Becoming a Dentist in the Military

Ok, so I've been seriously thinking about studying dentistry, but I also have been toying with the idea of joining the military after high school. I learned that I can indeed become a dentist in the military - public health and all that's pretty cool anyway. Can someone please tell me more about the role of dentists in the military, particularly in relation to deployed personnel? Peace.

Sure! It's great to hear you're considering a career that combines your interest in dentistry with service in the military. In the military, dentists work within the broad framework of public health while having specific roles to play, particularly in treating military personnel.

There are several branches of the military in which you can serve as a dentist, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Each of these has its own Dental Corps. A primary responsibility of military dentists is to ensure the dental readiness of military personnel, ensuring individuals are in a condition of good oral health that facilitates their duties. You may be involved in diagnosing and treating dental problems like cavities, gum diseases, or oral injuries. As part of a healthcare team, you'd collaborate closely with other medical professionals to provide well-rounded healthcare to servicemen and servicewomen.

When deployed, military dentists often find themselves providing dental care both for U.S. forces as well as local populations, depending on the mission. That could involve providing necessary care to stabilize a dental situation until the servicemember can get to a larger treatment facility or even running a dental clinic in a forward operating base.

Training-wise, after getting your Bachelor's degree, you'd need to attend dental school. Some branches of the military, like the US Army, offer the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), which can pay for your dental training in exchange for a commitment to serve for a certain number of years. After dental school, you'd need to complete a basic officer training program, after which you'd enter service as a military dentist. You might also pursue additional specialty training while in the military.

Remember that being a military dentist is not just about the clinical dentistry – it involves serving the broader mission of the military and contributing towards the wellbeing of those who serve. Be sure to do some research into each branch of the military to see where you might best fit.