Dental HPSP class of 2024

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Kobethegoat24 said:
Will me being on anxiety/depression medications impact my chances of getting HPSP scholarship?
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It is disqualifying for MEPS military wide unless you have been off for 1 year prior. Whether the MEPS location your medical jacket is being worked on gives you a waiver, I can not speak upon this.
 
Thank you, I have been calling my local recruiter and emailing them but have been getting no response at all. Anyone else having a hard time reaching their recruiter ?
Blueshirts said:
It is disqualifying for MEPS military wide unless you have been off for 1 year prior. Whether the MEPS location your medical jacket is being worked on gives you a waiver, I can not speak upon this.
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Kobethegoat24 said:
Thank you, I have been calling my local recruiter and emailing them but have been getting no response at all. Anyone else having a hard time reaching their recruiter ?
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It can be surprisingly hard to get a hold of recruiter for the HPSP. I would also make sure that you are trying to contact a health professions recruiter. Certain recruiters are not able to do the HPSP. You can find the health professions recruiters for each branch on the individual branch's websites.
 
Aggieland2020 said:
It can be surprisingly hard to get a hold of recruiter for the HPSP. I would also make sure that you are trying to contact a health professions recruiter. Certain recruiters are not able to do the HPSP. You can find the health professions recruiters for each branch on the individual branch's websites.
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Air force was very hard to reach out to but I reached out to Army HPSP and they said I must stop my medications (which is not possible for me). Thank you for your help, good luck to you guys/girls
 
I'm working on processing Army HPSP and my recruiter told me that they've recently changed the requirement to do advanced education program which I'm thinking it means specialization. Is this true? Can anyone confirm?
 
Hey guys, my Navy recruiter told me I cant talk to the Army anymore and work with her. Is this true or do I just need to find a new recruiter? If so who do I even call about getting a new one? It seems a little unfair when theres so much on the line.
 
Kobethegoat24 said:
Thank you, I have been calling my local recruiter and emailing them but have been getting no response at all. Anyone else having a hard time reaching their recruiter ?
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I would recommend walking into the local recruiting office and schedule an appointment that way.
 
Just for clarification on this, do we need to tell recruiters we're applying to other branches as well? I want to do the military HPSP, and I can see myself in both the Navy and Army and am now in the process of setting up physicals with both branches. I've been told by others who have received this scholarship that they had no problems completing multiple applications without telling their recruiters and those who did, got pushed back and not responded to. Any advice? Don't want any future problems either way but I do want to apply to both to increase my chances of receiving this scholarship.
 
My Army recruiter will be out of the office until mid-September. Do you think that is too late to start working on my packet? Should I find a different recruiter to work with? I broke my hip in HS so I know I will need at least one medical waiver.
 
Nighthawk23 said:
I'm working on processing Army HPSP and my recruiter told me that they've recently changed the requirement to do advanced education program which I'm thinking it means specialization. Is this true? Can anyone confirm?
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From what my recruiter told me, it is mandatory to apply to the advanced education program. Sounds like it's more for general dentistry, not necc. specialization. Not sure if its mandatory to complete it if you receive acceptance into the program or not. The one year program won't be toward the pay-back years but it will go towards retirement if you decide to make a career with the Army. Hopefully someone else can clarify whether it is mandatory to complete it if you do receive an acceptance!
 
liverpool2019 said:
Just for clarification on this, do we need to tell recruiters we're applying to other branches as well? I want to do the military HPSP, and I can see myself in both the Navy and Army and am now in the process of setting up physicals with both branches. I've been told by others who have received this scholarship that they had no problems completing multiple applications without telling their recruiters and those who did, got pushed back and not responded to. Any advice? Don't want any future problems either way but I do want to apply to both to increase my chances of receiving this scholarship.
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In your situation, you will go to MEPs once with either the army or navy. The recruiter from the other branch will need to request to have your MEPs records released to them directly from the MEPs center, so technically only one recruiter needs to know about the other branch

EDIT: To everyone applying to multiple branches, just tell your recruiters that dental school is ridiculously expensive and that you’re applying to other branches so you have a back up plan if you don’t get the scholarship from their branch. Just remind them that their branch is your #1 choice.
 
