Military dentist 2017/2018 questions from a D1 student

[Μοlar Βear]

Hello all. I know things can differ per branch, but I was curious about some questions I thought would be useful in an up to date thread.

I'd love (right out of school) to work for a year or two overseas. Specifically, I'd like to work anywhere in Japan (couple good experiences in the country). If I went the military route, how likely is it I'd be able to get my country of choice?

Some miscellaneous questions I have are: what's the yearly pay of a 2017/2018 dentist (bread and butter of basic questions...), is there a sign on bonus (i'd like to throw it at my loans, truthfully), do you have positive/negative experiences, and how do things differ per branch?

Thanks to Big Hoss for referring me to the right forum - and thanks SDN for taking the time for my question!

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[Frychicken]

I would also like to know the answer these questions.

I am a non-HPSP D4 and will be completing an AEGD next year. Suppose I want to work for the air force for a 2-3 years after my AEGD, what are some financial benefits I could reeceive?

 

[LFA20]

Hello all. I know things can differ per branch, but I was curious about some questions I thought would be useful in an up to date thread.

I'd love (right out of school) to work for a year or two overseas. Specifically, I'd like to work anywhere in Japan (couple good experiences in the country). If I went the military route, how likely is it I'd be able to get my country of choice?

Some miscellaneous questions I have are: what's the yearly pay of a 2017/2018 dentist (bread and butter of basic questions...), is there a sign on bonus (i'd like to throw it at my loans, truthfully), do you have positive/negative experiences, and how do things differ per branch?

Thanks to Big Hoss for referring me to the right forum - and thanks SDN for taking the time for my question!

If you want to work in Japan your best bet is to join the Navy. I am almost sure that you can get stationed there if you really want to. As an O-3 your starting pay if you had HPSP would be around 90-100k depending on location. The sign on bonus of 20knis only if you are serving for 4 years even with a 3 year hpsp.
Downside would be being deployed either with marines or with navy for 6+ months in the sea or ground but some people look at that as an opportunity to travel the world and make money. You’ll also probably be doing non dentistry related stuff(non-combat) which I think is a good break from drilling all day.

I have yet to serve but I will be starting in July/august

 

[Luna724]

Hello all. I know things can differ per branch, but I was curious about some questions I thought would be useful in an up to date thread.

I'd love (right out of school) to work for a year or two overseas. Specifically, I'd like to work anywhere in Japan (couple good experiences in the country). If I went the military route, how likely is it I'd be able to get my country of choice?

Some miscellaneous questions I have are: what's the yearly pay of a 2017/2018 dentist (bread and butter of basic questions...), is there a sign on bonus (i'd like to throw it at my loans, truthfully), do you have positive/negative experiences, and how do things differ per branch?

Thanks to Big Hoss for referring me to the right forum - and thanks SDN for taking the time for my question!

Here's a good summary on the Army side albeit a little dated.

 

[ALTOSS]

Thank you for sharing the video!

After years of active duty, private practice, and residency, I must say the information discussed in the video is highly accurate and realistic on the military side.

 

[InformMe123]

how possible is getting Japan for army? how many army dentists are in Japan?

 

[CougarDental]

how possible is getting Japan for army? how many army dentists are in Japan?

It's possible to go to Japan in the Army but I certainly wouldn't count on it right out of school. The factors determining your assignment are many and unless you volunteer to go somewhere undesirable for a year (Egypt, sometimes Korea) you're unlikely to get your first choice as a young officer. My friend dropped her packet to separate from the Army and they called her up and asked what it would take to keep her so she's being sent to Italy but she's endured 4 years at Ft Bragg first so take that for what it's worth.

 

[LFA20]

You have a much better chance of getting Japan in the Navy.

how possible is getting Japan for army? how many army dentists are in Japan?

 

[InformMe123]

It's possible to go to Japan in the Army but I certainly wouldn't count on it right out of school. The factors determining your assignment are many and unless you volunteer to go somewhere undesirable for a year (Egypt, sometimes Korea) you're unlikely to get your first choice as a young officer. My friend dropped her packet to separate from the Army and they called her up and asked what it would take to keep her so she's being sent to Italy but she's endured 4 years at Ft Bragg first so take that for what it's worth.

1. How about Korea? is that easier as it seems more undesirable?
2. Is it easier to get your first choice if you continue to stay after the 4 years?

 

[Bis-GMA111]

1. How about Korea? is that easier as it seems more undesirable?
2. Is it easier to get your first choice if you continue to stay after the 4 years?

Korea is not that difficult to get. Aside from it being a 1 year unaccompanied tour (option for 2nd year accompanied) they opened up a new clinic at Camp Humphreys so I'd imagine a lot of spots are available to go there. But, I could be wrong. Japan on the other hand, is. Camp Zama is the main Army post that i can think of in Japan, and I was told that new grads don't usually go there right away. I recently found out that you could also get sent to Okinawa but apparently that also is pretty uncommon.

In terms of your choice of duty station, it ultimately is up to the needs of the Army first. Not to say that they don't consider your preferences, but it's about finding a good balance between what they need and what you'd like. Sometimes it works out that people get their first choice, sometimes people don't get a choice in their top 10. You need to be flexible. Regardless, it would be wise to keep in touch with your assignment officer throughout the process so that your interests are noted.

 

[ktran17]

Don't go in assuming anything is guaranteed. Keep an open mind. As for Japan, you are more likely to get stationed there via Navy instead of Army.

 

[InformMe123]

Korea is not that difficult to get. Aside from it being a 1 year unaccompanied tour (option for 2nd year accompanied) they opened up a new clinic at Camp Humphreys so I'd imagine a lot of spots are available to go there. But, I could be wrong. Japan on the other hand, is. Camp Zama is the main Army post that i can think of in Japan, and I was told that new grads don't usually go there right away. I recently found out that you could also get sent to Okinawa but apparently that also is pretty uncommon.

In terms of your choice of duty station, it ultimately is up to the needs of the Army first. Not to say that they don't consider your preferences, but it's about finding a good balance between what they need and what you'd like. Sometimes it works out that people get their first choice, sometimes people don't get a choice in their top 10. You need to be flexible. Regardless, it would be wise to keep in touch with your assignment officer throughout the process so that your interests are noted.

How does one contact the assignment officer and when is the recommended time to do so? Also, if someone after initial ADSO was to renew their contract with the military would they get their assignment choice then?

 

[ModifiedBass]

How does one contact the assignment officer and when is the recommended time to do so? Also, if someone after initial ADSO was to renew their contract with the military would they get their assignment choice then?

When availability is released during fourth year you can contact the assignment officer.
No, you don’t “just get” your choice. You have a better chance, but there aren’t guarantees. The Army’s needs come before yours in all cases.
However, the new Korean dental clinic I believe is actually the largest in the Army if I’m not mistaken, so there are many spots. I know a couple that are going there right out of school, even some that didn’t request it.

 

[Bis-GMA111]

yup ^^