All Branch Topic (ABT) Joining the military after finishing dental school with no hpsp scholarship

[GOINGBALD42]

I know HPSP scholarship is most ideal to get because they will pay off all of your student debt. Do you know what type of benefits they offer after you finish dental school? Do they still offer a package where they will pay off your loans? Would it be financially smart move to join military after dental school especially with those who have 400k plus loans? Would love your opinions.

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[vellnueve]

They offer accession bonuses but depending on what school you attend it may not cover the cost of your loans. Definitely not if it's 400K+ that you owe.

 

[GOINGBALD42]

They offer accession bonuses but depending on what school you attend it may not cover the cost of your loans. Definitely not if it's 400K+ that you owe.

so you recommend to just start working straight out of school?

 

[NavyDDS1990]

I might be wrong, but I read somewhere that accession bonus is somewhere around $200K-$250K.
If this is true, working for a private practice seems more beneficial... I guess.

 

[vellnueve]

so you recommend to just start working straight out of school?

This should not be a financial decision.

 

[ArmyDentistGal]

If you would like more information, you can message me or contact a local Army recruiter: http://www.goarmy.com/amedd.html

You might also consider joining the Army Reserve which will allow you to have a civilian job and serve your country ~one weekend/month and 2 weeks/year; there is a $40k/yr loan repayment up to $250,000 for Army Reserve. If you'd like to talk financial incentives, let me know. Ultimately, no one (including the Army) can quickly undo $400k in loans. There is PSLF that you may want to consider if you work in the military or other qualifying job.

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

There are only a handful of openings each year for general dentists signing up after dental school. And, that signing bonus is taxable income.

Big Hoss

 

[GOINGBALD42]

There are only a handful of openings each year for general dentists signing up after dental school. And, that signing bonus is taxable income.

Big Hoss

So you think it would be easier to get admitted? If I can do that then this decision would be a lot easier.

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

So you think it would be easier to get admitted? If I can do that then this decision would be a lot easier.

I'm not sure how competitive direct accessions are. I just know there aren't many positions to go around. Financially, it's not a great move if you have ridiculous student loans. You'd have to bank on PSLF being around when you're eligible (which may not be the case) as your only hope, which means serving for at least 10 years.

Big Hoss

 

[PreDentTechySon]

From what I hear direct ascensions are becoming less and less of a thing because many dentists aren't leaving the military. I would consider looking into the National Guard or Army Reserves if you can.