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A hardship tour is a tour noted for being in an isolated or otherwise undesirable geographic location. The only overseas dental clinics that are hardship locations are Diego Garcia and Bahrain. You get hardship duty pay (and in Bahrain, a federal income tax exemption) of about $150/month, the tour is only 12 months as opposed to 24-36 months for most tours.

Generally you'll do an operational (utilization) tour followed by a shore tour. So, you'll be on a ship, in Japan, and/or with the Marines for 2-3 years, and then you'll be moved to a shore clinic in the US or possibly Europe (don't get your hopes up on the latter)
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If you end up doing a FTOS residency, do you still receive pay and is the residency paid for by the Navy or is it all on your own dime?
 
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vellnueve said:
You get paid as active duty and the residency is covered by the Navy - however, you do not get any pay that the residency might normally offer.
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Would doing FTOS add additional years to your obligation?
 
trying to get an answer from a former or current HPSP participant. If you are professionally recommended does this mean that you will receive the HPSP?
 
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bc12 said:
trying to get an answer from a former or current HPSP participant. If you are professionally recommended does this mean that you will receive the HPSP?
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NO, not necessarily.
 
When I started looking into this scholarship I asked the Army and Air Force recruiters why their specific branch over the other. Neither was able to really give me a good answer. Simply that I should choose the branch that I felt would best fit me and my family. Well, I had absolutely no clue what that meant as I had no understanding of the true differences, if any, between the branches. Do you know of any differences that would entice someone to gravitate in a specific direction? I have done my best to research this as much as possible but it is hard to find good credible information that I can count on. I keep hearing that the Air Force is more family friendly, more laid back, they have better living condition, equipment and labs. I have heard that due to the "job" of the Air Force, you have a lesser chance of being put into harms way in deployment. (I understand deployment can happen in any branch - its the military, and I am ok with that. However, there must be some data or evidence on if one happens more than another or if one is sent in harms way more than another in general) Do you know if there is any truth to these statements or are they just random statements I have come across?

I originally always thought I would enter the Air Force if I decided to take this scholarship. When I heard that the Army had the $20,000 sign on bonus, I was pulled in that direction because I couldn't figure out any substantial differences. Ultimately, the $20,000 bonus isn't what is important, the main thing is that if I may have a completely different experience in one branch over another that I choose the one thats best for me and my family.

As always any information you can provide is greatly appreciated.
 
Finally finished reading the entire thread (it takes hours) Thanks to all who have contributed.

I have many questions about abbreviations. Any input would be awesome

OCONUS tour?
Whats a NEX ? (when talking about bases)
What is NMETC
FTOS, FTIS? Something to do with residencies?
WREBS? Is this the board exam after dental school?
Post #715 talked about theseDental Surface Warfare pin, Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist pin, Fleet Marine Force pin. What are these? Do they increase your pay or just provide a fancy uniform upgrade
What is ACP ? I know it is some type of training but what specifically does it stand for?


Also this part is intended for current/former HPSPers

Does ODS have to be your first set of 45 days AT? For example could I do school orders in year 1,2,3 and then do ODS after dental school? Or if I wait that long for ODS do I never get to use my 45 days of allotted AT per year?

Thanks again
 
bc12 said:
Finally finished reading the entire thread (it takes hours) Thanks to all who have contributed.

I have many questions about abbreviations. Any input would be awesome

OCONUS tour?overseas tour
Whats a NEX ? (when talking about bases) Navy exchange (like target)
What is NMETC navy medicine education and training command. they do policy
FTOS, FTIS? Something to do with residencies? full time out service/in service in reference to the navy's in house residencies or doing a private res
WREBS? Is this the board exam after dental school? yes
Post #715 talked about theseDental Surface Warfare pin, Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist pin, Fleet Marine Force pin. What are these? Do they increase your pay or just provide a fancy uniform upgrade fancy uniform upgrade
What is ACP ? I know it is some type of training but what specifically does it stand for? advanced clinical something rather. an example is exodontists- they do one year training and then get ACP pay even though they are not specialists


Also this part is intended for current/former HPSPers

Does ODS have to be your first set of 45 days AT? For example could I do school orders in year 1,2,3 and then do ODS after dental school? Or if I wait that long for ODS do I never get to use my 45 days of allotted AT per year? you can pretty much do ODS at any point you have time. it will not affect what you are talking about

Thanks again
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reply in bold
 
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bc12 said:
Finally finished reading the entire thread (it takes hours) Thanks to all who have contributed.

