Clarification

[Torres324561]

Hello All,

My name is SSgt Torres and I am currently active duty enlisted as a Security Forces member. I have been enlisted since 2009 and come May 2020, I am punching that card and separating. I want to go to school and become a dentist. There seems to be many avenues to achieve this but I have a path in mind and would like it if someone can tell me if this plan is flawed somewhere.

Step 1: Separate from active duty and attend AFROTC (currently with Mississippi State but looking to switch to another university because I'm not sure I would want to live in Mississippi as I would like to be around a better populated area. My whole enlisted career has been away from population and im from the city.

Step 2: Work on a degree that will set me up for dental school. University of Louisville has a BS of Dental Hygiene. Perhaps this can help? I know any degree can be accepted for the purpose of dental school but I want to achieve something that is conducive

Step 3: Apply to HPSP while in AFROTC so that I can make that transition after graduation

Step 4: Attend dental school, do what I need to do, graduate and return to active duty with the intent of finishing out a 20 year career

Based on what I mentioned above, does this work? If not, where is it broken and what are your suggestions? I am open to options as I have some time before I actually get to separate.

To clarify, I CANNOT apply to AFROTC while being active duty because 1. Im a cop. They won't let me. "manning". 2. I am stationed overseas so I have to wait a certain time before I'm eligible to apply and by the time all the documents are completed and sent out, the amount of time I would need to wait to get word back would be around the time I would be leaving anyway.

Thank you!

 

[oldvaq]

You have a plan, that is the most important step. As a fellow SF veteran I know what you are going through. I went from Air Force cop to Architecture school then switched to Engineering and finally ended up as a construction manager. Be flexible and adapt to change, make your “plan” a living document. I wish you the best of luck and thank you for your service.

 

[Oldsalt]

Thank you for your service.
You need to explore yellow ribbon schools that offer 5 or 6 year DDS programs.
In some cases, you won't receive a BS, but if you want to be a dentist, I don't think that matters.
Good luck!
OS

 

[afrotc16]

I'm pretty sure you don't need to do AFROTC to be eligible for HPSP. You'd just need to apply for HPSP before you graduate and then you can attend OTS (COT) before going to dental school. I'm don't know a whole ton about the HPSP program...but if you don't have to do AFROTC that gives you a ton of flexibility in schools/classes/timing overall.

 

[Torres324561]

Thank you for your service.
You need to explore yellow ribbon schools that offer 5 or 6 year DDS programs.
In some cases, you won't receive a BS, but if you want to be a dentist, I don't think that matters.
Good luck!
OS

Thank you for the response. I'm wanting the bachelors so that I can re enter the Air Force and finish out the career as a dentist. I'm not sure if the Air Force would accept me if I had a DDS but no BA/BS. That would be awesome if that was the case.

 

[America Works]

I'm pretty sure you don't need to do AFROTC to be eligible for HPSP. You'd just need to apply for HPSP before you graduate and then you can attend OTS (COT) before going to dental school. I'm don't know a whole ton about the HPSP program...but if you don't have to do AFROTC that gives you a ton of flexibility in schools/classes/timing overall.

I concur. You don't need AFROTC for HPSP. If you have your CCAF, you can enroll in an AU-ABC program, get your BS in two years (GI Bill or MilTA could cover expenses). Once you have your BS apply to HPSP. Talk to your education counsellor on base--they have great advice. From an Airman to an Airman, thank you for your service.

 

[5Day]

Thank you for the response. I'm wanting the bachelors so that I can re enter the Air Force and finish out the career as a dentist. I'm not sure if the Air Force would accept me if I had a DDS but no BA/BS. That would be awesome if that was the case.

With the 5 to 6 year accelerated DDS programs you do get a bachelor's degree along with the DDS. They are fast track accelerated programs and usually very very competitive to get in. But your application will be unique, not the typical high school student, so that could give you an advantage. Definitely check out those programs.

 

[Torres324561]

I'm pretty sure you don't need to do AFROTC to be eligible for HPSP. You'd just need to apply for HPSP before you graduate and then you can attend OTS (COT) before going to dental school. I'm don't know a whole ton about the HPSP program...but if you don't have to do AFROTC that gives you a ton of flexibility in schools/classes/timing overall.

 

[Torres324561]

Thanks everyone for the info! It's amazing how helpful this has been. I have been researching a few schools and the BS/DDS programs out there look great. Then again, it's true that I can do an AU-
ABC program and cut down my school time. Only issue is, my CCAF is in Criminal Justice and I'm not sure how competitive that will look.

So as far as the education piece goes, what do you think? Start a whole new bachelors program or go off of my criminal justice CCAF?

Update: I've always wanted to be a Pararescueman and my wife says I can do it. With a Guard option available, my wife says "why not get out, train as you please, become a PJ, get good with that style of medical training, scratch it off your bucket list of doing something exciting with the military and pursue education at the same time. Come back in as a dentist and you'll have everything you wanted."

I think it's an exciting plan. Any of you have experience with balancing Air Guard with being a college student?

 

[America Works]

Thanks everyone for the info! It's amazing how helpful this has been. I have been researching a few schools and the BS/DDS programs out there look great. Then again, it's true that I can do an AU-
ABC program and cut down my school time. Only issue is, my CCAF is in Criminal Justice and I'm not sure how competitive that will look.

So as far as the education piece goes, what do you think? Start a whole new bachelors program or go off of my criminal justice CCAF?

Update: I've always wanted to be a Pararescueman and my wife says I can do it. With a Guard option available, my wife says "why not get out, train as you please, become a PJ, get good with that style of medical training, scratch it off your bucket list of doing something exciting with the military and pursue education at the same time. Come back in as a dentist and you'll have everything you wanted."

I think it's an exciting plan. Any of you have experience with balancing Air Guard with being a college student?

IMHO, an AU-ABC programs will accept any CCAF degree. CCAF is mostly general education courses and is regionally accredit, so most institutions will accept your credits. Whether you take 5/6 Dental degree track or go straight for B/S, you will be in good shape. At some point, you will have to throw caution to the wind and take a chance. Follow your heart and the opportunities will come.