Dental Corps Officers (Active Duty and Reserve)

Dentists have been meeting the evolving needs of the Army for more than 100 years. Active-duty and Reserve dentists care for military members. While Army Dental Corps officers enter service after earning their professional degree, they receive military training and can pursue additional professional education throughout their careers.

Career Development Opportunities

Military Education and Training

All incoming dental officers attend the Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC). Officers may also receive specialized military training, such as for the Expert Field Medical Badge, Basic Airborne School and Air Assault School, or career development courses that focus on the knowledge and skills needed to assume increasing levels of authority and responsibility. Select officers may attend a senior service college to learn the qualities and attributes required for command and staff positions.

Specialty Training

Many dental officers attend the Advanced Education in General Dentistry one-year program early in their careers. The Dental Corps also provides opportunities for its officers to participate in Continuing Dental Education programs and to pursue dental subspecialty training, which can lead to board certification.

Currently, there are military and/or civilian training opportunities for Dental Corps officers in Comprehensive Dentistry, Dental Informatics, Dental Public Health, Endodontics, Oral Pathology, Oral Surgery, Orofacial Pain, Orthodontics, Pedodontics, Periodontics and Prosthodontics. Additionally, the Dental Corps offers fellowship programs in Maxillofacial Prosthodontics, Oral Surgery and Orthodontics, and a master’s in healthcare administration/business administration. Annually, applications for training are due in July with selections made in September.

Career Transition Opportunities

After serving in the military, dental officers have many opportunities for continuing their professional career, including:

  • Group or private practice or Dental Service Organization (DSO)
  • Army National Guard or U.S. Army Reserve
  • Teaching at dental education institutions
  • Veterans Affairs dental clinics
  • Civilian Government Service or Contract Dentist
  • Public Health or Indian Services dental clinics
  • Dental research, insurance, administration, sales, marketing
DCO
DCO

Resources

U.S. Army Dental Corps. Learn more about the Dental Corps leadership, mission and vision, graduate education opportunities, recruitment and retirement.

AAD Mentoring

AAD members have the knowledge, expertise and desire to help mentor active-duty and transitioning personnel. Many of them have pursued the military and professional career development opportunities that were available to them or have successfully transitioned into civilian careers.

If you have questions about serving in the military as a member of the Army Dental Care Team or are considering transitioning into a career in the civilian dental community, please send your request, along with your name, email address and preferred phone number to: assoc.army.dentistry@gmail.com. We will contact a member who has offered to be a mentor and ask him or her to reach out to you.