The HPSP Scholarship For Dental School: A Comprehensive Guide

Dental school is a big investment, especially with the new changes to federal student loans and private lending. For many aspiring dentists, the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) offers an opportunity to pay for 100% of your dental school tuition, in addition to a generous monthly stipend near $3,000, and potentially a sign-up bonus around $20,000. This guide breaks down the HPSP scholarship specifically for dental students, sharing insights from a dental student’s perspective who has the Navy HPSP Scholarship and an Air Force HPSP expert's explanation. Whether you’re curious about the benefits, commitments, or application process, this will help you understand if the HPSP scholarship is right for you, and how to successfully get the HPSP Scholarship.

What is the HPSP Scholarship?

The Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) is a military scholarship designed to support students pursuing degrees in health professions, including dentistry. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and provides a monthly stipend while students attend dental school. In exchange, you commit to working as a dentist for the Navy, Air Force, or Army, for about 4 years after graduating.

The HPSP scholarship is available through the Army, Navy, and Air Force, each offering similar benefits but with some differences in service commitments and opportunities. In the video below, an Air Force HPSP recruiter explains the application process, commitment, and requirements for the Air Force HPSP Scholarship for dental school.

Insights from a Dental Student’s Perspective

In the video above, a dental student who went through dental school on the HPSP scholarship with the Navy shares valuable firsthand insights about his application process, responsibilities as a dental student. Watch the video above to learn more about the commitment as a military officer, and what life as a military dentist looks like. Some points covered include:

• Financial relief: The HPSP scholarship covers 100% of dental school tuition and provides a steady stipend, allowing focus on studies without financial stress.

• Military culture: Balancing dental school with military training builds discipline and leadership skills.

• Career opportunities: Serving as a Navy dentist opens doors to unique clinical cases and travel.

• Challenges: The military commitment means planning for life after dental school, including potential deployments.

  
  

This perspective highlights both the rewards and responsibilities that come with the HPSP scholarship.

Benefits of the HPSP Scholarship for Dental School

The HPSP scholarship offers several advantages that make it an attractive option for dental students:

• Full tuition coverage: The scholarship pays for all dental school tuition and fees, which can save students tens of thousands of dollars.

• Monthly stipend: Recipients receive a monthly living allowance, which helps cover housing, food, and other expenses. This stipend is typically around $3,000 per month.

• Professional experience: After graduation, dentists serve as officers in the military, gaining leadership skills and unique clinical experiences.

• Many other benefits...

  
  

These benefits make the HPSP scholarship an attractive option for pre-dental or dental students who want to reduce financial stress and gain valuable experience.

Commitment and Service Requirements

One of the most important factors to consider is the service commitment tied to the HPSP scholarship. Typically, dental students who accept the scholarship agree to serve as active-duty military dentists for a minimum of three years after completing their education and any required residency.

Here are key points about the commitment:

• Active duty service: After dental school, recipients serve as commissioned officers in the military branch that awarded the scholarship.

• Length of service: The service obligation usually equals one year of active duty for each year the scholarship was received, with a minimum of three years.

• Residency training: If pursuing a dental specialty, the service commitment may extend to cover the residency period.

• Military responsibilities: Along with clinical duties, dentists may have leadership, training, or administrative roles.

  
  

Understanding these obligations is crucial before applying, as the commitment shapes your career path and lifestyle for several years.

How to Apply for the HPSP Scholarship

Applying for the HPSP scholarship involves several steps and requires preparation. Here’s a general overview of the process:

1. Meet eligibility requirements: Applicants must be U.S. citizens, accepted or enrolled in an accredited dental school, and meet physical and academic standards.

2. Contact a military recruiter: Each branch has recruiters who specialize in HPSP. They provide detailed information and guide applicants through the process.

3. Complete the application: This includes submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays, and medical evaluations.

4. Interview and selection: Candidates may undergo interviews and evaluations before being selected.

5. Sign the contract: Once accepted, students sign an agreement outlining the scholarship terms and service commitment.

   
   

Each military branch has its own timeline and specific requirements, so early contact with a recruiter is essential.

What to Consider Before Accepting the HPSP Scholarship

Firstly, recruiters emphasize the importance of understanding the commitment and encourage candidates to ask questions early. They also emphasize the importance of starting the application process early. Waiting to reach out to a HPSP recruiter until you get your dental school acceptance is usually too late, and ill-advised. Instead, start the HPSP application process shortly after submitting your dental school application.

Before committing to the HPSP scholarship, consider these factors:

• Long-term career goals: Are you interested in military service and the opportunities it offers?

• Service commitment: Are you prepared for the active duty obligation and potential deployments?

• Lifestyle changes: Military life involves structure, discipline, and sometimes relocation.

• Residency plans: If you want to specialize, understand how residency affects your service time.

  
  

Weighing these considerations helps ensure the scholarship aligns with your personal and professional goals.

Alternatives to the HPSP Scholarship

If the HPSP scholarship does not fit your plans, other options exist:

• National Health Service Corps (NHSC) scholarships: Support dental students in exchange for service in underserved areas.

• Private scholarships and grants: Various organizations offer financial aid for dental students.

• Loan repayment programs: Some programs repay dental school loans for service in specific communities or military branches, and even potentially being part of the military Reserves program.

  
  

Exploring all options helps you find the best financial support for your dental education.

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About the Author: Dr. Andrew Ghadimi, DDS

Dr. Andrew graduated from UCLA's School of Dentistry and served on the ADEA AADSAS Advisory Board, helping run the dental school application. He also served as the National Pre-Dental Liaison for the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), the same organization that runs the dental school application. While at UCLA's School of Dentistry, he also served on the Council of Students, Residents, and Fellows Board as the Pre-Dental Chair for California. He has mentored and advised 500+ pre-dental applicants on their journey to dental school and helped pre-dentals receive over $2.5M in scholarships, in addition to acceptances to some of the most competitive dental schools in the country, including Harvard, UPenn, Columbia, UF, UCLA, and many others.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to UCLA, UCLA School of Dentistry, ADEA, or any other organization.