Operational Tours and Deployment

[Tooth Pulp]

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So I am a D-4 and currently applying for the PYG-1 programs, but also considering a credentialing tour. I have searched a lot of the threads looking for personal experiences with deployment upon completion of PYG-1 as well as credentialing tours and haven't found much. I spoke with my assignment officer and he said if I chose "A" for a credentialing tour I would be there for 36 months (12 month credentialing tour and 24 months serving at the base). And If I chose "B" I would be there for a 12 month credentialing tour, followed by either marine base service, overseas, seabees, or a ship.

So with that background information here are my concerns and questions. I will also be asking my assignment officer these questions, but wanted to get opinions from some other students and naval dentists.

1) If I choose (A), the credentialing tour where I will be for 36 months, does that mean I do not get deployed for 3 years? Or does that mean I am based there, but still have to hop on a ship 4-6 months a year?

2) If I choose B, am I basically going to bounce around and be deployed for the 3 years after the credentialing tour?

BTW: Neither base A or base B are ideal based on location

3) I am really interested in doing an AEGD for the experience. Dental school has been great, but I would love an opportunity to continue my hands on learning in an advanced environment. I was told I would most likely get the base I desired if I get accepted, which I have no clue if I will?? GPA: 3.6. Grades are fine, but I did more socializing and relaxing in dental school than extra curriculars. My question/ concern is upon completion of the PYG-1. I read that you basically go operational for the next 2-3 years. What does this actually imply? Will I be on a boat 6 months of the year, then move the next year. Then back on a boat, then move again? The AEGD is also appealing because of the bases. They are located in nicer areas than the credentialing tour locations.
If any PYG-1 naval dentists could provide some insight to me questions/ concerns I would really appreciate it. Sorry if my thoughts are a little jumbled.

 

[vellnueve]

I could give you a much more accurate answer if you name the bases.

 

[tingting]

So I am a D-4 and currently applying for the PYG-1 programs, but also considering a credentialing tour. I have searched a lot of the threads looking for personal experiences with deployment upon completion of PYG-1 as well as credentialing tours and haven't found much. I spoke with my assignment officer and he said if I chose "A" for a credentialing tour I would be there for 36 months (12 month credentialing tour and 24 months serving at the base). And If I chose "B" I would be there for a 12 month credentialing tour, followed by either marine base service, overseas, seabees, or a ship.

So with that background information here are my concerns and questions. I will also be asking my assignment officer these questions, but wanted to get opinions from some other students and naval dentists.

1) If I choose (A), the credentialing tour where I will be for 36 months, does that mean I do not get deployed for 3 years? Or does that mean I am based there, but still have to hop on a ship 4-6 months a year? This is a green-side billet, I'm guessing Camp Lejeune. Yes you are deployable from there. However there are a lot of dentists that actually volunteer to deploy, so with the war ending the opportunity is actually not that great

2) If I choose B, am I basically going to bounce around and be deployed for the 3 years after the credentialing tour? I'm guessing this is Parris Island or Great Lakes. You will have a 2-3 year assignment following the credentialing tour. It could be anywhere. Most likely it will be something operational which means a ship, with marines, seabees or overseas. If you want to avoid deploying just tell the detailer that. Then you will probably be offered a green-side or shore billet at one of the undesirable shore locations.

BTW: Neither base A or base B are ideal based on location

3) I am really interested in doing an AEGD for the experience. Dental school has been great, but I would love an opportunity to continue my hands on learning in an advanced environment. I was told I would most likely get the base I desired if I get accepted, which I have no clue if I will?? GPA: 3.6. Grades are fine, but I did more socializing and relaxing in dental school than extra curriculars. My question/ concern is upon completion of the PYG-1. I read that you basically go operational for the next 2-3 years. What does this actually imply? It implies the same thing I typed above for the credentialing tour. Will I be on a boat 6 months of the year, then move the next year. Then back on a boat, then move again? No. If you are assigned to a ship it is for 2 years. You work on the ship whether its at sea or in portThe AEGD is also appealing because of the bases. They are located in nicer areas than the credentialing tour locations. It's only one year. Parris Island and Great Lakes really aren't bad
If any PYG-1 naval dentists could provide some insight to me questions/ concerns I would really appreciate it. Sorry if my thoughts are a little jumbled.

