Military Dentists
Military Career
General Information
Description
Military dentists take care of the dental needs of service members and their families. They are typically responsible for educating patients on oral hygiene, examining teeth and diagnosing patients' dental conditions by using tools such as x-rays. They also assess treatment options and agree on treatment plans with patients. They may practice general dentistry or work in one of several specialties.
Explore this career outside the MilitaryWork Environment
Dentists work in hospitals and dental clinics on land and aboard ships.
Workplace at a Glance
What you can expect to experience while on the job
- Responsibility
- Exposure to job hazards
- Physical activity
- Decision making
- Repetitiveness
- Level of competition
- Time pressure
Comparable Industries
- Health Science
Military Outlook
Service Branches
Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Space ForceMilitary Status
- Officer
- Managerial/professional
- College degree required
Military Workforce
Dentists in the Military
3,276
Salary
Salary Information
Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$132,270
Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.
$25,573 - $362,582
What makes up a Military salary?
Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.
They also offer:
- Housing allowances
- Subsistence allowances
- Special and incentive pays
- Cost-of-living allowances
- Hazardous-duty pay
- Bonuses
Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator
Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits
Education
Most Common Education Levels
People in this career achieve this level of education.
-
Doctoral degree 81%
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Some college 7%
-
Master's degree 5%
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Associate's degree 5%
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High school 0%
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Bachelor's degree 0%
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Post baccalaureate 0%
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Less than high school 0%
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Post-doctoral training 0%
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Post-master's certificate 0%
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First professional degree 0%
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Post-secondary certificate 0%
Military training
Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Dentists have a doctorate degree in dental medicine or dental surgery. Dentists who participate in military-sponsored residency programs receive renowned education. All dentists in the Military gain exposure to nearly every major facet of dentistry in a wide range of healthcare environments. Like other healthcare officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, the military health system, and leadership development.
Read MoreSkills at a Glance
Skills helpful in this career
- Verbal skills
- Critical thinking & problem solving
- Equipment operation & maintenance
- Math & science skills
- Technology design & control
- Leadership
Related College Majors
Select major to see colleges that offer it
Knowledge
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Psychology
- Education and Training
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