Training
After enrolment, you start basic officer training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, for 14 weeks. Topics covered include general military knowledge, the principles of leadership, regulations and customs of the Canadian Forces, basic weapons handling, and first aid. Opportunities will also be provided to apply such newly acquired military skills in training exercises involving force protection, field training, navigation and leadership. A rigorous physical fitness program is also a vital part of basic training. Basic officer training is provided in English or French and successful completion is a prerequisite for further training.
Second language training is available following basic officer training; depending on your ability in your second language, it may take from two to nine months.
Dental Officers attend the Basic Dental Officer's Course in Borden, Ontario, for four weeks. They learn the set up and use of the Mobile Dental Clinic for military operations, as well as the administrative and clinical procedures of a Canadian Armed Forces dental detachment. The training includes pre-course preparation, lectures, demonstrations, practices, individual assignments, group assignments, presentations and testing.
The Canadian Forces actively supports Dental Officers’ efforts to develop and maintain clinical skills in all aspects of dentistry, often providing subsidized training, participation in professional conferences and specialization:
- Oral Maxillofacial Surgery
- Prosthodontics
- Periodontics
- Public Health
- Advanced General Dentistry
As they progress in their career, Dental Officers who demonstrate the required ability and potential will be offered advanced training.
Entry Plans
If you already have a degree in Dentistry from a recognized Canadian university and a valid licence to practice dentistry in a Canadian province or territory, the Canadian Armed Forces may place you directly into the required military training program following basic training. basic training and military officer qualification training are required before being assigned.
Dental Officer Training Plan
Because this position requires a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree, the Canadian Forces will pay successful recruits to complete a DDS program at a Canadian university.
For the duration of your studies, you receive full-time salary including medical and dental care, as well as vacation time with full-pay in exchange for working with the Canadian Forces for a period of time. Typically, candidates selected for this program attend university during the regular academic year and participate in additional military training during the summer months. If you choose to apply to this program, you must apply both to the Canadian Forces and the Canadian university of your choice that offers a dentistry program.
For information, contact the Major Sophie Toupin: sophie.toupin@forces.gc.ca