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Document generated on Tuesday, 7 June 2016 at 10:19:56 AM

Dental Officer
Forget private practice. Heres an opportunity to work in some exciting and diverse locations all over Australia.

Additional Information
WHAT YOU COULD EARN
In the Air Force you'll receive a competitive salary, generous Super and an excellent range of benefits. You get paid from
the day you start training and your salary will increase with rank and experience.
DENTAL OFFICERS
can earn over
$97,500 p.a.
on completion of initial employment training if degree qualified. This figure includes Uniform and Service allowances and
applies to full time Officer entry.

Job Details
Graduate, Undergraduate, Graduate (Reserve)
An Air Force Dental Officer is responsible for providing dental services to maintain the oral health of Australian Defence
personnel so that they are able to effectively perform their duties without dental conditions causing them distress or
reducing their combat effectiveness.
Dental Officers are responsible for clinical assessment and treatment of personnel and provision of advice in respect of oral
health requirements in relation to fitness for duty to Commanders. These duties extend to the provision of services to
deploy, operate and maintain portable dental treatment facilities within Australia and overseas upon a wide range of patient
age and health status. Dental Officers are classified as a non-combatant and will be a protected person under international
law when performing these duties on operations.
In the normal setting, Air Force dental surgeries are equipped to a high standard. Dental assistants will give you the
necessary support to provide the highest level of oral healthcare for your patients. Specialist referral is available when
necessary.
When deployed, Dental Officers are responsible for the oral healthcare of deployed personnel, management and
maintenance of the field dental unit. Responsibilities may extend to executive health officer roles, applying first aid or
advanced life support and assisting with patient triage. In certain circumstances, specially trained Dental Officers may be
required to provide advanced airway and pain management.

Senior Dental Officers may also be responsible for managing dental facilities or health units, assuring the safety and quality
of healthcare provided, mentoring and training of junior Dental Officers and for local supervision of Defence contracts.

Entry
Graduate
The Royal Australian Air Force has a huge job to do including keeping the nation's air defence capabilities operational,
providing a search and rescue function and assisting in times of national emergency. If you are already a degree qualified
professional, and looking for a job that offers satisfaction, excitement and a challenge and the opportunity to utilise and
further develop your management and leadership skills, then you may wish to consider a career as an Officer (Graduate
Only) in the Air Force.
Degree qualified officers normally start their careers at one rank higher than non-graduate officers.

Undergraduate
The Air Force sponsors suitable applicants to undertake tertiary studies at a civilian university in an Australian State or
Territoryafter successful completionof their first full year of study.
Successful applicants are usually appointed to the rank of Officer Cadet and paid at that rank while studying full-time, with
increments granted on successful completion of each year of study. However, the granting of a higher rank will be
dependent upon the degree course studied and the year of study on entry.
Undergraduates are members of the Permanent Air Force and as such, all normal entitlements are available to you
including access to Service Residences, living in on-base accommodation, removal benefits and Rental Allowance, under the
same guidelines which apply to all Air Force members. Entitlements vary according to your family structure, availability and
type of accommodation on base, and the proximity of this accommodation to your university.
You are entitled to necessary medical, dental, hospital, optical, physiotherapy and ancillary treatment without charge.
You will be issued free uniforms, clothing and accessories at the scale applicable to officers performing part-time duty.
Upon graduation and commencement of full-time duty, you will receive additional issues to outfit yourself to the normal
scale of issue. Undergraduates are not entitled to free exchanges of uniforms.
The Air Force will authorise payment of all compulsory fees for the year in which sponsorship commences and continuing
for the duration of the approved course of study.
A student receiving benefits from the Australian Government as a full-time student will have these benefits withdrawn from
the date Air Force sponsorship begins. Books and equipment already provided may be retained.
Subject to approval, you will also be reimbursed the costs of prescribed textbooks and equipment essential to your course
of study.
The Air Force will also pay tertiary institution fees and Student Contribution Charges for as long as the student remains in
the Service. An obligation to serve in the Air Force for a period of one year for each year of sponsorship, plus one additional
year, is required before sponsorship is finally approved. This means that a three-year degree sponsorship will attract a
four-year return of service obligation on completion of degree studies.
Note: Sponsorship is not available to applicants who are already in receipt of sponsorship via schemes such as the rural
and medical bonded positions.
Full-Fee Paying Students

The Air Force will accept applications from full-fee paying students for undergraduate sponsorship. Full-fee paying
university students will be reimbursed the equivalent amount of HELP entitlement for that degree stream. The refund will
be the highest amount specified in the government-approved, student contribution range for each degree stream as
displayed athttp://myuniversity.gov.au/.
Failure during Degree Studies
If you fail an examination and are unable to progress to the next academic year or graduate, your appointment may be
terminated (recovery of costs including fees, salary and books would usually be initiated in these cases). Approval may be
given for the student to repeat the year at Air Force expense, provided that the failure was not due to a lack of application
on the part of the student.
Leave
Undergraduates may be granted trainee leave during semester breaks. For the remainder of the year they must be involved
in formal academic studies or be employed on such duties and courses as determined by RAAF College.