I have many questions about abbreviations. Any input would be awesome

OCONUS tour? Outside the CONtinental United States
Whats a NEX ? (when talking about bases) Navy Exchange (tax free department store/convenience store
What is NMETC Naval Medical Education and Training Command
FTOS, FTIS? Something to do with residencies? Full-Time Out-Service, Full-Time In-Service
WREBS? Is this the board exam after dental school? Western Regional Examination Board, one of the major state licensing exams
Post #715 talked about theseDental Surface Warfare pin, Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist pin, Fleet Marine Force pin. What are these? Do they increase your pay or just provide a fancy uniform upgrade Indicates competency in those areas of warfare, you are expected to earn that qualification if you are stationed with the appropriate unit.
What is ACP ? I know it is some type of training but what specifically does it stand for? Advanced Clinical Program - a military specific program that used to be in multiple disciplines but now focuses solely on exodontia.


Also this part is intended for current/former HPSPers

Does ODS have to be your first set of 45 days AT? For example could I do school orders in year 1,2,3 and then do ODS after dental school? Or if I wait that long for ODS do I never get to use my 45 days of allotted AT per year? I did school orders four times and then ODS upon entering active duty.

Thanks again
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Bolded.
 
I have applied for the navy hpsp. I was talking to my recruiter about the $20,000 signing bonus. He said that if I elect to not take the bonus, than my 4th year of commitment is Active Reserve instead of Active Duty (like the other 3 years). He gave me an idea of what Active Reserve entails (report for drills on some weekends, and I think at least 2 weeks of full time duty as a dentist), but could someone explain if I am missing anything to the Active Reserve commitment? It seems to me that I should just not take the $20k bonus (which is more like 15 or 17k after taxes) and use that 4th year of commitment to start part-time at a private practice? Any thoughts?
 
ontheline156 said:
I have applied for the navy hpsp. I was talking to my recruiter about the $20,000 signing bonus. He said that if I elect to not take the bonus, than my 4th year of commitment is Active Reserve instead of Active Duty (like the other 3 years). He gave me an idea of what Active Reserve entails (report for drills on some weekends, and I think at least 2 weeks of full time duty as a dentist), but could someone explain if I am missing anything to the Active Reserve commitment? It seems to me that I should just not take the $20k bonus (which is more like 15 or 17k after taxes) and use that 4th year of commitment to start part-time at a private practice? Any thoughts?
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AFAIK if you have a 3 year hpsp and DO NOT accept he bonus then you have 3 years active duty and 5 years individual ready reserve (IRR).

IRR is not the same as active reserve, you don't do any drilling or anything. You only get called up if WW3 breaks out pretty much.

Are you in dental school now?
 
ontheline156 said:
I have applied for the navy hpsp. I was talking to my recruiter about the $20,000 signing bonus. He said that if I elect to not take the bonus, than my 4th year of commitment is Active Reserve instead of Active Duty (like the other 3 years). He gave me an idea of what Active Reserve entails (report for drills on some weekends, and I think at least 2 weeks of full time duty as a dentist), but could someone explain if I am missing anything to the Active Reserve commitment? It seems to me that I should just not take the $20k bonus (which is more like 15 or 17k after taxes) and use that 4th year of commitment to start part-time at a private practice? Any thoughts?
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If you're looking at the HPSP solely for the purposes of paying for school, you should probably think twice about the whole thing...
 
I am still talking about a 4 year HPSP, but the payback isn't 4 years of active duty according to the recruiter (if I don't take the bonus). The payback is 3 years active duty, a year of active reserve, and 4 years of inactive reserve. Assuming I have this correct, what is the commitment for active reserve? And no I am not in dental school I have the acceptance letter for next year.
 
ontheline156 said:
I am still talking about a 4 year HPSP, but the payback isn't 4 years of active duty according to the recruiter (if I don't take the bonus). The payback is 3 years active duty, a year of active reserve, and 4 years of inactive reserve. Assuming I have this correct, what is the commitment for active reserve? And no I am not in dental school I have the acceptance letter for next year.
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You will have to serve 4 years active if you take a 4 year scholarship...even if you don't take the bonus...so take the bonus.
 
