Navy AEGD/GPR & COMP residency

[mrbunrieu]

Hello all,

I am a 4 year Navy HPSP'er and would like gain insight and knowledge from you helpful people on here. Would you mind shedding light on how competitive the AEGD-1/GPR is right out of dental school? Same with the 2 year AEGD residency (I believe it is called the Comprehensive residency). I am thinking of making it a career in the Navy and read that the Comp program is best for promotion + specialty pay. Is it common for students to enter into the Comp program right out of dental school or is it more for those that have served some time already and proved their dedication. Also, if I were to not secure the Comp residency out of school, should I do the 1 year AEGD then reapply after. Obviously I am in the dark with this and would appreciate all the help. Thanks in advance.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[HotDogzNMilk]

I'd say apply for the 2 year AEGD. If you get in you'll be credentialed to do a much wider range of procedures and as you said the income and retention bonus for a comprehensive dentist is a little higher. It's also a good way to solidify your position within the Navy if you're set on a career. It's not too uncommon to get into the two year program straight out of school as long as your class rank is solid. It seems like in the Air Force AEGD-2 maybe half the residents in any particular class are fresh out of dental school.

But there's also nothing wrong with just doing a 1-year AEGD and then practicing for a few years while learning how the Navy does things, getting your speed up, and seeing where your interests lie. You might get more out of the comprehensive residency program if you apply after practicing for a couple years. I've been in the Air Force about 3 years now and my thinking has certainly changed a lot over the past few years. So I'd say apply for the two year but don't be discouraged if you aren't admitted since you'll still have some great opportunities in a one year program. And as far as competitiveness of the 1 year programs go, virtually everyone gets in.

 

[mrbunrieu]

I'd say apply for the 2 year AEGD. If you get in you'll be credentialed to do a much wider range of procedures and as you said the income and retention bonus for a comprehensive dentist is a little higher. It's also a good way to solidify your position within the Navy if you're set on a career. It's not too uncommon to get into the two year program straight out of school as long as your class rank is solid. It seems like in the Air Force AEGD-2 maybe half the residents in any particular class are fresh out of dental school.

But there's also nothing wrong with just doing a 1-year AEGD and then practicing for a few years while learning how the Navy does things, getting your speed up, and seeing where your interests lie. You might get more out of the comprehensive residency program if you apply after practicing for a couple years. I've been in the Air Force about 3 years now and my thinking has certainly changed a lot over the past few years. So I'd say apply for the two year but don't be discouraged if you aren't admitted since you'll still have some great opportunities in a one year program. And as far as competitiveness of the 1 year programs go, virtually everyone gets in.

hotdogznmilk,

I immensely appreciate your feedback and insight. If you were to do the 2 year AEGD and you become interested in specializing some time down the road, would you be able to make that change or would you be locked in as a GP (as I understand it, a comprehensive dentist is a specialty in the military)? Have you done a residency yet, and what are your long-term plan in terms with the Air Force? Again, thank you for your help.

 

[HotDogzNMilk]

Technically you can apply for another specialty after practicing for 5 years. But that's always subject to change and the military will probably be downsizing the other specialties over the next few years. As for me I did an AEGD-1 and I had a great experience that prepared me well for an overseas assignment with few specialists available.