Navy, but that may change in the future. Good luck.

 

[studdentist140]

I feel like I am able to make the best out of any situation, so I am not too concerned about what might happen living in debt or living as a soldier. I would like to know of any regrets a military dentist has experienced (i.e. if they would choose to do it all over again or not)? Looking back on their life, family, peers, dental school classmates, do you feel that it was worth the sacrifice? Do you ever feel like you missed out or got left behind? I know many pros and cons, but do you feel the pros were worth it? It is hard coming up with a motivational statement for the military when I am having these thoughts...

 

[studdentist140]

There are so many posts dating several years back, I am just hoping for a more present opinion on this matter. Times have changed. How are military dentist enjoying their time in this decade?

 

[papa StuD]

Again, sorry if this has been asked previously, and I have 2 completely different questions.

1. Currently, I am applying for an AEGD with hope to specialize in pros afterwards. My top locations are all east coast, and my assumption is that Maryland would give me the best chance at getting into pros later. Will I have trouble getting accepted right after PG-Y1, and is assumption correct/is there anything that I should be made aware of?

2. I plan on taking the NERB and want to be licensed asap after graduation. I'm completely unsure on how to pick a state to have my license without knowing where I may be stationed. My wife and I plan on keeping our [growing] family near the southern east coast US, just not sure which of those beautiful states it may be (or even when).

Thanks!

 

[del Sol DOHC]

Again, sorry if this has been asked previously, and I have 2 completely different questions.

1. Currently, I am applying for an AEGD with hope to specialize in pros afterwards. My top locations are all east coast, and my assumption is that Maryland would give me the best chance at getting into pros later. Will I have trouble getting accepted right after PG-Y1, and is assumption correct/is there anything that I should be made aware of?

2. I plan on taking the NERB and want to be licensed asap after graduation. I'm completely unsure on how to pick a state to have my license without knowing where I may be stationed. My wife and I plan on keeping our [growing] family near the southern east coast US, just not sure which of those beautiful states it may be (or even when).

Thanks!

1. I am assuming that you are asking about completing an AEGD, and then going straight into a prosth residency. That is a very unlikely scenerio. After they give you training (AEGD), they are going to want you to complete a utilization tour as a general dentist before you have a real shot at any more training. In other words, they will want a bit of a return on their investment first. There is nothing preventing you from applying, and exceptions do happen, but the timing will be terrible. The application will be due before you can even check in to your AEGD program, and although prosth is one of the few specialties where dental students have a real shot of being selected, I cannot imagine them selecting a dental student who already has post-graduate training lined up. Why didn't you apply to prosth as a Junior??

2. It really doesn't matter which state you choose. You just need to have a license in any state, so just pick the cheapest one! You can't receive dental special pay until 3 months after your dental school graduation date anyway, so there is no rush to have your license in hand immediately upon graduation. You'll be in the Navy for a while if you are contemplating doing an AEGD and eventually specializing, so just get a license anywhere, and then you can always apply for one in whatever state you decide to settle down in later down the road.

 

[del Sol DOHC]

I feel like I am able to make the best out of any situation, so I am not too concerned about what might happen living in debt or living as a soldier. I would like to know of any regrets a military dentist has experienced (i.e. if they would choose to do it all over again or not)? Looking back on their life, family, peers, dental school classmates, do you feel that it was worth the sacrifice? Do you ever feel like you missed out or got left behind? I know many pros and cons, but do you feel the pros were worth it? It is hard coming up with a motivational statement for the military when I am having these thoughts...

I always thought these kinds of questions to be of limited useful value, since it is all personal opinion. You will run into people who love it and say it was worth it, and people who hate it and are counting down the seconds until their commitment is up. Some people fit quite naturally into the military, and some people just aren't cut out for it. You have to figure out if it is right for you. I think being a military dentist is an awesome opportunity, but it is what you make of it, and my opinion doesn't really matter. If you are ok with following orders, and are an easy-going person who is flexible, doesn't sweat the small stuff, and is able to roll with the punches, you'll probably enjoy your time and think it was worth it. If you are one of those people who always needs to be in control and have everything go exactly their way in order to be happy, you will probably have a bad time as a junior LT.

 

[papa StuD]

1. I am assuming that you are asking about completing an AEGD, and then going straight into a prosth residency. That is a very unlikely scenerio. After they give you training (AEGD), they are going to want you to complete a utilization tour as a general dentist before you have a real shot at any more training. In other words, they will want a bit of a return on their investment first. There is nothing preventing you from applying, and exceptions do happen, but the timing will be terrible. The application will be due before you can even check in to your AEGD program, and although prosth is one of the few specialties where dental students have a real shot of being selected, I cannot imagine them selecting a dental student who already has post-graduate training lined up. Why didn't you apply to prosth as a Junior??

