Military HPSP

[NMC2010]

I don't know if this is really how it is, but from what I understand you get to pick your top 3 choices of what bases you would like to be stationed at and they'll most likely place you at one of those.

"Choose" is used lightly here. I think you get to make a list (I don't remember if it's 3, 10, whatever) of where your top choices would be, but that doesn't mean you'll be stationed at any of those locations.

^ These are right , I worded my other statement poorly. He did say you've got a decent shot of being placed in one (or more?) of the locations you list though. I didn't ask very much about this because I'm fine with wherever I'm stationed.

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[Papasmurf1234]

You get to choose? I've never heard that. I thought that you go wherever the army needs you.

As the others have stated. You get to write your priorities but most likely you won't get the spots senior officers are interested in. If you choose a different country like South Korea then you have a good chance because not many want to go there. I used South Korea because that's where I'm going to say I want to be stationed

 

[Stereum]

^ These are right , I worded my other statement poorly. He did say you've got a decent shot of being placed in one (or more?) of the locations you list though. I didn't ask very much about this because I'm fine with wherever I'm stationed.

Be careful for what you wish for . From what I understand, one of the worst spots to be placed in the Army is one of the major bases that has a specialty residency. I'm sure it's somewhat exaggerated, but I've heard that there's a chance you'll just get stuck on the "amalgam line".

 

[rladbwjdtl]

I got in touch with recruiters from all 3 branches. For Air Force, all the 3-year scholarships have been given out already so it doesn't work with UOP, which is my top choice. I'm meeting with my Navy and Army recruiters next week, getting the physical done next week as well. It's a lot of work at once especially because I'm in my finals week at school but I hope it's all worth it!!

 

[NMC2010]

Be careful for what you wish for . From what I understand, one of the worst spots to be placed in the Army is one of the major bases that has a specialty residency. I'm sure it's somewhat exaggerated, but I've heard that there's a chance you'll just get stuck on the "amalgam line".

How does one avoid that?

I really don't mind what location I'm at, but I do want to do something that is useful. My family general dentist went to Iraq in 2002 - 2006 (out of his own choice). Going to a place like that ensures you get good training apparently, and you can definitely help out a lot of soldiers and civilians there (he did say they did a lot of triage though).

 

[Stereum]

How does one avoid that?

I really don't mind what location I'm at, but I do want to do something that is useful. My family general dentist went to Iraq in 2002 - 2006 (out of his own choice). Going to a place like that ensures you get good training apparently, and you can definitely help out a lot of soldiers and civilians there (he did say they did a lot of triage though).

One of my best friends is a logistics officer in the Navy and was in AFPC before an inter-service transfer. He has advised me that if I decide to join the military, make sure to get to know your detailer extremely well. Some bases, like Diego Garcia for the Navy, are extremely remote and you'll undoubtedly learn a lot just because you're on your own so much, but the isolation also makes it the least favorable place to be stationed.

 

[NMC2010]

Jeeze, I looked up the location of Diego Garcia, looks like it would be terrible to be stationed there. Currently I have Colorado, Texas, and Hawaii listed because my recruiter told me dentists usually go there. After thinking about it, I'd still like to go somewhere like Hawaii, or overseas to India, South Korea, or Germany. But not some place like Diego Garcia!

 

[Papasmurf1234]

I just sent my recruiter an email for clarification as well. Will post their response.

Did your recruiter get back to you?

 

[ModifiedBass]

Did your recruiter get back to you?

My recruiters (Navy and Army) both say the decision is not binding, you can change schools after you get the scholarship. Where it does become binding is probably after you have gotten to filling out the finance portion from the school for the scholarship which would come later.

 

[BlueDevil2012]

Did your recruiter get back to you?

He did. His response is below.

"I have double checked with people in my station and you are NOT bound to the school that we use the LOA for in the application. In fact we can change it any time prior to you starting school."

 

[Papasmurf1234]

He did. His response is below.

"I have double checked with people in my station and you are NOT bound to the school that we use the LOA for in the application. In fact we can change it any time prior to you starting school."

Great! Thank you both! I guess my recruiter was wrong but we shall see!

 

[xatlasb]

Great! Thank you both! I guess my recruiter was wrong but we shall see!

I can also confirm that my recruiter has stated many times that you are in no way obligated to go to the school that you submit a LOA too when submitting your application to boards.

 

[roy_abhi]

As far as I'm concerned there is no interview with the army. I recall asking this to my recruiter and he said no. This is probably because there are so many spots in the army.

IS there good career scope in Navy and Army for medical student.

