There’s a Long-Term Shortage of Dentists

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org

The Air Force has found itself short of new dentists for nearly 10 years, bringing in about 120 a year instead of the 150 it needs. The service also finds it difficult to retain dentists once they’ve completed their basic commitment. The director of the Air Force Dental Corps, Col. Grant Hartup, says that the service plans to expand special pays and incentives, however, he thinks it must sell potential dental officers on the broader aspects of an Air Force career. He says the professional development opportunities outstrip those in the civilian world—that’s why he is still serving.

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org