Civilian military dentistry jobs horrible

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fort polk la

fort polk la

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The military dental commanders and all subordinates treat civilian DOD dentists horrible
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I
fort polk la said:
The military dental commanders and all subordinates treat civilian DOD dentists horrible
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I have worked at fort gordan and fort polk... Fort gordan is terrible because everything is referred out to specialties. Amalgam mill is all thats left and exams. I have 2 year gpr and 25 yesrs practice under my belt. I thought this avenue would be a nice way to give back since my retirement and to support our soldiers . I was terribly wrong!!!!! You young docs just graduating beware
 
fort polk la said:
I

I have worked at fort gordan and fort polk... Fort gordan is terrible because everything is referred out to specialties. Amalgam mill is all thats left and exams. I have 2 year gpr and 25 yesrs practice under my belt. I thought this avenue would be a nice way to give back since my retirement and to support our soldiers . I was terribly wrong!!!!! You young docs just graduating beware
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I have heard the same. It seems like the military is still pretty much all amalgam and while it's proponents advocate for its laid-back style, pension, etc., it doesn't sound like it prepares people for private practice well.
 
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Shunwei said:
I have heard the same. It seems like the military is still pretty much all amalgam and while it's proponents advocate for its laid-back style, pension, etc., it doesn't sound like it prepares people for private practice well.
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Appreciate your comment!! Please spread the word. It's a shame how they are treating all civilians.
 
The military hires civilian dentists as contractors, or sometimes as government service (GS) employees in addition to your regular active duty, uniform wearing dentists. They work along beside us but never deploy. This is because, during times of war, a lot of our active duty dentists get shipped off to Afghanistan or on a ship or whatever but there's still plenty of work that needs to be done while they're away. As you're aware, the war has been coming to an end. The majority of our active duty dentists are now back stateside and many commands across the country are realizing they now have too many dentists. Many commands are now having to let contractors go and not replacing GS dentists if they quit. I'm betting fort polk la was a contractor and just got a pink slip and wants to vent. He/she certainly isn't the only dentist who got a pink slip this month. That's just how it's panning out this time around.

I had a teacher in dental school who was a dentist in the Army back in the 70's. They decided they had too many active duty dentists and offered him an early retirement. He only did 18 years but got a 20 year retirement. So this time around, the contractors are on the chopping block. Sometimes it's active duty that's on the chopping block.

Soon enough, we'll be in a new war and the government will decide they desperately need more dentists immediately and will offer giant bonuses or whatever to lure more dentists in. And they'll come.
 
Wr
Tooth said:
The military hires civilian dentists as contractors, or sometimes as government service (GS) employees in addition to your regular active duty, uniform wearing dentists. They work along beside us but never deploy. This is because, during times of war, a lot of our active duty dentists get shipped off to Afghanistan or on a ship or whatever but there's still plenty of work that needs to be done while they're away. As you're aware, the war has been coming to an end. The majority of our active duty dentists are now back stateside and many commands across the country are realizing they now have too many dentists. Many commands are now having to let contractors go and not replacing GS dentists if they quit. I'm betting fort polk la was a contractor and just got a pink slip and wants to vent. He/she certainly isn't the only dentist who got a pink slip this month. That's just how it's panning out this time around.

I had a teacher in dental school who was a dentist in the Army back in the 70's. They decided they had too many active duty dentists and offered him an early retirement. He only did 18 years but got a 20 year retirement. So this time around, the contractors are on the chopping block. Sometimes it's active duty that's on the chopping block.

Soon enough, we'll be in a new war and the government will decide they desperately need more dentists immediately and will offer giant bonuses or whatever to lure more dentists in. And they'll come.
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Wrong! Prior GS dentist here with 26 years experience . Army dentists and commanders treated all civilian dentists that I know horribly... I have worked at 3 different locations and all were the same. Furthermore, salaries are low compared to private practice and other jobs. No bonuses!!! No salary increases regardless of how much you produce. Also, mostly amalgam restorations. All proths, endo, etc usually pushed to army docs to help them become better trained and efficient since most are recent graduates. Most army docs discharge from the service once their school loans are paid an their obligations to our government. Including ortho gonnabe above!!!!!! Guarantee you leave the army once you get your ortho cert!!!!!!!!!
 
docline123 said:
Hi,
I'm a little bit confused.
Who are civilian dentists?Are you guys referring to dentists that are in the reserves or national guard?
I'm in the process of applying to the Air National Guard.
This post is kinda scaring me away! http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/working-for-the-armed-forces-as-a-civilian-dentist.565592/
Thanks!
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. I an not sure what your circumstances are concerning experience, length of time out of school or residency status. I would highly reccomend looking at VA jobs. Very good salary, benefits and RESPECT!!!!!
Do yourself a favor and stay away from army dental, reserves etc... I hope this message will guide you away from the misery that I endured. Good Luck!!!!
 
