Military program for Residency?

[claire1998]

Hello,

I am a dental student, graduating soon.
I have a friend who is in military and navy HPSP scholarship and got interested in Military dentistry option.
I am not currently in HPSP tho.
I know it might not be common to pursue this but I actually do not know anything about this process, so I wanted to ask here.
I'd greatly appreciate if anyone can help.

1. I was curious whether there's any military program (navy, AF, army) that provides scholarship for civilian residency program, and I pay back with the active duty. Just like HPSP but I guess like residency version. I know there are programs that do loan repayment for dental school, but I don't have loan so that's not what I need.

2. If the program like #1 doesn't exist, is it possible that civilian dental school graduate just be part of military and apply for military residency program? (Also open to all navy, AF and army). If so, how long are the residency programs and how long are the active duty years?

3. I actually talked to AF recruiter and he also mentioned an option of working in Reserve or National Guard as a part time. If someone is doing this, can you let me know is this really that easy going? (The recruiter mentioned only working one weekend per month and 2 weeks of training per year or smth like that). Also he told me that I would get limited benefit, such as no healthcare insurance etc. Does this mean that I am not even considered as a veteran/not receiving any benefit as a veteran? (Sorry if this question is very blatant, but I just wanted to know clear distinction of this option between full active duty).

4. Is there an option I work as a reserve dentist and also be part of the residency program?


I am a naturalized citizen + don't have any military officers among my family and friends until now I came to dental school and my questions may sound very basic and ignorant but please understand.
I am in process of talking to recruiters in navy, AF and army but haven't talked fully/received full info.
Calls are coming up but I also know people who are in field could sometimes give me better/more honest answers than recruiters.

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[averageasian]

Yes, There is FAP and you can be a direct accession, for the navy at least.

You need to know what you’re getting yourself into though:

1. Lower pay

2. Utilization - the Navy uses its specialists (or doesn’t) to the extent to make a marine/sailor “deployable”, maybe a little more than that depending on how much you care and how much leeway you have at your command.

You are not going to do the scope of dentistry that you would as a civilian.

3. You are not simply going to be a “specialist” in the military. You’re an officer first which means all those rules and responsibilities apply to you.

I think many people have the misconception that military dentists are just dentists that wear a uniform, nope.

4. You cannot apply for military specialty programs unless you’re already in the military as a dentist or an HPSP student.

I know nothing about reserves. You could do it and residency but risky if you get called up to deploy or need to take a few weeks off for military stuff.

If you really want to be a specialist and then serve in the military, go for it but it makes zero financial sense with the amount of loans you may have and the low pay you’ll be getting.

You would basically be paying back your loans to the government AND working for the military at a deep discount to them.

The military is great but not for everyone.

 

[knewstance]

and got interested in Military dentistry option

What is the main draw that you're seeing? Typically the best way to do military dentistry is by using HPSP, you can gain other benefits of being a federal employee without being in the military.

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

What is the main draw that you're seeing?

Probably had their financial aid exit interview and got a little bit of a sticker shock.

But seriously, OP, if you missed out on the blessing that is the HPSP, the military makes little to no financial sense.

Big Hoss