Beyond the walls of private practice: Opportunities at any career stage in the Army Reserve

Most of the students reading this are probably thinking about going into private practice, like I did when I graduated from UCLA Dental School in 1987. I enjoy the long-term relationship I’ve built with my patients over the years in Long Beach, Calif., but last year when I received an email about dental opportunities from the U.S. Army, I responded

– taking the first step

on a journey to a new and very exciting development in my career. Years ago, I had thought about joining the military

after school and this Army email piqued

Rosiemarie Cruz, D.D.S

my curiosity – and a certain internal call of service to my country that had always stayed with me. I am very proud of running a successful dental practice for more than 20 years and don’t intend to give it up. But as a major in the U.S. Army Reserve Dental Corps, I now have the opportunity to broaden my horizons and gain leadership experience while serving part-time.

I’m the type of person who enjoys learning new things and improving myself, and the Army is perfect for me. To succeed in the Army, I think it helps to enjoy new challenges and pushing yourself “out of the box” or your comfort zone. In the Army Reserve, I have the best of two

worlds – I can continue to run my prac-

Rosiemarie Cruz, D.D.S Getting Started

stage in the Army Reserve

tice and treat my patients every day, and several times a year I use my professional skills in a completely different environment.

certain conditions). Dental students are eligible for the Army’s Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), which pays the full cost of tuition, school-related fees and books, and a stipend of more than $2,000 per month during the school year. In addition, scholarship recipients are eligible for a one-time $20,000 signing bonus. Students graduate virtually debtfree and begin their careers as active duty officers in Army dentistry. Not a bad deal in this economy.

The benefits of service are attractive. As a Reserve Officer I receive extra regular income and various stipends and bonuses, including a signing bonus. I plan to take part in paid continuing education and special courses and I’m also eligible for loan repayment. I have already signed up for the Army’s health and dental benefits, as they are much better than what I can get through private insurance.

Through the Army, I have the chance to eventually expand my expertise in new directions I never imagined. Simple skills like learning how to drive a Humvee, but also educational opportunities like a Master’s degree at George Washington University that would eventually allow me to be a liaison between the Army Reserve and Congress. The options and opportunities really are endless, and everyday I get an email about something new.

Reserve dentists commit to one weekend of service per month, conduct humanitarian missions overseas, treat soldiers departing for and returning from deployment, and participate in biannual trainings. Every five years, the Army can “mobilize” Reserve dentists – send them

overseas – for 90 days. This can cause some dentists – especially those with an established private practice – to think twice about the impact on their business.

As dental students prepare to graduate and venture out into the clinical world – whether starting a private practice or

With my practice, I’ve come up with a good strategy. When I eventually deploy, I plan to hire a dentist to run my practice for three days a week while I’m away. I’m open with my patients about being in the Army and they’ve been very supportive. Their response has been, “We’ll be here

joining an existing team as an associate – I offer one piece of advice: never stop

learning or seeking new opportunities to grow. After more than 20 years of running my own dental practice I never expected I would be living this new adventure at this stage in my career – and enjoying it so much! ■

when you get back.” I have the greatest patients.

Although I am a mid-career Reserve officer, dentists can join the U.S. Army Dental Corps as early as the beginning of dental school up to age 60 (under

For more information please see www.drrosiemariecruz.com