Navy Dentistry

[RaeT21]

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I'm currently on Active Duty as a SWO but I want to go into the Navy Dental Corp. I have my B.S. in Chemistry and started working on my Masters in Biomedical Sciences but I wanted to know is there a way I can lateral transfer into the Dental Corp? What steps should I take or route I should go for becoming a Naval Dentist?

Any help and/or advice would be great!

 

[schmoob]

You have to go to a recruiter and join the Navy again. Seriously. It's a different process than doing a simple lateral transfer to something like the Supply Corps.
You would need to fill out all the recruiting paperwork again, and you would need to get medical clearance to join the Navy (it's ridiculous, I know). You wouldn't need to go to MEPS because your PCM can do your physical. You would also need your FITREPs and a conditional release from AD. The reason for the release is because if you go HPSP, you would leave the USN and transition to USNR. If you go HSCP, you give up your commission and would be AD E-7 throughout school (this is the route I would suggest for you, hands down).
You would need to be competitive for, or accepted to dental school. I'm not sure if you're doing your 1st or 2nd DIVO tour, but I honestly don't know if you would be able to do all of this on sea duty. Shore duty is more realistic. And there's the DAT too.
You're looking at least 2 years before you would start dental school. It won't be easy, but if you really want it, I hope you get it!

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

Personally know two dentists who were former SWOs. You won’t be alone. Like schmoob said, you’ve got a bit of a journey ahead of you. Soonest you’d start dental school is the summer of 2019. Best of luck, shipmate! Always here to answer questions.

Big Hoss

 

[Armyhealth]

The Army will take you as a dentist too!