I never post on public forums like this, but I am worried about I-day, and more specifically, the dental exam. I’m trying not to self diagnose, but I think that I might have a cavity (have not been able to see a dentist in a while for various reasons). The appointee booklet states: “The Academy staff expects that you will arrive at the Academy with no potentially duty-disqualifying dental conditions. Examples of dental conditions that may prevent you from performing optimally include... cavities that may become emergent problems if not restored immediately.” Could I be turned away because of a small/potential cavity? Thank you.
If it’s a matter of funds, research community health resources that may offer free dental clinics. Your state and county health department websites are a place to start. You have very little time left, but your oral health is important. Perhaps your regular dentist, if the situation is explained, can do an installment payment plan. Is there a family member willing to loan you the money and you pay them back? Small independent family practices often have more flexibility than big corporate dental chains, in terms of extended payments. Look for dental care non-profits. I’ve just assumed maybe you’re in a situation where you don’t have dental insurance at the moment.
I know we have had posts here about appointees being turned away for not fully healed medical issues. I don’t know how detailed the dental exam is, but at my routine exams, one of the opening questions is “do you have any pain or sensitivity or experiencing any issues today?” How will you respond?
Let’s project forward to one way this could play out. You’re asked to report in good dental health. You report in with awareness of a problem, but get past I-Day screening. The problem gets worse and worse because of the delay in care, and you have to bring it to the attention of your chain of command. It could be bad enough you are sent home (after they fix it), because you will miss too much. It may also come out you reported in and essentially omitted being truthful about the issue despite clear direction to report in good dental health.
Medical issues that pop up like this happen every year. USAFA, if it’s like USNA, will typically offer an LOA that saves you a seat in 2024, your DODMERB stays good, you have to get another nom, and you’re expected to at least attend community college and take similar classes.
You’ll feel better if you take action to solve the problem. If it’s a minor dental issue and you can find a way to take care of it, great. Don’t let it get worse with neglect. Paying attention to your health is important, and being straightforward about the state of your health will contribute to the USAFA path remaining open for you.
You quoted your reporting instructions. It means exactly what it says.
Let us know how this turns out.