Is joining the army, navy, or airforce going to pay off debt faster?

[ejcivicdee]

Since the services pay for most of your schooling, will you pay off you schooling faster by doing the service for a total of 5 years or work else where? Which one will get the school paid off faster plus make more money? Or are their some other type of programs out their like working for the state? Let me know your opinions please.

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[dddsmack]

I seriously considered this option up until the N korea deal. It is a great deal, tons of exp, you actually make money while paying loans back, etc. Except you could go to Iraq and leave your family for all 4+ years. Major Bummer

 

[Lidopaine82]

I seriously considered this option up until the N korea deal. It is a great deal, tons of exp, you actually make money while paying loans back, etc. Except you could go to Iraq and leave your family for all 4+ years. Major Bummer

with being a dentist, you'll hardly ever have to leave the base. so it's really not that bad.

ejcivicdee,
im not sure i understand what your saying. if you go the military route, you'll have almost nothing to pay back. plus youll be making some money all along.

 

[ejcivicdee]

with being a dentist, you'll hardly ever have to leave the base. so it's really not that bad.

ejcivicdee,
im not sure i understand what your saying. if you go the military route, you'll have almost nothing to pay back. plus youll be making some money all along.

i hear government or some health organizations help pay tuition each year you work for them.

 

[pine88]

Since the services pay for most of your schooling, will you pay off you schooling faster by doing the service for a total of 5 years or work else where?

If you join the military before dental school, they will pay for all of it and most likely give you a monthly stipend. You then owe them 1 (active, I think) year for every year of school. I think you might be inactive for a while afterwords as well. The recruiter I talked too said they don't do loan payback, so you can't go, join once you are out of school and expect them to pay back your loans. While you are in the military though you get paid a pretty good salary.
It's all or nothing though. You can't just get some money from them - you have to commit.

i hear government or some health organizations help pay tuition each year you work for them.

You can get money from gov public health (I don't know the specific name) as well, and you payback your time somewhere in need, for example an indian reservation

my friends father used public health to pay for med school, then switched to the coast guard. He likes the coast guard, but advised against pub. health. Said it was really hard to live in the places they sent him. Especially if you have a family.

 

[4thQtrDreams]

by my rough and probably inflated calculations, i feel i could live very poor for 2-3 years and pay off most if not all the loans i would have.. If i figure i make 130 a year. x 3 years= 390 - taxes=??

shouldn't i have at least 230.. and then just be thrifty, or down right cheap for 3 years and you should have it mostly paid.. if you go to a state school then the task becomes even easier.. Correct me if I'm wrong.
(keep in mind.. i don't think i would mind moving in with the folks for 3 years if it helps make this happen.. )

if this is somewhere near the truth, why would i commit to the military for 4 years and risk being sent half across the world?

 

[pine88]

why would i commit to the military for 4 years and risk being sent half across the world?

ooo, let me guess, let me guess...because...you think you'd look sexy with a buzz cut and uniform? Because those MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) are just so darn tasty? Because nothing says "I'm a dentist!" like incoming fire?

 

[IcySpice06]

Odds are the military won't send you to Iraq straight out of dental school. Sorry, guys. I mean, why? You'll be valuable. There are dentists in Iraq but mostly medics are doing the fieldwork. From what my recruiter has told me (yes - some recruiters can be dogs, but I trust mine), after school one can either choose an on-base residency position or start practicing at a location from your very own Top 10 List (or maybe it's Top 8). These assignments can be in the states or overseas. While not guarenteed, they'll for sure consider your preferences.

For me, military is a nice way to go because my family has a history of service, I might be able to pratice in Germany close to my family, and I won't have huge debt hanging over my head in dental school. Also, the military can promise you things that can't be guarenteed in the civilian sector. I mean, you must consider the following:

Some students may not get an associateship right out of school, some will not have the means to open a private practice, some may not even get a spot in one of those bureaucratic dental group chains.

Atleast, the military gives you a path for 4 years after dental school. You know you'll be getting paid. Heck, if I like it, I'll make a career of it, retire in 20 years, and use my military retirement to build my own dental practice from the ground up. Taking the scholarship is a lot easier than worrying about what the furture will hold...