Hope that helps you.

 

[Tooth Pulp]

Hope that helps you.

Thanks for the response. It was very informative. And yes, A is Camp Lejune and B is Parris Island. Great Lakes wasn't an option this year for our school, although it was last year.

 

[vellnueve]

With the budget crises they probably don't want to move you too far from where you are.

Yes, you may deploy from Lejuene during that two year follow-on. If you're at Parris Island, expect to spend your two years following credentialing either on a ship (probably a carrier), in Japan, or at a remote shore clinic like 29 Palms.

For the AEGD you would also be looking at a two year tour. There appears to be a slight tendency to send AEGD/GPR residents on the one-holers or remote duty but that is not guaranteed.

 

[dentclc]

Can someone specifically explain what a 'credentialing' year or tour is? Is the schedule normal business hours? Do you work under strict supervision or do you practice independently? Are you actually proving out what you are good at so that you are 'credentialed' for certain procedures but not for others?

 

[Tooth Pulp]

With the budget crises they probably don't want to move you too far from where you are.

Yes, you may deploy from Lejuene during that two year follow-on. If you're at Parris Island, expect to spend your two years following credentialing either on a ship (probably a carrier), in Japan, or at a remote shore clinic like 29 Palms.

For the AEGD you would also be looking at a two year tour. There appears to be a slight tendency to send AEGD/GPR residents on the one-holers or remote duty but that is not guaranteed.

Thanks for your response and the information

 

[Tooth Pulp]

Can someone specifically explain what a 'credentialing' year or tour is? Is the schedule normal business hours? Do you work under strict supervision or do you practice independently? Are you actually proving out what you are good at so that you are 'credentialed' for certain procedures but not for others?

I would answer your question, but I have only heard things about the credentialing tour. Someone who has experienced it would be better at answering your questions. Look under the Thread 'Ask a Navy dentist' and search credentialing tour. You will find some good info there. All I have heard is it is a good experience. But after the credentialing tour you will basically just do a lot of operative dentistry. Just hear say though, I don't know for sure.

 

[kevin512]

Can someone specifically explain what a 'credentialing' year or tour is? Is the schedule normal business hours? Do you work under strict supervision or do you practice independently? Are you actually proving out what you are good at so that you are 'credentialed' for certain procedures but not for others?

It is very difficult to determine what your experience will be. Different bases have different clinics (sometimes 5 or more) and people move around so often that things are constantly changing. If you truely want a great experience in Navy Dentistry, you need to take advantage of what is offered, especially if you are persuing a career. An AEGD is a great way to start, but again no one can tell you the experience will be better than going to Paris Island. You could have an amazing Directorate at the latter location that makes your experience excellent.

From my experience so far, I would take the AEGD route. I actually had to work one year outside in the corporate dental world before starting my payback due to an ACL tear. That year has given me a huge amount of "street credit". If I did not have this, I could see my experience in the USN being much more variable.

 

[vellnueve]

Doing credentialing at Parris Island may be better than some of the AEGDs. It all depends on who's running it.

 

[Nat426]

Question about Parris Island. If you do a credentialing tour here do you get two years of follow on orders or are you moved out afterwards?

 

[vellnueve]

Question about Parris Island. If you do a credentialing tour here do you get two years of follow on orders or are you moved out afterwards?

Barring some special circumstance you will move to an operational unit.

 

[Nat426]

That's a bummer, I like that area. 2+ deer per day... sweet!

 

[Nat426]

Barring some special circumstance you will move to an operational unit.

Vellnueve,
Do you know if you do get assigned to a place like Parris Island where you will be for only one year, do you already know where you are going after? Or do you just get one year orders and go through the process again while your doing your credentialing tour?

 

[vellnueve]

Or do you just get one year orders and go through the process again while your doing your credentialing tour?

This