Tooth said:
The military hires civilian dentists as contractors, or sometimes as government service (GS) employees in addition to your regular active duty, uniform wearing dentists. They work along beside us but never deploy. This is because, during times of war, a lot of our active duty dentists get shipped off to Afghanistan or on a ship or whatever but there's still plenty of work that needs to be done while they're away. As you're aware, the war has been coming to an end. The majority of our active duty dentists are now back stateside and many commands across the country are realizing they now have too many dentists. Many commands are now having to let contractors go and not replacing GS dentists if they quit. I'm betting fort polk la was a contractor and just got a pink slip and wants to vent. He/she certainly isn't the only dentist who got a pink slip this month. That's just how it's panning out this time around.

I had a teacher in dental school who was a dentist in the Army back in the 70's. They decided they had too many active duty dentists and offered him an early retirement. He only did 18 years but got a 20 year retirement. So this time around, the contractors are on the chopping block. Sometimes it's active duty that's on the chopping block.

Soon enough, we'll be in a new war and the government will decide they desperately need more dentists immediately and will offer giant bonuses or whatever to lure more dentists in. And they'll come.
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No pink slips or anything of that nature. Just treated very bad by the military as most other civilians are. Actually, I believe there is a shortage of dentists ( civilian and military for the Army ) I could be wrong? However, Obama has frozen the salaries for government employees and military for several years and that should change soon.
Most army posts are begging for civilian dentists. I would suggest looking at usajobs.gov There are usually numerous posts every week on the site from military bases looking for civilian dentists.
Most army dental officers are young recent graduates looking to get their school loans paid off. Therefore, They are unable to produce a lot of dentistry due to lack of experience, speed etc... Most civilians army dentists pick up the slack. I hired on to perform full scope dentistry. Not to send all my crown and bridge, surgery, etc... to recent grad army officers. ( I guess this is to help them become better trained and efficient). Most civilian army docs end up providing most of the amalgam restorations and exams. Not very appealing !!!! Basically, you end up forgetting or losing any skills concerning specialty work you have learned prior if youremain long enough in this type of working environment. Definitely dealing with the medical problems of elderly people and their meds. This just does not exist in the army because anyone who has major medical problems is booted out. So... the list goes on !!!! It's probably
 
fort polk la said:
No pink slips or anything of that nature. Just treated very bad by the military as most other civilians are. Actually, I believe there is a shortage of dentists ( civilian and military for the Army ) I could be wrong? However, Obama has frozen the salaries for government employees and military for several years and that should change soon.
Most army posts are begging for civilian dentists. I would suggest looking at usajobs.gov There are usually numerous posts every week on the site from military bases looking for civilian dentists.
Most army dental officers are young recent graduates looking to get their school loans paid off. Therefore, They are unable to produce a lot of dentistry due to lack of experience, speed etc... Most civilians army dentists pick up the slack. I hired on to perform full scope dentistry. Not to send all my crown and bridge, surgery, etc... to recent grad army officers. ( I guess this is to help them become better trained and efficient). Most civilian army docs end up providing most of the amalgam restorations and exams. Not very appealing !!!! Basically, you end up forgetting or losing any skills concerning specialty work you have learned prior if youremain long enough in this type of working environment. Definitely dealing with the medical problems of elderly people and their meds. This just does not exist in the army because anyone who has major medical problems is booted out. So... the list goes on !!!! It's probably a good choice to enlist straight out of dental school and get your school loans paid off . especially if you have no money or can find no decent job..
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fort polk la said:
. I an not sure what your circumstances are concerning experience, length of time out of school or residency status. I would highly reccomend looking at VA jobs. Very good salary, benefits and RESPECT!!!!!
Do yourself a favor and stay away from army dental, reserves etc... I hope this message will guide you away from the misery that I endured. Good Luck!!!!
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Hey fort polk la,

