All Commissioned Corps officers in the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) must meet basic qualifications: you must be a U.S. citizen, be less than 44 years, 00 months, 00 days of age, and pass a physical examination and extensive background check. For professionals in this discipline an age waiver may be considered if the candidate is willing to serve in a high need area. To be a dental officer you must meet these professional and academic training requirements.
A current, unrestricted, and valid dental license from a U.S. State; the District of Columbia; Commonwealth, Territory or other Jurisdiction.
A dentist candidate must possess one of the following to be considered for a commission as a dentist officer in the USPHS.
- Doctor of Dental Surgery / Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.D.S. or D.M.D.) degree from a dental school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association.
- Degree from a U.S. Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists. These dentists must complete the program at an ADA accredited dental school and result in either a D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree.
If you are a dental student or a dentist interested in the Commissioned Corps, take the next step! Call us at 800-279-1605 or e-mail us your questions. For additional information about USPHS student programs click here.