2. It really doesn't matter which state you choose. You just need to have a license in any state, so just pick the cheapest one! You can't receive dental special pay until 3 months after your dental school graduation date anyway, so there is no rush to have your license in hand immediately upon graduation. You'll be in the Navy for a while if you are contemplating doing an AEGD and eventually specializing, so just get a license anywhere, and then you can always apply for one in whatever state you decide to settle down in later down the road.

Thank you for your reply, as it is very enlightening. It seems my "plan" is not entirely feasible.

As a junior, I did not feel confident in my specialty application and I was not ready to apply at the time. Throughout my senior year, my case portfolio has become more "worthy" of a prosth residency, none of which I had at the initial application process. I'm currently applying for the AEGD as a way to get more comfortable clinically, expand my abilities, and improve my resume.

It seems that depending on how well my family and I agree with military life, the time spent after the residency could serve as a basis for remaining in the Navy for further training or not. What is the normal amount of time before post-AEGD dentists have a shot at specializing?

 

[del Sol DOHC]

What is the normal amount of time before post-AEGD dentists have a shot at specializing?

The Dental Corps Chief has stated that it is increasingly difficult to leave an assignment early for DUINS (Duty Under Instruction = residency training). Due to budget shortfalls, they don't want to move you before your PRD (Projected Rotation Date = when it is time for new assignment orders). Assignments are typically three years in length, but there are some unaccompanied OCONUS, ship assignments, and FMF assignments that are less. A new LT will do a one year credentialing tour or PGY-1 program (AEGD or GPR), and then will most likely receive three year orders for an operational tour. The exception would be the AEGD residents at Camp Lejeune or Camp Pendleton, who will receive three year orders that include the year in the AEGD and a two year operational tour at that same base. The officers selected by the DUINS board for residency programs will start their programs the following year, so the most likely time for an LT to be accepted for residency training is during the second year of those three year orders, so that the orders line up and he/she will finish that assignment and PCS straight to their residency program. In other words, once you have your orders for your assignment after your credentialing tour/AEGD/GPR, look at the PRD on the orders, and your best shot will be to apply the year before that date. Of course, there are exceptions and there is nothing to stop you from applying every single year, but that time will be your best shot. I hope that helps and wasn't too confusing.

 

[NAVY DDS 2010]

The Dental Corps Chief has stated that it is increasingly difficult to leave an assignment early for DUINS (Duty Under Instruction = residency training). Due to budget shortfalls, they don't want to move you before your PRD (Projected Rotation Date = when it is time for new assignment orders). Assignments are typically three years in length, but there are some unaccompanied OCONUS, ship assignments, and FMF assignments that are less. A new LT will do a one year credentialing tour or PGY-1 program (AEGD or GPR), and then will most likely receive three year orders for an operational tour. The exception would be the AEGD residents at Camp Lejeune or Camp Pendleton, who will receive three year orders that include the year in the AEGD and a two year operational tour at that same base. The officers selected by the DUINS board for residency programs will start their programs the following year, so the most likely time for an LT to be accepted for residency training is during the second year of those three year orders, so that the orders line up and he/she will finish that assignment and PCS straight to their residency program. In other words, once you have your orders for your assignment after your credentialing tour/AEGD/GPR, look at the PRD on the orders, and your best shot will be to apply the year before that date. Of course, there are exceptions and there is nothing to stop you from applying every single year, but that time will be your best shot. I hope that helps and wasn't too confusing.

This can be done. I know of a GPR resident who just graduated this year who was selected for an OMFS residency for next year. So, with that said, if you keep competative and show unwavering committment for the specialty, it is possible.

 

[del Sol DOHC]

This can be done. I know of a GPR resident who just graduated this year who was selected for an OMFS residency for next year. So, with that said, if you keep competative and show unwavering committment for the specialty, it is possible.

Indeed, it is possible, but I would say this is definitely the exception and not the norm. That being said, give it a shot, and apply. Even if you don't get selected, you are showing interest in the field and getting your name out there.

 

[Faux]

Am i late if i'm considering this now?