 

[ejcivicdee]

Odds are the military won't send you to Iraq straight out of dental school. Sorry, guys. I mean, why? You'll be valuable. There are dentists in Iraq but mostly medics are doing the fieldwork. From what my recruiter has told me (yes - some recruiters can be dogs, but I trust mine), after school one can either choose an on-base residency position or start practicing at a location from your very own Top 10 List (or maybe it's Top 8). These assignments can be in the states or overseas. While not guarenteed, they'll for sure consider your preferences.

For me, military is a nice way to go because my family has a history of service, I might be able to pratice in Germany close to my family, and I won't have huge debt hanging over my head in dental school. Also, the military can promise you things that can't be guarenteed in the civilian sector. I mean, you must consider the following:

Some students may not get an associateship right out of school, some will not have the means to open a private practice, some may not even get a spot in one of those bureaucratic dental group chains.

Atleast, the military gives you a path for 4 years after dental school. You know you'll be getting paid. Heck, if I like it, I'll make a career of it, retire in 20 years, and use my military retirement to build my own dental practice from the ground up. Taking the scholarship is a lot easier than worrying about what the furture will hold...

after your 4-5 years of service are over, are you still committed to the service? I mean say you are done with your 4 years, wouldn't you be on their calling list still if they have to go to war?

 

[REDSOX08]

yeah i think you are in the reserves for a 4-5 years.

 

[4thQtrDreams]

Some students may not get an associateship right out of school, some will not have the means to open a private practice, some may not even get a spot in one of those bureaucratic dental group chains.

At least, the military gives you a path for 4 years after dental school. You know you'll be getting paid. Heck, if I like it, I'll make a career of it, retire in 20 years, and use my military retirement to build my own dental practice from the ground up. Taking the scholarship is a lot easier than worrying about what the future will hold...

Still this does not address the idea that if you live modestly for the first few years out of dental school, you can pay it off in the same amount of time or less.. I have not heard of anyone who graduates and can not find a job for more than a couple months...

Ive read recently (wish i remember where) that Dentist are exactly what they need in Iraq, and that most are sent there.. so i have a feeling that you're recruiter was not being truthful..

 

[IcySpice06]

after your 4-5 years of service are over, are you still committed to the service? I mean say you are done with your 4 years, wouldn't you be on their calling list still if they have to go to war?

Yes, you serve reserve duties for up to 4 years post your 4 year active duty commitment. But, that's like getting paid to do practically nothing. One can also continue active service through those 8 year, if one so chooses.

 

[IcySpice06]

Still this does not address the idea that if you live modestly for the first few years out of dental school, you can pay it off in the same amount of time or less.. I have not heard of anyone who graduates and can not find a job for more than a couple months...

I find comfort in knowing what I'll be doing. I was asking some D3's at my interviews what they plan on doing post-grad, and a lot of them still weren't sure. I'm not one for the "I'll figure it out when I get there" mentality. The $1315 (or something) stipend students get per month is also a huge relief. I don't want the burden of student loans to pay for things like my car or my food. I'll be taken care of and will actually have a bit of spending money. I'm used to living off $700/month as an undergrad, so I'll be living large

Ive read recently (wish i remember where) that Dentist are exactly what they need in Iraq, and that most are sent there.. so i have a feeling that you're recruiter was not being truthful..

I'd like to know where you heard that. Recruiters do have a tendency to feed people lies, but mine isn't one of them o pray). I'm joining the Air Force and they don't have combat troops in Iraq right now. Your assignment sorta also depends on which branch you choose. Honestly, I wouldn't go any other way but Air Force.

 

[REDSOX08]

by far the Air Force is the best branch to join, smart move

 

[DAS]

do you guys know exactly how much they pay you when you become a dentist, on active duty? some one said on a different thread right out of school it is like $75K, but then it will go up after your first year. how much do you think it will go up after the first year? I wanna know if there is anyone who knows the exact numbers.

 

[IcySpice06]

Still this does not address the idea that if you live modestly for the first few years out of dental school, you can pay it off in the same amount of time or less.. I have not heard of anyone who graduates and can not find a job for more than a couple months...

Let me address this one more time. Okay, so if you get an associateship paying $125,000/year out of the gate, Great! You were probably a kick-a$$ dental student with great grades, abilities and board scores. You'll probably have no issue paying your loans off while living it up.

