DENTISTS' BENEFITS
Educational and financial rewards provide a brighter future
There are many benefits to serving your country as a dentist and officer in the Army Dental Corps. In addition to the pride that comes with helping our Soldiers and their families, you'll enjoy the privileges and respect afforded to an officer in the world's most advanced Army. What's more, you'll receive a generous benefits package that can help you build a secure future.
ACTIVE DENTAL CORPS BENEFITS
By choosing to practice in the active Army, you'll receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes a competitive salary, bonuses based on the length of your contract and years of service, as well as dental school loan repayment. Other benefits include low-cost or no-cost medical, dental and life insurance, generous retirement plan options, housing allowances and 30 days of paid vacation earned annually. Perhaps most importantly, you can take advantage of a reasonable work-life balance that provides plenty of time for family and recreational pursuits.
HEALTH PROFESSIONS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
If you're enrolled in an ADA-accredited D.D.S. or D.M.D. program, you may be eligible to receive our full-tuition scholarship program for up to four years. You'll also receive money for books and academic fees, plus a monthly stipend of more than $2,000. During academic breaks, you'll train alongside other U.S. Army health care professionals. Qualifying dental students are also eligible to receive a $20,000 sign-on bonus.
Learn more about the Health Professions Scholarship Program
DENTAL OFFICER ACCESSION BONUS
Receive a sign-on bonus of $75,000, paid in a lump sum at your first duty station. Dental students in their final year of school may apply for this bonus.
SPECIALTY PAY
As an active Army Dental Corps officer, you may be eligible for one or more of the four types of Specialty Pay. Each is paid in addition to your base pay.
VARIABLE SPECIAL PAY
Paid in monthly increments, this program provides $3,000 to $12,000 per year, based on length of service and annual rates.
BOARD CERTIFICATION PAY
Board-certified dentists are eligible to receive $2,500 to $6,000 per year. This monthly Specialty Pay is based on length of service and annual rates.
DENTAL ADDITIONAL SPECIAL PAY
You may qualify to receive an annual sum of $4,000 to $15,000, based on creditable service.
DENTAL OFFICER MULTI-YEAR RETENTION BONUS
Based on your specialty and the length of your contract; this Special Pay can range from $13,000 to $50,000 each year.
ACTIVE DUTY HEALTH PROFESSIONS LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM
You can receive up to $120,000 to pay down your dental school debt. The ADHPLRP provides $40,000 a year for up to three years. This program may be combined with the Health Professions Bonus.
RESERVE DENTAL CORPS BENEFITS
When you serve as a dentist and officer on the U.S. Army Reserve health care team, you can practice in your community and serve when needed. In addition to generous financial incentives and retirement plan options, you'll have the opportunity to develop new skills and learn the latest dental procedures.
SPECIAL PAY
General dentists, comprehensive dentists, oral surgeons and prosthodontists are eligible to receive $75,000 in Special Pay, paid in yearly increments of $25,000 per year for three years. Special Pay recipients may be eligible to participate in other incentive programs. To be eligible for this program, you must possess a current, unrestricted dental license.
HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM
As a general dentist, comprehensive dentist, prosthodontist or oral surgeon, you can receive up to $50,000 to repay your dental school loans. HPLR payments are made over three years, in installments of $20,000, $20,000 and $10,000. HPLR participants may be eligible to participate in other incentive programs. Applicants must have a current, unrestricted state dental license to apply.