thank you for giving us insight on the situation for military civilian dentists. I always thought it would be cool to give back to my country as well when I retire, but no way would I want to placed in some amalgam mill after a career of full mouth reconstruct cases. Good point on the VA, def would volunteer my time to a VA rather than active duty. I have friends who did the Army scholarhsip route and they're really worried how they're gonna survive once they get out because all they did was exams, amal fillings, and sedative irms. I agree the military doesn't really prepare you. seems like they reward normal comprehensive dentistry to folks who decide to make a career out of it. kinda of lame.

As for your poor treatment, you just gotta understand, the CO's in these places are your typical government employees in dead end jobs. Kinda of like postal workers. Naturally they're gonna be disgruntled. They never got to try more advance techniques in a private practice setting. Just wanna do the least amount, sit on their ass, and collect a paycheck. The concept of "healthy competition" is foreign to them. Don't take it personally, just brush it off and know that atleast you did what they never got to do - practice in the real world.
 
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fort polk la said:
No pink slips or anything of that nature. Just treated very bad by the military as most other civilians are. Actually, I believe there is a shortage of dentists ( civilian and military for the Army ) I could be wrong? However, Obama has frozen the salaries for government employees and military for several years and that should change soon.
Most army posts are begging for civilian dentists. I would suggest looking at usajobs.gov There are usually numerous posts every week on the site from military bases looking for civilian dentists.
Most army dental officers are young recent graduates looking to get their school loans paid off. Therefore, They are unable to produce a lot of dentistry due to lack of experience, speed etc... Most civilians army dentists pick up the slack. I hired on to perform full scope dentistry. Not to send all my crown and bridge, surgery, etc... to recent grad army officers. ( I guess this is to help them become better trained and efficient). Most civilian army docs end up providing most of the amalgam restorations and exams. Not very appealing !!!! Basically, you end up forgetting or losing any skills concerning specialty work you have learned prior if youremain long enough in this type of working environment. Definitely dealing with the medical problems of elderly people and their meds. This just does not exist in the army because anyone who has major medical problems is booted out. So... the list goes on !!!! It's probably
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Thanks for your comment!
briansle said:
Hey fort polk la,

thank you for giving us insight on the situation for military civilian dentists. I always thought it would be cool to give back to my country as well when I retire, but no way would I want to placed in some amalgam mill after a career of full mouth reconstruct cases. Good point on the VA, def would volunteer my time to a VA rather than active duty. I have friends who did the Army scholarhsip route and they're really worried how they're gonna survive once they get out because all they did was exams, amal fillings, and sedative irms. I agree the military doesn't really prepare you. seems like they reward normal comprehensive dentistry to folks who decide to make a career out of it. kinda of lame.

As for your poor treatment, you just gotta understand, the CO's in these places are your typical government employees in dead end jobs. Kinda of like postal workers. Naturally they're gonna be disgruntled. They never got to try more advance techniques in a private practice setting. Just wanna do the least amount, sit on their ass, and collect a paycheck. The concept of "healthy competition" is foreign to them. Don't take it personally, just brush it off and know that atleast you did what they never got to do - practice in the real world.
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I think most officers who have been in the military so long( lt col , col, majors and a few captains ) are so brain washed and accustomed to giving orders to their subordinates that they have trouble working with civilians. They attempt the same with their coworkers in dental. The majority that I have encountered are abusive. God help their families if they have one. The Army builds their self importance and ego to an extent that it is intolerable . Normal reasoning is not compatable with this type of mentality.... You are correct!!!! If change does not occur with their "commander GI joe mentalities" they will def suffer out in the real world of dentistry.....
 
The bases that I have been at, for the most part, treated the active duty and civilian contractors and GS well. Maybe your experience is isolated to the Army or that geographical location, I don't know.

With regards to you complaining about not being able to do ENDO, SURGERY, PROS, or whatever, that probably wasn't why you were hired. You were most likely hired TO DO operative and exams. The mission is to make the Marine, Sailor, Soldier, or Airman operationally ready, not necessarily to do ideal/comprehnsive dentistry. If that means you don't get to do a bridge, but that patient is now Class I or II, then you don't get to do the bridge. Instead, you'll be able to see more Class III operatives or patients that are due for their annual exam.