Graduate (Reserve)
The Royal Australian Air Force Active Reserve (RAAFSR) is composed of volunteer members who are highly motivated
towards the Air Force and their Reserve commitment.

Employment in the RAAFSR is a constantly changing, ever-evolving job that gives members the opportunity to work in a
unique environment that is in complete contrast to the everyday job.

Not only do they receive first-hand experience of Air Force life without the full-time commitment, but also receive tax free
pay. Additionally the training that members will receive and the new skill sets that will be developed will help the member
grow both personally and professionally, not only in their Air Force career but in their regular full-time job as well.

The RAAFSR play a vital role in the Air Force. While many reservists are former members of the Air Force, opportunities
exist for specialists that have had no previous military experience. Just like full-time Air Force personnel, Reservists have
the opportunity to travel on exercises and may even apply for operational service should the opportunity arise.

Air Force SR applications are welcome from experienced, post-graduate qualified, health professionals with a broad range
of skill sets such as:
Forensic Odontology
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Attendance Commitment
Air Force SR members are to perform a minimum of seven days Reserve service in each financial year but may perform
considerably more than this on a voluntary basis as tasks and opportunities arise. The minimum seven days service is
primarily used to maintain Individual Readiness compliancy which is a requirement for any specialty training and
deployment.

The maximum number of days of Reserve service within a financial year for members of the Air Force SR is 150. Members
may only be paid for those days that have been approved by their respective sponsoring authority.

Annual Activities
Air Force SR members are expected to maintain a required standard of health, fitness and military preparedness, which will
be assessed on an annual basis. This will include the requirement for Air Force SR members to maintain proficiency in
weapons handling.

Discipline
Air Force SR personnel are governed by exactly the same discipline code as members of the Permanent Air Force.
Applicants should carefully consider their adaptability requirements such as the wearing of uniforms, saluting, drill and the
requirement to display a high standard of dress and bearing.

Uniforms
Members of the Air Force SR are entitled to a free issue of uniform upon appointment. Each issued item has a life

expectancy and the item may be exchanged for a new one after this time. The Chief of Air Force (CAF) has determined that
during any prescribed form of service, Air Force SR members are on duty and must wear uniform.

Medical and Dental

Members of the Air Force SR are only entitled to emergency medical and dental treatment while on duty.
Further information on part-time ADF careers can be found by accessing the Defence Reserves Support Council website.

The Council promotes the benefits of Reserve service by establishing partnerships with the community and employers.

Applicant Selection Process

Entry into the RAAFSR is by selection to fill available vacancies. The selection standards are the same as those for joining
the Permanent Air Force (PAF).
Initial contact to join the RAAFSR is made through an Australian Defence Force Recruiting Centre or by telephoning 13 19
01. A recruiter will speak with you on various aspects of the RAAFSR and your qualifications for the desired position will be
discussed.

Following receipt of your application, you will normally be called into the nearest Australian Defence Force Recruiting Centre
for testing.

The cost of travel to and from the Australian Defence Force Recruiting Unit, as well as accommodation costs for country
applicants, will be met by the Air Force.
Applicants who are assessed as suitable will be considered in competition with other suitable applicants for the positions
available.
Further information on part-time ADF careers can be found by accessing theDefence Reserves Support Council
website.
The Council promotes the benefits of Reserve service by establishing partnerships with the community and employers.

Pay & Allowances

Graduate
Salary (excluding allowances) on appointment is $85,338 per year ($3,282 per fortnight)*.
To assist you in maintaining your uniforms in good order and condition, you will receive a Uniform Allowance of $682 per
year ($26 per fortnight)*.
In addition to your salary, you will receive Service Allowance of $13,448 per year ($517 per fortnight) except while
undertaking Military (Initial) or Employment training. This allowance compensates a member for the unique requirements
that service life may impose on an individual and his or her family.
Salary will continue to increase based on rank, Competency Level and the number of years of service completed in that
Competency Level. Refer to the Salary Scales.
* Please note that these figures do not include compulsory deductions for taxation; meals, accommodation and utilities (as
applicable); and superannuation.

