All Branch Topic (ABT) Military is overcapacity for dentists

[JoblessDent]

It seems that the military is currently over capacity for dentists. I received my health waiver for the army, but am still being told that it's somewhat of a hail mary since the army is downsizing and at full capacity for dentists. They aren't looking to take on more direct accessions only those from their hpsp scholarship program to meet need. Is this true for the other branches as well? I also am trying to apply to public health service corps and National guard, but it's hard getting a position as well.

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[BobbyBeavis]

It seems that the military is currently over capacity for dentists. I received my health waiver for the army, but am still being told that it's somewhat of a hail mary since the army is downsizing and at full capacity for dentists. They aren't looking to take on more direct accessions only those from their hpsp scholarship program to meet need. Is this true for the other branches as well? I also am trying to apply to public health service corps and National guard, but it's hard getting a position as well.

My recruiter told me direct accession is hard to obtain in the Navy as well.

 

[JoblessDent]

My recruiter told me direct accession is hard to obtain in the Navy as well.

And I'm guessing air force may just be the toughest of them all. Are you still going to try for direct accession (are you a 4th year?)? What about reserves- is that also difficult to get?

 

[vellnueve]

Direct accessions have been down for years.

 

[JoblessDent]

Direct accessions have been down for years.

Should I consider that there is a 90% chance I will not be accepted and accept the first job that will taken me? There have been some places that require a 1 year contract but I have not pursued them because of hope in commissioning.

 

[vellnueve]

Should I consider that there is a 90% chance I will not be accepted and accept the first job that will taken me? There have been some places that require a 1 year contract but I have not pursued them because of hope in commissioning.

I have no idea what the numbers look like this year. If it's something you're really interested in I would wait.

 

[BobbyBeavis]

And I'm guessing air force may just be the toughest of them all. Are you still going to try for direct accession (are you a 4th year?)? What about reserves- is that also difficult to get?

I am currently on the Navy HPSP 4-year. I cannot speak on the Reserves.

As far as the job offer goes, it seems like you are actively searching for a job so I don't see why you wouldn't take it.

 

[InformMe123]

what about specialists?

 

[ysrebob]

what about specialists?

OMFS should be able to enter any branch by direct accession as they are very hard for the military to retain in sufficient numbers. Other specialists not so sure.

 

[vellnueve]

Usually OMFS and prosth are short but it varies a lot. As of last year the Navy was short on periodontists.

 

[gatorfan99]

what about specialists?

Don't count on it.. The only predictable way to joining is through HPSP - and those are getting harder to get

Probably a consequence of a bunch of (expensive) new dental schools opening up and the dental job market not being the "gold mine" that, supposedly, it was in the past

 

[ArmyDentistGal]

The Army is currently seeking highly qualified oral surgeons and prosthodontists for direct accession, and we have a handful of positions for general dentists.

 

[USPHS Dentist]

The PHS is seeking general dentists and specialists. There are a currently a lot of vacancies, especially in the Indian Health Service and Bureau of Prisons.

 

[JoblessDent]

The PHS is seeking general dentists and specialists. There are a currently a lot of vacancies, especially in the Indian Health Service and Bureau of Prisons.

Do you apply to IHS and bureau of prisons directly or do you apply to PHS and then they assign you? I have heard that the commissioning process is long and extremely competitive and may require prior military service or federal government work to be more competitive

 

[USPHS Dentist]

Do you apply to IHS and bureau of prisons directly or do you apply to PHS and then they assign you? I have heard that the commissioning process is long and extremely competitive and may require prior military service or federal government work to be more competitive

You apply to the PHS and start talking with the IHS or BOP (or USCG - there are 3 openings right now) at the same time. Once you are commissioned then you need to find a job with one of the agencies (IHS, BOP, USCG, ICE, etc.). The commissioning process is long, but I'm not sure that I would say it is extremely competitive. The PHS has dental vacancies right now and needs to fill them. So even if you don't meet one of the minimum requirements (eg. too old) you can apply for a waiver. They don't require prior military service or federal government work to get in. It probably does help, but if you are a good candidate without that experience there is still a very good chance you'll get in.

Now is a good time to join the PHS before the military pension/retirement plan changes, starting 01 Jan, 2018. Officers who come into the PHS, or into any of the military branches, before then have the option of choosing the current retirement plan or the new one. The PHS is also considering increasing dental bonuses.

There is a list of current vacancies that was recently sent out, I'll try and post it next week.