You are right that it does get stagnant and frustrating doing the same thing over and over again. For some people, that's a good thing. If you like having more personal autonomy and the ability to perform a multitude procedures, then a DOD Contract or a GS position probably isn't going to be fulfilling to you. Some commands will rotate you through different departments or even place you in a specialty department if you are competent enough, but for the most part you will be doing exams, sick call, or operative.

Amalgam is still widely used in the military. It has a tremendous track record, it's less tehcnique senistive, and for high caries risk patients, it's a better restorative material than a composite. A well-done amalgam build-up will service the patient well until he/she returns from deployment or they learn which end of the tooth brush to use. Again, make our Warfighters operationally ready.
 
For the active duty, sometimes they get lucky and can practice comprehensive dentistry or work with the specialists in the departments they want to improve in. Sometimes, there's too much work to do and your stuck doing exams and operative all day because that's what THE MISSION requires.

I have never been told, "No, you can't do that" by a Senior Officer. Most, not all, have been more than willing to allow me to observe, assist, and treat patients beyond my credentials. I spent one day a week for almost a year doing nothing but oral surgery. I've placed implants, restored implants, have done multiple indirect restorations (Lithium Disilicate, Zirconia, PFMS, FGCs, CAD/CAM), and have been able to work in the endodontics department to treat patients I may have otherwise been uncomfortable treating.

However, now that the operational tempo has increased, I'm doing more referrals. Instead of doing indirect restorations, I'm doing more Amalgam WFTs when the situation is appropriate. Instead of treatment planning esthetic cases, I'm deferring most of those treatments.

As an active duty dentist, you have to be highly motivated to do treatments beyond basic restorative and you have to have a command that supports it. If there is time and you make the effort, you can do almost anything. Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of time when you're in an operational billet and if your in a clinic, usually you're very busy turning Class IIIs into Class IIs to make them operationally ready (again, the Mission).

EDITED FOR SPELLING/GRAMMAR
 
SDDDS2011 said:
For the active duty, sometimes they get lucky and can practice comprehensive dentistry or work with the specialists in the departments they want to improve in. Sometimes, there's too much work to do and your stuck doing exams and operative all day because that's what THE MISSION requires.

I have never been told, "No, you can't do that" by a Senior Officer. Most, not all, have been more than willing to allow me to observe, assist, and treat patients beyond my credentials. I spent one day a week for almost a year doing nothing but oral surgery. I've placed implants, restored implants, have done multiple indirect restorations (Lithium Disilicate, Zirconia, PFMS, FGCs, CAD/CAM), and have been able to work in the endodontics department to treat patients I may have otherwise been uncomfortable treating.

However, now that the operational tempo has increased, I'm doing more referrals. Instead of doing indirect restorations, I'm doing more Amalgam WFTs when the situation is appropriate. Instead of treatment planning esthetic cases, I'm deferring most of those treatments.

As an active duty dentist, you have to be highly motivated to do treatments beyond basic restorative and you have to have a command that supports it. If there is time and you make the effort, you can do almost anything. Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of time when you're in an operational billet and if your in a clinic, usually you're very busy turning Class IIIs into Class IIs to make them operationally ready (again, the Mission).

EDITED FOR SPELLING/GRAMMAR[/quote

Your experience in my opinion is very uncommon. I am glad to learn someone has had a good experience. The majority of dentists I know who have worked with the military have had very negative experiences. A good example actually happened last week to my coworker. His assistant of several years was promoted to gs 5. because of this , she was moved to a military doc . The production will fall, an efficient team split up and the relearning process of each docs work methods start again. This makes no sense!!!! This is common place and in my opinion is counterproductive in many aspects. It further serves to cause conflict within an organization. Mission? Dont see that in these common types of mistreatments toward civilians!
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SDDDS2011 said:
The bases that I have been at, for the most part, treated the active duty and civilian contractors and GS well. Maybe your experience is isolated to the Army or that geographical location, I don't know.