Undergraduate
With 3 years to graduation: $36,167 per year ($1,391 per fortnight).*
With 2 years to graduation: $41,732 per year ($1,605 per fortnight).*
In final year: $47,296 per year ($1,819 per fortnight).*
To assist you in maintaining your uniforms in good order and condition, you will receive a Uniform Allowance of $419 per

year ($16 per fortnight). This increases to $682 per year ($26 per fortnight) after commissioning.
Qualified Dental Officers are appointed at Competency Level 1 with a salary of $85,338 per year ($3,282 per fortnight)*.
In addition to your salary, you will receive Service Allowance of $13,448 per year ($517 per fortnight) except while
undertaking academic, Military (Initial) or Employment training. This allowance compensates a member for the unique
requirements that service life may impose on an individual and his or her family.
Salary after completion of undergraduate sponsorship will continue to increase based on rank, Competency Level and the
number of years of service completed in that Competency Level. Refer to the Salary Scales for further details.
* Please note that these figures do not include compulsory deductions for taxation; meals, accommodation and utilities (as
applicable); or superannuation.

Graduate (Reserve)
Members of the Reserve on part-time service are paid at a daily rate of pay which is tax-free. Salary will continue to
increase based on Competency Level, rank and the number of years of service completed in that rank.
Daily rates of pay for Reserve Force Dental Officers, Competency Level 1 commence at $229.55
In addition to your salary, aReserve Allowance of $27.09 per day is payable to compensate for the unique demands of
Reserve Service.
Refer to the Salary Scales for further details.

General Requirements

Age Requirement
Graduate
Applicants must be a minimum of 17 years of age on day of entry. Maximum age on entry is 56 years of age.

Undergraduate
The maximum age for entry is such that an applicant must be able to complete their degree, any periods of postgraduate
experience, or professional development placements andtheirInitial Minimum Periodof Service obligation incurred under
the Scheme prior to compulsory retirement age (normally 60 years of age).

Graduate (Reserve)
Applicants must be aged between 17 and60 years of age inclusive on entry.

Citizenship Requirement
Graduate, Undergraduate
Only Australian citizens are permitted to serve in the ADF.
If you are a Permanent Resident of Australia, the ADF may consider a temporary waiver of the citizenship requirement if
the position for which you are applying cannot be filled by an applicant who meets all the citizenship requirements, and

then only in exceptional circumstances. You will be required to obtain Australian citizenship as early as possible following
enlistment or appointment.
Find out more in our Recruitment Centre or ask your local Defence Force Recruiting Centre.

Graduate (Reserve)
Only Australian citizens are permitted to serve in the ADF.
If you are a Permanent Resident of Australia, the ADF may consider a temporary waiver of the citizenship requirement if
the position for which you are applying cannot be filled by an applicant who meets all the citizenship requirements, and
then only in exceptional circumstances. You will be required to obtain Australian citizenship as early as possible following
enlistment or appointment.
More information on citizenship requirements and the citizenship waiver process is available from the DefenceJobs
Recruitment Centre and your local Defence Force Recruiting Centre.

Security Requirement
The Department of Defence requires ADF entrants to obtain a security clearance appropriate to their avenue of entry.
A process of background checks, collection of relevant information and, as required, interviews enables the Regional
Security Office to make an informed assessment of an applicant's suitability for a security clearance.
Current policy requires applicants for this particular avenue of entry to have lived in Australia for the preceding 10 years, or
have a checkable background for this period.

Aptitude Requirement
The application process to join the Australian Defence Force requires you to complete a series of aptitude tests including
verbal, spatial and numerical ability and a general maths test. Some jobs may also require you to complete additional
testing at a later date.
Psychology support staff will explain what is involved with each test.
The aptitude tests provide information about your suitability for the Defence Force and for particular jobs. Defence Force
Recruiting can then help you identify jobs that best match your abilities.
Further information on the aptitude testing requirements can be found here.

Education & Experience

Graduate, Graduate (Reserve)

You must have completed a university degree in dentistry and be eligible for registration as a dentist in a State or Territory
of Australia.
Fully qualified Dentist direct entrant applicants who have more than two years clinical experience as a Dentist in Australia or
certain other countries which have current mutual recognition provisions for registration with the Australian Health

Practitioner Registration Authority, will have an individual assessment of their competency level for placement within the
Dental Officer Specialist Officer Career Structure.

