How do I become a military dental hygienist?

I'm interested in becoming a dental hygienist with the military. What are the qualifications required? Is there any additional training I need to go through?

Becoming a dental hygienist in the military involves multiple steps, just like civilian pathways, but with some additional considerations.

First, you will need a high school diploma or GED. After high school, you'll need to pursue a degree in dental hygiene from an accredited dental hygienist program, and earning an associate's degree is the most common path. Degree courses usually take about 3 years to complete, and you'll learn about oral anatomy, periodontology, nutrition, and other health and dental topics.

Upon graduation, you will need to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) to get licensed. The exam evaluates your understanding of basic information within the dental hygienist field, testing both your scientific knowledge and your practical skills.

Once you become a licensed dental hygienist, you can then choose the branch of the military you want to join (Army, Navy, Air Force, etc.), and there are three ordinary routes to serve as a dental hygienist: enlistment, direct commission, and the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP).

In the enlisted route, you would enlist after your initial training as a dental hygienist, go through basic training, and then work as a military dental hygienist.

Direct commission, on the other hand, is available to health professionals who already possess an active, unrestricted license. After you complete Officer Basic Leadership Course (OBLC), you'd begin service as a commissioned officer.

HPSP allows you to receive your dental hygiene education paid for by the military, but you would owe service time once your education is complete.

As for additional training, you'll also be expected to go through basic military training, also known as "boot camp," where you get acclimated to military life and protocols. Also, depending on the branch of service you choose, you may have additional training unique to that branch. For example, the Air Force has the Commissioned Officer Training program, which helps transition professionals from the civilian to the military healthcare system.

Finally, keep in mind that the requirements and procedures can change over time, so it's always a good idea to reach out directly to a military recruiter for the most current and comprehensive information. They will be able to provide detailed instructions regarding your specific circumstances and the branch you're interested in.