Which policy is this?Yes, that is the current policy. Everything changes based on the state of needs for the Army but right now it is a max of 90 days.
Which policy is this?Yes, that is the current policy. Everything changes based on the state of needs for the Army but right now it is a max of 90 days.
Which policy is this?
I'll be a D1 starting in the fall and am thinking about joining the National Guard. How are dental students/recent grads going about attending DCC and BOLC? Summer between D1 and D2 is the only summer free to attend trainings.
Can anyone shed some light on Army Endodontics and Perio?
Wondering things like class rank/GPA, whether they prefer AEGD/GPR right out of school, chances of getting into a program directly out of school.
Thanks!
If I stay in the Army, I would consider doing the AEGD-2 or Prosth residency. Since I'm almost done with the AEGD-1, I'm wondering which route would be a better path. It seems like I'd enhance my scope a lot more with prosth, but I've heard it's more difficult to get a job on the outside as a prosthodontist and the cases and patients you do get can be much more challenging than as a general dentist. You could practice general dentistry still, but I've heard others in the community don't look fondly on you for doing that...? Another positive is that you could go into education, or possibly work in a specialty practice as a prosthodontist.
On the other hand, the AEGD-2 would really give someone an excellent foundation in general dentistry that seems like it would translate well to any other area of dentistry, and allow you to become board certified too. This, along with the GI bill, seems like it would be very helpful if someone ever wanted to apply to a civilian specialty program on the outside, such as pedo. Not only that, you're a very well-rounded dentist, and could do well just about anywhere. One of the downsides is that I've heard (from a AEGD-2 grad) that you don't get much more clinical experience beyond the AEGD-1, but you get a far greater didactic exposure and know the "why" of everything you do.
It seems like they're both great programs. Does anyone who has more experience in the Army, or has done either of the programs (esp on top of an AEGD-1) have any insight? Obviously it's different for everyone, I'd just love some perspective.
Depends on whether you get a 12-month unaccompanied tour or a 24-month accompanied or "with dependents." You should contact HRC before putting your preference in to see if they can make that happen for you. They frequently change Officers at HRC so you should contact your HPSP Program Manager (Ms. Roxanne O'Neal) when your list of assignments comes out to find out who your HRC Assignments Officer is at that time.Hi,
When I graduate from dental school in 2021, can I work in Camp Humphrey's, South Korea without an AEGD. Can my husband come with me as well?
No. They may ask for preferences, but it all boils down to the needs of the military.Is there any way I can sign a contract stating that I will be stationed to Korea?
No. They may ask for preferences, but it all boils down to the needs of the military.
Big Hoss
Dennis,
1. There is no way your contract will ever guarantee you a duty location. As Big Hoss stated, they will ask your preferences. Fortunately for you, Korea is one of the easier overseas assignments to request and be granted, as it is a top priority for HRC to fill it 100%. I can link you with the assignments officer at HRC to align it [email protected], but to reiterate, there is NO GUARANTEE. You'll want to get on the recruiting/HRC radar 6 months before you graduate so the timing aligns with graduation (the process to get you an Army contract takes at least 180 days). So start your application in October/November timeframe.
2. There is NO MINIMUM GPA. If your recruiter told you this, he/she is misinformed (again, send me an email if this is the case). It is competitive (there are between 10-15 slots awarded nationwide annually to fully qualified dentists) but certainly possible even with a lower GPA. The application will look at the total person--not just disqualify you for low grades.
3. The Army does not require residency training and you can work straight out of school. Army training is now 2-fold:
1) Direct Commissioning Course (DCC) a 4 week program at Fort Sill, OK. followed by 2) Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC) a 6 week program at Fort Sam Houston, TX.
4. Time in service (in good standings). Good reports, performance, and additional schools/professional development (as dentist and solider) plays a higher role past the rank of MAJ (O-4).
Depends on whether you get a 12-month unaccompanied tour or a 24-month accompanied or "with dependents." You should contact HRC before putting your preference in to see if they can make that happen for you. They frequently change Officers at HRC so you should contact your HPSP Program Manager (Ms. Roxanne O'Neal) when your list of assignments comes out to find out who your HRC Assignments Officer is at that time.
FYI MOST 63A's over the past 6 years have not deployed. I never did and know very few that have and all of them requested to deploy.You mean they already started this fiscal year? I thought it started on October 1st?
Anyways thanks for the info. I had this suspicion that the recruiter saying "not everybody deploys" was just advertising BS.
I'm also curious about this. Does anyone have a good explanation?If I do not take the 1year AEGD, will I be at a disadvantage when being placed at a post?
Will I be doing less clinical cases compared to someone who did a 1year AEGD?
yes and no. It really depends on the location you are assigned and the staff there. Most new general dentists without a residency will be assigned to clinics with a lot of other dental support. This is good if the more senior dentists are interested in training you, not so good if they don't want to or they dont have the patient load/facilities to share cases.I'm also curious about this. Does anyone have a good explanation?
