Is it worth it to do the HPSP?

[thompsonae12]

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I got accepted to dental school and am considering the HPSP to pay for it. I was wondering from those who have done it if doing the program is worth not having the debt/loans. I was thinking it would be if you went into general dentistry but not if you specialized (It would be 4 years longer before you could own a practice, you might make up the difference in money if you can make more money specializing.) Thanks.

 

[Roto Picante]

You will get both answers depending on who you talk to. The military isn't for everyone but it can be very rewarding for some. There are good reasons to go both routes. You just have to find out which is best for you. There is a thread in the military forum where they argue this point. As a side note, if you haven't already started the application process to get the 4 years scholarship, you are extremely late in the game to start now. It is a very drawn out process depending on a lot of different factors including lazy recruiters, military physical, letters of rec, etc. You still have plenty of time to apply for the 3 yr scholarship tho.

 

[yappy]

Can UoP students get this three year for their entire three year education? The reason I ask is because it is expensive and the curriculum is set up for the traditional four years of education to be put into three years instead. I can see how the military would make UoP students to pay back four years despite only going to school for three years.

Have you heard either way?

You will get both answers depending on who you talk to. The military isn't for everyone but it can be very rewarding for some. There are good reasons to go both routes. You just have to find out which is best for you. There is a thread in the military forum where they argue this point. As a side note, if you haven't already started the application process to get the 4 years scholarship, you are extremely late in the game to start now. It is a very drawn out process depending on a lot of different factors including lazy recruiters, military physical, letters of rec, etc. You still have plenty of time to apply for the 3 yr scholarship tho.

 

[Roto Picante]

That is also discussed often on the Military forum. I know I read about it but I can't seem to remember what the consensus was.

 

[2th Doc]

That is also discussed often on the Military forum. I know I read about it but I can't seem to remember what the consensus
was.

I can't comment for 100% certainty, but one of the more concrete things I read was that UoP has 4 billing periods, and the Army makes you pay back 4 years.

Just another reading between the lines... whenever I've asked or seen other predents in our club ask recruiters (a couple times now) about UoP and HPSP, not one has suggested or seemed confident that it would be a 3-year payback. Rather, they beat around the bush and tell you "it's complicated." I take that to mean it'll more likely than not end up being a 4-year payback. I'm sure this question has been asked and addressed hundreds of times, and if by now they can't say a straight yes or no, I'd bet no.

As far as is it worth it? I think that depends on you as a person, and what you value/expect from life. But, if you look at the threads around the forum discussing financial issues, I think it is very wise to consider the HPSP at the very least. Me personally, the financial incentive is a large factor. When I'm in large amounts of debt and the purse strings are tight, I'm not a very happy person... just to summarize. Although I haven't had the childhood dream of being in the Army, I do like the idea of being able to serve my country, at least for four years. I almost feel like it's my duty to give back at least a little bit to help support our freedoms. Couple this with the financial advantage and it's hard to say no for me. I'm sure there will be some disadvantages, but I believe the advantages will far outweigh them.

 

[browncrack]

Mostly, I would say check the military dentistry forum. However, if a four year obligation with someone telling you how to do something and where to do isn't your thing then your will probably want to think twice before doing HPSP. If you want to give the military an honest try with an open mind and don't mind four years of something different then fill out the application. Not everyone that applies will get accepted. HPSP seems like a bad idea if you are doing something with a long residency if you don't want commit for an extended hitch. Financially, I don't think it matters either way if you do HPSP and then specialize. The lack of loan payments overwhelms earning differentials.

 

[thompsonae12]

I just wanted to ask this question specifically because I've scanned over the military forums and find it difficult to read about 30 pages of information that doesn't all pertain to this.

 

[yappy]

Something to think about if you're doing a specialty is that the military pays their residents a much higher rate than civilian residencies. This coupled with the fact that you have no student loans (and therefore no interest building) and were paid a stipend of ~2k since day 1 of DS; I would venture that HPSP students will come out ahead financially.

The degree that one would be ahead depends on the size of DS loans.

Mostly, I would say check the military dentistry forum. However, if a four year obligation with someone telling you how to do something and where to do isn't your thing then your will probably want to think twice before doing HPSP. If you want to give the military an honest try with an open mind and don't mind four years of something different then fill out the application. Not everyone that applies will get accepted. HPSP seems like a bad idea if you are doing something with a long residency if you don't want commit for an extended hitch. Financially, I don't think it matters either way if you do HPSP and then specialize. The lack of loan payments overwhelms earning differentials.