Admissions and Selection Process

SCF Dental at the Alaska Native Medical Center accepts applications from October 1 to December 31 for one AGPR position. Training begins July 1 of the following year. Advanced clinical and administrative training are provided during the two-year experience. The intent of this residency is to prepare IHS career-oriented dentists for senior leadership positions (O-5/O-6). Upon completion of this program, residents are qualified to challenge the American Board of General Dentistry, and Commissioned Officers are eligible for special pay contracts, per USPHS policy.

Application

Applicants to the AGPR training program must meet the following criteria:

• Obtained a dental degree (DMD/DDS) from an accredited United States dental school.
• Possess a current, valid dental license from any state in the United States.
• Two years of dental clinical experience.
• Be engaged in the full-time practice of dentistry and meet credentialing requirements of the SCF Dental program and the Alaska Native Medical Center.
• Have no disqualifying obligations, such as IHS or NHSC Scholarship or Loan Repayment.

Each applicant must submit the following information:

• Application forms
  • For Commissioned Officers:
    • Application for Training for PHS Commissioned Personnel (PHS form 1122-1 and supplement)
    • Disclosure Statement (DD 2807-1)
    • Report of Medical History (DD 2807-1)
    • Report of Medical Examination (DD 2808)
    • DOD Dental Examination (DD 2813)
    • PHS Intramural Long Term Training Agreement (PHS form 6374)
  • For civilian dentists: Application for AGPR at the Alaska Native Medical Center (Civilian Application)
• Current CV or résumé, include dental program responsibilities and accomplishments, training experiences, awards, professional activities, etc.
• Statement of intent, describing the reasons for seeking the AGPR, short- and long-term professional interests, career goals, and how the residency will help you achieve these goals.
• Three letters of recommendation, addressing the applicant’s interpersonal skills, performance, and work habits:
  • One from a current direct supervisor
  • Two from anyone having knowledge of the applicant’s professional skills, duties, and performance, such as Area Dental Officer, specialist, or colleague.
• Final dental school official transcripts. If the transcript does not indicate class rank, please submit a letter from the dental school indicating overall class rank.
• Commissioned Officers’ Effectiveness Reports or Employee Performance Evaluations from the two most recent evaluation periods.

Selection Process

• The Admissions Committee reviews all complete and eligible applications and invites the most qualified candidates for an interview. All qualified candidates will receive equal consideration without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, politics, marital status, disabilities, age, or membership or non-membership in a labor organization.
• Selected candidates will be invited to interview. If selected, you will be notified by email and/or phone call.
• The admissions committee considers the following criteria in its decisions:
  • Academic achievement (GPA and class rank if available)
  • Content of personal statement
  • Content of recommendation letters
  • Career potential
  • Work performance
  • Overall impression at personal interview
• A letter of acceptance signed by the program director will be issued upon acceptance.