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Can anyone verify whether the 4-year Air-Force HPSP grants the $20,000 bonus? I've been hearing they do grant it by some people, and that they don't grant it by others.
 
Invisibility said:
Can anyone verify whether the 4-year Air-Force HPSP grants the $20,000 bonus? I've been hearing they do grant it by some people, and that they don't grant it by others.
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My recruiter told me that the 4-year Air Force Dental HPSP does not grant a $20,000 bonus. Can anybody else confirm?
 
You said that there are about 10-15 spots for the 3 year program. What is the acceptance rate/how many applications do you get for the 3 year?
 
Can anyone shed light on what the interview process is like for the army HPSP? And when it is held?
 
My Army recruiter also said there is no interview.
 
I have a question about the training you have to do during summer breaks. Does this start the summer before you begin dental school, or not until the summer after your first year?
 
legacybush said:
Need some advice on this for those with experience please. I'm applying to all 3 divisions (navy, army, and air force) but was wondering how I should go about the MEPS process. Should I complete it for one division then have the results sent in for the other 2 or is it better to keep the fact that I'm applying to all 3 hidden from my recruiters and instead complete it 3 times?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
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You will complete MEPS only one time. Applying for all 3 branches is a great idea, as you want to give yourself the best chance possible of receiving a scholarship. Basically, one of the recruiters will set up a date for you to go to MEPS. You will complete MEPS and then your file can be given to the other two branches. Some recruiters might not be super thrilled that you’re applying with the other branches because they want you to stick just with them. But the good recruiters actively will encourage you to apply to the other branches because they will want what’s best for you. You won’t be able to keep it hidden from the other branches because once your MEPS file is complete, the other branches will have to get a copy and will know you already did it with someone else anyways. I wouldn’t worry about it too much.
 
I'm seriously thinking about applying for the HPSP scholarship. Do my letters of recommendation need to be different than the letters used for my AADSAS application? Or is it okay to use the same letters?
 
off2axa said:
I'm seriously thinking about applying for the HPSP scholarship. Do my letters of recommendation need to be different than the letters used for my AADSAS application? Or is it okay to use the same letters?
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My recruiters for both Navy and Army told me I can use letters that were submitted for AADSAS. Depending on the branch, expect to submit 4-7 letters from anyone who can speak highly of you ( professors, employers, dentists ). Also see if you can get someone in the military, typically someone of high rank, to write a recommendation for you because I heard that looks good for applications but if you can't, it wouldn't be a deal breaker. Just make sure your personal statement includes why you want to serve in the military.
 
liverpool2019 said:
My recruiters for both Navy and Army told me I can use letters that were submitted for AADSAS. Depending on the branch, expect to submit 4-7 letters from anyone who can speak highly of you ( professors, employers, dentists ). Also see if you can get someone in the military, typically someone of high rank, to write a recommendation for you because I heard that looks good for applications but if you can't, it wouldn't be a deal breaker. Just make sure your personal statement includes why you want to serve in the military.
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I know people generally don't like to see relatives write a letter of recommendation, but my brother is in the Air Force. Would it look bad/weird if I had him write me one in addition to my others, or should I just save that to mention in my personal statement? Thanks in advance!
 
taurusdentist said:
I know people generally don't like to see relatives write a letter of recommendation, but my brother is in the Air Force. Would it look bad/weird if I had him write me one in addition to my others, or should I just save that to mention in my personal statement? Thanks in advance!
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I'm really not sure about that, sorry! Once you get a recruiter working on your application, ask them. In my opinion, I would highly recommend not to have family member write a letter for you and I honestly feel like that would be best for your personal statement, to show you have family history with the military.
 
