OVERVIEW

An Army Dental Corps officer is responsible for the dental health of Soldiers and their families. They are also responsible for providing health care to Soldiers’ families and others eligible to receive this care in the military community.

During combat, the Dental Corps officer assists in the emergency medical management of casualties.

Within the Army Dental Corps, you can specialize in the following areas: Comprehensive Dentistry, Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, and Periodontics.

JOB DUTIES

• Commanding and controlling the Dental Corps units during emergency and nonemergency medical situations
• Coordinate employment of Dental Corps officers at all levels of command in U.S. and multinational operations

TRAINING

As a U.S. Army Medical Department officer, you will not be required to participate in the Basic Combat Training that enlisted Soldiers attend. Instead, you'll attend an Officer Basic Leadership Course, a basic orientation to the Army health care team, Army doctrine and basic Soldier and leadership skills.

OBLC for active duty officers is held four times per year at the U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School at Fort Sam Houston and lasts from 10 to 14 weeks. Officers in the Army Reserve attend OBLC for two weeks and Health Professions Scholarship Program recipients attend a six-week course during their academic training.

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.

After completing OBLC, AMEDD officers report to their initial active duty assignment and students return to their academic training.

HELPFUL SKILLS

• Self-discipline
• Physically fit
• Perform under physical and mental pressures
• Make decisions quickly and on your own