US Navy Dentist HPSP

Dentist (DDS/DMD) – U.S. Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)

Organization

United States Navy – Navy Dental Corps

Job Type

Scholarship Program / Commissioned Officer Opportunity

Location

Nationwide Opportunities | Dental Students & Accepted Applicants

Overview

The United States Navy is seeking highly motivated Dental students and future Dentists (DDS/DMD) to serve as commissioned officers through the Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP).

The HPSP provides financial support for qualified students attending accredited dental schools while preparing them to become officers in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps. This program offers future dentists the opportunity to graduate with significantly reduced educational debt while gaining leadership experience and serving their country.

Upon completion of dental school and commissioning requirements, participants will serve as Navy Dental Corps Officers providing dental care to Sailors, Marines, and their families around the world.

Additionally, while serving on active duty, Navy dentists may apply for residency and specialty training programs within Navy Medicine to become specialists in fields such as:
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Orthodontics
• Prosthodontics
• Endodontics
• Periodontics
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Comprehensive Dentistry
• Oral Pathology
• And additional dental specialties

Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) Incentives

Selected applicants may receive:

• 100% tuition coverage for accredited dental school programs
• $2,999 Monthly stipend while enrolled in school
• Reimbursement for books, equipment, and approved educational expenses
• Signing bonus opportunities for qualified applicants
• Commissioned Officer status in the U.S. Navy Reserve during participation
• Leadership training and professional development
• Opportunity to serve in one of the world’s most advanced healthcare systems

Roles and Responsibilities

As a Navy Dental Corps Officer, responsibilities may include:

• Providing comprehensive dental care to Sailors, Marines, and military families
• Performing exams, restorations, extractions, and preventive procedures
• Delivering dental care in clinics, hospitals, ships, and operational environments
• Supporting operational readiness and deployment health requirements
• Leading dental teams and advising command leadership on force dental readiness
• Participating in humanitarian and global health missions worldwide

Requirements to Become a Navy Commissioned Officer

Applicants must generally meet the following qualifications:

• United States citizen
• Accepted to or enrolled in an accredited DDS or DMD program
• Meet Navy medical and physical fitness standards
• Eligible to obtain a security clearance
• Demonstrate strong moral character and leadership potential
• Able to commission before age 42 (waivers may be considered)
• Successfully complete Navy officer accession requirements

U.S. Navy Pay and Benefits

In addition to HPSP educational incentives, Navy Officers may receive:

• Competitive military pay
• Housing allowance (BAH)
• Food allowance (BAS)
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage
• 30 days paid vacation annually
• Retirement benefits and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) options
• Paid continuing education opportunities
• Leadership and management training
• Worldwide travel and duty opportunities
• Access to military facilities and support services

Potential Duty Stations

Navy dentists may serve at major military medical centers, dental clinics, and operational commands worldwide, including locations such as:

• Bethesda, Maryland
• Portsmouth, Virginia
• San Diego, California
• Camp Pendleton, California
• Jacksonville, Florida
• Okinawa, Japan
• Guam
• Hawaii
• Rota, Spain
• Naples, Italy
• Bahrain
• Aboard U.S. Navy ships and with operational Marine Corps units

Duty stations are assigned based on the needs of the Navy, specialty training, and mission requirements.

Why Navy Dentistry?

Navy Dentistry offers dentists the opportunity to practice comprehensive dentistry with advanced technology, serve in leadership roles early in their careers, and pursue specialty residency training while serving on active duty. Dentists gain valuable clinical experience while making a meaningful impact both domestically and internationally.

How to Apply

Qualified students and future dental professionals interested in learning more about the Health Professions Scholarship Program are encouraged to apply or contact LTJG Rafeal Ramirez at Rafeal.t.ramirez.mil@us.navy.mil or 617-872-7580 for additional information regarding eligibility, benefits, and the commissioning process.

Serve with purpose. Lead with excellence. Practice dentistry with Navy Medicine.