NHSC dentist salary ???

[dentpro]

Hello All fellow dentist,

I would like to direct my question to any practicing dentist at NHSC loan repayment center or anyone who have detailed info regarding the salary structure. I am a recent graduate and as everyone out there owner of quarter million dollar debt. I would like to know if anyone can point out any good source of info regarding the pay and benefits of joining NHSC. If anyone of you are currently working and would like to share approximately the current pay rate. I have heard conflicting info and am confused. I appreciate your time. Thanks.

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[reapply2007]

I was offered NHSC general dentist position. With benefits and factoring in loan repayment approx. $120/yr. actual salary was closer to $80. It was in a remote location. The only advantage was that the workload was much less than in a for-profit setting.

 

[shinedown87]

I have worked at two different locations. WITHOUT student loan repayment, the first location base salary was $135,000 and the second location is $140,000. There are many additional benefits like paid CE, paid time off, paid holidays, health insurance, quarterly bonuses, etc.

 

[xp1]

I have worked at two different locations. WITHOUT student loan repayment, the first location base salary was $135,000 and the second location is $140,000. There are many additional benefits like paid CE, paid time off, paid holidays, health insurance, quarterly bonuses, etc.

Hi there, I was wondering if you could tell me what state and city were you in that you were offered those base salaries?

 

[xp1]

I have worked at two different locations. WITHOUT student loan repayment, the first location base salary was $135,000 and the second location is $140,000. There are many additional benefits like paid CE, paid time off, paid holidays, health insurance, quarterly bonuses, etc.

Hi there, I was wondering if you could tell me what state and city were you in that you were offered those base salaries?

 

[shinedown87]

Hi there, I was wondering if you could tell me what state and city were you in that you were offered those base salaries?

Sorry, I have been off here for a while. Central Washington and Northern Nevada (both rural, population approximately 20,000 in each area).

 

[rafacena]

Hi, I know it's been a while but would anyone be willing to make an update on the current market for a NHSC job offer? What to expect for starting salary. Also does anyone work at the VA?

 

[John Muir]

Hi, I know it's been a while but would anyone be willing to make an update on the current market for a NHSC job offer? What to expect for starting salary. Also does anyone work at the VA?

I have gotten several offers from FHQCs for around $130,000 - $140,000 in Washington, South Carolina, and Michigan. I accepted an offer in rural Missouri for $170,000.

 

[rafacena]

I have gotten several offers from FHQCs for around $130,000 - $140,000 in Washington, South Carolina, and Michigan. I accepted an offer in rural Missouri for $170,000.

Do you get a % of production or a guaranteed salary? How far are you away from a big city with an international airport? Like 1-1.5 hours?

 

[John Muir]

Do you get a % of production or a guaranteed salary? How far are you away from a big city with an international airport? Like 1-1.5 hours?

Guaranteed salary! About an hour or so from airport

 

[rafacena]

Guaranteed salary! About an hour or so from airport

Wow that is actually pretty decent. Whenever I see a posting for a rural location on NHSC's job finder it is usually several hours away from civilization haha. Did you have to sign a multiyear contract or do they allow a year to year contract?

 

[John Muir]

Yeah, it is without a doubt the best one i have ever seen. It seems too good to be true but we will find out. It is year to year.

Definitely shop around, and if you are willing to move to a new state, you can usually find better pay

 

[rafacena]

Did you see a trend for lower salaries in warmer climate locations? I feel like the colder places have a harder time attracting talent so they offer higher salary? Can you moonlight as well at your job?

 

[John Muir]

I am not sure about cold, but I know the further you get from civilization usually the higher the salary.
I haven't thought about moonlighting. I am a huge fan of work life balance, so I doubt I would want to work more than 40 hours a week.

 

[cooliyak]

I have gotten several offers from FHQCs for around $130,000 - $140,000 in Washington, South Carolina, and Michigan. I accepted an offer in rural Missouri for $170,000.

Great find. Definitely not the norm. I always tell people to expect about $120k and if you find higher, congrats! That was pre-COVID though. The FQHC I am currently with actually raised salaries organization-wide to keep up with the worker shortage so I’m thinking with that and inflation, you can probably expect higher.

 

[rafacena]

I am not sure about cold, but I know the further you get from civilization usually the higher the salary.
I haven't thought about moonlighting. I am a huge fan of work life balance, so I doubt I would want to work more than 40 hours a week.

I totally understand the work life balance. The reason I was asking about moonlighting was because I heard that at NHSC sites and VA offices you don't get a wide variety of patients or just don't get many patients in general so that makes it hard to develop your skills/speed for when you go private. Do you work Mon-Fri?

 

[rafacena]

Great find. Definitely not the norm. I always tell people to expect about $120k and if you find higher, congrats! That was pre-COVID though. The FQHC I am currently with actually raised salaries organization-wide to keep up with the worker shortage so I’m thinking with that and inflation, you can probably expect higher.

