| 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 dentists | | | | commissioned officers. Additional bonuses include |
| at different military bases, all over the world. The | | | | home loans and medical treatment and are paid |
| army, navy and air force offer positions to | | | | according to the U.S Military Commission. Bonus |
| dentists. Dental facilities are a part of all military | | | | pay is awarded to active duty officers, after one |
| hospitals and dispensaries, through out the United | | | | year of service. |
| States, Alaska, and Hawaii. | | | | There are advantages for personnel interested in |
| Applicants for military dentistry must have a DDS | | | | pursuing dentistry, while serving with the military. |
| or DMD degree from a recognized U.S. or | | | | Military dentists earn a secure salary and additional |
| Canadian medical university and should be citizen | | | | opportunities for salary increases are available, |
| of the United States. Dental school graduates are | | | | depending on longevity of service tenure, merit |
| required to have their licenses registered with the | | | | and promotion. Office expenses are looked after |
| state authorities. Application forms, with | | | | by the military. Military benefits include self-medical |
| credentials must be completed and submitted to | | | | care, a low-cost health care plan for family |
| the U.S military recruitment staff. Letters of | | | | members and insurance in case disability or death. |
| recommendation from the military and state | | | | Dentists on active duty, enjoy a 30-days paid |
| board are welcome. Interviews are carried out | | | | vacation, along with 11 paid holidays every year. |
| with one or more veteran dental officers on the | | | | The families of the dentists are provided with |
| board. | | | | military security. |
| The newly commissioned dentists undergo a | | | | Dentists joining the military have ample of |
| six-week military training. Selected junior officers | | | | opportunities 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 lasts | | | | through 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 special | | | | medical students are granted annually, to attend |
| training and other incentives. | | | | and participate in CE courses and exams. The |
| The First Commission assigns smaller clinics, with | | | | dentists are felicitated with an increase in their |
| two or three dentists working together, offering | | | | rank, grade and pay scale. Course registration |
| opportunities for a variety of treatment | | | | fees, travel, and lodging are paid for by the |
| experience. A rotation program is followed in | | | | military dental facility. |
| Larger Dental facilities, where dental officers are | | | | A military dentist is eligible for retirement pay and |
| allowed to perform endodontic, prosthetic, surgical | | | | benefits after 20 to 22 years of military service. |
| or periodontal procedures. Such larger facilities only | | | | According to the U.S Military Pay Commission, |
| employ trained dental specialists, certified by the | | | | retirement 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 person | | | | service. |
| has participated in ROTC programs as an | | | | |