 

[Papasmurf1234]

IS there good career scope in Navy and Army for medical student.

I'm not quite sure...i would ask this on the medical hpsp board or other medical boards

 

[rladbwjdtl]

I have been in contact with recruiters from all 3 branches. But after hearing that AF has give out all of their 3-year scholarship, I choose not to apply for AF. (I want to go to UOP dent school) and AF is already too competitive anyways.

My Navy recruiter is awesome; very responsive and quite persuasive. He's said that I am a bit late on applying but he's already got me scheduled for MEPS, scheduled me interviews, made sure I had all the paperwork ready, and will be assembling the entire packet in person during a 4 hour appointment. All within next week. So far, I'm liking the Navy more over Army.

My Army recruiter told me that "we have 58 applying for the 3 year already and 13 have applied for the 4 year." and said that my packet will probably be reviewed in March. My dilemma is... that I am leaning more towards going to UOP (first choice and also a better deal with HPSP) but I won't even have the slightest chance to get the 3-year scholarship. I have acceptances from UCLA so I could choose to go to UCLA and apply for the 4-year Army scholarship but I don't know if it's worth choosing a 4-year school just to have a chance at getting the 4-year army scholarship. I have an appointment with my army recruiter next week and I'm debating whether I should just cancel the appointment and stop going forward with applying for the Army and focus on Navy only.

What are you opinions?

 

[tbond5]

My app is in for the Navy scholarship! Just waiting for the end of January!

 

[rladbwjdtl]

My app is in for the Navy scholarship! Just waiting for the end of January!

Next Navy Boards are end of January?

 

[Stereum]

I have been in contact with recruiters from all 3 branches. But after hearing that AF has give out all of their 3-year scholarship, I choose not to apply for AF. (I want to go to UOP dent school) and AF is already too competitive anyways.

My Navy recruiter is awesome; very responsive and quite persuasive. He's said that I am a bit late on applying but he's already got me scheduled for MEPS, scheduled me interviews, made sure I had all the paperwork ready, and will be assembling the entire packet in person during a 4 hour appointment. All within next week. So far, I'm liking the Navy more over Army.

My Army recruiter told me that "we have 58 applying for the 3 year already and 13 have applied for the 4 year." and said that my packet will probably be reviewed in March. My dilemma is... that I am leaning more towards going to UOP (first choice and also a better deal with HPSP) but I won't even have the slightest chance to get the 3-year scholarship. I have acceptances from UCLA so I could choose to go to UCLA and apply for the 4-year Army scholarship but I don't know if it's worth choosing a 4-year school just to have a chance at getting the 4-year army scholarship. I have an appointment with my army recruiter next week and I'm debating whether I should just cancel the appointment and stop going forward with applying for the Army and focus on Navy only.

What are you opinions?

I'd do both applications. It's a lot of work, but it's better to have something rather than nothing. At least you'll have options if you get selected for both. In regard to the 3 vs 4, ask your army recruiter about how it's handled for UoP. My navy recruiter told me that Navy changed theirs so that you can either take a 3 or take a 4 with a $20k bonus. I didn't ask my army recruiter because it didn't occur to me at the time.

 

[rladbwjdtl]

I'd do both applications. It's a lot of work, but it's better to have something rather than nothing. At least you'll have options if you get selected for both. In regard to the 3 vs 4, ask your army recruiter about how it's handled for UoP. My navy recruiter told me that Navy changed theirs so that you can either take a 3 or take a 4 with a $20k bonus. I didn't ask my army recruiter because it didn't occur to me at the time.

I asked my Army recruiter and he said that Army cannot let me take the 4 year scholarship even if I wanted to, if I choose to attend UOP. Also, there are only 25 slots for 3-year Army scholarship and already 58 have applied for it...

 

[tbond5]

Next Navy Boards are end of January?

First navy boards. And it's jan 14th.

 

[Minion]

^ Agree with Troyvdg up here. Definitely not too late, but you'll want to get hold of a recruiter quickly. You can do this on the Air Force, Navy, or Army websites if you don't know where your nearest station is. I would advise against trying for the Air Force HPSP because those are extremely competitive. Navy and Army are easier to get into, and I think the Army is easiest for the 4 year HPSP (don't quote me on that) simply because they give away the most.

