Throwing my .02. I actually talked about the 6-year program with personnel of Navy and it seems it all depends on if you are accepted into a 6-year civilian program as Navy no longer offers it. If this occurs, you will most likely be allowed to attend the residency. The following are the email exchanges with Bo Carson OMFS specialty leader.
Hi Mr. Horn,
I hope you are having a good day. I am going to be an first year dental student starting this fall in USC. Beyond dental school, I am interested in continuing my education in OMFS. I know I need to get over 90s on my board scores and be top 20% in my dental class to have a good chance to get into OMFS residency programs. After getting your email, I have taken a few days to write down all the questions I have.
1. In the Navy how likely is it going from dental school directly into a OMFS residency?
2. What types of extra-cirullars would be preferred? (ie, research, volunteer, externships, etc)
4. What are the steps one would take to get into a Navy OMFS residency program?
5. If I were to get into a 7 year MD/OMFS residency program would I have the support of the Navy?
6. Do I have the chance to spend my clerkship close to OMFS?
7. Would Navy offer a salary when attending OMFS or stipend?
8. Does the Navy have a mentorship program for intended OMFS students?
Sincerely
Wilson
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Wilson,
Let me start by saying congratulations on your acceptance to dental school
and for joining the US Navy. I believe you are joining the finest
medical/dental organization that exists in the DOD. As far as OMFS
residency, I will tell you what has historically occurred over the past few
years.
1.) The Navy will accept applications for OMFS training in your third year
of dental school. You will need to keep in contact with your dental
recruiters to ensure you get your application in on time for consideration.
In the past 2 years, we have accepted 8 dental students to begin OMFS
training directly from dental school.
2.) While a resident, the Navy will pay you a base salary, dental bonus, and
housing allowance. (Usually around $4,500/month.) Plus you will have health
insurance and dental insruance for you and your family.
3.) The Navy will allow training for integrated 6 year programs(MD/DMD) for
the OMFS resident.
4.) The payback for training is a year for a year, so for 4 years of dental
school you will owe Navy 4 years of service, and if you are accepted for 6
year residency you will owe an additional 6 years.
5.) To get looked at seriously for consideration for residency, you need to
be in the top 10% of class and minimum of 90 on National Board examinations.
This is an area where some folks fall short, so be competitive in school and
"shoot for the stars."
6.) It always helps to have letters of recommendations form your OMFS staff
while at USC. These evaluations will be important as we rely heavily on what
your mentors say about you. Do as much extracurricular with the staff at
USC, to include externships, rotations at the hospital, etc.It helps to be
involved in research, etc. Getting a published paper or two, etc.
Keep in touch and we will look forward to seeing your application in the
near future.
Very respectfully,
Bo Carson CDR, DC, USN
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Specialty Leader
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth
757-953-0401
