Military scholarship for someone with Physical Disability

[Neuro Spartan D.O.]

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Hey guys,

With the godly D-school prices and the saturation of dentistry I decided to apply for the military scholarship and took this time to learn more about it.

One thing that caught my attention is the physical test that is required. I have a muscle conditions that makes thing like climbing up stairs difficult (but definitely doable- myotonia congentia is the condition I speak of ). Can I pass the physical portion of the officer training? What types of things must you do? Will they cut me some slack as (I'm assuming ) a military dentist won't be required to do extraneous physical activities.

Thanks!

 

[Dogtreats]

I was denied because I have chronic hives so I would say you probably wouldn’t be able to join but who knows lol I highly doubt they would cut you slack. You should call them and talk to them though, they’re usually super helpful!

 

[Incis0r]

Hey guys,

With the godly D-school prices and the saturation of dentistry I decided to apply for the military scholarship and took this time to learn more about it.

One thing that caught my attention is the physical test that is required. I have a muscle conditions that makes thing like climbing up stairs difficult (but definitely doable- myotonia congentia is the condition I speak of ). Can I pass the physical portion of the officer training? What types of things must you do? Will they cut me some slack as (I'm assuming ) a military dentist won't be required to do extraneous physical activities.

Thanks!

You are referring to MEPS. You go there, they look at your medical history + forms, and then if you have any disqualifiers, you have to request a waiver from the Surgeon General of that branch (who may want supplemental tests/radiographs/evaluations from specialists) before deciding if you are fit for service or not.

Here is a link to disqualifying conditions: DoDI 6130.03: Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Military Services

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

I'm going to say that if you have issues even going up stairs that you will almost certainly not be given a waiver. The military needs you to be deployable. Look into the scholarship offered by the National Health Service Corps. Best of luck to you!

Scholarships

Big Hoss

 

[schmoob]

Hey guys,

With the godly D-school prices and the saturation of dentistry I decided to apply for the military scholarship and took this time to learn more about it.

One thing that caught my attention is the physical test that is required. I have a muscle conditions that makes thing like climbing up stairs difficult (but definitely doable- myotonia congentia is the condition I speak of ). Can I pass the physical portion of the officer training? What types of things must you do? Will they cut me some slack as (I'm assuming ) a military dentist won't be required to do extraneous physical activities.

Thanks!

I haven't look through the regs but it's unlikely. If you have these issues and join the military, it becomes their responsibility. They will be responsible for any issues that come about as a result of this condition. It becomes a huge liability for them.

 

[PreDentTechySon]

Hey guys,

With the godly D-school prices and the saturation of dentistry I decided to apply for the military scholarship and took this time to learn more about it.

One thing that caught my attention is the physical test that is required. I have a muscle conditions that makes thing like climbing up stairs difficult (but definitely doable- myotonia congentia is the condition I speak of ). Can I pass the physical portion of the officer training? What types of things must you do? Will they cut me some slack as (I'm assuming ) a military dentist won't be required to do extraneous physical activities.

Thanks!

Hey Mr. Popo,

Unfortunately the military is not very lenient about medical issues (even for medical personnel). The MEPS physical is pretty comprehensive and you need to show range of motion etc. One option you could look at is NHSC or applying to in-state schools. Keep looking though, there are other ways!

Best of luck.

 

[oralcare123]

Dentistry is quite physically demanding. Is it wise for you to become a dentist, considering the effort required to pay off loans at least?

 

[Mr. Thirsty]

You most likely will not be able to get the scholarship. In the government's eyes, being a soldier comes before being a dentist when you join the armed forces. You will be required to pass the APFT test every 6 months and will need to maintain a deployable status. From the sounds of it, the condition you have would put you on a profile almost immediately once you join the armed forces. This is a big liability in their eyes.