Medical Service Corps Officers
Medical Service Corps officers provide critical administrative support for dental field units, DENTACS, Regional Dental Commands, Dental Labs, Dental Corps Branch and the Corps Chief’s office. MSC officers advise dental commanders and staff in both clinical and non-clinical areas of patient-care delivery. They establish policies and procedures that keep the Army’s dental care system running smoothly. Responsibilities may include overseeing administrative needs, monitoring budgets and spending, training staff members, coordinating care and advising commanders on health-care delivery and management. In essence, MSC officers relieve dental officers of many administrative tasks.
Career Development Opportunities
Military Education and Training
All incoming Medical Service Corps 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
The Army-Baylor Program offers select MSC officers an opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in healthcare administration (MHA) or, alternatively, a dual master’s degree in healthcare and business administration (MHA/MBA). Additional advanced education opportunities may be available to select MSC officers at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.
Career Transition Opportunities
After serving in the military, Medical Service Corps officers are well positioned to continue their professional careers in many different situations, including:
- Hospital/clinic administration
- National Guard or U.S. Army Reserve Component
- Teaching at education institutions
- Veterans Affairs hospital/clinic administration
- Civilian Government Service or Contract employee
- Public Health or Indian Services clinic administration
- Healthcare research, insurance, administration, logistics, information management, sales and marketing
Resources
U.S. Army Medical Service Corps. Learn more about the Medical Service Corps leadership, mission and vision, 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.