My recruiter told me it really isn't that hard to get the scholarship because so few people apply for it (for dentists anyways). I know it seems like another 4 years of your life to give up in addition to the 4 years of dental school, but consider the points mentioned above, and it's really worth it:

- Make 70k+ / year
- ALL of dental school paid for + 20k signing bonus + paid 2k/month for living expenses while in school = no debt (for only a 4 year commitment to military)
- Allows you to attend whatever school you want to, not having to worry about tuition cost
- Learn from some of the best dentists, refining skills as if in residency
- Access to best technology in field
- Opportunity to do research
- Opportunity to specialize
- Good hours (typically 40 hrs/week, no weekends)
- Get to choose the 3 locations you want to be stationed at / travel to where you want (even overseas)
- Learn how to run your own clinic/practice for later in life
- Still allows for family life
- Enter as an officer

I'm sure I'm missing some things here, but overall, this is a very good deal. My dentist did HPSP through the army and couldn't say enough good things about it. A periodontist I shadowed did a similar program through the Navy and seemed to think the military gives great opportunities as well.

Most of these holds true, however the people that joins the army or air force are required to have almost perfect health. So most of the time, wouldn't we be just doing basic check ups and nothing too special? As oppose to a regular civilian, where there can be a vast majority of problems that you may be facing.

 

[NMC2010]

Most of these holds true, however the people that joins the army or air force are required to have almost perfect health. So most of the time, wouldn't we be just doing basic check ups and nothing too special? As oppose to a regular civilian, where there can be a vast majority of problems that you may be facing.

I think it partially depends on where you're stationed. I really don't know too much, but the dentists I know were able to get lots of training that helped them later on, both in the business aspect and with techniques. For example, my family general dentist had 7 months of solely endodontics training when he was in. He can do root canals like they're just fillings. He said he wanted to go to Iraq though, was stationed there awhile, and that played a part in it. Also, not sure on this, but I think you can treat civilians as well...?

 

[Minion]

I think it partially depends on where you're stationed. I really don't know too much, but the dentists I know were able to get lots of training that helped them later on, both in the business aspect and with techniques. For example, my family general dentist had 7 months of solely endodontics training when he was in. He can do root canals like they're just fillings. He said he wanted to go to Iraq though, was stationed there awhile, and that played a part in it. Also, not sure on this, but I think you can treat civilians as well...?

Hm, for example.. Let's say you are stationed in Texas. Do you think you will be getting a lot of experienced? Also, let's say I do not wanna specialized either. My goal as of right now is to be a general dentist.

 

[tbond5]

I think it partially depends on where you're stationed. I really don't know too much, but the dentists I know were able to get lots of training that helped them later on, both in the business aspect and with techniques. For example, my family general dentist had 7 months of solely endodontics training when he was in. He can do root canals like they're just fillings. He said he wanted to go to Iraq though, was stationed there awhile, and that played a part in it. Also, not sure on this, but I think you can treat civilians as well...?

Yes you treat civilians. Mainly families of those in the military.

 

[NMC2010]

Hm, for example.. Let's say you are stationed in Texas. Do you think you will be getting a lot of experienced? Also, let's say I do not wanna specialized either. My goal as of right now is to be a general dentist.

I'd love to be able to answer your question, but I just don't know. Once I find out where the best locations are, I'll be sure to put them down and let you know (don't expect a response for 3-4 more years lol). You could do things ONLY associated with general dentistry in the most basic sense. However, I think part of the benefits of being a general dentist is that you can delve into some specialties if you want to. Like my general dentist does all of the normal general dentist work, but he ALSO can do things like root canals and a lot of ortho because of the military without having to specialize.

It makes you a lot more versatile as a dentist, and allows you to make money off of procedures that would normally require specialists. Obviously for more complex endodontic stuff he will still send people to a specialist, but for something like a simple root canal, he can make an easy $1,000 off of that in a very short amount of time.

 

[Stereum]

Well, I discovered today why my MEPs has been held up for so long. Apparently my health records provided by my doctor didn't match up with the pre-existing condition I had indicated on the health questionnaire. Apparently the doctor had written a slightly different, but related diagnosis than what I was told. Not sure why it took my recruiter so long to get back to me, but just goes to show that you really need to get your ducks in a row when going through the paperwork.

 

[Mary1984]

Hello Friends. I am very new to everything. To dental school application. To dental school scholarship and everything else. As I understand if I can get the scholarship from Army or Navy or AF I have to work the number of years which I study plus one year. Some questions: What is the real salary after my graduation in those years. 2. Where are their schools located at in California. 3. Can I choose a specific state while applying for these scholarships? 4. Does it worth to get these scholarships and not having the dental school loans? 5. Can I go for a dental speciality in one of the California dental schools (not in Navy or Army or AF) like UCLA after graduating from fro example AF dental school?