To the rest of dental graduates who were passed over for associateships - good luck. By joining the military, I've secured 4 years of my future and haven't put all my eggs in one basket... one basket that is easily turned over when competing with other highly qualified dental grads.

I don't think the issue is so much paying your loans off fast, because who cares. I'll bet most dentists are on the 30 year payback plan. I think the issue is having a sure-thing coming out.

 

[issa]

do you guys know exactly how much they pay you when you become a dentist, on active duty? some one said on a different thread right out of school it is like $75K, but then it will go up after your first year. how much do you think it will go up after the first year? I wanna know if there is anyone who knows the exact numbers.

i remember reading a report about this last year and they pay b/w $40,000 and 50,000 a year. they pay the specialists 10,000$ more per year.

 

[IcySpice06]

do you guys know exactly how much they pay you when you become a dentist, on active duty? some one said on a different thread right out of school it is like $75K, but then it will go up after your first year. how much do you think it will go up after the first year? I wanna know if there is anyone who knows the exact numbers.

Try googling it, that information is made public. "Armed Service Pay" or something. In the Air Force, for the first year you're paid as an O1 (2nd Lieutenant) and then bumped to an O3 (Captain). Salary increases and making rank is also very easy in the medical field. Most dentists retire as Colonels.

 

[Lemming]

I don't think the issue is so much paying your loans off fast, because who cares. I'll bet most dentists are on the 30 year payback plan. I think the issue is have is having a sure-thing coming out.

You don't want to pay off your loans fast. It is not economically feasible. I just read an article in dental economics that reinforces this. Paying back a loan quickly is almost on the lines of buying a $75K car. You are not getting anything for what you are putting in. If you consolidate pay the minimum, and invest the money you save by not paying off huge chunks, it is not that hard to exceed the low interest rates of educational loans with even conservative estimates. What it takes is discipline and foresight...and the first person you should employ after you get a job, a fincancial advisor. Educational debt is a big deal, but you have to look at the big picture and plan ahead (ie. don't freak out ). Also, use the schools financial advisors while you are there. Noboby does this, and it is economic suicide unless you are a business major.

Oh yeah, I used your post b/c i'm agreeing with you Icy...but I could never go the military route, I get all defensive when I get ordered around

 

[IcySpice06]

Oh yeah, I used your post b/c i'm agreeing with you Icy...but I could never go the military route, I get all defensive when I get ordered around

But, just imagine ... you'll be the one doing the ordering

 

[REDSOX08]

if its true that you only make 40k-50k a year then it does not make sense to join. cuz if you just find a normal job making what an average general dentist makes (130K?) then you can just pay back the same amount the military is giving you and still be making the same amount (40-50K) and not have to worry about bullets and bombs exploding near your dome.
does this make sense? or am i crazy?

 

[jmick101]

Let me jump in here. All Army commitments are for 8 years, that is the fine print. Of that 8 years a certain part of it will be active (ie full time) and the other portion will be inactive reserve (you are simply on the rolls, if they need you they will call you). Most active duty obligations are year for year. If the Army pays for 4 years, then you owe them 4 years of active duty and 4 years of inactive reserve.

As for going to Iraq, well, yes you might go. Most tours are for a year like everyone elses (if you go Army). You may be in a combat zone, but you will not be kicking in any doors. As it stands now, no dentists have been killed in action.

Dentists in the army start out as a captain, that is an O-3 paygrade. You can find the payscale anywhere on the internet, but I think it is about 4 thousand dollars a month. If you live outside of the Army post then you get paid a housing allowance based on the cost of living in that area. Then you get board certification pay as well.

What you dont pay should factor in as well. No overhead. No malpractice, health, or life insurance to pay. And, significantly, no student loans to pay back. Add it together and you still wont make the 120K that the ADA says rookie dentists make, but you will be in the ballpark.

One more thing. Two days ago the President authorized a military spending bill that DOUBLED the monthly stipend. Thats right. In addition to paying full tuition, fees, books, rentals and such, the Army will give about 2600 dollars a month in stipend.