Which part of the country are you located in?

 

[John Muir]

I totally understand the work life balance. The reason I was asking about moonlighting was because I heard that at NHSC sites and VA offices you don't get a wide variety of patients or just don't get many patients in general so that makes it hard to develop your skills/speed for when you go private. Do you work Mon-Fri?

Very true! I am the odd man out and I plan on staying in community dentistry my whole career, so bread and butter dentistry is all I really need. I do work M - F. I am hoping to get that down to M - Thur after a few years... but we shall see.

 

[cooliyak]

Very true! I am the odd man out and I plan on staying in community dentistry my whole career, so bread and butter dentistry is all I really need. I do work M - F. I am hoping to get that down to M - Thur after a few years... but we shall see.

Same. If I ever leave community dentistry, it would only be to enter academia. But I don’t find myself getting bored at all. I have plenty of excitement here. Lots of different procedures. I also precept for students at the dental school so that keeps things exciting as well.

Which part of the country are you located in?

I am in Colorado

 

[rafacena]

Very true! I am the odd man out and I plan on staying in community dentistry my whole career, so bread and butter dentistry is all I really need. I do work M - F. I am hoping to get that down to M - Thur after a few years... but we shall see.

So what kind of procedures are considered bread and butter dentistry? Do you guys do teledentistry and implants, endo, etc.?

 

[John Muir]

So what kind of procedures are considered bread and butter dentistry? Do you guys do teledentistry and implants, endo, etc.?

I expect restorations, removable prosth, and extractions to be about 80% of what I do. That has been my experience with my external rotations through FQHCs so far.

 

[cooliyak]

I expect restorations, removable prosth, and extractions to be about 80% of what I do. That has been my experience with my external rotations through FQHCs so far.

That’s definitely a fair amount of what I do too, but I also do a good amount of crowns, root canals, pre-prosthetic surgery (alveoloplasty, etc), and even implant restoration. If you are at a good site, you can actually see a wide variety of procedures with the flexibility to expand your skills a good amount.

 

[rafacena]

I expect restorations, removable prosth, and extractions to be about 80% of what I do. That has been my experience with my external rotations through FQHCs so far.

So does the Missouri state government give you loan repayment money or does the federal government do that through NHSC? And how much are you awarded per year?

 

[John Muir]

So does the Missouri state government give you loan repayment money or does the federal government do that through NHSC? And how much are you awarded per year?

Missouri isn't paying me anything. From my understanding, state governments don't participate in NHSC, it is federal. I got the scholarship, so I get no extra money. Once I serve my time for the scholarship I could apply for loan repayment which is $25,000 a year

 

[rafacena]

Missouri isn't paying me anything. From my understanding, state governments don't participate in NHSC, it is federal. I got the scholarship, so I get no extra money. Once I serve my time for the scholarship I could apply for loan repayment which is $25,000 a year

I thought about applying to the NHSC scholarship but heard that it was a terribly managed program and that a lot of people end up having trouble finding sites that count for the scholarship service. Plus I heard you don't have as much flexibility with the location as you would with the loan repayment scheme so that is why I didn't apply for it.

 

[cooliyak]

I thought about applying to the NHSC scholarship but heard that it was a terribly managed program and that a lot of people end up having trouble finding sites that count for the scholarship service. Plus I heard you don't have as much flexibility with the location as you would with the loan repayment scheme so that is why I didn't apply for it.

It’s not terribly managed, just not for everyone. There can be some difficulties with sites (and with communication every now and then in school), but that has more to do with some of the sites than it does the program. I tell every predental I talk to that they should at least look into it because if you can make it work, it is more than worth it.

 

[rafacena]

It’s not terribly managed, just not for everyone. There can be some difficulties with sites (and with communication every now and then in school), but that has more to do with some of the sites than it does the program. I tell every predental I talk to that they should at least look into it because if you can make it work, it is more than worth it.

Did you do the scholarship too or the loan repayment?

 

[cooliyak]

Did you do the scholarship too or the loan repayment?

Both. I did the scholarship and am getting the last of my loans paid by loan repayment.

 

[rafacena]

Both. I did the scholarship and am getting the last of my loans paid by loan repayment.

I thought the scholarship pays for 4 years of dental school as long as you commit to serve 4 years at a NHSC site?

 

[cooliyak]

I thought the scholarship pays for 4 years of dental school as long as you commit to serve 4 years at a NHSC site?

It does, but I had an unfortunate living situation arise due to an ex who was not very financially responsible… so I had an additional $70k on top of everything. But that additional $70k qualifies for loan repayment, so I’ll go that route since I am planning on working at my site beyond my scholarship commitment anyway.