 

[fatham878]

I have my been going through the process of applying for the Army HPSP since October. Met with the recruiter for the first time the first week of office, had my MEPS physical November 4th, and my complete packet in by November 15th, including all three LORs. I received a call this Tuesday morning telling me that I was board-selected and that I will receive the scholarship as soon as I receive an acceptance. Sad thing is I applied late and my first interview is Jan 13. I heard my recruiter say something about making sure I had an acceptance before March? Does anybody know what would happen if I didn't know by then? I have heard that I should be okay as long as the scholarships aren't all given out before I get accepted.

 

[fatham878]

Hello Friends. I am very new to everything. To dental school application. To dental school scholarship and everything else. As I understand if I can get the scholarship from Army or Navy or AF I have to work the number of years which I study plus one year. Some questions: What is the real salary after my graduation in those years. 2. Where are their schools located at in California. 3. Can I choose a specific state while applying for these scholarships? 4. Does it worth to get these scholarships and not having the dental school loans? 5. Can I go for a dental speciality in one of the California dental schools (not in Navy or Army or AF) like UCLA after graduating from fro example AF dental school?

You don't seem to understand the program exactly. There are no designated military dental schools. You go to any dental school in the US and the military will pay for your tuition, fees, and give you a stipend. You ARE correct that you have to pay back a year for every year the military pays for. Nobody will tell you exactly what the real salary is, though I have heard figures around 70k-90k. But if you are worried about making the big bucks then maybe the military isn't for you.

 

[Papasmurf1234]

I have my been going through the process of applying for the Army HPSP since October. Met with the recruiter for the first time the first week of office, had my MEPS physical November 4th, and my complete packet in by November 15th, including all three LORs. I received a call this Tuesday morning telling me that I was board-selected and that I will receive the scholarship as soon as I receive an acceptance. Sad thing is I applied late and my first interview is Jan 13. I heard my recruiter say something about making sure I had an acceptance before March? Does anybody know what would happen if I didn't know by then? I have heard that I should be okay as long as the scholarships aren't all given out before I get accepted.

So were you seen for the December board?

 

[fatham878]

So were you seen for the December board?

A little confused by your wording, but I assume the answer you are looking for is yes. My recruiter said that my packet would be reviewed by the board in Dec. I've read things about an interview before you are selected though, but I was never interviewed. Was this what you were asking?

 

[Papasmurf1234]

A little confused by your wording, but I assume the answer you are looking for is yes. My recruiter said that my packet would be reviewed by the board in Dec. I've read things about an interview before you are selected though, but I was never interviewed. Was this what you were asking?

No, I was just asking if your application was reviewed on december 15th. I haven't heard anything back yet so i'm a little worried. However, my recruiter did tell me that he needs my conferred transcript a day after the deadline....and I had my application finished in october. It is very annoying.

 

[fatham878]

No, I was just asking if your application was reviewed on december 15th. I haven't heard anything back yet so i'm a little worried. However, my recruiter did tell me that he needs my conferred transcript a day after the deadline....and I had my application finished in october. It is very annoying.

Then yes, the answer you were looking for is yes. My packet was reviewed on the 15th. I should note that my recruiter was AWESOME, very gung-ho about it, and matched the effort that I put into getting everything ready. From what you said, it seems that you did not have as much luck with your recruiter so maybe that is why you haven't heard anything? If you are sure your packet was reviewed on the 15th, I would definitely give your recruiter a friendly call. Even if you aren't sure, a call would ease your mind I think!

 

[tbond5]

My navy officer said they weren't even allowed to give out scholarships until an acceptance letter was received and with the application packet. Plus the first boards for the navy are in January. Maybe the army does it differently.

 

[Papasmurf1234]

Then yes, the answer you were looking for is yes. My packet was reviewed on the 15th. I should note that my recruiter was AWESOME, very gung-ho about it, and matched the effort that I put into getting everything ready. From what you said, it seems that you did not have as much luck with your recruiter so maybe that is why you haven't heard anything? If you are sure your packet was reviewed on the 15th, I would definitely give your recruiter a friendly call. Even if you aren't sure, a call would ease your mind I think!

Yea that's what I plan on doing. My recruiter isn't bad...what happened was unforseen, even for him. He does work hard and I appreciate it. I'm just frustrated that the army is so specific about every little detail. I had already submitted a letter from my undergraduate admin that stated I was done with all my requirements and my graduation was absolute. However, the army for some reason, needed a conferred transcript and decided to tell my recruiter a day too late. Prior to this, he submitted my packet to the army about a month ago and they told him it was good to go.

