Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 8/30/2010

Question
I wanted to know how to join USAF reserve . I was browsing at some Q
and A and came upon a foreign trained dentist and was told that it is
possible to join the military given the citizenship and board approved lic. .
My name is Dr. Richard Ramos US national by birth due to father was in
the US NAVY for 21 years . I am a foreign dentist graduated from the
Philippines at University of the East  batch 1999 , prior educ. B.S. Degree
in Biology also in the Philippines at Philippine Normal College batch 1990
. I recieved my Lic. In Ca. and practicing in Fairfield , Ca near Travis
AFB. I inquire to join but they told me that being a foreign trained i can not
pursue my career in the military and that i would have to at least have a
fellowship degree in which i can only take on my third year in membership
with American General Dentistry on Aug 2011 . Please i would like some
advice if i am qualified to join the military - thank you .

Answer
Richard,
You're really in a tough spot.  What you're being told is pretty much true.  I assume you've been talking to a recruiter?

It's a shame, because you can go into private practice now, if you wish, with no problems.  However, if you want to serve your country you have all these additional requirements.

It all boils down to having a degree from a "U.S. accredited" school.  To join you must possess a DDS or DMD from a school accredited by the American Dental Association.  Due to international politics, the U.S. is not allowed to accredit foreign schools.

I would advise you to chat live, on-line with a dentist advisor from the AF Reserve Recruiting Service.  Advisors are available for chat Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 10:00pm EST.  Contact them at

http://66.209.95.13/livechat/livehelp.php?page=livehelp.php%26
department=1%26tab=1

Advisors are available for chat Monday through Friday,
8:00am to 10:00pm EST.

Also, you can talk to an advisor at 1-800-257-1212.

These guys are the experts in their field and may be able to find a way around your problem.

I wish you well,
Colonel H