A Career in Military Dentistry

The U.S Defense services are known for valor,undergraduate student. An annual salary of
discipline and humanitarian service. Numerous$42,000 to $60,000 is offered to newly
divisions of the defense services employ dentistscommissioned officers. Additional bonuses include
at different military bases, all over the world. Thehome loans and medical treatment and are paid
army, navy and air force offer positions toaccording to the U.S Military Commission. Bonus
dentists. Dental facilities are a part of all militarypay is awarded to active duty officers, after one
hospitals and dispensaries, through out the Unitedyear of service.
States, Alaska, and Hawaii.There are advantages for personnel interested in
Applicants for military dentistry must have a DDSpursuing dentistry, while serving with the military.
or DMD degree from a recognized U.S. orMilitary dentists earn a secure salary and additional
Canadian medical university and should be citizenopportunities for salary increases are available,
of the United States. Dental school graduates aredepending on longevity of service tenure, merit
required to have their licenses registered with theand promotion. Office expenses are looked after
state authorities. Application forms, withby the military. Military benefits include self-medical
credentials must be completed and submitted tocare, a low-cost health care plan for family
the U.S military recruitment staff. Letters ofmembers and insurance in case disability or death.
recommendation from the military and stateDentists on active duty, enjoy a 30-days paid
board are welcome. Interviews are carried outvacation, along with 11 paid holidays every year.
with one or more veteran dental officers on theThe families of the dentists are provided with
board.military security.
The newly commissioned dentists undergo aDentists joining the military have ample of
six-week military training. Selected junior officersopportunities to refine their techniques and skills
are sent to the dental specialty training programs.too. Clinical and analytical skills are improved
The Military Commission for dentists initially laststhrough the military rotation system. Dentists
for a span of 2-4 years. After the initial period,within the military are encouraged to continue
the dentists can re-enlist with the Commission,their education and research. Study leaves for
with an increase in salary and avail of the specialmedical students are granted annually, to attend
training and other incentives.and participate in CE courses and exams. The
The First Commission assigns smaller clinics, withdentists are felicitated with an increase in their
two or three dentists working together, offeringrank, grade and pay scale. Course registration
opportunities for a variety of treatmentfees, travel, and lodging are paid for by the
experience. A rotation program is followed inmilitary dental facility.
Larger Dental facilities, where dental officers areA military dentist is eligible for retirement pay and
allowed to perform endodontic, prosthetic, surgicalbenefits after 20 to 22 years of military service.
or periodontal procedures. Such larger facilities onlyAccording to the U.S Military Pay Commission,
employ trained dental specialists, certified by theretirement pay is equal to 40% of that of the
board.last rank of active duty pay and up to 75%, if
Rank, grade and experience determine the salary.the person retires after putting in 30 years of
The initial pay package may increase if the personservice.
has participated in ROTC programs as an