 

[Nat426]

2. It really doesn't matter which state you choose. You just need to have a license in any state, so just pick the cheapest one! You can't receive dental special pay until 3 months after your dental school graduation date anyway, so there is no rush to have your license in hand immediately upon graduation. You'll be in the Navy for a while if you are contemplating doing an AEGD and eventually specializing, so just get a license anywhere, and then you can always apply for one in whatever state you decide to settle down in later down the road.[/QUOTE]

Del Sol can you comment on this further? Why can't you get dental specialty pay for 3 months after graduation? Not even if you have your license the day you graduate? Do you get back paid back to your graduation? Curious how this works?

 

[del Sol DOHC]

Del Sol can you comment on this further? Why can't you get dental specialty pay for 3 months after graduation? Not even if you have your license the day you graduate? Do you get back paid back to your graduation? Curious how this works?

It doesn't matter if you have your license the day you graduate. When you sign your Incentive Pay (IP) agreement, the effective date cannot be sooner than 90 days from your dental school graduation. No, you do not get back paid. The real kicker is that the IP agreement comes with a 1 year active duty commitment that runs concurrently with any other commitment you have (HPSP, HSCP, HPLRP, residency training, etc...). So, if you graduate in May and come on active duty immediately, like I did, you'll have to wait until August to sign your IP agreement. By making you wait those 90 days to get your special pay, the Navy is potentially getting to keep you on active duty for up to 90 days extra during the last year of your commitment, unless you would rather not sign the IP agreement in the last year of your commitment (and miss out on $20k).

 

[Nat426]

That is a bummer

 

[Denden2012]

Hi, I'm about to graduate college soon & I have a wife & a 2 year old child. I want to know after I am accepted into the hsps will my family have to relocate closer to a navy base? If not then how much time out of the year will I be able to see them?

 

[del Sol DOHC]

Hi, I'm about to graduate college soon & I have a wife & a 2 year old child. I want to know after I am accepted into the hsps will my family have to relocate closer to a navy base? If not then how much time out of the year will I be able to see them?

After you graduate from dental school, you will have to move to your first duty station. Your family does not have to come with you, but why wouldn't you want to bring them? Being a geographic bachelor sucks; ask me how I know...

 

[betsyoneill]

Ok

 

[Hedgy]

Not sure where you are in school, but the Chicago Midwinter Meeting may give you a chance to meet some of the Navy dentists from Great Lakes as they usually do some table clinics. Also, you may be able to arrange with the recruiter to visit NDC Great Lakes. Although I had women in my AEGD, none had kids..yet. A good friend of mine was an Army HPSP and had 5 kids. She deployed to Iraq during OIF, but also had a Mr. Mom type husband. One thing I must say, is that you have to be ready to deploy, especially that first tour. If you don't think you can handle that, do not join. I can't really answer your questions regarding ortho or pedo other than you will not deploy and will be stationed larger bases.

 

[willwash]

Greetings!

I am currently on active duty as an O-3 with 8 years as an NFO looking to shift gears and get in to the Dental Corps. Aviation is great but ultimately not for me. I'm on shore duty right now taking the prerequisite classes, taking the DAT this summer, and hope to get picked up for HSCP and D-school starting in the Fall of 2016.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but for someone who is on active duty already, it's a no-brainer between HPSP and HSCP, as I'll have the post 9/11 GI Bill to take care of tuition and would much rather accrue the 4 extra years of active duty time...so that'll be my first choice, unless I'm missing something pretty drastic.

A few questions:

I'm assuming there is no double dipping for the BAH I would rate under the GI Bill plus the BAH while on active duty under HSCP?

What are the opportunities to get into a specialty residency right out of D-school for an HSCP student? I don't care about service obligation, I just want to know if it's possible, and how that process works.

What are the chances of getting a carrier for my first tour? I deployed on the Big E twice and I'm reasonably familiar and comfortable with that environment and wouldn't mind getting back into it.

Thank you for all your help on these boards.

V/R

LT Dentist to Be

 

[baseballjunkie]

Greetings!

I am currently on active duty as an O-3 with 8 years as an NFO looking to shift gears and get in to the Dental Corps. Aviation is great but ultimately not for me. I'm on shore duty right now taking the prerequisite classes, taking the DAT this summer, and hope to get picked up for HSCP and D-school starting in the Fall of 2016.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but for someone who is on active duty already, it's a no-brainer between HPSP and HSCP, as I'll have the post 9/11 GI Bill to take care of tuition and would much rather accrue the 4 extra years of active duty time...so that'll be my first choice, unless I'm missing something pretty drastic.

A few questions:

I'm assuming there is no double dipping for the BAH I would rate under the GI Bill plus the BAH while on active duty under HSCP?

What are the opportunities to get into a specialty residency right out of D-school for an HSCP student? I don't care about service obligation, I just want to know if it's possible, and how that process works.