Unless you have a snowbird year, probably not. CCC is changing from 9 weeks to 20 weeks by 2022 with pilots until then and there are 9 week CCC starting in MAR and JUL- both would occur either before you're out of dental school or after the start of an AEGD.Hi,
I will be graduating in April 2020. I’ve already completed BOLC. Does anyone know if I could complete CCC prior to reporting to an AEGD or my first post?
thanks!
When do individuals on the alternate list for the 1-year AEGD usually find out if they were selected or not? Is there a way to know where you are on the OML?
You may find out in a few weeks. People will turn down the AEGD because they either aren't interested or because they get accepted into a different specialty.
My recruiter told me that we don't find out until June. Will people really find out in the next few weeks if they got off the alternate list?
Do they inform you of your location posting right away if you match into a LTHET residency?
Since you have done both military and private practice, what would you say is the better life style?Here are some of the questions that I currently have.
- Since you have done both military and private practice, what would you say is the better life style?
- I have been told that you are very limited to your treatments especially if you are a general dentist/ recent graduate. Most dentist only do basic operatives such as filling and extractions or exams. Is this true ?
- Do military dentistry give you vast experience and knowledge that can help you once you go to civilian practice or would you say that you can get the same amount of experience in the real world just as quickly after graduating.
- I read online that military dentistry provides funding for continuing education. Do you know of this is true and to what extent ?
- I am unsure which branch of service you are in, but I am planning on applying for the army. Do you know if it is similar across the branches or if some branches are worse for dentist ?
- Although monetary incentive is a great bonus to the HPSP scholarship, the tuition at my school is fairly cheap (in state). Besides the scholarship, would you say that , in your opinion, the pros of military dentistry out weigh the con?
As for the life of a dentist in the military, are you govern strictly on what you can do? Is there autonomy in practice? Would you say that the years of experience in military is like an AEGD? Were you able to do many different cases and have a lot of experience on implants, bridges crowns restorative dentistry as well? And do they have the opportunity to implement digital dentistry into their treatments?
I know this is a lot of questions so I apologize but thank you for understanding. I am trying to apply for the 3 year HPSP and am currently trying to make sure I really like what I am committing to.
This is an awesome response. Thank you for the thought and time you put into doing this. I'm sure it will help many people.Since you have done both military and private practice, what would you say is the better life style?
I was in the Army for 7 years and specialized. I recently transitioned out. During that time I moonlighted on the side. I think private practice is much better, more efficient, pays better, has better hours, you are respected more by the patient and staff, and is much more family friendly. This is a personal decision though. Each provider is different, each person has their preferences. The military is much slower pace and you get bogged down with useless trainings, briefing, requirements, etc. Private practice is more stressful in that you are on your own and unlike the military production matters more.
- I have been told that you are very limited to your treatments especially if you are a general dentist/ recent graduate. Most dentist only do basic operatives such as filling and extractions or exams. Is this true ?
Depends on where you are. If you don’t do an AEGD you may initially be looked at as needing more help and supervision. Like anything, trust is earned. Show that you can competently do certain procedures and your leadership will likely give you more freedom in time. Also, if you are stationed at a place with a lot of specialists that could go either way. As a specialist myself I was more than happy to train the GPs that were genuinely interested. They could do the simple cases and I’d take the tougher ones. It’s all about forming a relationship with those existing dentists and making the effort on your part.
- Do military dentistry give you vast experience and knowledge that can help you once you go to civilian practice or would you say that you can get the same amount of experience in the real world just as quickly after graduating.
I’d say you gain speed and learn certain tricks that will help you in an environment where you are allowed to work at a slower pace. That’s good for some, not so for others. I’ll also say I’ve seen providers become complacent and stay in that slow mode rather than elevating or challenging themselves. It’s all about taking personal responsibility. You’ll gain more experience faster in private practice but in the military you will likely work closer with the specialists and can be supervised doing specialty procedures if you make the effort and the specialist is willing to take the time to supervise you initially.
- I read online that military dentistry provides funding for continuing education. Do you know of this is true and to what extent ?
Yes and no. It all depends on the funding your unit has and when you ask. It’s a tricky game. You need to ask when the funding is there, show/justify how the CE will benefit you as a provider, and ask to go when the unit can stand not to have you seeing patients. If you’re at a large base or clinic with a lot of providers that will be easier as the rest can pick up the slack. If you’re at a smaller installation they may need you at that time for “the mission” and so you may get denied. The key to this is plan it all out and ask early before your schedule gets booked or it interferes with some training or requirement. In my experience the funding wasn’t there most of the time, even as a specialist. The Army is cutting budgets and money is being diverted to other aspects or departments outside of dentistry (medicine, combat arms, etc.). Your unit may not pay for it but they will likely give you PTDY (time off where it is not charged to your leave [vacation] days. You typically get between 1-2 weeks a year but I cannot stress enough that you need to make your intentions known for these trainings early. As a new dentist to the military you’re likely not going to be approved to go to the nicest and most costly CE. If there is a cheaper way, location, method, etc. to get the same training then the Army will want you to go that route.