With regards to you complaining about not being able to do ENDO, SURGERY, PROS, or whatever, that probably wasn't why you were hired. You were most likely hired TO DO operative and exams. The mission is to make the Marine, Sailor, Soldier, or Airman operationally ready, not necessarily to do ideal/comprehnsive dentistry. If that means you don't get to do a bridge, but that patient is now Class I or II, then you don't get to do the bridge. Instead, you'll be able to see more Class III operatives or patients that are due for their annual exam.

You are right that it does get stagnant and frustrating doing the same thing over and over again. For some people, that's a good thing. If you like having more personal autonomy and the ability to perform a multitude procedures, then a DOD Contract or a GS position probably isn't going to be fulfilling to you. Some commands will rotate you through different departments or even place you in a specialty department if you are competent enough, but for the most part you will be doing exams, sick call, or operative.

Amalgam is still widely used in the military. It has a tremendous track record, it's less tehcnique senistive, and for high caries risk patients, it's a better restorative material than a composite. A well-done amalgam build-up will service the patient well until he/she returns from deployment or they learn which end of the tooth brush to use. Again, make our Warfighters operationally ready.
SDDDS2011 said:
The bases that I have been at, for the most part, treated the active duty and civilian contractors and GS well. Maybe your experience is isolated to the Army or that geographical location, I don't know.

With regards to you complaining about not being able to do ENDO, SURGERY, PROS, or whatever, that probably wasn't why you were hired. You were most likely hired TO DO operative and exams. The mission is to make the Marine, Sailor, Soldier, or Airman operationally ready, not necessarily to do ideal/comprehnsive dentistry. If that means you don't get to do a bridge, but that patient is now Class I or II, then you don't get to do the bridge. Instead, you'll be able to see more Class III operatives or patients that are due for their annual exam.

You are right that it does get stagnant and frustrating doing the same thing over and over again. For some people, that's a good thing. If you like having more personal autonomy and the ability to perform a multitude procedures, then a DOD Contract or a GS position probably isn't going to be fulfilling to you. Some commands will rotate you through different departments or even place you in a specialty department if you are competent enough, but for the most part you will be doing exams, sick call, or operative.

Amalgam is still widely used in the military. It has a tremendous track record, it's less tehcnique senistive, and for high caries risk patients, it's a better restorative material than a composite. A well-done amalgam build-up will service the patient well until he/she returns from deployment or they learn which end of the tooth brush to use. Again, make our Warfighters operationally ready.

Your experience in my opinion is very uncommon. I am glad to learn someone has had a good experience. The majority of dentists I know who have worked with the military have had very negative experiences. A good example actually happened last week to my coworker. His assistant of several years was promoted to gs 5. because of this , she was moved to a military doc . The production will fall, an efficient team split up and the relearning process of each docs work methods start again. This makes no sense!!!! This is common place and in my opinion is counterproductive in many aspects. It further serves to cause conflict within an organization. Mission? Dont see that in these common types of mistreatments toward civilians!
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Hi guys,

Regarding the Air National Guard, if I do sign with them, I already know that all I will be doing is exams to make sure that the soldiers are readily deployable. I was told that I would be doing so once a month and would also have to be at the base 2 weeks out of the year. I was not planning on doing any endo, crowns, or any kind of treatments whatsoever. One of my friends at an AF base in Florida only does exams when she goes there one weekend a month.
I was definitely going to sign with them, but would DEFINITELY have an issue with people disrespecting me! I would either say something back or become frustrated/depressed for not being able to do so.
 
fort polk la said:
. I an not sure what your circumstances are concerning experience, length of time out of school or residency status. I would highly reccomend looking at VA jobs. Very good salary, benefits and RESPECT!!!!!
Do yourself a favor and stay away from army dental, reserves etc... I hope this message will guide you away from the misery that I endured. Good Luck!!!!
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Thank you for your reply. I graduated in 2011. No GPR. I was planning on joining the Air Force/Air National Guard to take advantage of their loan repayment program.
 
