Overview

Periodontist specialize in treating the tissue area surrounding the teeth from disease. As an officer of the Army Dental Corps, you are primarily responsible for the dental health of Soldiers and their families.

Job Duties

• Examines, diagnoses and treats the supporting/surrounding tissues of the teeth
  
• Performs implantation or transplantation of teeth
  
• Medical research on diseases of military importance
  
• Participates in graduate medical education and trains other personnel
  
• Serves unique duty positions for the Advanced Specialty Education Program in periodontics
  

Requirements

Active Duty

• Doctorate from an American Dental Association – accredited dental school in the United States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico or Canada
  
• Completion of an ADA-accredited Advanced Specialty Education Program in periodontics
  
• Must be between 21 and 42 years of age (may request a waiver)
  
• License to practice dentistry
  
• Must be a U.S. citizen

Army Reserve

• In addition to the above qualifications, permanent U.S. residency is required for Reserve duty officers.
  

Training

Job training for an Army dental officer includes completing an Officer Basic Leadership Course, which introduces you to the Army Health Care system, Army doctrine and basic Soldier/leader skills.

Your training time depends on your chosen specialty and whether or not you have prior military experience. You must also meet height and weight standards, as well as pass the Army physical fitness test.

Helpful Skills

• Ability to make accurate, immediate decisions
  
• Physically and mentally fit to perform under stress
  
• Apply critical technical and thinking skills
  
• Tremendous concentration
  

Learn more about the ASVAB and see what jobs you could qualify for.

Compensation

Active Duty

• A Health Professions Bonus, paid in lump sum at first duty assignment
  
• Health Professions Loan Repayment, which can be applied toward qualified dental school loans
  
• Variable Specialty Pay based on your length of service
  
• Board-Certified Pay
  
• Dental Additional Special Pay, based on creditable service
  
• Dental Officer Multiyear Retention Bonus, based on specialty and length of contract
  
• 30 days of paid vacation earned annually
  
• Noncontributory retirement benefits with 20 years of qualifying service
  
• Flexible, portable retirement savings and investment plan similar to a 401(k)

Army Reserve

• Health Care Professionals Loan Repayment, which can be applied toward qualified dental school loans
  
• Paid continuing education, including clinical specialization and residencies
  
• Noncontributory retirement benefits at age 60 with 20 years of qualifying service
  
• Flexible, portable retirement savings and investment plan similar to a 401(k)
  

Education Benefits

Active Duty
The U.S. Army provides generous education loan-repayment programs, residency programs and continuing education opportunities to support your continued career growth and development. Learn more about education.

Army Reserve
As a general dentist, comprehensive dentist, prosthodontist or oral surgeon, you can receive up to HPLR to repay your dental school loans.