 

[BlueDevil2012]

Had MEPS today. As long as everything comes back ok I will be in the January 28th board. I'm ver glad to be done with everything and my recruiter thinks I have a really good chance since I have a loa in my packet already.

 

[Mary1984]

You don't seem to understand the program exactly. There are no designated military dental schools. You go to any dental school in the US and the military will pay for your tuition, fees, and give you a stipend. You ARE correct that you have to pay back a year for every year the military pays for. Nobody will tell you exactly what the real salary is, though I have heard figures around 70k-90k. But if you are worried about making the big bucks then maybe the military isn't for you.

Is it possible to have me work out of US after my graduation? IS there any chance to work in the state which I choose?

 

[Papasmurf1234]

Had MEPS today. As long as everything comes back ok I will be in the January 28th board. I'm ver glad to be done with everything and my recruiter thinks I have a really good chance since I have a loa in my packet already.

Did your recruiter give any stats on the current acceptances so far?

 

[BlueDevil2012]

Did your recruiter give any stats on the current acceptances so far?

Nope, I asked this morning and he said he wasn't sure how many scholardhips were left for this year but that the remaining 3 years scholarships from last year had been offered after D1 first semester grades had been psted. He also told me two ppl that went through his station received the scholarship last week and they had not received a loa yet so they have until the end of March to get accepted before their slots are potentially given to other ppl.

 

[arlmay]

You don't seem to understand the program exactly. There are no designated military dental schools. You go to any dental school in the US and the military will pay for your tuition, fees, and give you a stipend. You ARE correct that you have to pay back a year for every year the military pays for. Nobody will tell you exactly what the real salary is, though I have heard figures around 70k-90k. But if you are worried about making the big bucks then maybe the military isn't for you.

From what I understand you start in the 40-50k range plus benefits. If you want to take the time you can look up the salary for an o2 on the navy website and that will be the ballpark number which will be about the same across the board for all branches

 

[Stereum]

Once you're finished with school, you actually get promoted to O3, not O2. Throughout dental school, you are considered an O1 and get paid as such.

 

[fatham878]

Once you're finished with school, you actually get promoted to O3, not O2. Throughout dental school, you are considered an O1 and get paid as such.

So, according to http://www.navy.com/joining/benefits/military-pay.html , an O3 would make roughly $4000 monthly, which comes to $48000 annually. Arimay's estimates were actually spot on. That's a lot less than I thought but I think in the end it'll be worth it.

 

[Troyvdg]

So, according to http://www.navy.com/joining/benefits/military-pay.html , an O3 would make roughly $4000 monthly, which comes to $48000 annually. Arimay's estimates were actually spot on. That's a lot less than I thought but I think in the end it'll be worth it.

The gross income you're thinking of is probably ~$72-80k (depending on location) which includes the annual pay, BHA, etc. the break down can be found online or in the military dentistry forum.

 

[Stereum]

So, according to http://www.navy.com/joining/benefits/military-pay.html , an O3 would make roughly $4000 monthly, which comes to $48000 annually. Arimay's estimates were actually spot on. That's a lot less than I thought but I think in the end it'll be worth it.

Don't forget, no student loans! Also, the benefits Troyvdg are pretty generous since they're generally not taxable. Heck, I live in a high BHA area and I know more than a few officers who have profited handsomely from living frugally.

 

[fatham878]

Don't forget, no student loans! Also, the benefits Troyvdg are pretty generous since they're generally not taxable. Heck, I live in a high BHA area and I know more than a few officers who have profited handsomely from living frugally.

Just to clarify, I won't be receiving any BAH while I am in dental school right? It's included in the 2200/month stipend?

Thanks everybody for all the information thus far though.

 

[Troyvdg]

Just to clarify, I won't be receiving any BAH while I am in dental school right? It's included in the 2200/month stipend?

Thanks everybody for all the information thus far though.

Nope, that's what the stipend is for

 

[PostDocCain]

PLEASE GO HERE FOR ANYTHING HPSP related --->>> http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/hpsp-watch-these-videos-via-youtube.1047109/

 

[infoinquire]

Can someone give me more info on what exactly MEPS consists of?

 

[Troyvdg]

Can someone give me more info on what exactly MEPS consists of?

Eye Exam, Auditory Exam, Urine drug test, Blood draw, and Physical exam. It takes all day, be prepared to hurry up and wait.

 

[xatlasb]

Eye Exam, Auditory Exam, Urine drug test, Blood draw, and Physical exam. It takes all day, be prepared to hurry up and wait.

And be prepared to pee while someone watches you... that was the hardest part for someone peeshy like me, haha.