Sounds like it may be a good move on your part. I would encourage you ! That is if you do not mind 30-40 exams per day. This will not happen everyday , but expect it. Financially it is a smart move concerning school loans. There are other ways! Health care shortage areas in the U.S . Usually will pay school loans off and pay you a salary. You will have to pay taxes on this school loan payoff, but they give you extra money to help offset this. I will look for further info. Best wishes!
 
docline123 said:
Hi guys,

Regarding the Air National Guard, if I do sign with them, I already know that all I will be doing is exams to make sure that the soldiers are readily deployable. I was told that I would be doing so once a month and would also have to be at the base 2 weeks out of the year. I was not planning on doing any endo, crowns, or any kind of treatments whatsoever. One of my friends at an AF base in Florida only does exams when she goes there one weekend a month.
I was definitely going to sign with them, but would DEFINITELY have an issue with people disrespecting me! I would either say something back or become frustrated/depressed for not being able to do so.
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http://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loanrepayment/index.html

Other alternatives for loan repayment as I mentioned below.... For others please google " healthcare shortage areas". I am positive you can find something. Again, best wishes!
 
fort polk la said:
Sounds like it may be a good move on your part. I would encourage you ! That is if you do not mind 30-40 exams per day. This will not happen everyday , but expect it. Financially it is a smart move concerning school loans. There are other ways! Health care shortage areas in the U.S . Usually will pay school loans off and pay you a salary. You will have to pay taxes on this school loan payoff, but they give you extra money to help offset this. I will look for further info. Best wishes!
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One more site for loan repayment

http://hpsafind.hrsa.gov

Good luck!
 
docline123 said:
Thank you so much for your replies.
I have about 140K of loans left. I graduated with 220K in 2011.
I will check out the links provided.
I do not mind doing 30-40 exams per day if it's just screening exams and one weekend per month.
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I understand ! I cant imagine having that debt hanging over my head! These loan payoff websites are federal goverment sites. Perhaps this will help you and also promote building and developing your skills rather than wasting them doing exams 24/7. either way good luck!!!!!
 
Tooth said:
The military hires civilian dentists as contractors, or sometimes as government service (GS) employees in addition to your regular active duty, uniform wearing dentists. They work along beside us but never deploy. This is because, during times of war, a lot of our active duty dentists get shipped off to Afghanistan or on a ship or whatever but there's still plenty of work that needs to be done while they're away. As you're aware, the war has been coming to an end. The majority of our active duty dentists are now back stateside and many commands across the country are realizing they now have too many dentists. Many commands are now having to let contractors go and not replacing GS dentists if they quit. I'm betting fort polk la was a contractor and just got a pink slip and wants to vent. He/she certainly isn't the only dentist who got a pink slip this month. That's just how it's panning out this time around.

I had a teacher in dental school who was a dentist in the Army back in the 70's. They decided they had too many active duty dentists and offered him an early retirement. He only did 18 years but got a 20 year retirement. So this time around, the contractors are on the chopping block. Sometimes it's active duty that's on the chopping block.

Soon enough, we'll be in a new war and the government will decide they desperately need more dentists immediately and will offer giant bonuses or whatever to lure more dentists in. And they'll come.
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PS: I was gs13 comprehensive dentist. 26 years experience and 2 year gpr. Your post appears to me an attempt to promote military dentistry. I would be willing to bet you are a former or still in the military truth be known !
 
fort polk la said:
I understand ! I cant imagine having that debt hanging over my head! These loan payoff websites are federal goverment sites. Perhaps this will help you and also promote building and developing your skills rather than wasting them doing exams 24/7. either way good luck!!!!!
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Thanks again for your replies. Much appreciated. I did the loan repayment program through a health center and came out a little bit traumatized and wanted to try another kind of loan repayment program. I am thinking it was just the health center that was going through changes though... It's hard sometimes when your supervisor is not a dentist or a physician.
 
fort polk la said:
I understand ! I cant imagine having that debt hanging over my head! These loan payoff websites are federal goverment sites. Perhaps this will help you and also promote building and developing your skills rather than wasting them doing exams 24/7. either way good luck!!!!!
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Hello there!

I got an email from ANG this morning...Dentistry is taken of the list for career fields that can receive student loan repayment...
Thanks again for all your feedback.
 
S
docline123 said:
Hello there!