What are the chances of getting a carrier for my first tour? I deployed on the Big E twice and I'm reasonably familiar and comfortable with that environment and wouldn't mind getting back into it.

Thank you for all your help on these boards.

V/R

LT Dentist to Be

You can't double dip. You won't receive BAH from the GI bill. You'll get BAH from HSCP (E-6, and if you recruit someone into Navy medicine, E-7). Being a prior, you'll have a much better chance getting into residency. However, it's pretty much only Comp and OMFS that are taking anyone right out of school. Other residencies are a long shot. Ships are first fills for detailers, so it wouldn't be that difficult to get on a carrier. You'll do your first year out of school either in an AEGD/GPR or a credentialing tour. Then you'll go operational, in which you can indicate to the detailer that you want to go on a carrier.

 

[Tiankum]

You can't double dip. You won't receive BAH from the GI bill. You'll get BAH from HSCP (E-6, and if you recruit someone into Navy medicine, E-7). Being a prior, you'll have a much better chance getting into residency. However, it's pretty much only Comp and OMFS that are taking anyone right out of school. Other residencies are a long shot. Ships are first fills for detailers, so it wouldn't be that difficult to get on a carrier. You'll do your first year out of school either in an AEGD/GPR or a credentialing tour. Then you'll go operational, in which you can indicate to the detailer that you want to go on a carrier.

Perio and Endo both have taken people right out of school. Doesn't happen often, but there is currently a second year perio resident at NPDS right out of school. But, as you say, it is a long shot...even so, you definitely wouldn't get in if you didn't apply.

 

[AngelN]

Hope this is the right place to ask this question.

When I'm at MEPS, there was no dental exam. No one asked me about my teeth. I had root canal on 1 tooth and dental flipper on another tooth. Since there was no dental check and no one asked me, it is not written down on paperwork. Couple questions:

1)Will it be a problem when I go to boot camp because it's not paperwork? I didn't hide it, there was no dental check at MEPS, not even told me to open my mouth to check my teeth.
2) Can I wear dental flipper during Navy boot camp? What will the dentist there do with it?

 

[Tiankum]

Hope this is the right place to ask this question.

When I'm at MEPS, there was no dental exam. No one asked me about my teeth. I had root canal on 1 tooth and dental flipper on another tooth. Since there was no dental check and no one asked me, it is not written down on paperwork. Couple questions:

1)Will it be a problem when I go to boot camp because it's not paperwork? I didn't hide it, there was no dental check at MEPS, not even told me to open my mouth to check my teeth.
2) Can I wear dental flipper during Navy boot camp? What will the dentist there do with it?

They take care of the dental side of things once you get to great lakes. You should be fine wearing the flipper there. They'll do an exam on you and if there is any outstanding work to be done, they'll do the work there for you. As far as dental goes, they will pretty much get you to being a class II readiness and send you out the door. (Anyone feel free to correct me or add to this post if you want).

Good luck!

 

[monch]

Hello, I understand that the HPSP is a year-by-year scholarship. Can someone clarify how this works?

So let's say in my 3rd year of dental school, I choose to specialize in an area that requires 2-years. So After graduating, what exactly happens? Do I do 4 years paying back dental school and then an additional 2 years for the specializing?

 

[Flying Snow]

Hi, I'm a prior service Marine and noticed during my time that Navy docs would some fill other billets in the Navy. Does anyone know of any dentist filling other billets like in the Navy like Dive officer, flight officer or is that specifically just for MD's? If this opportunity is available I would like to take advantage if I choose to join the Navy.

 

[Destiny11]

If you do an AEGD (e.g. San Diego)...what is the chance that you can stay at the same base after that first year? What is the chance that you can go into a specialty right after that first year?

 

[Tiankum]

Hello, I understand that the HPSP is a year-by-year scholarship. Can someone clarify how this works?

So let's say in my 3rd year of dental school, I choose to specialize in an area that requires 2-years. So After graduating, what exactly happens? Do I do 4 years paying back dental school and then an additional 2 years for the specializing?

The total time you would spend in "pay back" depends on a few factors...how many years you're on the HPSP scholarship, whether you get into this program you're talking about right out of school....and whether it's in the service or in the civilian side. If you can give that info...then we could answer your questions.

 

[Tiankum]

Hi, I'm a prior service Marine and noticed during my time that Navy docs would some fill other billets in the Navy. Does anyone know of any dentist filling other billets like in the Navy like Dive officer, flight officer or is that specifically just for MD's? If this opportunity is available I would like to take advantage if I choose to join the Navy.

