A DENTISTRY CAREER OFFERS TRAVEL AND VARIETY
"A REWARDING CAREER SO FAR"
Looking after the oral health of Army personnel all over the world is the job of a Dental Officer. The Royal Army Dental Corps can be found everywhere from large, nine-chair practices on huge Army bases to small mobile surgeries on operations, and you’ll experience plenty of both during your career.
There’s also plenty of independence. You choose the treatment you think is best – not what the patient can afford. What’s more, you’ll get a non-contributory pension, further professional training and the chance to do sports and adventurous training. And if you're currently a dental student you may eligible for the Army’s bursary scheme.
Training For The Role
Step 1
Having successfully completed the Army Officer Selection process and Army Dentist interview; you will be awarded a place on the Commissioning Course Short at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. You are taught basic military, survival and weapon handling skills alongside other professionally-qualified officers. The training is designed to prepare you for military life. On completion of the course you will awarded a commission into the Army Medical Services.
Step 2
You will then attend the Army Medical Services Entry Officers' Course (EOC), which provides you with the specific knowledge required to begin your career as an Army Dentist.
Entry Requirements
Age:
17 years 9 months - 39 years 11 months
Qualifications:
Qualified dentist with active registration with the General Dental Council (GDC). Can also be at the point of completing dentist training.
Student bursary - Apply while you are still at university, before the end of January.You should apply not later than your second year to qualify for the full amount. You must pass the Army Officer Selection Board for professionally qualified officers and the Army Selection Board for the Royal Army Dental Corps to qualify. You must also start initial Officer training at Sandhurst before your 39th birthday.
Fitness:
- Mid Thigh Pull 76kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
- 2km run 10m 15s (multistage fitness test)
Qualifications You Could Get After Training
All Army Dentists can gain postgraduate qualifications throughout their careers such as the Diploma of Membership of the Join Dental Faculty (MJDF) at the Royal College of Surgeons England. You may also have the opportunity to study at MSc level.
Rank Progression
Learn about rank progression here.
Pay and Benefits
“I joined the Royal Army Dental Corps in 2007 after graduating from the University of Sheffield Dental School. Since completing my training, I‘ve served in locations including Germany and Kenya. In Kenya, we set up a dental centre in a tent and provided treatment to soldiers who were training there. There was also time for Adventure Training/Safari at the end. During my time I‘ve also enjoyed skiing, sailing and freefall skydiving. These opportunities and the chance to travel have made this a very rewarding career so far."
HOW TO APPLY
If you've got your qualifications, then apply online. Your application will be passed to our specialist team, who will help guide you through the process towards joining in this role. You'll need to pass a specialist skills interview to check that your skills are in line with our needs.
Training For The Role
Step 1
You will complete two 2-week courses at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to form the basis of your military training.
Step 2
Your trade specific training will depend on your civilian qualifications and experience.
Entry Requirements
Age:
17 years 9 months - 54 years 11 months
Fitness:
- Mid Thigh Pull 76kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
- 2km run 10m 15s (multistage fitness test)
Qualifications:
Qualified dentist with active registration with the General Dental Council (GDC).
Qualifications You Could Get After Training
On successful entry into the Army Medical Services Reserve you will be eligible to apply for funding for Professional Qualifications to help you in your role with the Army Medical Services.
Pay and Benefits
You'll get paid a day rate according to your rank (minimum £175); plus, if you complete all your annual training days, you're entitled to a tax free lump sum.
From the Field
“Being in the Army Reserves has given me opportunities which I would never have had in civilian life. I was involved with setting up a mobile dental unit at a disused airfield in the UK, providing dental care to troops. At the annual camp, I fought in the tunnels in the Rock of Gibraltar and helped paint a church for the local community. I‘ve also been on exercises and adventure training, including canoeing and trekking in Germany, and skiing in Canada. I’ve developed my management and professional skills too, and made some close, life-long friendships.”
HOW TO APPLY
If you've got your qualifications, then apply online. Your application will be passed to our specialist team, who will help guide you through the process towards joining in this role. You'll need to pass a specialist skills interview to check that your skills are in line with our needs.