50 talking about this. WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- Air Force Dental Service officials have selected the next group of dental assistants to participate in the Dental Hygiene Training Scholarship Program, conducted at Trident Technical College in Charleston, S.C. and St. Petersburg College in Tampa, Fla. The course is designed to help you adjust to a military environment. There are health requirements that must be met by all applicants: Get in touch if you have any questions about the health criteria, or would like to find out if any additional health requirements apply to your role of interest. The Air Force Dental Assistant performs paraprofessional tasks and oral hygiene duties alongside the military dental care services. Qualified Dental Nurses need to have current General Dental Council (GDC) registration. As a Dental Officer in the RAF, you will have all the development opportunities and career prospects available to your civilian counterparts, together with the chance to work around the world and gain unique dental and personal experiences. An individual who has completed an accredited dental hygiene education program, and an individual who has been licensed by a state board of dental examiners to provide preventive care services under the supervision of a dentist. Dental school can be expensive, but the Air Force expects to pay for this education and will make these funds available to recruits who have committed to serving as a dentist. Spare time reserve, 502 Sqn Aldergrove Flying Station, Co Antrim Commit 27 days per year for 12 years minimum, Select and prepare fillings and impression materials, Cast the models on which dentures or appliances are constructed, Select, prepare and maintain dental equipment, 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline), Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds, Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds, Achieving the required score on the Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT or Bleep test). Progression is to Practice or Regional Managers responsible for coordinating the team within a dental practice or a group of dental practices. The average Dental Hygienist salary in Andrews Air Force Base, MD is $83,989 as of February 26, 2021, but the range typically falls between $72,947 and $95,505. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles, Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up, Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt, Have been or are member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence. Also, before I used it, my teeth were very sensitive and I was using special tooth paste. You will have to commit to 27 days per year for 12 years minimum. You may apply for your engagement to be extended until the age of 60. Reserve Dental Officers will undertake their own initial officer training course (Reserve Officer Initial Training). Also called: Dental Hygienist; Dental Hygienist, Mobile Coordinator; Hygienist; Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) In the military: see titles from the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, or Navy. Whether you are working either as a Regular or Reserve Dental Officer you will deliver a high standard of care sometimes in demanding conditions, including the extra challenge of working in a field hospital or a deployed medical treatment facility. You’ll initially join the RAF for a period of 12 years. Full-time regular Spare time reserve Learn more about this role Pay During Initial Training £15,985+ + Benefits Image: … Pool is one of only 52 active duty military dental hygienists in the entire Air Force. As a Dental Hygienist in the Royal Navy you’ll be an integral part of a professional Dental Centre, working from a shore side establishment in the UK, or in challenging conditions on board one of our Ships at sea. Learn about great opportunities for enlisted airmen, officers and health care professionals. The following experience is mandatory for award of the AFSC indicated: 4Y051. Assists the dentist in the delivery of dental care. The skills and qualifications you can gain are as valuable in the civilian world as they are in the RAF – which means that whenever you decide to leave the RAF, you will be well placed to find a job as a civilian Dental Nurse or Practice Manager. Gen. Sharon Bannister is responsible for an annual operating budget of $61.5 million and directing the Department of Defense’s medical training initiatives and academic policy, leading more than 500 staff across two regions. In 1942, Sir William Kelsey-Fry, civilian consultant to the Royal Air Force, wrote to the Director of Dental Services. Following the MOD announcement that the UK Armed Forces will now be able to recruit commonwealth citizens without the 5 year residency requirement, please note that the RAF continues to apply standard residency requirements for security clearance,  ie, DV employment requires 7-years UK residency immediately prior to enlistment; SC requires 3-years. Dental hygienists are responsible for cleaning teeth and educating patients on techniques to use to improve their overall oral health. Dental hygienists, generally working under the supervision of a dentist, provide preventative dental care. Dental hygienists and assistants have many responsibilities, including teeth cleaning, examining patients for signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis, and providing other preventive dental care. You will follow a 12-week programme specially designed for professionally qualified entrants to the RAF. Our Dental Hygiene Associate in Science Degree program consistently produces graduates who excel on the state and national licensing exam and find jobs in the field. Your training will start with a Basic Recruit Training Course consisting of 4 weekends at your chosen RAF Reserves Squadron, followed by a 15-day residential training course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. Dental hygienists and assistants have many responsibilities, including teeth cleaning, examining patients for signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis, and providing other preventive dental care. However, candidates with a minimum of 3 years will be considered. "Unsurpassed Health and Readiness Through Trusted Dental Care" The role of the Dental Hygienist is to provide a combination of clinical skills and oral health education to help patients obtain and maintain good personal oral health standards. This consists of the following: How fit you need to be to pass these tests can vary depending on role, age and gender. You can see the protocols for Press Ups & Sit Ups here: You can download an MP3 file of the Multi-Stage Fitness Test below, listen to the introduction file first: You can see a video demonstration of the PRFV Fitness