I got an email from ANG this morning...Dentistry is taken of the list for career fields that can receive student loan repayment...
Thanks again for all your feedback.
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ANG?? Sorry to learn the news!
What about hrsa? They will be updating their hpsa soon in march. Well, that is my understanding. Lmk!
Thanks!
 
docline123 said:
Thanks again for your replies. Much appreciated. I did the loan repayment program through a health center and came out a little bit traumatized and wanted to try another kind of loan repayment program. I am thinking it was just the health center that was going through changes though... It's hard sometimes when your supervisor is not a dentist or a physician.
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I understand what you mean. I endured a lot of community health centers in order to have loan repayment over the years and it's not easy. I don't understand how a dental assistant or dental hygienist can be a Director of clinic and they're telling dentists and physicians what to do. There are so many people who need dental care and after my experiences, I now see why dentists told me years ago that they could never stay in Community Dentistry after their loans were paid. I don't know what it will take to fix a lot of issues with clinics, but this is a common complaint amongst dental providers. It's one thing to have your loans paid back, but a whole other ball game when you're "traumatized" trying to get it done. You definitely "pay" for your debt. Keep searching. There are a number of Loan Repayment programs out there with opportunities.
 
Newgoalsdentdoc said:
I understand what you mean. I endured a lot of community health centers in order to have loan repayment over the years and it's not easy. I don't understand how a dental assistant or dental hygienist can be a Director of clinic and they're telling dentists and physicians what to do. There are so many people who need dental care and after my experiences, I now see why dentists told me years ago that they could never stay in Community Dentistry after their loans were paid. I don't know what it will take to fix a lot of issues with clinics, but this is a common complaint amongst dental providers. It's one thing to have your loans paid back, but a whole other ball game when you're "traumatized" trying to get it done. You definitely "pay" for your debt. Keep searching. There are a number of Loan Repayment programs out there with opportunities.
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Thanks for your reply.
Indeed, I am literally "traumatized" with my experience at the health center. Sad, right?
And to tell you the truth, I was underpaid as well ( at least that's what I think). I got paid $ 95000 for 2 years: that's $120k with the loan repayment program, which is not bad BUT for the volume of people and the kind of treatment that we endure, I believe that I deserved more, or maybe just more respect! Hence, I decided that it was not worth it anymore and to look for something else.
Other less desirable parts of the country offer $130k, maybe I'll look into that...
I am still looking at other types of loan repayment programs. I'm just trying to avoid health centers for now. Now I understand why people go work for dental chains!
 
WORKING FOR THE USARMY HAS BEEN ONE OF THE WORST EXPERIENCES IN MY LIFE! A bit dramatic, but I wanted to get your attention. Not only have I been abused verbally, one SSG (staff sergeant) smacked me in my head once. You learn pretty quickly as a civilian that if you make waves they will fire you or start building a case against you and find some reason to get rid of you. I started as a civilian dentist with the USArmy when I was relatively young and just out of school. Unfortunately they abused, belittled, humiliated and undermined the small amount of confidence I had as a new dentist. At one point the same sergeant who struck me began to pull all my records and review them (he was mad at me because I stood up to him). He took my records to the OIC (officer in charge) who had some major review them and interview me. Of all the records there was NOT ONE error or problem! BUT I asked the major if the SSG was targeting me. He said YES. I told the OIC this, who became furious and said the Major should never have admitted it to me! They are not only bullies, but they hide and don't even have the balls to stand up and admit what they are all about! A bunch of bullying cowards. They suck off the country, unlike the real army that work hard, MOST of the military dentists I have met over the years do VERY LITTLE WORK, push the small amount of work they do have OFF TO OTHERS and then after 20 years get a retirement for having shammed most of the time. IT IS A TOTAL SHAM! They are scum and I can't say one good thing about the US ARMY DENTAL CORPS. After a few years there I'm trying to go back to the civilian side, but its hard. I admit it. Like an abused spouse who doesn't leave because they don't believe they are good enough and that no one else will want them, I'm trying to build up my confidence and find a way out. The level of abuse has been so bad at times I became quite depressed. I would advise any young dentist to stay clear. Even if you want to pay down your loans, or they offer you an overseas spot, PLEASE DON'T DO IT. You might initially like it, but you will regret it and it will ruin your dental career. In the clinic where I am 7 dentists have been run off in the last 3 years. No one cares about the turn over of civilians. A body in a slot is all we are. We do most of the work but get no credit or kudos. They treat us like slaves and are very disrespectful all along the way. I COULD NOT possibly say enough bad things about the army dental corps or how abusive they are to civilian and contract dentists. You might get lucky and find a normal human being along the way, but by and large you will be abused and used and made to feel afraid all the time. It's what they "get off" on.
 
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