DENTAL CORPS OFFICER (2200)
The Staff Corps community of U.S. Navy dentists.
OVERVIEW
The 2200 Dental Corps designator identifies Staff Corps officers in the U.S. Navy who are licensed dentists (DDS or DMD). Dental Corps officers provide general dentistry and dental specialty care — including oral and maxillofacial surgery, periodontics, prosthodontics, orthodontics, endodontics, and pediatric dentistry — to active-duty Sailors, Marines, and Navy beneficiaries at Navy hospitals, dental clinics, and operational units worldwide.
Most Dental Corps officers commission via the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) following dental school, with optional residency and specialty-fellowship training at Navy postgraduate dental programs at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Naval Medical Center San Diego, and Camp Lejeune. A smaller number commission as direct accessions after completing dental school in the civilian sector.
Operationally, Dental Corps officers deploy aboard CVN aircraft carriers, LHA/LHD amphibious assault ships, and with Marine Expeditionary Forces — providing both routine and combat-casualty oral healthcare, including the maxillofacial surgical capability essential to managing facial trauma in austere environments. Senior Dental Corps officers command Navy dental battalions, lead postgraduate training programs, and serve in Navy Medicine headquarters billets.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide general or specialty dental care to Sailors, Marines, and beneficiaries
- Serve as Dental Officer aboard an aircraft carrier, large amphib, or expeditionary medical unit
- Lead a Navy dental clinic or department within a Navy hospital
- Conduct dental specialty residency training and continuing education
HISTORY
The U.S. Navy Dental Corps was established by an Act of Congress on August 22, 1912, making it the second-oldest federal dental service after the Army Dental Corps. The community grew significantly during World War I and World War II, when Navy dentists were essential to mission readiness, and has continued to provide both routine and combat-casualty oral healthcare in every U.S. conflict since.
Today the Dental Corps fields several hundred active-duty dentists and is integrated tightly with the Medical Corps under Navy Medicine.
COMMISSIONING SOURCES
- Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)
- Direct Accession
- Uniformed Services University (limited)
TRAINING PIPELINE
- 1. Officer Development School (ODS)~5 weeksNaval Station Newport, RIDirect-commission officer indoctrination.
- 2. Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD)~12 monthsNMC Portsmouth / NMC San Diego / Camp LejeuneOne-year postgraduate general-dentistry residency.
- 3. Specialty Residency2–4 yearsNavy or joint teaching hospitalOptional ACGME/CODA-accredited specialty training.
TYPICAL CAREER PATH
- O-3AEGD ResidencyMost new Dental Corps officers complete the one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency.
- O-3/O-4Operational or Clinical TourOperational dental tour aboard a ship or with the Marines, or clinical practice at a Navy dental clinic.
- O-4Specialty ResidencyOptional 2- to 4-year specialty residency in oral surgery, periodontics, prosthodontics, etc.
- O-5Department HeadDepartment head at a Navy hospital or major dental clinic.
- O-6Dental Clinic / Battalion Commanding OfficerCommand of a Navy dental clinic or battalion.
RELATED DESIGNATORS
RELATED BASES
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from an accredited dental school
- Active state dental license
- Successful completion of Officer Development School (ODS)
- Maintain Secret clearance and operational medical fitness
- Dental Officer aboard a CVN aircraft carrier or LHA/LHD amphibious assault ship
- Dental Officer with a Marine Expeditionary Force or Navy expeditionary medical unit
- Specialty dentist at a Navy dental clinic or naval medical center
- Faculty position at a Navy postgraduate dental program