 

[Lemming]

But, just imagine ... you'll be the one doing the ordering

Yes, that is one reason why I want to be a dentist, b/c I want to be in charge. Somehow, for me personally, the military takes a bit of that away. And again, very personal viewpoint, as I have family that are perfectly happy there. I think it is a great route if it fits you!

 

[IcySpice06]

What you dont pay should factor in as well. No overhead. No malpractice, health, or life insurance to pay. And, significantly, no student loans to pay back. Add it together and you still wont make the 120K that the ADA says rookie dentists make, but you will be in the ballpark.

One more thing. Two days ago the President authorized a military spending bill that DOUBLED the monthly stipend. Thats right. In addition to paying full tuition, fees, books, rentals and such, the Army will give about 2600 dollars a month in stipend.

Good Point. And, ooooh, hadn't heard that. Are you planning on going military jmick?

 

[jmick101]

Good Point. And, ooooh, hadn't heard that. Are you planning on going military jmick?

Yeah, I was in the Army already for a couple years. I got out to do ROTC, so I owe them time for my undergrad. So what the heck, why not have them pay for dental school as well. I will owe 8 years total. That is a long time, but I know that military life isnt like how most people think it is. Seriously, not everyone walks around with a buzz cut yelling at anyone of lower rank.

It is an institution with people in it, and you dont keep quality people by treating them like crap. Most of the people that I worked with in the military, especially officers, were fantastic, dynamic people that you would love to work with. So, eight years wont really be that bad, I may just decide to go twenty.

 

[dddsmack]

with being a dentist, you'll hardly ever have to leave the base. so it's really not that bad.

ejcivicdee,
im not sure i understand what your saying. if you go the military route, you'll have almost nothing to pay back. plus youll be making some money all along.

Except when the base is in friggin Iraq. Hello. Or you could get deployed for 4 years to some other middle of nowhere base. Death isn't the scary part, no dentist has ever died in the military, but they spend a crap load of time away and then are reserves afterward. Not for me.

 

[pine88]

I was talking mainly to army recruiters, but also navy and airforce. The first 4 or so said dentists weren't used in the front lines, the closest you would go is Germany. The last 2 guys however (I think they were army) said of course dentists get sent to the middle east. They were bragging about how equipt the medical/dental tents are in Iraq. Said lots of dentists did a tour there

I have a friend that finished a year in Iraq, was back for 1 year, then got sent again for another year (officer/non-medical). It sounded pretty bad over there - I can't imagine having to go 2 out of 3 years.

And that's another thing - you get to give orders to people under you, but there is still a whole chain of command over you, and what they say goes. Even though my friends in the military are officers (hawaii is the most militarized state...they "own"/occupy up to a third of my island), they still told me that I really should think about the fact that you are giving up personal freedoms when you enter. If they tell you to go somewhere - you go.

They also said take someone who is in the military with you when you talk to a recruiter, because while they may not lie, they leave things out and stretch the truth. And what I heard from different recruiters was definitely inconsistant. So be careful Icy, lies wouldn't work if people knew they were being mislead.

That being said, I do think the military is a good option for certain people. I'm still considering it. Sure would be nice to not have debt and to have a job once I'm out.

 

[tissy]

Being sent across the world living in Italy for a year and then Germany...Geewhiz, that sounds harsh!! Been there and done it....and would do it all over again..and will!!..

ooo, let me guess, let me guess...because...you think you'd look sexy with a buzz cut and uniform? Because those MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) are just so darn tasty? Because nothing says "I'm a dentist!" like incoming fire?

 

[tissy]

In the Air Force, they have good looking males/females...no offense to other branches but that's the truth..LOL

Yeah, I was in the Army already for a couple years. I got out to do ROTC, so I owe them time for my undergrad. So what the heck, why not have them pay for dental school as well. I will owe 8 years total. That is a long time, but I know that military life isnt like how most people think it is. Seriously, not everyone walks around with a buzz cut yelling at anyone of lower rank.

It is an institution with people in it, and you dont keep quality people by treating them like crap. Most of the people that I worked with in the military, especially officers, were fantastic, dynamic people that you would love to work with. So, eight years wont really be that bad, I may just decide to go twenty.

 

[tissy]

I would really recommend Air Force or Navy!! I was an assistant as a few of us have been in the military...the facilities are nicer and you have more money to spend on things you need.