Hi,
I was done with dental school last May. Now, I am finishing up a one year GPR program in California. I always wanted to join the Navy and now I think I just going to do it. I know that entering the Navy as a practicing dentist, I will not receive the same benefits as doing the HPSP program. I was told that I would receive an O-3 rank, $150K sign in bonus, and I can I can apply for loan repayment ($40K/yr) plus some additional pay (4 yr commitment).

My questions;
1. I don’t want to get taken advantage; it’s this a good deal? What else should I ask for?
2. How hard is it to get into the Navy as a practicing dentist?
3. If I volunteer to go to active combat zones, would that open up doors for me?
4. Should I do the Navy AEGD/GPR program?
 
The amount they can offer is pretty much set... not too much room for haggling. There are enough people wanting to join up that they don't need to stretch the offers.

The IAs/Afghan deployments are in very high demand.

If you already have a GPR, why would you want another one?
 
fervelas83 said:
Hi,
I was done with dental school last May. Now, I am finishing up a one year GPR program in California. I always wanted to join the Navy and now I think I just going to do it. I know that entering the Navy as a practicing dentist, I will not receive the same benefits as doing the HPSP program. I was told that I would receive an O-3 rank, $150K sign in bonus, and I can I can apply for loan repayment ($40K/yr) plus some additional pay (4 yr commitment).

My questions;
1. I don't want to get taken advantage; it's this a good deal? What else should I ask for? You can not "ask for" things. The contracts are the same for everyone. Also you cannot get the signing bonus and loan repayment at the same time. It's one or the other.
2. How hard is it to get into the Navy as a practicing dentist? who knows. probably not that hard.
3. If I volunteer to go to active combat zones, would that open up doors for me? Not really. A little too late for that, the wars are wrapping up.
4. Should I do the Navy AEGD/GPR program? You are not eligible for this coming in as a direct accession. You will still do a one year credentialing tour, probably at Great lakes, IL or Parris Island, SC. If you did a lot of cool procedures in your GPR, you will probably be bored during the credentialing tour.
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.
 
I was reading the weekly dental update and I was wondering what is the difference between FTOS residencies and FTIS residencies. Some of the specialties over lap but mostly each specialty is either FTOS or FTIS and I have no idea what that stands for... any clarification would be appreciated, thanks!
 
Full Time Out-Service - civilian residency that you have to apply for if selected, counts as active duty time but adds time on top of any service obligation you have
Full Time In-Service - military residency that you get into automatically if selected, counts as active duty time but time can be served concurrently with any existing obligation.
 
Hi guys, can anyone here confirm that (for UoP students) a 4 year HPSP scholarship is converted to a 3 year HPSP scholarship if selected? One Navy recruiter I've spoken to thinks this doesn't happen, while another I've spoken to says that it does. I guess I would just like to get confirmation from someone here who's actually attending UoP and did receive an HPSP scholarship. Any insight on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
 
The Navy has a new program for dealing with UOP starting this year. From what I have been told. There are spots reserved specifically for UOP students, 3 year spots.

I was selected this week. I know of 3 other uop students who have also received it this cycle.

Pm me if you want my recruiters contact.

localmotion2189 said:
Hi guys, can anyone here confirm that (for UoP students) a 4 year HPSP scholarship is converted to a 3 year HPSP scholarship if selected? One Navy recruiter I've spoken to thinks this doesn't happen, while another I've spoken to says that it does. I guess I would just like to get confirmation from someone here who's actually attending UoP and did receive an HPSP scholarship. Any insight on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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Are there any time requirements for the physical tests at ODS? I know it's pushups, curls, 1.5 mile run, 500 yard and 450m swim...but is there an time requirement for the pushups, curls or is it 'do as many as you can in one run through'?
 
2 minutes per event. Curlups first, then pushups, then the run. You will not be given the option to swim the cardio portion.

For more information, read OPNAVINST 6110.1J
 
If we attend ODS after graduation, we would technically be a rank of O-3. Do we get paid as an O-3 for that time or is it as an O-1? On the NavMed website it states that we get paid as an Ensign...but that would be if it was before or during school, right?
 
vellnueve said:
2 minutes per event. Curlups first, then pushups, then the run. You will not be given the option to swim the cardio portion.