- I am unsure which branch of service you are in, but I am planning on applying for the army. Do you know if it is similar across the branches or if some branches are worse for dentist?
No branch is better or worse. It’s all about what you want and perspective. The Army is bigger, has more dentists, has more opportunities for specializing because it is bigger, and is typically has more opportunities for non-dental stuff (cross training, general military courses, broadening opportunities, etc.). I can say based on what I hear from my friends in the Navy and the Air Force they generally have more desirable base locations, treat their people a little nicer, are generally less heavy on the aspects outside of dental (the pressure to do general military courses and education [air assault school, airborne school, etc.]), and their physical fitness test is easier
As a side note to this, as of October 2019 all the services, while still separate, fall under the Defense Health Agency (DHA) for medical and dental. There has been a lot of bumps in the transition but in theory it will streamline all military healthcare and help prevent redundancy and gaps. In the future you’re likely to see a blurring and joint activities in a lot of areas but each branch will maintain their own fitness and core standards.
- Although monetary incentive is a great bonus to the HPSP scholarship, the tuition at my school is fairly cheap (in state). Besides the scholarship, would you say that , in your opinion, the pros of military dentistry out weigh the con?
Let’s be honest, as much as patriotism is a factor, most people take the scholarship for financial reasons. I can’t answer this for YOU and I would turn this question on you. What do you want? What do you value? What are you willing to put up with in terms of extraneous (outside of dental) bs? Each person needs to decide if they want to sign on the dotted line and be free of that loan obligation financially or if they prefer absolute autonomy and personal freedom (going on leave in the Army can be a bear with all the paperwork and processes, especially if you want to travel to a foreign country…it makes you feel like an irresponsible preschooler) at the expense of a monthly loan payment.
As for the life of a dentist in the military, are you govern strictly on what you can do? Is there autonomy in practice? Would you say that the years of experience in military is like an AEGD? Were you able to do many different cases and have a lot of experience on implants, bridges crowns restorative dentistry as well? And do they have the opportunity to implement digital dentistry into their treatments?
See above responses. I have my personal opinions and bias about the Army but I’ve tried to give you an unbiased opinion. At the end of the day it’s about what you want, what you’re willing to deal with, and what your long term goals are. Don’t make the decision lightly. There are pros and cons either way with long term ramifications. Make the best choice for YOU and don’t feel pressured either way. Best of luck J
I never heard anything. Supposedly we should hear our duty station in the near future but not sure when that will be.Did anyone hear back regarding getting off the wait list for the army 1 year AEGD?
oh you'll get FT Sill.I understand that assignment selection is not guaranteed. However, I would like to know if someone has a good chance to be sent to Fort Sill, Fort Hood, or Fort Sam Houston if they pick these three as their top choices?
Thanks for the reply. Do you know if it’s possible to take one day of leave a month to go work in a private office? I’m thinking about using some leave and a Saturday here and there to add some income when I start my serviceoh you'll get FT Sill.
Thanks for the reply. Do you know if it’s possible to take one day of leave a month to go work in a private office? I’m thinking about using some leave and a Saturday here and there to add some income when I start my service
it's prob on the same level as 29 palmsIt’s that good, huh?
Big Hoss
all depends on the commander, but i don't see why not.
also (in my opinion) fort sam is the best on your list. fort hood is decent too. if you're an officer you can live off post closer to austin. fort hood also has a lot of general dentist spots as well, but rumor has it that 63A gigs are shifting towards brigade roles.
fort sill is literally in the middle of no where. they have a 1 year aegd and another clinic that is like 90% exams or something (i was almost stationed there).
I’m unsure about if I want to specialize or do AEGD or something of the sort. I definitely want to gain skills and get out and use them in private practice. Ft. Sill may not be a good option then. I’m definitely the type to hustle so I’m hoping I’ll be rewarded for this mentality with some great mentorship wherever I land.all depends on the commander, but i don't see why not.
also (in my opinion) fort sam is the best on your list. fort hood is decent too. if you're an officer you can live off post closer to austin. fort hood also has a lot of general dentist spots as well, but rumor has it that 63A gigs are shifting towards brigade roles.
fort sill is literally in the middle of no where. they have a 1 year aegd and another clinic that is like 90% exams or something (i was almost stationed there).
29 palms is a desert oasis its probably up there next to san diego and china lake with lemoore just hair below 29
I'm curious too about how Military ortho works, In private practice you see 60+ patients a day for adjustmentsDoes anyone have recent residency data? I’m interested in the number of applicants for ortho in the recent years. TIA