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Dentist

U.S. Navy
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How to Join the Navy Dental Corps as a Senior or Current Dentist

1. Pathways for Current or Senior Dentists:

If you’re a currently practicing dentist or dental specialist, you can join the U.S. Navy Dental Corps through active duty (full-time) or reserve duty (part-time). Below are the steps to pursue a career with the Navy Dental Corps:

Active Duty (Full-Time):

  • Apply for a commission in the Navy as a dentist, where you'll provide dental care to military personnel, their families, and veterans in state-of-the-art facilities.
  • Direct Accessions Bonus: Depending on your specialty and qualifications, you may qualify for a signing bonus ranging from $75,000 to $400,000.

Reserve Duty (Part-Time):

  • As a Navy Reserve dentist, you can continue your private practice while serving part-time in the Navy Dental Corps.
  • Reserve duty offers flexibility while still providing opportunities for clinical practice and operational experience with the Navy.

2. Benefits for Current and Senior Dentists:

As an active duty or reserve dentist in the Navy, you will enjoy:

  • Sign-On Bonuses: For eligible dentists, bonuses ranging from $75,000 to $400,000 are available based on your specialty and qualifications.
  • Loan Repayment Assistance: Through the Health Professions Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP), the Navy can help repay dental school loans. You could qualify for up to $150,000 in loan repayment assistance.
  • Specialty Pay: Certain dental specialties are eligible for additional pay.

3. Dental Corps Career Tracks:

Navy Dental Corps officers can follow different tracks for career development, including:

  • Clinical Track: Direct care in various clinical settings including military treatment facilities, naval ships, and humanitarian missions.
    • Advanced Clinical Programs – Exodontia
    • Advanced Clinical Programs – General
    • Comprehensive Dentistry
    • Endodontics
    • Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
    • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
    • Oral Pathology
    • Orofacial Pain
    • Orthodontics
    • Pediatric Dentistry
    • Periodontics
    • Prosthodontics
    • Public Health Dentistry
  • Operational Track: Assignments to combat zones, disaster relief efforts, and deployment with the Fleet Marine Forces (FMF), Naval Construction Battalions (Seabees), or hospital ships.
  • Administrative Track: Leadership and administrative roles within the Navy Medical Corps, including commanding dental facilities or serving as senior dental officers in various settings.
  • Education/Academic Track: Opportunities for teaching, research, and academic roles within military medical and dental schools.

4. Advanced Training and Specialization:

  • If you're interested in furthering your dental career, the Navy offers post-graduate opportunities in a variety of specialties such as Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, and Prosthodontics. These programs can be pursued through Navy residency or fellowship opportunities.
  • The Financial Assistance Program (FAP) provides additional financial support for residency programs in select critical specialties.

5. Required Qualifications:

To join the Navy Dental Corps, you must meet the following basic criteria:

  • Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from an accredited institution.
  • Active U.S. dental license or the ability to obtain licensure within a reasonable period.
  • Eligible for active-duty or reserve service in the U.S. Navy.
  • Physical and medical fitness: Meet Navy's physical and medical requirements for service.
  • Leadership abilities and strong interpersonal skills are essential for success in the Navy’s team-oriented environment.

6. Additional Information:

  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): As a government employee, you may be eligible for loan forgiveness under the PSLF program after completing 120 qualifying monthly payments while serving in the Navy.
  • Comprehensive Benefits: In addition to competitive pay, Navy dentists receive full healthcare coverage, paid leave, retirement plans, and access to military base facilities.