Specializing in Army or Navy

[Boise State Bronco]

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I'm applying to dental school this year and currently apply for Army HPSP. I am considering apply to the Navy as well, I really want to get HPSP. Which branch has the most available residencies to specialize? Would it be okay to apply to both branches?

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[caffeine jitters]

It’s perfectly fine to apply to all three branches.

As far as specializing goes, I believe the Army might have the most facilities, but that is probably misleading because specializing through the Military is not dependent on the number of theoretical spots - it’s dependent on the needs of that particular branch for that particular year.

My advice: apply to all three, then consult with active duty service members in each branch to see where you could see yourself fitting in the best.

 

[krmower]

Army has the most post graduate specialty slots.

 

[zToothinator]

How does applying to all 3 branches work? Specifically, are you required to go to MEPS 3 times?

 

[Tooth Ferry]

How does applying to all 3 branches work? Specifically, are you required to go to MEPS 3 times?

No. You go once.

 

[knewstance]

Question regarding this same topic:
If I plan on going into private practice eventually, is it better to specialize before or after the service of HPSP commitment?

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

Question regarding this same topic:
If I plan on going into private practice eventually, is it better to specialize before or after the service of HPSP commitment?

After, because for competitive residencies - aside from OMFS, which they very often take right out of school - you'll have to put in 3-4 years of service before you even realistically have a shot at specializing in the military.

Big Hoss

 

[knewstance]

After, because for competitive residencies - aside from OMFS, which they very often take right out of school - you'll have to put in 3-4 years of service before you even realistically have a shot at specializing in the military.

Big Hoss

So would it be ideal to specialize in the military or in a civilian residency?

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

So would it be ideal to specialize in the military or in a civilian residency?

What are you gunning for?

Big Hoss

 

[knewstance]

What are you gunning for?

Big Hoss

I'm not even sure yet. Still D1 and I haven't decided on anything. Just exploring the options and routes of attack.

Endo is my current consideration.

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

I'm not even sure yet. Still D1 and I haven't decided on anything. Just exploring the options and routes of attack.

At this point, just focus on doing your best in school to keep your options open. Personally, I’d just do your payback and get out. If you want to specialize afterwards, you can use the GI Bill to help fund your residency. This is my plan.

Big Hoss

 

[knewstance]

At this point, just focus on doing your best in school to keep your options open. Personally, I’d just do your payback and get out. If you want to specialize afterwards, you can use the GI Bill to help fund your residency. This is my plan.

Big Hoss

I guess that is simple enough! Thanks Big Hoss - I always like reading your posts.

 

[O Gaúcho]

At this point, just focus on doing your best in school to keep your options open. Personally, I’d just do your payback and get out. If you want to specialize afterwards, you can use the GI Bill to help fund your residency. This is my plan.

Big Hoss

Is GPA and Class rank still taken into account after 3-4 years of service?

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

Is GPA and Class rank still taken into account after 3-4 years of service?

I think the further you are from graduation the less important they become. But, those are still big factors from what I know.

Big Hoss

 

[UBDent19]

How does applying to all 3 branches work? Specifically, are you required to go to MEPS 3 times?

I applied to both Army and Air Force. They had me complete MEPS separately.

 

[Armyhealth]

I applied to both Army and Air Force. They had me complete MEPS separately.

ha, sounds like one of the recruiters didn't want to tip off the other. You should only have to do it once, each branch can request a copy of the physical. MEPS is non-branch specific.

 

[TheArmyDentist]

Is GPA and Class rank still taken into account after 3-4 years of service?

I'd say, plan on applying in the military because it's free to apply, you can payback HPSP commitment concurrently, AND you get your full salary while you're attending residency so if you know you'll specialize I wouldn't bother waiting to get out to apply.

Class rank and GPA is still important but you'll have other factors (military experience) to help outweigh crappy grades if that's the case.

Here are the historical results for Army residencies. It changes based on how many people apply each year but the odds are generally pretty good.