 

[~FlossBoss~]

Great find. Definitely not the norm. I always tell people to expect about $120k and if you find higher, congrats! That was pre-COVID though. The FQHC I am currently with actually raised salaries organization-wide to keep up with the worker shortage so I’m thinking with that and inflation, you can probably expect higher.

Hello! I’m finishing my GPR and accepted a position at what seems to be a great FQHC working M-Th at $130k. No scholarship commitment. I’m hoping to stay at this company as long as possible if it works out (great location for my family) My question is how feasible is it in your experience to negotiate salary increases at FQHC’s over time? My understanding is at this FQHC they typically give raises company wide based on the bottom line that year.

 

[cooliyak]

Hello! I’m finishing my GPR and accepted a position at what seems to be a great FQHC working M-Th at $130k. No scholarship commitment. I’m hoping to stay at this company as long as possible if it works out (great location for my family) My question is how feasible is it in your experience to negotiate salary increases at FQHC’s over time? My understanding is at this FQHC they typically give raises company wide based on the bottom line that year.

With a GPR, you may be able to negotiate some at the beginning. After that, they usually have standard pay increases that aren’t too negotiable. At least at the 3 FQHCs that I’ve worked at, that seemed to be how it worked. Sometimes they will have production or other types of bonuses, but beyond that, I’m not sure. Each organization is so different from one another that it is hard to say for sure.

 

[rafacena]

With a GPR, you may be able to negotiate some at the beginning. After that, they usually have standard pay increases that aren’t too negotiable. At least at the 3 FQHCs that I’ve worked at, that seemed to be how it worked. Sometimes they will have production or other types of bonuses, but beyond that, I’m not sure. Each organization is so different from one another that it is hard to say for sure.

So I noticed on VA's website and also some of the NHSC sites that they list a salary range from like 108K to 243K. So would most new grads be getting the 108k and not close to like 200K?

 

[cooliyak]

So I noticed on VA's website and also some of the NHSC sites that they list a salary range from like 108K to 243K. So would most new grads be getting the 108k and not close to like 200K?

Correct. Usually the salary they set you at is based on something quantifiable such as years of experience or whether you’ve had a residency or not. If you are a new grad with no residency, expect the $108. If you have a residency or a few years experience, you can expect $120-130. If you have 10+ years experience and you did a residency, you could probably get a starting salary up near their max.

 

[rafacena]

Correct. Usually the salary they set you at is based on something quantifiable such as years of experience or whether you’ve had a residency or not. If you are a new grad with no residency, expect the $108. If you have a residency or a few years experience, you can expect $120-130. If you have 10+ years experience and you did a residency, you could probably get a starting salary up near their max.

Dang, that kind of stinks for me lol.

 

[cooliyak]

Dang, that kind of stinks for me lol.

Haha yeah, but the benefits definitely make a difference. You can’t beat the PTO that most places give you and it’s nice to have all of your insurances taken care of (medical/dental, disability, malpractice, etc). Not saying that makes up for it, but with a salary at $108 + the benefits, it gets you at least closer to a $120 value.

 

[rafacena]

Haha yeah, but the benefits definitely make a difference. You can’t beat the PTO that most places give you and it’s nice to have all of your insurances taken care of (medical/dental, disability, malpractice, etc). Not saying that makes up for it, but with a salary at $108 + the benefits, it gets you at least closer to a $120 value.

On the VA's website I usually see 26.5 days of PTO. Does that mean almost 1 month of PTO? So you don't have to pay anything out of pocket for insurance? Is it really good insurance? Like it doesn't matter if you get an open heart surgery or a broken leg, they will pay for it?

 

[cooliyak]

On the VA's website I usually see 26.5 days of PTO. Does that mean almost 1 month of PTO? So you don't have to pay anything out of pocket for insurance? Is it really good insurance? Like it doesn't matter if you get an open heart surgery or a broken leg, they will pay for it?

26.5 days would actually be just over a month assuming you work 5 days/week. So yes. My first job gave me 43 days PTO including vacation, sick, and CE days. It takes the stress off and allows you to live a life you couldn’t if you owned or were an associate somewhere. For example, I would go to Guatemala for a week with my dental school, which I enjoyed. I went to Peru for 2 weeks the same year. Then Mexico. Then did a week-long CE course. No lost income. I actually had $2,000 of CE funds given to me as well so I didn’t even pay for the CE course I took. They paid hotel and meals and everything.

The insurance situation will vary depending on where you are so I can’t speak too much to that, but all places will offer some version of those benefits. My current FQHC has pretty good medical insurance. Very minimal out of pocket costs for the plan because my organization subsidizes it.

 

[rafacena]

26.5 days would actually be just over a month assuming you work 5 days/week. So yes. My first job gave me 43 days PTO including vacation, sick, and CE days. It takes the stress off and allows you to live a life you couldn’t if you owned or were an associate somewhere. For example, I would go to Guatemala for a week with my dental school, which I enjoyed. I went to Peru for 2 weeks the same year. Then Mexico. Then did a week-long CE course. No lost income. I actually had $2,000 of CE funds given to me as well so I didn’t even pay for the CE course I took. They paid hotel and meals and everything.

