Military Dentistry-What do you wish you would have known, and what are your likes/dislikes about the profession in a military environment?

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Sep 2017 12:17:07 -0400

I am working on prerequisites for dental school at NCSU and hoping to become a military dentist. I have about 1-2 years of prerequisites, as my undergrad was CompSci/IT. Hoping to matriculate in the Fall of 2020. I have about 51 hours of dental shadowing and clinical volunteer experience. Really appreciate all the advice I can get from those in the profession.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Sep 15 at 2017 4:16 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Fri, 15 Sep 2017 16:16:26 -0400

Ok, waited for a couple of hours and you got no takers. I am not a dentist nor have I played one on TV, but I can give some insight on being a patient. I had a Army Dentist who used me (with my permission) as his State Licensing Patient. Now this was after 6 years of practice as an Army Dental Officer. So, if things are the same today, you will have a vast amount of experience going into private practice when the time comes.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2017 10:44 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 22:44:03 -0500

My dad, back in 73, had his way paid through dental school by the Army. So after spending 2 years with the 1st Cav post-graduation, he was able to start his own private practice relatively debt-free and completly furnished IRT office equipment. I can’t answer the question for you, he doesn’t talk much about those 2 years. I know when he went in the Army needed dentists for Vietnam (youll make major in 3 years!) and shortly after Nam wound down (yeah, itll take you 8 years to Major. Just leave now.) not all of his advice on staff corps officering crossed from army to navy, but we talked a bit. Id imagine it can be similar to anywhere in thr Army as far as leadership/good old boys, duty days, etc. but other than very elementary soldiering and “play the game”, “i was a dentist. They didnt expect me to do infantry or cav stuff, just teeth.”
That said, my sister and her husband are both dentists (yes, my dad, sister, and brother in law are all dentists. My doctorate is in ministry. At Christmas we sound like that Bob Hope and Chevy Chase movie where they all are greeting each other “doctor,” “doctor,” “doctor,” “doctor,” “doctor,” Etc.) and they both have student debt over 6 figures that dad didnt have, and start up costs for a small business that, once again, dad didnt have.
Will see if he’ll open up and talk about that more. Best of luck!

Response by CPT John Hall made Sep 4 at 2019 8:52 PM

CPT John Hall — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 20:52:28 -0400

I think it would be great gor you. I did 40 years sgo. A residency at Fort Jackson. I. Wish that I would have stayed in on active orbreserves ro be retired by now, like my classmates. They aee sll Colonels.