For more information, read OPNAVINST 6110.1J
Click to expand...

So all we have to do is the curls, push ups and run...no swimming? That rocks!
 
Tiankum said:
If we attend ODS after graduation, we would technically be a rank of O-3. Do we get paid as an O-3 for that time or is it as an O-1? On the NavMed website it states that we get paid as an Ensign...but that would be if it was before or during school, right?
Click to expand...

Once you graduate, you commission as an O3 and go on active duty and are paid accordingly.

Tiankum said:
So all we have to do is the curls, push ups and run...no swimming? That rocks!
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You still have a stupid easy swim/water test.
 
Anyone applying for a residency in the Navy this year hear back yet as far as interviews go?? I've submitted everything and haven't heard a peep from them. Is that normal?
 
They are compiling all the applications and then going to arrange interviews... per the PD.
 
I am 1st year dental student in the Navy HPSP and have plans to do an AEGD. My question is
"Can I only do AEGDs within the Navy or can I attend a school outside the Navy?"

Also, "Do you need a high GPA (above a 3.6) or can it be lower (3.0)?"

How many AEGD's are in the navy? How tough is it to get into AEGD?


I am also going to ODS this summer in June. Any advice would be really helpful.

Thanks
 
I am not going to say that you cannot do a civilian AEGD, but I have never heard of anyone being allowed to do a civilian AEGD when on the HPSP or HSCP. Now, certain specialties like Prosth and OMFS, yes, it happens. I just haven't heard of anyone doing an AEGD at a civilian program.

Do you need to be the top of the class? No. But, you should do as best as you can. There were 45 AEGD slots for the Navy for the current AEGD class. That means people got turned down. I know of one person who use to be a regular here on SDN who was turned down this past year. So, you cannot guarantee you will get a slot. The best way to set yourself up for getting selected is to do the best you can in d-school.

Navy bound dent said:
I am 1st year dental student in the Navy HPSP and have plans to do an AEGD. My question is
"Can I only do AEGDs within the Navy or can I attend a school outside the Navy?"

Also, "Do you need a high GPA (above a 3.6) or can it be lower (3.0)?"

How many AEGD's are in the navy? How tough is it to get into AEGD?


I am also going to ODS this summer in June. Any advice would be really helpful.

Thanks
Click to expand...
 
Anyone have a more specific idea of the competitiveness level of the GPR or AEGDs? I can't seem to find data published anywhere.I understand the advice to do the best you can do in school regardless, but its nice to know where you stand.

I've also heard that the GPR/AEGD application for the Navy's residencies isn't as comprehensive or holistic as civilian programs (an upper classmate of mind just got into the AEGD at Camp Pendleton and told me the application didn't really ask about leadership positions, research experience or other extra-curriculars,) Anyone have any knowledge on this?
 
Northwesterner1 said:
Anyone have a more specific idea of the competitiveness level of the GPR or AEGDs? I can't seem to find data published anywhere.I understand the advice to do the best you can do in school regardless, but its nice to know where you stand.

I've also heard that the GPR/AEGD application for the Navy's residencies isn't as comprehensive or holistic as civilian programs (an upper classmate of mind just got into the AEGD at Camp Pendleton and told me the application didn't really ask about leadership positions, research experience or other extra-curriculars,) Anyone have any knowledge on this?
Click to expand...

It's not nearly as complicated. Just do as well as you can in school.
 
Northwesterner1 said:
Anyone have a more specific idea of the competitiveness level of the GPR or AEGDs? I can't seem to find data published anywhere.I understand the advice to do the best you can do in school regardless, but its nice to know where you stand.

I've also heard that the GPR/AEGD application for the Navy's residencies isn't as comprehensive or holistic as civilian programs (an upper classmate of mind just got into the AEGD at Camp Pendleton and told me the application didn't really ask about leadership positions, research experience or other extra-curriculars,) Anyone have any knowledge on this?
Click to expand...

