Direct commission
Dental Corps
Explore Army Dental Corps careers, including direct commission, dental specialties, qualifications, and incentives.
Corps overview
Serving in the Dental Corps
The Army Dental Corps provides dental care that supports the health and readiness of Soldiers and other eligible beneficiaries. Dental Corps officers serve as commissioned officers in general dentistry and specialties such as orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, periodontics, endodontics, and prosthodontics.
Your responsibilities may include clinical care, prevention, education, research, and leadership within Army dental organizations. Assignments can vary by specialty, component, and Army need.
As you explore this path, compare your dental education, license, specialty training, and career goals with the current qualifications. Marcus can help you identify the relevant Dental Corps path and explain the next step in the commissioning process.
Specialty directory
Specialties and areas of concentration
Review Army Dental Corps areas of concentration and dental specialties available through AMEDD service.
Comprehensive Dentist
Periodontist
Endodontist
Prosthodontist
Public Health Dentist
Pediatric Dentist
Orthodontist
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Oral Pathologist
Who may qualify
Dental Corps qualifications
Review the general qualifications for dentists interested in serving as U.S. Army Dental Corps officers.
Review the general qualifications for the Regular Army or Army Reserve before beginning a Dental Corps application.
For the Regular Army, you generally need U.S. citizenship. The Army Reserve may accept permanent residents.
If you are still in dental school, you may be able to begin the process during the final six months of your program.
If you are already practicing, ensure you hold a valid dental license and a qualifying degree from an ADA-accredited dental school in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or Canada.
Recent graduates pursuing the Regular Army should be prepared to document licensing efforts within the required post-graduation timeline or provide proof of licensure once obtained.
Practicing dentists must maintain the applicable federal prescribing credentials.
Additional qualifications may apply to your intended specialty, component, or Area of Concentration.
Contact Marcus to compare these general requirements with your education, license status, specialty, and career goals.
Professional support
Dental Corps programs and incentives
Explore Army Dental Corps programs, incentives, and financial-support options for eligible dentists and students.
HPSP
The Health Professions Scholarship Program may provide eligible dental students with tuition coverage, a monthly stipend, and reimbursement for certain required academic expenses.
ADHPLRP
The Active Duty Health Professions Loan Repayment Program may help eligible practicing dentists repay qualifying education loans.
CSWSAB
The Critically Short Wartime Skills Accession Bonus may be available to dentists entering designated high-demand specialties.
Board Certification Pay
Eligible dentists who earn and maintain qualifying board certification may receive additional pay.
Incentive Pay
Qualified Dental Corps officers may receive incentive pay based on specialty, eligibility, and applicable program terms.
Accession Bonus
Eligible dentists entering the Dental Corps may qualify for an accession bonus under the applicable program terms.
Watch and learn
See the path in practice
Discuss Dental Corps opportunities
A direct conversation is the fastest way to identify which information applies to you.