Fact Sheets

THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME.
 

You’re one of a rare breed. Motivated. Committed to serving others. You seek to broaden your professional horizons. Perhaps it’s by learning a new procedure, treating a more diverse patient base, or networking with colleagues from other parts of the country. Whatever your personal goals, if you have the desire to go beyond the boundaries of your civilian practice, earn a second income and serve your country, then the Army Dental Corps could be just the right choice. You can train part time, ready to serve when needed.

YOUR ROUTINE IS ANYTHING BUT ROUTINE.

As a member of the Army Reserve Health Care Team, you’ll have an opportunity to travel to places and perform tasks you may never get to do in your civilian practice, which is certain to be enriching, both personally and professionally, but your biggest source of satisfaction will come from the treatment you provide your Soldier patients.

BROADEN YOUR PROFESIONAL HORIZONS.

Picture yourself in a country like Panama or Honduras, where you might be called upon to provide dental care to underprivileged children and adults as part of a humanitarian mission. As part of the Army Health Care Team, you could travel to Army installations throughout the United States to examine Soldiers during field exercises. You may have the opportunity to attend professional conferences and seminars as part of your training, at government expense. You might even find yourself backpacking with colleagues or attending specialized Army training courses.

In the process, you’ll learn new skills like teamwork and leadership. You’ll sharpen the clinical skills you already possess. And since you’ll be part of an outstanding team of health care professionals from diverse disciplines and backgrounds, you’ll be able to share ideas, network and form lasting friendships.

YOU’RE A DENTIST AND AN OFFICER.

Your Army Reserve experience begins with the Officer Basic Leaders Course (OBLC). In this two-week orientation, you and your colleagues will learn about the Army way of life and experience the physical and mental challenges you’ll face as a member of the Army Reserve Health Care Team. 

When you complete OBLC, you’ll be assigned to the Army Reserve unit.

During your Army Reserve training, you may work at an Army dental clinic, medical center or community hospital.  There you will treat a diverse patient base of Soldiers, providing our nation’s service members dentistry-access to care — many for the first time.

Or, you could train in an Army field exercise, attend a dental conference or even participate in a humanitarian mission. But, no matter how you spend your Army Reserve training, you will return to your civilian practice with a new sense of pride and accomplishment.

PRACTICE IN STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES.
 

Being one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive health care organizations, the Army Dental Corps is extremely well-equipped. Which means you’ll be able to practice your specialty in modern facilities that utilize state-of-the-art technology. You’ll also be able to try out the latest equipment, accessories and restorative materials that you may want to purchase for your own practice.

Even our remote settings are high tech. Field dental units may include capabilities for telemedicine transmission, digital radiology, interactive video conferencing, computerized patient information management systems and high-performance, wireless communications.

WORK WITH COLLEAGUES FROM ALL DENTAL DISCIPLINES.

Depending on your specialty, you’re likely to be exposed to every major facet of dentistry: diagnosis and treatment, oral surgery, fixed and removable prosthodontics, endodontics, periodontics and preventive dentistry.  You may get an opportunity to participate in research and dental care administration. Best of all, you’ll be in a position to collaborate with leading dental professionals from various disciplines, not to mention physicians, nurses and other health care providers. All of which makes dentistry in the Army Reserve an excellent learning opportunity.

FINANCIAL INCENTIVES FOR QUALIFIED DENTISTS.

In addition to the income you’ll earn as an officer in the Army Dental Corps, qualified dentists may be eligible for one or more of the following financial incentive programs:

SPECIALIZED TRAINING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (STRAP) — If you’re currently enrolled in an accredited oral surgery residency, you may be eligible to receive a monthly stipend — currently $1,992 a month (adjusted each July). Your military obligation begins after you complete your residency. For each year of financial assistance, two years’ service is required in a Reserve Troop Program Unit or the Individual Mobilization Augmentee Program.

SPECIAL PAY — If you’re a general dentist, comprehensive dentist, oral surgeon or prosthodontist, you can earn a special pay of $25,000 per year for three years — a total of $75,000. HPB participants must agree to serve in an Army Reserve Troop Program Unit or the Individual Mobilization Augmentee Program while receiving this special pay.

HEALTHCARE PROFESIONALS LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM (HPLR) — For each year you serve, you can receive up to $20,000 a year toward your outstanding educational loans — up to a maximum of $50,000 — if you’re a fully qualified general dentist, comprehensive dentist, oral surgeon or prosthodontist, and you agree to serve in an Army Reserve Troop Program Unit or the Individual Mobilization Augmentee Program.

YOUR BENEFITS, ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND COMMITMENT.

ARMY RESERVE BENEFITS

• Commissioned as an officer in the Army Dental Corps Continuing Dental Education Opportunities Retirement benefits at age 60 with 20 years of qualifying service Thrift Savings Plan — a flexible, portable retirement savings and investment plan similar to a 401(k)
   
• Worldwide travel opportunities
   
• Networking possibilities
   
• Low-cost life and dental insurance
   
• Post exchange and commissary shopping privileges
   
• Access to Army recreational facilities
   
• Change of pace

ARMY RESERVE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Must be a U.S. citizen or be a permanent resident
   
• 21 to 46 years of age (dentists 47 years of age or older may apply for an age waiver. Selection is made on a case-by-case basis)
   
• Graduate of an American Dental Association accredited dental school in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, District of Columbia or a territory of the United States
   
• Current, unrestricted license to practice dentistry in the United States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico or a territory of the United States
   
• Meet the prescribed medical and moral standards for appointment as a commissioned officer
   
• Favorable security investigation completed

ARMY RESERVE COMMITMENT

• Initial commitment of eight years. Prior service applicants will have their military obligation determined on an individual basis.
   
• Train part-time and serve when needed
   
• Attend a two-week Officer Basic Leaders Course (one-time orientation)

YOUR NEXT STEP
 

Simply contact your local Army Reserve Health Care Recruiter. To find the one nearest you, call 1-800-USA-ARMY or visit our Web site at healthcare.goarmy.com. Your Army Reserve Health Care Recruiter can answer any questions you have about the Army Dental Corps, the privileges of being an officer and the application process. Once your Recruiter has met with you and determined your eligibility, he or she will schedule a routine physical and an interview with an Army Medical Department (AMEDD) Officer. Your application packet is then forwarded to an AMEDD Review Board. If selected, you officially accept the offer by taking an oath of office and accepting a commission in the Army Reserve.  The entire process, from the first meeting with your Recruiter to the commissioning ceremony, usually takes about three months.

Joining the Dental Corps in the Army Reserve is a decision you should consider carefully. We think you’ll discover, however, that the rewards will make your commitment worth your time. So call your local Army Reserve Health Care Recruiter today. And enjoy a more stimulating, challenging and rewarding dental career for years to come.