Transitioning from military dentistry to civilian practice

[edyizme]

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Hey guys, I'm a 3rd year dental student signed up for a 4 year Navy HPSP. I've been reading the SDN a lot and appreciate all of your information about military dentistry. It's extremely hard to get information otherwise so all your posts are really helpful.

Anyway, I'm concerned about how smooth a transition it is from military practice to civilian practice. Does the military (specifically the Navy) at all facilitate in finding a job after finishing your service? Do they give you days off so you can go an interview at places? Is there some sort of Navy "alumni" network they can hook you up with? How do school specialty residencies generally perceive Navy dentists who apply?

If anyone knows anything about any of these questions, I'd appreciate your input. Thanks!

 

[Saddleshoes]

My experience is with the Guard and Reserve so I can not answer your question exactly but I can tell you the military has invested a great deal of money and time in your skills and training after 4 years. They would like to get the maximum return on their investment. Helping you leave the military is not in their interest.

 

[Hedgy]

The transition is somewhat challenging. You will basically have to take your own leave to work out a transition. Granted most can be done via the internet, like any practice transition, you will not know how your personality matches the practice you are transitioning to until you are there.

I can tell you, if you do a residency, and a couple of years after, you WILL be ready to practice on your own. That being said, I think they do help with your transition out. I think they understand that 70% of the new dentists will depart the service, so they don't hold it against you. If they do, to heck with them, you're getting out anyway.

If you consider reserve, make sure you are in a group practice or there is a high chance you'll lose your practice if you deploy for a year.

All this being said, have an open mind when you enter. The military isn't for everyone, but can be a rewarding career. I'm actually considering re-entering after my kids are out of school. I loved the uniform, loved serving overseas, enjoyed my ship tour immensely. I just had a better opportunity in private practice near all of my family. Now, I'm financially committed and want to let my kids finish their shool here (although they talk like they want to return to Italy). You'll make a ton more money in private practice, but I learned there is much more to dentistry than the almighty dollar-and you'll see how it influences how you practice. Best of luck.

 

[edyizme]

Thanks, Hedgy, for your response. It seems like the Navy doesn't make it difficult to leave after the payback years.

If you don't mind me asking, what did your years in the Navy look like, as in locations, residencies, etc.?

Thanks!

 

[Hedgy]

Thanks, Hedgy, for your response. It seems like the Navy doesn't make it difficult to leave after the payback years.

If you don't mind me asking, what did your years in the Navy look like, as in locations, residencies, etc.?

Thanks!

Edy,

I completed my AEGD at Great Lakes in 2001-2. It was a great program with an unlimited patient population. It's not the most popular place for an AEGD/GPR, but the point is to get the most out of the program you commit to and we had great mentors.

I took a sub-tender tour out of La Maddalena, Italy (Sardania), the USS Emory S. Land. Do not kid yourself as to what you will do after residency. Expect to deploy and make the most of it. I'd recommend the ESL to anyone, but the base closed and the ship is now USNS. I'm not sure if you're married or have children (or both), but that had a lot to do with my decision.

I didn't want a carrier as the deployment is 6-12 months depending on when/where you go. I would do it if I were single though. Again, I had 2 little kids and didn't want extended deployments if I could help it. My other option was Okinawa, I had to extend a year to go there, but most officers I talked to didn't mind it. I optioned for the ship stationed overseas. They made it sound like the worst thing I could do. It turned out to be the best place for me, IMO.

We deployed for about 1 month at a time to a port somewhere in the Med. Serviced a ship or two, then came home for 1-2 months. Total time away was 10 months, but it wasn't all in a row, so I got to see my kids more than my colleagues on other ships. We also had money from the sub fleet and surface fleet (very nice). I got in w/ the GM's and security guys and was able to shoot 9mms, M-16s, M-60's, .50 cal's, and gernade launchers. The camaraderie was tops, I made some great friends.

I feel I know a lot more about places to go than most and since I'm out don't have as much bias. My friend from the ESL is a periodontist at Quantico and the Floss Boss from the ship is in NJ. I hear the promotion rate to CAPT is poor because they have so many being retained, thus my friend is getting out as he doesn't see a clinician making rank vs a paper dentist-aka clinic director (as usually is the case).

The best advice I think I can give is to make the most of your situation. If you get sent to Afghanistan w/ the Marines, make the most of it. I see so many of my colleagues feel sorry for themselves and blame the military for "sending them away". I don't feel sorry for them...it sucks to be away from family...but make the most of it. We are there to serve others, not ourselves, help your fellow sailors and Marines and you will have experiences you can share for a lifetime.

Also, if you do decide to get out...get to know you're Admin Officer or Admin CPO. They will make your life so much easier and really help you out if you have a YN who doesn't know what the heck they are doing.

 

[twayne dds]

I'm a retired Army dentist in private practice in a very desirable area of the country. My partner is retiring and I'd like to find a former military dentist (veteran or retired) to share this great experience. Any thoughts as to how I can reach out to future former military dentists?

This is NOT a blatant come-on. I'd really appreciate anyone's thoughts.

 

[Tirekicker]

The best advice I think I can give is to make the most of your situation. If you get sent to Afghanistan w/ the Marines, make the most of it. I see so many of my colleagues feel sorry for themselves and blame the military for "sending them away". I don't feel sorry for them...it sucks to be away from family...but make the most of it. We are there to serve others, not ourselves, help your fellow sailors and Marines and you will have experiences you can share for a lifetime.

👍

Thanks for your service Hedgy 🙂

OP: You can take terminal leave to help smooth the transition.