The insurance situation will vary depending on where you are so I can’t speak too much to that, but all places will offer some version of those benefits. My current FQHC has pretty good medical insurance. Very minimal out of pocket costs for the plan because my organization subsidizes it.

Wow that is actually pretty nice!

Do you mean you went to Guatemala with friends from dental school for vacation? Or did you work at a dental school?

 

[cooliyak]

Wow that is actually pretty nice!

Do you mean you went to Guatemala with friends from dental school for vacation? Or did you work at a dental school?

My dental school had a clinic in Guatemala that students would go down to 3-4 times a year. I went when I was a student and was invited to go back as faculty after I graduated.

 

[rafacena]

My dental school had a clinic in Guatemala that students would go down to 3-4 times a year. I went when I was a student and was invited to go back as faculty after I graduated.

Wow that is cool. Did the school pay for your expenses?

 

[cooliyak]

Wow that is cool. Did the school pay for your expenses?

When I went as faculty, yes. As a student, no.

 

[allDAT]

Don’t do it unless you got the scholarship. In general pay is too low. Hard to stay for 10 years for PSLF. High turnover, high burnout.
If you have to do it, make sure that you’re doing endo and crown and bridge. Otherwise, you won’t be building skills for a transition to private practice.

 

[cooliyak]

Don’t do it unless you got the scholarship. In general pay is too low. Hard to stay for 10 years for PSLF. High turnover, high burnout.
If you have to do it, make sure that you’re doing endo and crown and bridge. Otherwise, you won’t be building skills for a transition to private practice.

It’s not for everyone, but if you find a good organization, it is a great place to be long-term. My current organization has very low turnover, especially of providers, and the culture is very positive. Unless something changes drastically, most of us plan on being here for the majority of our careers.

 

[allDAT]

It’s not for everyone, but if you find a good organization, it is a great place to be long-term. My current organization has very low turnover, especially of providers, and the culture is very positive. Unless something changes drastically, most of us plan on being here for the majority of our careers.

Yea, I’m at a good place too, but we still have high turnover (assistants come and go every 2-3 years).

Good place to start, good place to end, not a good place for mid career dentists though unless you’re not the primary income. You run out of time where it doesn’t make sense to buy a practice if you stay too long and you basically have to buy one to buy a good job in our profession.

For newer grads, the positions don’t pay enough to support their loans during the early years. So unless they’re making 200k at the low end (150k-175k salary + 50k LRP + good benefits) it’s a non starter in my opinion for those with more than 375k in student loans.

 

[seakzdent]

Anyone on this thread that could potentially talk to me about their experiences working now through the NHSC scholarship? I am a 2 year commit but am considering extending my contract.

 

[cooliyak]

Anyone on this thread that could potentially talk to me about their experiences working now through the NHSC scholarship? I am a 2 year commit but am considering extending my contract.

I did the 4 year scholarship and finished my commitment this past year. I am about to go through the loan repayment process this upcoming year. What questions do you have?

 

[LBagel]

Also approaching the one year mark of work at my NHSC site. I have a few friends doing it too. From what I know between myself and them most jobs pay 130-160k for salary alone. PTO and other benefits are pretty nice but don't see myself staying past my 3 year commitment mark but that’s just me! Defintely learning a lot but feel like I’m still missing out on the stuff you would see in private practice. I think with all salary, benefits and S2S loan repayment $ (120k tax free = 171k comparative normal income / 3 years = factors into 57k a year) I’m lil over 200k as a new dentist no residency 🤷🏽‍♂

 

[rafacena]

Also approaching the one year mark of work at my NHSC site. I have a few friends doing it too. From what I know between myself and them most jobs pay 130-160k for salary alone. PTO and other benefits are pretty nice but don't see myself staying past my 3 year commitment mark but that’s just me! Defintely learning a lot but feel like I’m still missing out on the stuff you would see in private practice. I think with all salary, benefits and S2S loan repayment $ (120k tax free = 171k comparative normal income / 3 years = factors into 57k a year) I’m lil over 200k as a new dentist no residency 🤷🏽‍♂

Did you do Grad Plus loans or the Health Professional Student Loans? Because I think I read that the Health Professional Student Loans aren't eligible for loan repayment or forgiveness.

 

[LBagel]

Did you do Grad Plus loans or the Health Professional Student Loans? Because I think I read that the Health Professional Student Loans aren't eligible for loan repayment or forgiveness

Solely stafford and grad plus loans. I don’t think I qualified for other loans but got lucky with this loan payment/interest hold. I do know they are a little bit picky with loan types but I would ask them directly via email or just a phone call!