Dental Specialist

Becoming a Dental Specialist in the United States Army requires an enlistment in either the Army (full-time) or Army Reserve (part-time). Prior to your first duty assignment you will be required to complete 9 weeks of Basic Combat Training (BCT), immediately followed by Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at one of the Army's training locations. The location listed reflects only the location of your AIT. Your permanent duty location will be determined by the needs of the Army. During AIT you will learn specific skills required to perform your day-to-day mission. Some of your duties will include, but are not limited to patient care; preparing dental operatory, selecting and arranging instruments, measuring and recording temperature, blood pressure and pulse, and assisting dentist during patient exams; assisting with administration anesthesia and in placement and removal of sutures; preparing restorative and impression materials; performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and operating resuscitative equipment; disposing of contaminated waste; Dental Radiography; loading and unloading radiographic films cassettes, protects self and patient from excessive ionizing radiation exposure, exposes bitewing perapical, occlusal film, panoramic radiographic darkroom procedures.