Hospital Corpsman Specializing in Dental Hygiene

Overview: Are you a Dental Hygienist looking for a unique and impactful career opportunity? The U.S. Navy has an exciting pilot program for you to become a Hospital Corpsman specializing in Dental Hygiene (HM/DH). This program offers a fast-track career path where you can provide essential clinical care to our brave Sailors, Marines, and their families. Join us in supporting the oral health of our forces and experience clinical excellence in modern dental facilities worldwide, from state-of-the-art hospitals to dynamic afloat facilities on aircraft carriers. As part of this limited-time initiative, we are offering a remarkable $20,000 signing bonus.

Responsibilities:

• Assess, plan, deliver, and evaluate comprehensive dental care under Navy Dental Officer supervision.
• Perform periodontal therapy, including scaling and root planing.
• Take, process, and interpret dental radiographs.
• Apply fluoride, sealants, and other preventive treatments.
• Educate patients on oral health and nutrition.
• Document patient care and treatment outcomes accurately.
• Adhere to strict infection control measures and support clinical quality assurance protocols.

What to Expect:

• Engage in a collaborative clinical practice with consistent patient flow and no pressure for production.
• Work within a mission-driven schedule that supports patient readiness, possibly including early mornings or deployments.
• Enjoy diverse preventive services, advanced therapy, radiography, and patient education.
• Participate in humanitarian missions, providing care in various locations worldwide.

Work Environment:

Serve in modern, fully-equipped dental clinics and hospitals located at Navy bases, and potentially afloat facilities aboard aircraft carriers and hospital ships.

Training & Advancement:

• Access unique professional growth opportunities with fast-track advancement in this new pilot program.
• Earn a competitive salary ranging up to $104,000* as an E-4 (Petty Officer Third Class) or up to $116,000* as an E-6 (Petty Officer First Class) based on qualifications.
• Gain specialized training to enhance your skills, with options for advanced HM Dental Hygiene training.

Entry Pathways:

• Licensed Civilian Pathway: If you are a graduate of a CODA-accredited Dental Hygiene program and have a current state license, you could enlist directly at the E-6 paygrade.
• Recent Graduate Pathway: Graduates of CODA-accredited programs who are not yet licensed may enlist at the E-4 paygrade.
• In-Service Pathway: Current active or Reserve Sailors may apply after meeting specific milestones.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Graduation from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited program.
• Must meet Navy medical, legal, and fitness standards.
• Provide a recommendation from your program director.
• Complete interviews with clinical supervisors.

Pay & Benefits:

• Competitive full-time salary with recruitment bonuses.
• Comprehensive health coverage for you and your family.
• Tax-free housing and food allowances.
• Generous retirement plan, including the Blended Retirement System.
• 30 days of paid vacation annually.

Service Commitment: Full-time service commitments may involve assignments in various locations, including both shore-based clinical settings and potential sea deployments.

Notes: This Direct Procurement Enlistment Program (DPEP) for Dental Hygienists is a temporary pilot initiative. Incentives, timelines, and locations may shift based on Navy requirements, and candidates must maintain all professional readiness and licensure as applicable. Candidates are encouraged to verify current offerings with a recruiter.