I was talking mainly to army recruiters, but also navy and airforce. The first 4 or so said dentists weren't used in the front lines, the closest you would go is Germany. The last 2 guys however (I think they were army) said of course dentists get sent to the middle east. They were bragging about how equipt the medical/dental tents are in Iraq. Said lots of dentists did a tour there

I have a friend that finished a year in Iraq, was back for 1 year, then got sent again for another year (officer/non-medical). It sounded pretty bad over there - I can't imagine having to go 2 out of 3 years.

And that's another thing - you get to give orders to people under you, but there is still a whole chain of command over you, and what they say goes. Even though my friends in the military are officers (hawaii is the most militarized state...they "own"/occupy up to a third of my island), they still told me that I really should think about the fact that you are giving up personal freedoms when you enter. If they tell you to go somewhere - you go.

They also said take someone who is in the military with you when you talk to a recruiter, because while they may not lie, they leave things out and stretch the truth. And what I heard from different recruiters was definitely inconsistant. So be careful Icy, lies wouldn't work if people knew they were being mislead.

That being said, I do think the military is a good option for certain people. I'm still considering it. Sure would be nice to not have debt and to have a job once I'm out.

 

[IcySpice06]

Being sent across the world living in Italy for a year and then Germany...Geewhiz, that sounds harsh!! Been there and done it....and would do it all over again..and will!!..

That's what I'm saying!! Getting to work over in Europe and not having to deal with socialized medicine, couldn't get any better! Air Force also has a small base in Austrailia, if you're lucky enough to get assigned there

Tissy, are you applying for HPSP? If so, which branch and when are you planning on starting COT?

 

[ejcivicdee]

joining sounds tempting, but I think working for the government or some organizations that help pay tuition sounds better. In these clinics I think you get to work more with different oral diseases since these areas are targeted for the underserved.

 

[pearlywhite]

I would really recommend Air Force or Navy!! I was an assistant as a few of us have been in the military...the facilities are nicer and you have more money to spend on things you need.

If anybody knows more about the Navy- I'd love to hear about it. From what I have gathered, here is my opinion: In the armed forces (navy)....you don't have to worry about finding patients, you don't have to worry about your support staff, you dont have to deal with patients' insurance, you get good practice as you work yourself up to a speed and quality of dentistry where you can handle the overhead and they pay off your loans. All you have to do is be a good dentist. I know its not all perks and yes there is a potential that you could be stationed somewhere that you don't want but I do see the benefit from being a dentist in this respect.
Also, does anybody know if you can retrospectively join the Navy after dental school and practice as a navy dentist without doing the scholorship? Will they still help with loan repayment then?

 

[IcySpice06]

If anybody knows more about the Navy- I'd love to hear about it. From what I have gathered, here is my opinion: In the armed forces (navy)....you don't have to worry about finding patients, you don't have to worry about your support staff, you dont have to deal with patients' insurance, you get good practice as you work yourself up to a speed and quality of dentistry where you can handle the overhead and they pay off your loans. All you have to do is be a good dentist. I know its not all perks and yes there is a potential that you could be stationed somewhere that you don't want but I do see the benefit from being a dentist in this respect.
Also, does anybody know if you can retrospectively join the Navy after dental school and practice as a navy dentist without doing the scholorship? Will they still help with loan repayment then?

Yes, in the armed services all you do is be a dentist. You don't have to be a businessman, or an insurance collector, or a manager, or a housekeeper... just a dentist. Of course you can join the military post graduation. A lot of people do this - especially if board exams aren't so hot and their worried about finding job placement (or so my recruiter says). He says he's far more popular with the D4's than the D0's. If you're planning on doing it anyway, why not get the scholarship? And, I doubt they pay your loans post-grad. But if you are in your second or third year you can pick a scholarship for the rest of your tuition, books, fees, lab equipment, etc., etc...

 

[pearlywhite]

Yes, in the armed services all you do is be a dentist. You don't have to be a businessman, or an insurance collector, or a manager, or a housekeeper... just a dentist. Of course you can join the military post graduation. A lot of people do this - especially if board exams aren't so hot and their worried about finding job placement (or so my recruiter says). He says he's far more popular with the D4's than the D0's. If you're planning on doing it anyway, why not get the scholarship? And, I doubt they pay your loans post-grad. But if you are in your second or third year you can pick a scholarship for the rest of your tuition, books, fees, lab equipment, etc., etc...