Hi! I was just wondering how service works after dental school. For example, would you work in a VA or would it be working with people that are in active duty? Where would you live? Can you get deployed easily? etc
 
joan224 said:
Hi! I was just wondering how service works after dental school. For example, would you work in a VA or would it be working with people that are in active duty? Where would you live? Can you get deployed easily? etc
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After dental school you would come on to active duty. You will be working in one of military facilities treating active duty sailors/soldiers and possibly their dependents.
You will live off base unless you are deployed on a ship with the navy or stationed overseas.
Deployment is always a possibility.
 
storres0524 said:
I am interested in applying for the HPSP, but I am not sure which branch just yet. I do have a couple of questions:

Realistically, how competitive is the Dental HPSP for all of the US military branches?
Also, what are the requirements in terms of GPA, DAT Scores, LoR's, etc?
Are you only allowed to apply for the HPSP from one military branch, or can you apply to more than one branch? (Essentially trying to extend my chances of being accepted.)
By the time you enroll into dental school, what is your military status if you do get accepted for the HPSP? Is it Active Duty or Other? (This is for my AADSAS Military Status, it asks "Indicate your anticipated United States Military status at the time you enroll:")

Thank you so much!
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Found this on Wikipedia detailing the HPSP scholarship program. "The selectees are placed on inactive reserve status during their medical training."
Hope that helps!
 
Whatever branch you attend MEPS through, that paperwork will have to exactly match along with waivers for the other branches. Try not being dishonest with the military, it’s neither a good foot to start off on or something they are looking for in officers, besides the obvious that if you are caught lying there will be repercussions.
 
Hi All,

Is it too late for me to apply for the 4 yr HPSP? I’m thinking army and possibly Air Force (sounds like I may be too late for Air Force). I’ve already started reaching out to recruiters, but I know this can be a lengthy process.

my stats: 4.0 cGPA and 23 AA.

Any and all help is greatly appreciated!!
 
dr.ddental said:
Hi All,

Is it too late for me to apply for the 4 yr HPSP? I’m thinking army and possibly Air Force (sounds like I may be too late for Air Force). I’ve already started reaching out to recruiters, but I know this can be a lengthy process.

my stats: 4.0 cGPA and 23 AA.

Any and all help is greatly appreciated!!
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Are you already in dental school? If so, then you're only eligible for the 3-year scholarships. If you're applying to start summer/fall of 2020 then you're still pretty early and can apply for both the army and air force 4-year scholarships...as well as the navy 4-year.
 
legacybush said:
Are you already in dental school? If so, then you're only eligible for the 3-year scholarships. If you're applying to start summer/fall of 2020 then you're still pretty early and can apply for both the army and air force 4-year scholarships...as well as the navy 4-year.
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Oh that’s great to hear, yeah I’ll matriculate in 2020. Thanks for the help!
 
Alright, I’ve got another question.

My sophomore year of high school I had some slight chest pains that my parents had me come in for. They did a full cardiac work up and found no issues. After that they pretty much attributed it to asthma and gave me an inhaler, even though I’ve never had an asthma attack. I no longer have these pains, honestly since that year, and I don’t use an inhaler.

Also when this was happening it was never made worse with exercise.

Im thinking about air force and army. I know that asthma can be a huge red flag and possibly disqualifying. Let me know what you think. This is something the more I think about the more I really want to pursue. I haven’t even thought about “asthma” for 5 years.
 
dr.ddental said:
Alright, I’ve got another question.

My sophomore year of high school I had some slight chest pains that my parents had me come in for. They did a full cardiac work up and found no issues. After that they pretty much attributed it to asthma and gave me an inhaler, even though I’ve never had an asthma attack. I no longer have these pains, honestly since that year, and I don’t use an inhaler.

Also when this was happening it was never made worse with exercise.

Im thinking about air force and army. I know that asthma can be a huge red flag and possibly disqualifying. Let me know what you think. This is something the more I think about the more I really want to pursue. I haven’t even thought about “asthma” for 5 years.
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If you put it on the medical history questionnaire, you're going to have to send them your entire medical history as well as obtain a medical waiver potentially. If you say nothing then they will ask for nothing. If you get caught lying in the future (while on active duty) then you could be dismissed.
 
legacybush said:
If you put it on the medical history questionnaire, you're going to have to send them your entire medical history as well as obtain a medical waiver potentially. If you say nothing then they will ask for nothing. If you get caught lying in the future (while on active duty) then you could be dismissed.
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I see, I see. Is there a chance it could come up during this screening process or really be known about later? I guess I’m just confused about how in depth the screen is. I would hate to be counted out for something that doesn’t effect me.
 
dr.ddental said:
I see, I see. Is there a chance it could come up during this screening process or really be known about later? I guess I’m just confused about how in depth the screen is. I would hate to be counted out for something that doesn’t effect me.
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It won’t come up. They mostly test for drugs and STDs, etc. Maybe some other people could chime in if they’ve been in a similar situation.
 