I've tried multiple times and have asked multiple people up and down different chain of commands and as far as dentists go...there is pretty much no way to be a dive "dental" medical officer or flight officer or the like. That's specifically for the medical side.

 

[UFRalo]

Did anyone this year get a list for credentialing tour slots?

 

[deleted518758]

Hi everyone! I hear that it is much better to do AEGD and GPR programs in the Navy than in the the civilian side. Can someone who has done one of these programs in the Navy please elaborate why? Thanks!

 

[Tiankum]

Hi everyone! I hear that it is much better to do AEGD and GPR programs in the Navy than in the the civilian side. Can someone who has done one of these programs in the Navy please elaborate why? Thanks!

You get paid more during that 1 year....whether your skills will increase during that year depends on who the director of the program is.

 

[nateriver]

if you sign up to go after you finish dental school with the navy, can you be deployed to combat, in other words, what is the likelihood that id do anything besides dentistry as a navy dentist? has anyone ever been transferred to fight or serve as something besides a dentist, also how much time is spent on ship vs on base in the US , is it possible to spend all your active duty on a base in the US or conversely all your time on a ship? how close to the combat are you as a navy dentist?

 

[Hedgy]

Hi everyone! I hear that it is much better to do AEGD and GPR programs in the Navy than in the the civilian side. Can someone who has done one of these programs in the Navy please elaborate why? Thanks!

What's nice about the military is that you can do pretty much any procedure without worrying about how it's going to be paid for or if insurance will cover it. That part is huge, because now you have no limitations on procedures other than the health of the patient and time before they PCS or deploy. The programs are at large bases, so the supply of patients is always there. You will be working with specialists during your rotations. That may not happen in a civilian residency.

 

[Hedgy]

if you sign up to go after you finish dental school with the navy, can you be deployed to combat, in other words, what is the likelihood that id do anything besides dentistry as a navy dentist? has anyone ever been transferred to fight or serve as something besides a dentist, also how much time is spent on ship vs on base in the US , is it possible to spend all your active duty on a base in the US or conversely all your time on a ship? how close to the combat are you as a navy dentist?

You are a noncombatant, so you will not deploy in active combat. Can you be deployed into areas that may take rocket or mortar rounds? Yes, but with things winding down in Iraq/A-stan, that is doubtful. I think some of the more fun things were getting out and doing things that werent' related to dentistry like shooting weapons. On my ship, I qualified with pistol and rifle. I also got to shoot the .50 cal, M60, SAW, and grenade launcher.

You need to do some research on ship deployments. I think ship deployments are about 7 months now, the rest of the time you are still working on the ship or a barge while the ship is in port. Other deployments with Marines and SeaBees can vary, but generally are not longer than 6 months unless we go back to war somewhere. The rest of the time is spent at a base.

IMO, the best thing I ever did was deploy with a ship. It's what the Navy there is for...right? If you don't want to deploy, do not join. You owe them for your HPSP or Accession Bonus, you WILL likely deploy. That being said, I don't think any of us really wanted to deploy, but we did and you make the best of the situation as you can.

 

[LionMan86]

Hey Everyone, I'm looking for help calculating my total yearly salary (before taxes) as a navy dentist.

I have done HSCP while in dental school (but have no prior service before dental school) so I should start at O-3 with three years of "active duty" service. I will have one dependent. Also, I will be a general dentist.

I can look up the military pay charts and calculate base salary, BAH and BAS easy enough, its the dental officer pay table that I can't effectively read because I can't find which categories apply to me; board certified special pay, variable special pay, etc. Can anyone help me out?

 

[nateriver]

You are a noncombatant, so you will not deploy in active combat. Can you be deployed into areas that may take rocket or mortar rounds? Yes, but with things winding down in Iraq/A-stan, that is doubtful. I think some of the more fun things were getting out and doing things that werent' related to dentistry like shooting weapons. On my ship, I qualified with pistol and rifle. I also got to shoot the .50 cal, M60, SAW, and grenade launcher.

You need to do some research on ship deployments. I think ship deployments are about 7 months now, the rest of the time you are still working on the ship or a barge while the ship is in port. Other deployments with Marines and SeaBees can vary, but generally are not longer than 6 months unless we go back to war somewhere. The rest of the time is spent at a base.

IMO, the best thing I ever did was deploy with a ship. It's what the Navy there is for...right? If you don't want to deploy, do not join. You owe them for your HPSP or Accession Bonus, you WILL likely deploy. That being said, I don't think any of us really wanted to deploy, but we did and you make the best of the situation as you can.

thank you for your input, it is much appreciated