| The U.S Defense services are known for valor, | | | | has participated in ROTC programs as an |
| discipline and humanitarian service. Numerous divisions | | | | undergraduate student. An annual salary of $42,000 |
| of the defense services employ dentists at different | | | | to $60,000 is offered to newly commissioned |
| military bases, all over the world. The army, navy and | | | | officers. Additional bonuses include home loans and |
| air force offer positions to dentists. Dental facilities | | | | medical treatment and are paid according to the U.S |
| are a part of all military hospitals and dispensaries, | | | | Military Commission. Bonus pay is awarded to active |
| through out the United States, Alaska, and Hawaii. | | | | duty officers, after one year of service. |
| Applicants for military dentistry must have a DDS or | | | | There are advantages for personnel interested in |
| DMD degree from a recognized U.S. or Canadian | | | | pursuing dentistry, while serving with the military. |
| medical university and should be citizen of the United | | | | Military dentists earn a secure salary and additional |
| States. Dental school graduates are required to have | | | | opportunities for salary increases are available, |
| their licenses registered with the state authorities. | | | | depending on longevity of service tenure, merit and |
| Application forms, with credentials must be | | | | promotion. Office expenses are looked after by the |
| completed and submitted to the U.S military | | | | military. Military benefits include self-medical care, a |
| recruitment staff. Letters of recommendation from | | | | low-cost health care plan for family members and |
| the military and state board are welcome. Interviews | | | | insurance in case disability or death. Dentists on active |
| are carried out with one or more veteran dental | | | | duty, enjoy a 30-days paid vacation, along with 11 |
| officers on the board. | | | | paid holidays every year. The families of the dentists |
| The newly commissioned dentists undergo a | | | | are provided with military security. |
| six-week military training. Selected junior officers are | | | | Dentists joining the military have ample of |
| sent to the dental specialty training programs. The | | | | opportunities to refine their techniques and skills too. |
| Military Commission for dentists initially lasts for a | | | | Clinical and analytical skills are improved through the |
| span of 2-4 years. After the initial period, the dentists | | | | military rotation system. Dentists within the military |
| can re-enlist with the Commission, with an increase in | | | | are encouraged to continue their education and |
| salary and avail of the special training and other | | | | research. Study leaves for medical students are |
| incentives. | | | | granted annually, to attend and participate in CE |
| The First Commission assigns smaller clinics, with two | | | | courses and exams. The dentists are felicitated with |
| or three dentists working together, offering | | | | an increase in their rank, grade and pay scale. Course |
| opportunities for a variety of treatment experience. | | | | registration fees, travel, and lodging are paid for by |
| A rotation program is followed in Larger Dental | | | | the military dental facility. |
| facilities, where dental officers are allowed to | | | | A military dentist is eligible for retirement pay and |
| perform endodontic, prosthetic, surgical or periodontal | | | | benefits after 20 to 22 years of military service. |
| procedures. Such larger facilities only employ trained | | | | According to the U.S Military Pay Commission, |
| dental specialists, certified by the board. | | | | retirement pay is equal to 40% of that of the last |
| Rank, grade and experience determine the salary. | | | | rank of active duty pay and up to 75%, if the |
| The initial pay package may increase if the person | | | | person retires after putting in 30 years of service. |