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47G2 Career Guide

Air Force

47G2: Comprehensive Dentist

Career transition guide for Air Force Comprehensive Dentist (47G2)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 47G2 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

General Dentist

$175K
High matchHigh demand

Dental Specialist (Orthodontist, Periodontist, Oral Surgeon)

$250K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Complete an accredited dental specialty residency program

Dental Director/Chief Dental Officer

$190K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Healthcare Management ExperienceMBA or MPH may be required

University Professor (Dentistry)

$140K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

PhD or DDS/DMD with significant research experienceTeaching experience

Dental Consultant

$150K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Business DevelopmentSales experienceStrong networking skills

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 47G2 training built — and where they transfer.

Pattern Recognition

Diagnosing oral diseases and abnormalities requires recognizing subtle patterns in radiographs, patient histories, and clinical examinations to differentiate between various conditions.

The ability to identify patterns and anomalies translates to analyzing data, trends, and irregularities in various civilian sectors.

Rapid Prioritization

In a dental clinic, especially during emergencies or mass casualty events, you must quickly assess patients' needs and prioritize treatment based on the severity and urgency of their conditions.

Quickly assessing situations and prioritizing tasks is valuable in fast-paced civilian environments where timely decisions are crucial.

Resource Optimization

As a dental officer, you're responsible for managing clinic resources, including personnel, equipment, and supplies, to ensure efficient and effective dental care delivery within budgetary constraints.

The ability to effectively manage and allocate resources to maximize productivity and achieve organizational goals is highly valued in civilian management roles.

Procedural Compliance

Adhering to strict dental health standards, safety protocols, and regulatory guidelines is critical to ensure patient safety and maintain compliance with military and civilian regulations.

The ability to follow established procedures and guidelines is essential in regulated industries to ensure compliance and minimize risks.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Medical Equipment Sales Representative

SOC 41-9031

You've been examining, using, and optimizing dental equipment, now you can leverage that deep understanding to represent and sell medical devices and equipment. Your clinical experience gives you credibility and insight to understand the needs of healthcare providers.

Healthcare Administrator

SOC 11-9111

You've been managing dental clinics, personnel, and resources. You can apply those skills to oversee the operations of healthcare facilities, manage budgets, and ensure regulatory compliance within larger healthcare systems.

Insurance Claims Adjuster (Medical)

SOC 13-1031

You've been diagnosing and treating dental conditions. You can use your medical knowledge to evaluate medical insurance claims, assess the appropriateness of medical treatments, and determine fair settlements.

Training & Education Equivalencies

General Dentistry Residency, varies by location (e.g., Wright-Patterson AFB, Lackland AFB)

2,000 training hours52 weeksVaries based on residency program - typically substantial graduate-level credit recommendation

Topics Covered

  • Advanced Restorative Dentistry
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Periodontics
  • Endodontics
  • Prosthodontics
  • Dental Materials
  • Pain Management
  • Practice Management

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE)70% covered

While military dentistry provides practical experience, review specific exam content outlines, ethical guidelines, and recent advances in dental technology and research is recommended.

Recommended Next Certifications

Board certification in a dental specialty (e.g., Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Periodontics, Endodontics, Orthodontics)Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD)Master of Public Health (MPH)Certified Healthcare Professional (CHP)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Panoramic X-Ray System (Various Models)Digital Panoramic Dental Imaging Systems (e.g., Sirona Orthophos, Planmeca ProMax)
Dental Operatory Units (e.g., A-dec 500)Dental Operatory Units (e.g., A-dec, Pelton & Crane)
Autoclave Sterilization Systems (e.g., Tuttnauer)Medical Autoclaves (e.g., Tuttnauer, Steris)
Dental Handpieces (High and Low Speed - Various Manufacturers)Dental Handpieces (e.g., NSK, KaVo, Bien-Air)
Electronic Health Records (EHR) - AHLTA-DDental Practice Management Software with EHR (e.g., Dentrix, Eaglesoft, Open Dental)
Portable Dental X-Ray Units (e.g., Nomad Pro 2)Portable Dental X-Ray Units (e.g., Aribex NOMAD, Genoray PORT-X)
Dental Laboratory Equipment (e.g., Whip Mix)Dental Laboratory Equipment (e.g., milling machines, 3D printers by Stratasys, Formlabs)

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