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