Really? you can join for a scholorship as a D1 or D2? I don't feel like I'm at a point right now where I can commit but maybe once I get into dental school...thanks for the info

 

[shamrock2006]

I'm planning on going into the Air Force. My uncle is a flight surgeon for the USAF and has been for almost 20 years...has done 2 tours in iraq building hospitals and showing the iraqi people how to maintain/administer healthcare. Its really a great program and does offer a lot of perks..like the experience, travel, tuition payment etc. But you just have to be willing to be uprooted at a moments notice..it can happen quite often especially in your earlier years...I dont know if i'll ever leave but if i decide to i know that i'll stay in the reserves to put in my 20 yrs service and get the pension..not a bad deal. Of course I have to get into dental school first and with my stats i'm not so sure

 

[4thQtrDreams]

What you dont pay should factor in as well. No overhead. No malpractice, health, or life insurance to pay. And, significantly, no student loans to pay back. Add it together and you still wont make the 120K that the ADA says rookie dentists make, but you will be in the ballpark.

Again... if the above is true, why do so many people consider it??
I often think its because they know they do not have the discipline to live modestly and just pay the bills off them selves in the same amount of time or less, without the risk of being sent to a combat zone...

I really want someone to convince me it is a good idea.. because i am considering it, just haven't heard a convincing argument, especially since one of the main reasons i am going to dental school is so that I can be my own boss..

I have heard of the significant pay increase for Military Doctors ,Dentists & specialists.. and once that gets finalized it may make the choice a easier one.. and i guess the pensions is something to think about if one is considering 20 years.. About how much would the pension be for a dentist retiring today?

 

[IcySpice06]

I don't know if it's really anyone's business to convince you. If you can't find reason to do it, then don't. You'd end up probably hating yourself in the end if you did. Service is for some people but isn't for everyone. If you still want to consider it though, try talking to a military dentist. I'm sure they'd be happy to discuss their decision with you.

Anyway, you're still like your own boss. Lieutenant Colonel Joe Smith with a master's degree in military science with no knowledge of dentistry isn't going to step in and tell you how to do your job. "Fill that cavity, soldier!!" You'll probably be one of the only dentists on base and if not the others will act like your colleagues like civilians do.

 

[pine88]

Will they still help with loan repayment then?

According to the recruiters I've talked to, they do not do loan repayment

 

[jmick101]

Again... if the above is true, why do so many people consider it??
I often think its because they know they do not have the discipline to live modestly and just pay the bills off them selves in the same amount of time or less, without the risk of being sent to a combat zone...

Well, I dont mean to be harsh or anything here, but when it comes down to it, I dont exactly think its fair to acuse someone in the military, or choosing the military, of lacking discipline.
I think that a lot of people tip their hand when they say that they want to be their own boss and that is why they cannot be in the military. At some level we all have to do what we are told. I would rather be under the command of a seasoned commissioned officer than the superficial and fickle trends of cosmetic dentistry or greedy insurance companies.

 

[LNinlove]

My wife and I have been talking about it...I spoke with my dentist about it and he said that it would be a VERY good idea! He joined the army after d-school and served 4 years. The things that stick out in my mind that he said are that you have a job when you graduate, you don't have any overhead, and you get some great experience. He and another dentist own their practice with 6 other dentists "under" them. The other dentist did the air force HPSP. I have yet to really talk to him about it, as they are at different locations, but I know it was a positive thing for him.

Another thing for me is the service. I would love to give back to this country. I have to admit that the men and women on the front lines are giving back a lot more than I would be giving. I think it would be an honor to help those folks in any way I could.

The monthly stipend would take a lot of stress off of my wife and I during school. The benefits are excellent, I don't think you can beat them anywhere else for the price...free.

Finally, if I really enjoy it, it would be awesome to stay in for 20 and get the pension...I live in a big military town. I see some of these guys driving around in some really nice cars and living in some really nice houses...think about it...the pension on top of $120k a year...that would pay for my kids college quite nicely!

Have a good weekend all!

