Joining the military dental corps at 48 y.o., am I insane?

[dillyding]

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I've started dental school later in my life and I will be in 48y.o. by the time I graduate. I know it sounds crazy but I'd like to join the military dental corps to pay back my loans and hopefully complete residency. For those of you who's served or serving as a military dentist, have you seen older people like me? Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Saddleshoes]

Your age is a problem!
It takes a waiver to join the military after age 35.
At the moment the military is dialing down on dentists. I am guessing a waiver for a 48 year old dentist is going to be very unlikely these days.
Sorry,

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

I’m afraid saddleshoes is right. Your best bet is to try to get a NHSC scholarship. Best of luck.

National Health Service Corps | NHSC

nhsc.hrsa.gov

Big Hoss

 

[dillyding]

Thank you all for the kind advice

 

[apicalforamen]

I have a colleague who is 37 and on HPSP (Army) and was accepted into OMFS this year.

I understand 48 is a decade older, but nonetheless - the worst they can say is no.

 

[distressstudent]

U.S. Air Force

Welcome to the United States Air Force. Learn about great opportunities for enlisted airmen, officers and health care professionals.

www.airforce.com

need to talk to a recruiter to get specifics. The oldest person I met at COT was a prior E who was maybe 35

but all branches are struggling to get rid of dentists. slots are decreasing, direct accession is a thing of the past, and retention bonuses are being stripped. if this is your dream go for it, but it'd help to diversify a little imo

 

[Batmansvoice]

U.S. Air Force

Welcome to the United States Air Force. Learn about great opportunities for enlisted airmen, officers and health care professionals.

www.airforce.com

need to talk to a recruiter to get specifics. The oldest person I met at COT was a prior E who was maybe 35

but all branches are struggling to get rid of dentists. slots are decreasing, direct accession is a thing of the past, and retention bonuses are being stripped. if this is your dream go for it, but it'd help to diversify a little imo

Do you feel this is cyclical or a permanent thing? My understanding is the Air Force Reserve and Navy Reserve are not taking any direct commissions right now.

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

Do you feel this is cyclical or a permanent thing? My understanding is the Air Force Reserve and Navy Reserve are not taking any direct commissions right now.

Permanent. Meet the DHA.

Defense Health Agency - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

Big Hoss

 

[nealofgrafton]

come to the army national guard. 6 years of loan repayment at 40K/ year (taxable) paid at the end of the year of service starting after your basic officer course

 

[Blackca3]

Look into the Army Reserves. As of Oct. 2019, General Dentist were still critical needs.

 

[Batmansvoice]

Thanks for the replies. Why are the Army Reserve and National Guard still processing applications for direct commissions? Are they more immune to these military dentistry cuts?

 

[Henna]

I've started dental school later in my life and I will be in 48y.o. by the time I graduate. I know it sounds crazy but I'd like to join the military dental corps to pay back my loans and hopefully complete residency. For those of you who's served or serving as a military dentist, have you seen older people like me? Any advice would be appreciated.

I am in the process of applying to the Army and I am 47yrs old. I don't need a loan repayment. I am considering this as a option at this point in my life. Not sure if its a good idea. But going through the process. I graduated 16 yrs ago. Am I insane?

 

[MINavyReserve]

Not insane at all. The Reserves might be just the ticket. There are waivers for everything. If you dont ask, you will never know. I am a new Navy Reserve Officer recruiter covering MI and IN, if I can be of service please reach out.

 

[havefunsometimes2]

While I was in BOLC, there were a few people in the short course who were dentists, on the older side, and in the reserves. There was even one individual who was about the age of 60 who got a waiver and trained with us.