The U.S. Army Medical School offers coursework in many medical fields, including dentistry. The dentistry program features programs ranging from continuing education courses for those already practicing dentistry to introductory courses to new students. The school is in Houston, Texas, and is open only to newly enlisted personnel or established Army officers. Students can receive training for dental assistant positions to doctoral training.
Much like the program at the Army Medical School, the Naval Dental School prepares students for the practice of dentistry in a military environment. The school, in Bethesda, Maryland, specializes in two-year residencies, three-year residencies, and one-year fellowships. The different residencies offer study in the areas of comprehensive dentistry, endodontics, orofacial pain, oral and maxillofacial pathology, periodontics, prosthodontics and maxillofacial prosthetics.
After completing a dental degree or while in the process of completing the training, students can join the military. Signing on as a dentist for the Navy or Army can have many benefits, such as special salaries, signing bonuses, and further education credits. Alternatively, dentists can serve in the Reserve Dental Corps and receive benefits such as special pay.
While the U.S. Air Force does not offer a dental training school of its own, it does offer career opportunities for those interested in dentistry. The Air Force offers positions such as dental administration, dental assistant and lab attendants, and also various surgeon positions. Similar to Army and Navy dentists, Air Force dentists are afforded many generous compensation opportunities during their careers.