 

[4thQtrDreams]

Well, I dont mean to be harsh or anything here, but when it comes down to it, I dont exactly think its fair to acuse someone in the military, or choosing the military, of lacking discipline.
I think that a lot of people tip their hand when they say that they want to be their own boss and that is why they cannot be in the military. At some level we all have to do what we are told. I would rather be under the command of a seasoned commissioned officer than the superficial and fickle trends of cosmetic dentistry or greedy insurance companies.

I should apologize.... I honestly did not mean to be as harsh or disrespectful as I sounded.
I should probably say that some of us fear joining the military due to our own problems with discipline.. I sincerely apologize if i offended anyone..

I am very interested in the topic because, as many of you have stated, it seems i have to be decided prior to actually starting dental school.. I really appreciate the info those of you who have an enrolled have provided...

 

[tissy]

I'm applying to both Air Force and Navy b/c they are both competitive. Crossing my fingers for air force to get all my 4 years paid.

That's what I'm saying!! Getting to work over in Europe and not having to deal with socialized medicine, couldn't get any better! Air Force also has a small base in Austrailia, if you're lucky enough to get assigned there

Tissy, are you applying for HPSP? If so, which branch and when are you planning on starting COT?

 

[tissy]

PM me if you want and we can chat about it...

If anybody knows more about the Navy- I'd love to hear about it. From what I have gathered, here is my opinion: In the armed forces (navy)....you don't have to worry about finding patients, you don't have to worry about your support staff, you dont have to deal with patients' insurance, you get good practice as you work yourself up to a speed and quality of dentistry where you can handle the overhead and they pay off your loans. All you have to do is be a good dentist. I know its not all perks and yes there is a potential that you could be stationed somewhere that you don't want but I do see the benefit from being a dentist in this respect.
Also, does anybody know if you can retrospectively join the Navy after dental school and practice as a navy dentist without doing the scholorship? Will they still help with loan repayment then?

 

[4thQtrDreams]

Do they pay your tuition regardless of what it is?? are there limits to tuition repayment and how about living expenses during schools?
if they do pay the tuition in full then it would make lots of sense to sign up if I end up at a very expensive private school (NYU, BU, UPENN)

 

[jmick101]

Yep, they do pay all your tuition regardless of what school. Sweet deal. As far as living expenses, that is what the stipend is for.

 

[apaul]

a drawback of the military that I've heard is that you arent pushed to build up your speed, so you develop slower habits, which once you break into the civilian side is hard to break

 

[jmick101]

I don't think that is true. Troops HAVE to be up to date on their dental or they cannot be deployed. According to what I have heard, you have a steady stream of patients and are very busy.

 

[IcySpice06]

I have heard that dentists in the military are given more time to complete procedures than dentists working for chain dental groups. Also, if the military dentist needs more time - they get it ... procedures are not scheduled to meet quotas.

 

[trickybenny]

I can only speak for the Airforce and I am strongly considering it.
Lemmings commented:
You don't want to pay off your loans fast. It is not economically feasible. I just read an article in dental economics that reinforces this. Paying back a loan quickly is almost on the lines of buying a $75K car. You are not getting anything for what you are putting in.

Yes, this is true if you are out in the civillian world. However, if you absorb 200K in dental school debt, with an aggressive debt repayment plan you would still be looking at monthly loan payment of 2,000 or 2,500 per month for 15-20 years. Paying back federal loans fast w/ low interest rates is not economically feasible, but higher interest private loans in general should be paid off soon. Also, few people can argue that no debt is better than some debt.

Here is the thought process for me, the weight in my mind of having 200K debt and knowing I will not be out of debt for a long time would cause me more stress. I hate stress and try to avoid it when possible. Also, your training after dental school could be argued as more valuable or at least as valuable as your education, b/c that is where you become "good" at what you do. Speaking w/ a Navy dentist in my city. He guessed that he probably charged around 30K more a year just in procedures he'd learned in the military doing oral surgery. Also, w/ the general dentistry residency in the A/F you make 30K more/ year, so you would make around 100K in military + perks ( insurance and housing). And you would be serving your country. My only holdback is my serious g/f who has some concerns w/ the military in general. A long winded response, but wanted to share my thoughts on this