OMFS Residency

[Zeekz]

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This may be a silly question but here goes anyways: I know in the 'civilian world' there are 4 and 6 yr OMFS programs with the difference being an MD and everything that comes along with that. Are the Army OMFS programs 4 or 6 years?


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[vellnueve]

Army guys will know better but I believe they are all currently 4 year with a 6 in the works.

 

[lb ruski]

Army guys will know better but I believe they are all currently 4 year with a 6 in the works.

This is true, just met with Major General Tempel (Chief of U.S. Army Dental Corps) and he confirmed that they are going to be implementing a 6 year dual degree program soon.

 

[armyyyyyy]

It is true that it is in the works, however it is by no means a guarantee. They have tried to resurrect the 6 yr multiple times without success. The problem is that the program is planned to be at Brooke in SA with a partnership with UTSA. Last I heard the partnership with UTSA is a go and coda approval is this summer. However, since the SA program is a joint program they need to get Air Force approval which has always been a stumbling block. So while the army side is a go it is still by no means a guarantee. They are starting to send soldiers to 6 yr civilian program in the meantime though.

 

[vellnueve]

There's not really much value in sending military dentists to 6 year residencies to the powers that be... there's no difference in privileging and no issues getting OR privileges anywhere in the MHS. That's why I think you see the resistance. It takes officers out of the loop for an additional two years and doesn't give a ton of benefit within the MHS. With the MHS under massive scrutiny for the ever-increasing costs of military healthcare I think that will be one item that won't quickly change.

 

[armyyyyyy]

The benefit is a longer payback and more OMFS doing a military career. The other benefit for allowing some to do civilian programs is access to different styles, techniques and scope.

 

[vellnueve]

The benefit is a longer payback and more OMFS doing a military career. The other benefit for allowing some to do civilian programs is access to different styles, techniques and scope.

Disagree. A lot of OMSs get out even after they pass the 10 year mark. Don't think doing an extra 2 and having 2 more of payback would appreciably increase retention. As for the latter, each service sends people outservice for residency and fellowhip already.

 

[armyyyyyy]

If one was to get into the 6 yr in d-school vs. 4 yr, the earliest you could get out is 13yrs vs. 9yrs. Its a big difference. Furthermore Army has not been sending OMFS out to civilian residencies, fellowships yes but not residency.

 

[vellnueve]

If one was to get into the 6 yr in d-school vs. 4 yr, the earliest you could get out is 13yrs vs. 9yrs. Its a big difference. Furthermore Army has not been sending OMFS out to civilian residencies, fellowships yes but not residency.

Yes you have to serve longer but that is still not a driving factor in keeping people past their commitment - a number of people are getting out around the 13 year mark across multiple specialties. Furthermore, from a business standpoint, when the two tracks are equally qualified, you want the one with the shorter lead time because you want your providers back and serving in military medicine rather than spending extra years in residency. Spending more time outside the military setting can also affect your career as you do not have visibility when compared to those who have been serving operationally or at an MTF.

The other services are sending people to outservice residency, the Army may not be right now but I know they definitely have in the past.

 

[agent2362]

If one was to get into the 6 yr in d-school vs. 4 yr, the earliest you could get out is 13yrs vs. 9yrs. Its a big difference. Furthermore Army has not been sending OMFS out to civilian residencies, fellowships yes but not residency.

Actually this past summer is the first time in a long time that the Army sent out two guys to civilian OMS programs. They sent them out after the failed attempt at having an in-house 6 year program. Both guys are in Texas, one at Parkland and the other ironically at San Antonio (UTSA) with Ellis

 

[Jlwn]

Hello,
I am currently an Army HPSP 3rd year dental student and I am interested in applying for OMFS residency in the Army. I have been doing some research but haven't found much information on the army OMFS residency application process and timelines. If any one could direct me to a helpful thread, has any information, or could put me in contact with someone who does.. it would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!

 

[krmower]

Applications are due in October for all specialty training. Phone number for the dental education office is (210) 221-0079 if you need additional info.