Hi guys. A heads up, some recruiters straight up lie, many stretch the truth or withhold information, and all of them have motivations/goals/targets that have nothing to do with getting you want YOU want. Always ask for source publications or do your own research. 99.9% of your answers are out there somewhere in some publicly accessible pdf. For example, for the Navy, I would begin my hunting here:


Been in then Navy 10 years with many friends who have done recruiting tours.
 
taurusdentist said:
I know people generally don't like to see relatives write a letter of recommendation, but my brother is in the Air Force. Would it look bad/weird if I had him write me one in addition to my others, or should I just save that to mention in my personal statement? Thanks in advance!
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I have sat on Navy Officer boards (nothing HPSP related). Do not have your brother write a recommendation. If I was on the committee I would laugh and toss it aside. Definitely mention a history of family service in an essay though. That stands out.
 
dr.ddental said:
Alright, I’ve got another question.

My sophomore year of high school I had some slight chest pains that my parents had me come in for. They did a full cardiac work up and found no issues. After that they pretty much attributed it to asthma and gave me an inhaler, even though I’ve never had an asthma attack. I no longer have these pains, honestly since that year, and I don’t use an inhaler.

Also when this was happening it was never made worse with exercise.

Im thinking about air force and army. I know that asthma can be a huge red flag and possibly disqualifying. Let me know what you think. This is something the more I think about the more I really want to pursue. I haven’t even thought about “asthma” for 5 years.
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1. Do not disclose anything you do not wished to be asked about.
2. Do not outright lie or compromise your integrity.
3. Do not shoot yourself in the foot.
4. Navigate the gray area to the best of your ability.
 
NADDUCK said:
I have sat on Navy Officer boards (nothing HPSP related). Do not have your brother write a recommendation. If I was on the committee I would laugh and toss it aside. Definitely mention a history of family service in an essay though. That stands out.
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That's what I assumed but since there is no interview, I wasn't sure if they wanted to see something aside from mention of family service in an essay. Thanks!!
 
Aggieland2020 said:
My recruiter told me that the 4-year Air Force Dental HPSP does not grant a $20,000 bonus. Can anybody else confirm?
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I can also confirm. Talked to someone this morning who was is in contact with the head of the scholarship for AF and they said no 20,000 bonus this year due to competition.
 
Might be a stupid question but if ive already done MEPS for USAF do I have to do it again for the Navy if I’m applying for HPSP scholarships through both?
 
Can you apply for HPSP for the board meeting this December without a Bachelors? Just applied to dental school in July graduating May 2020. But Army recruiter said I would be in next years board because of that. Just want to make sure.
 
Could one of you pass along your USAF recruiters contact info to me. I've been trying to connect with mine for about a month now with no response. My recruiters for army and Navy are on top of things, but I can't get a response from USAF though.
 
Does anyone know if attending a dental school in New York state (which requires it's dentists to undergo a one year GPR in order to get licensed) would require someone to also do a GPR before going to the military? Like if I went to NYU, for example, would I then have to complete a GPR before being able to begin working as a dentist in the military?
 
The first time the board meets is November this year for the Army, correct? How long after the board will we be notified if accepted?
 
gojets64 said:
The first time the board meets is November this year for the Army, correct? How long after the board will we be notified if accepted?
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My recruiter told me the board meets in January. You are notified very shortly after, maybe a week or two.
 
Quick question for anyone that applied to multiple branches in the past, did you apply to all the branches using roughly the same motivation statement (taking out the name of one branch replacing with another and maybe talking about something specific to that branch)?
 
Does anyone know how many scholarships they have this year relative to other years?
 
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