Test here: A 12-week fitness plan with detailed information to help you get ready for all of the fitness tests can be downloaded here. Technical school for Air Force dental assistants is 48 days. For your first tour, you will be posted to a multi-chair practice to work with an experienced dentist where you will be mentored and supported to practise dentistry to the highest standards. The wearing of beards during Phase 1 and Phase 2 training is currently under consideration and details will be advised when available. Dental hygienist help ensure Airmen are ready to deploy. Younger personnel, on the other hand, may present with problems such as impacted third molars. This consists of the following: The second fitness test will take place at RAF Cranwell as part of your familiarisation visit. AF Oral Hygiene Course, Lackland Air Force Base, TX. Depending on your duty Station this could range from providing dental care to recruits undertaking basic training through to fast jet pilots at front line flying units. You will have to commit to 27 days per year for 12 years minimum. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 4Y031. Apply here and receive an email that invites you to your full online application. The Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. This consists of the following: How fit you need to be to pass these tests can vary depending on role, age and gender. Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application. Airmen treat and educate at Tonga dental clinic. Overview: Working side-by-side with dentists to provide Air Force Reservists and their families with excellent dental care is the rewarding career of Dental Assistants.Their hands on duties include cleaning teeth, taking x-rays and assisting in dental procedures while ensuring that patients are comfortable at all times. Foundation Training is not currently offered within the RAF. The requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female). While attending dental school, students spend 45 days each year on active duty. As a dental hygienist, you are part of a team dedicated to helping patients maintain good oral health. Dental hygienists and assistants have many responsibilities, including teeth cleaning, examining patients for signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis, and providing other preventive dental care. A revised facial hair policy has been agreed by the Air Force Board which will allow serving personnel to wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard whilst maintaining high standards of appearance. Now I have no sensitivity issues. If Unqualified you must fully research the training pathway leading to the NEBDN Diploma in dental nursing, the General Dental Council (GDC) Standards and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) before attending the specialist interview. Find a Shaw Air Force Base, SC. You’ll have a lot of contact with patients and develop a close working relationship with the other dental nurses, dentists and hygienists. Reviews from U.S. Air Force employees about working as a Dental Hygienist at U.S. Air Force. Responsible for aiding in every part of the practice from simple exams and taking x-rays to assisting in … As a result, dental hygienists, such as Sergeant Pool, are in very high demand and not all bases have them. If you don’t have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. All of our Dental Officers are encouraged to take up to 5 days of postgraduate education each year. Chelsie Evangelista, a dental hygienist with the 36th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron puts on her personal protective equipment before conducting a cleaning, March 2, 2021 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. You will be expected to move location every few years, the average tour length being 3 years. After a year, you’ll be eligible for promotion to Senior Aircraftman/woman. I will say, don’t think school will be any easier because of your military training. Full details for Commonwealth applicants can be found here. Promotion to Corporal and beyond is by competitive selection. Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises. Masters Degrees, and then be appointed as an enhanced general practitioner in disciplines such as periodontology or advanced conservation. “To my knowle… The Air Force has a Health Professions Scholarship Program that pays for the expenses of dental school in exchange for a commitment to serve. You can see the protocols for Press Ups & Sit Ups here: You can download an MP3 file of the Multi-Stage Fitness Test below, listen to the introduction file first: You can see a video demonstration of the PRTC Fitness Test here: A 12-week fitness plan with detailed information to help you get ready for all of the fitness tests can be downloaded here. Their duties vary according to the rules of the state in which they practice. Average U.S. Air Force Dental Hygienist yearly pay in the United States is approximately $49,011, which is 30% below the national average. 532 likes. Some Dental Officers pursue a full career within the RAF whereas others will leave at the end of their 6-year or 20-year commissions and go on to work in civilian practice where the skills they have learned within the military are highly valued. All RAF personnel are entitled to receive free dental care to ensure that they are fit for military service. The wearing of beards during Phase 1 and Phase 2 training is currently under consideration and details will be advised when available. They also educate patients on ways to improve and maintain good oral health and perform other miscellaneous tasks, such as equipment maintenance and supplies inventory. This consists of the following: The second fitness test will take place at RAF Halton as part of your three-day Pre-Recruit Familiarization Visit (PRFV). Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. I realized that I did not have all of the information I needed to properly educate and treat patients with advanced periodontal disease based on the training that I received. What they do: Administer oral hygiene care to patients. MORE WAYS TO CONTACT US, You can see what the RAF accepts in lieu of GCSEs & A Levels here, Be aged 21 - 53 (Must attest before 54th birthday). ONGOING TRAINING/DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES . If you are joining without a dental nurse qualification you will study for the National Diploma in Dental Nursing awarded by the National Exam Board for Dental Nurses, it consists of a residential element at DMS Whittington and a placement in a RAF unit whilst you are on the training pathway leading to qualification and registration with the GDC. Always. 600 Sqn RAF Northolt, Middlesex Further promotion, to the rank of Wing Commander and beyond, is by competitive selection. What does an Air Force Dental Assistant Do? How fit you need to be to pass the test can vary depending on role, age and gender. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew. Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application. View job description, responsibilities and qualifications. You will be encouraged to study for the Membership of the Joint Dental Faculties (MJDF) qualification. Professional training pathways leading to consultant status are also funded by the Ministry of Defence to meet our clinical and manning requirements. I started out as a dental assistant, but was selected for a scholarship to attend St. Petersburg College for dental hygiene. You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. Be aged between 17 and 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday). Job on base You will be responsible for scaling and debridement of deposits from teeth, taking x-rays, constructing mouthguards, providing fluoride treatments and a variety of other tasks. Be more. Completion of a minimum 2-year American Dental Association accredited degree awarding Dental Hygiene program. The US Air Force has approximately 64 active duty dental hygienists serving overseas and stateside. ONGOING TRAINING/DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES. Gen. Sharon Bannister is responsible for an annual operating budget of $61.5 million and directing the Department of Defense’s medical training initiatives and academic policy, leading more than 500 staff across two regions. Your career will start with a 10-week Basic Recruit Training Course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. (I was civilian) I went to dental hygiene school off base and so I was aware of what the military “hygienists” were doing. I am a shred-out and only have about 50 people in my AFSC. Overview: Working side-by-side with dentists to provide Air Force Reservists and their families with excellent dental care is the rewarding career of Dental Assistants.Their hands on duties include cleaning teeth, taking x-rays and assisting in dental procedures while ensuring that patients are comfortable at all times. To check your fitness levels, we put every candidate through at least two separate fitness tests as part of the application process.The first of these is the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) which takes place at a fitness centre local to you. For more information contact your local AFCO. As a Dental Nurse you have an essential role in our team providing key support to the dental practice in multiple areas; the selection, preparation and maintenance of instruments and equipment, selection and preparation of filling and impression materials, casting models on which dentures or appliances are constructed, preparing the surgery for the delivery of treatment, managing paper and computerised dental records, order and maintain stocks of materials. Dental Technicians are highly skilled oral health professionals that assist and support dentists in providing dental care to members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth, Be aged 18 – 54 years old (Must attest before 55th birthday - Ex Regulars over the age of 55 may be considered on a case by case basis). Other Links . The requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female). As an RAF Dental Nurse, you will work alongside our dentists and dental hygienists, providing key support and ensuring patients receive the highest level of treatment. SPECIALIST TRAINING FOR QUALIFIED DENTAL NURSE. Noreena Svoboda, a dental technician from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., cleans a patient's teeth. But each case is considered upon its own merits. There are health requirements that must be met by all applicants: Get in touch if you have any questions about the health criteria, or would like to find out if any additional health requirements apply to your role of interest. Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive. Be qualified to practice dentistry and be fully registered with the General Dental Council of the United Kingdom. During this period you will gain the skills and knowledge to command and lead in military roles and beyond. The skills you acquire as a Reserve won’t just prepare you for the RAF, they will enhance your work and civilian life. Welcome to the United States Air Force. Ten current Air Force dental assistants were chosen recently to attend the 18-24 month program. You will also need to have Enhanced DBS clearance. Hold a professional qualification and be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm). It is likely that you will be based in a Dental Centre on an RAF Station within the UK, supported by both uniformed and civilian staff. Dental Assistants Recognition Week is held on the first week of March every year and is designed to shine light on the importance of the career field. While attending dental school, students spend 45 days each year on active duty. As a Dental Officer in the RAF, you will have all the development opportunities and career prospects available to your civilian counterparts, together with the chance to work around the world and gain unique dental and personal experiences. Dental hygienists and assistants have many responsibilities, including teeth cleaning, examining patients for signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis, and providing other preventive dental care. 532 likes. Proudly serving: Dental assistants keep appointments rolling during appreciation week. 4626 Sqn Brize Norton, Oxfordshire. For more information on AFSCs and Shredouts check this article out! Working alongside dentists, Air Force Dental Assistants help provide patient care in every procedure. Staff Sergeant Kristen Pool, 28th MDOS dental hygienist, was added to the Ellsworth Air Force Base (South Dakota) dental operations team in October 2010 after a year of requests. Dental Technicians work on military bases across Canada or in mobile dental clinics that serve … The Air Force only selects 10 dental assistants annually for this 2 year program. Taking care of your teeth not only helps your smile, but your whole body. Interprets inspection findings; reports deficiencies, recommended corrective actions, and outstanding accomplishments to the CDS. Videos. Air Force dental hygienists ensure the Air Force Warfighter is dentally ready to deploy at any time, which encompasses providing treatment, education, and community outreach to the US Department of Defense beneficiaries. Learn about U.S. Air Force culture, salaries, benefits, work-life balance, management, job security, and more. Advise patients on oral health maintenance and disease prevention. There’s a small number of opportunities to work on bases overseas or to go on operations or exercises to provide care and treatment for our troops in the field.