Course registration fees, travel, and lodging are paid by the dental facility. Administrative duties are limited, except for senior officers. Dental staff and clerical support are provided. A military dentist may retire after 20 to 22 years of active service and immediately become eligible for retirement pay and benefits. Continued service through duty in the reserves is an option.
Opportunities exist for the dentist to become board certified in one or more states.
Competition for the advanced training positions is extremely keen. Recent dental school graduates may participate in General Practice Residency programs after enlistment. Dentists and their families may be stationed at a variety of military bases located across the U.S. and overseas. Active duty members receive 30 days paid vacation per year, in addition to 11 paid holidays. The dentists rank, seniority, and pay will not change when assigned to a new facility or duty station.