I know you mayfind this hard to believe because you can find almost anything on the internet, but you will not find the data you arelooking for. The Navy doesn't release stats for their applicants. You will just have to suck it up and do you best. Realistically, now thatyou are going to be a professional, you should be striving to be the best you can anyways. If you do that, then you greatly increase your chances of getting the AEGD slot youseem to want. As long as you do fairly well and show you are truly motivated, I am sure you will get it. Don't stress out at this point!
 
Following on my previous post, does anyone know anything about the new GRE requirements? Since NBDE part I went pass/fail (starting my year), students will no longer have numerical board scores. I've heard that the Navy "strongly encourages" applicants to take the GRE before applying to specialty programs or residencies. Again, I cant seem to find any information regarding this online. Perhaps this is a time to email a program director directly and ask. Anyone know anything?
 
Northwesterner1 said:
Following on my previous post, does anyone know anything about the new GRE requirements? Since NBDE part I went pass/fail (starting my year), students will no longer have numerical board scores. I've heard that the Navy "strongly encourages" applicants to take the GRE before applying to specialty programs or residencies. Again, I cant seem to find any information regarding this online. Perhaps this is a time to email a program director directly and ask. Anyone know anything?
Click to expand...

You're only going to take the GRE if you're going to specialize in the Navy, if you're just doing an AEGD...you need good grades. An AEGD isn't that difficult to get into...a guy from my school last year had a 3.1 GPA and got the AEGD he wanted...he barely passed clinic and they didn't seem to care. Good luck.
 
So I just received an e-mail for an interview in the COMP residency...but the e-mail requests an over-the-phone interview...should I just do that or would it be better if I responded saying I am willing to do an in-person interview? I would really like to see the facility and get to know the area, but I don't want to step on toes...any advice? Does it matter whether the interview is over-the-phone or in-person? Has anyone heard of doing a phone interview and still getting into a residency?

Thanks!
 
Tiankum said:
So I just received an e-mail for an interview in the COMP residency...but the e-mail requests an over-the-phone interview...should I just do that or would it be better if I responded saying I am willing to do an in-person interview? I would really like to see the facility and get to know the area, but I don't want to step on toes...any advice? Does it matter whether the interview is over-the-phone or in-person? Has anyone heard of doing a phone interview and still getting into a residency?

Thanks!
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I read somewhere in either BUMEDNOTE 1520 or the WDU that everyone applying for residency training this year will have an over-the-phone interview. I believe, prior to this year, there really were no interviews, and your package simply went before the DUINS board. I don't think it will hurt to ask for an in-person interview (travel and lodging on your own dime, of course), but don't be surprised or worried if they say no.
 
del Sol DOHC said:
I read somewhere in either BUMEDNOTE 1520 or the WDU that everyone applying for residency training this year will have an over-the-phone interview. I believe, prior to this year, there really were no interviews, and your package simply went before the DUINS board. I don't think it will hurt to ask for an in-person interview (travel and lodging on your own dime, of course), but don't be surprised or worried if they say no.
Click to expand...

I can't find anywhere where it says it must be a phone interview...all it says is "Please be advised that some changes have been made from application procedures as compared to previous years, one of which is an interview required by all applicants with their perspective Specialty Leader."[WDU]

I'm thinking they must be trying to save applicants money if they live over a certain distance away from the program.
 
Tiankum said:
I can't find anywhere where it says it must be a phone interview...all it says is "Please be advised that some changes have been made from application procedures as compared to previous years, one of which is an interview required by all applicants with their perspective Specialty Leader."[WDU]

I'm thinking they must be trying to save applicants money if they live over a certain distance away from the program.
Click to expand...

Perhaps I misread. BUMEDNOTE 1520 says:


You are required to complete an interview as part of the application. Enclosure (5) is a list of Navy Program Directors (PD) or Specialty Leaders (SL) for the specialty training opportunities announced in enclosure (1). For training opportunities in programs without a PD, the SL will conduct the interview. Arrange for an interview by contacting the PD directly. Interviews do not have to be in person but must be scheduled prior to the application deadline.​

So, it seems that it is possible to do either an in-person or over-the-phone interview, but I would imagine that it would be up to the Comprehensive Dentistry program director, and I'm sure you will have to pay for travel/lodging out of your own pocket. Contact CAPT Molinaro and ask him. If I were in your shoes, I would also prefer an in-person interview. You'd better look good in those SDBs!
 
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