Non-Commissioned Officers and Enlisted Soldiers
Non-Commissioned officers and enlisted Soldiers who fill leadership roles and provide direct care services in the Army Dental Care System are essential to Army readiness.
Career Development Opportunities
Military Education and Training
Enlisted Soldiers: After graduating from Basic Combat Training, enlisted Soldiers who are interested in a dental military occupational specialty attend Advanced Individual Training to become dental specialists (68E). After an initial assignment as a dental specialist, they may apply for additional training as a dental laboratory technician or preventive dentistry specialist or pursue skill-based training in orthodontics, preventive dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery or restorative functions. Dental laboratory technicians may receive supplemental training in technologies that focus on the fabrication of ceramics, complete and partial dentures, implants, crowns and bridges, or orthodontic and other precision appliances.
Non-Commissioned Officers: Through the Non-Commissioned Officer Education System, individuals who want a long-term career as leaders in the Army Dental Care System may progress from specialist to sergeant major by attending the Basic, Advanced, Senior and Master Leaders courses, and the Sergeants Major Academy. NCOs in clinics may serve as noncommissioned officers in charge or in other key supervisory or operational roles. At the unit level, first sergeants are indispensable members of the command team. Exceptional soldiers who achieve the rank of sergeant major become senior NCOs in large organizations and serve as role models for enlisted Soldiers throughout the Army Dental Care System.
Career Transition Opportunities
Civilian businesses and organizations often welcome the expertise, work ethic and leadership skills NCOs and enlisted Soldiers have gained through their military service. Those who have been part of the Army Dental Care System have highly marketable skills. Although requirements vary by state, dental specialists, dental laboratory technicians and preventive dentistry specialists may be able to transition into similar positions in civilian communities. NCOs, who have achieved advanced leadership experience can pursue job opportunities in almost any type of business. For NCOs and enlisted Soldiers who want to continue in the field of dentistry, job opportunities may include:
- Group or private practice clinic administration
- Dental Service Organization (DSO) administration
- Education institutions
- Healthcare operations in Veterans Affairs, Public Health or Indian Services clinics
- GS Civilian or Contract positions
- Healthcare insurance, sales and marketing
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.