Undergraduate
To be eligible for an Air Force Undergraduate sponsorship, applicants must have completed:
Year 12 with passes in English and three other Board of Secondary School Studies registered subjects; and
the first year of study (preferably with Semester 1 and 2 results) of a dental degree which enables registration as a
general Dentist with the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Authority.

Medical & Fitness Requirements

Graduate, Undergraduate, Graduate (Reserve)

To be enlisted or appointed, you must be medically and physically fit for entry to your chosen occupation. This is partially
assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical
examination.
You will also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness test before enlistment.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards refer toPhysical Fitness Standards for Entry into the
ADF and Medical Process for Entry into the ADF.

Period of Service
Graduate
You will be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of two years. Subsequent periods of service may be
offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You may tender your resignation at
any time provided you do not have an outstanding Initial Minimum Period of Service obligation and provide a minimum of
three months notice.

Undergraduate
You will be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) dependant on your length of sponsorship.
Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further
service. You may tender your resignation at any time provided you do not have an outstanding Initial Minimum Period of
Service obligation and provide a minimum of three months notice.
The length of IMPS in total will depend on the duration of sponsorship. Any requirement for post-graduation experience,
eg: medical residency, legal articles will be incorporated in your IMPS.
Your Careers Counsellor can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation.

Graduate (Reserve)
All candidates who are appointed or enlisted into the Air Force Reserve serve an initialperiod of volunteer servicefor five
years, or until age 65 (Compulsory Retiring Age), whichever occurs earlier. Members may transfer out of an active element
of the Air Force Reserve at any time.

Additional Requirements

Graduate, Graduate (Reserve)

Experience in general practice or specialist dentistry would be an advantage. Membership of study groups or regular
attendance at seminars, conferences or post-graduate courses, would be an advantage.

Military Training
Graduate
Initial Officer Course - 17 Weeks
Immediately upon joining the Air Force, direct entry officers will normally undertake the Initial Officer Course of 17 weeks
duration. This is a live-in course completed at RAAF BaseEast Sale, located 220 kilometres east ofMelbourne (VIC).
The major elements of the course involve introduction to military life, Air Force Values and attitudes, Ground Defence and
Weapons training, Leadership and Personal Development, Communication Skills and Air Force Operations studies.
Further details on officer training are available on the Officers Training School website or refer to the Joining
Instructions. The information on the website and in the Joining Instructions will provide you and your family with enough
information to arrange your personal affairs before appointment in the Air Force and give you an overview of the structure
and requirements of the Initial Officer Course.
During Military (Initial Officer) Training and (Initial) Employment Training (if applicable), members may be required to pay a
contribution towards meals, accommodation and utilities.

Undergraduate
Familiarisation Course: 1 Week
Initial Officer Course: 17 Weeks
During your first year of sponsorship, you will attend a one week Familiarisation Course at Officers Training School
(OTS), RAAF Base East Sale, Victoria. The purpose of the course is to introduce undergraduates to basic military protocols,
including rank recognition, saluting, mess decorum and elementary drill.
Following completion of your tertiary studies, you will return to OTS for the 17 week live-in Initial Officer Training. The
major elements of the course involve a transition to the military way of life, the learning and understanding of Air Force
values, ethos and attitudes, ground defence and weapons training, leadership and personal development, communication
skills and an introduction to Air Force operations.
For further details on officer training refer to the Joining Instructions. The information in the Joining Instructions will
provide you and your family with enough information to arrange your personal affairs before appointment in the Air Force
and give you an overview of the structure and requirements of the Initial Officer Course.
During Military (OTS) Training and any subsequent (Initial) Employment Training, members may be required to pay a
contribution towards meals, accommodation and utilities.

Graduate (Reserve)
Applicants entering the Air Force Active Reserve through the officer stream are required to complete the Initial Officer
Course (IOC). You may complete the full-time, residential IOC of 18 weeks, the same as your Permanent Air Force
colleagues or the modularised IOC (Air Force AR) training which must be completed within a two year period.
Currently all five phases of the IOC (Air Force AR) require residential attendance at the Officers Training School (OTS),
East Sale, Victoria. The phases and their duration are as follows:

 Phase 1 - Induction/Orientation phase(6 weeks);

Phase 2 - Academic Consolidation Phase(3 weeks);
Phase 3 - Leadership Preparatory and Ground Defence Preparatory Phase(3 weeks);
Phase 4 - Ground Defence Assessment Phase(2 weeks); and
Phase 5 - Leadership Assessment Phase(2 weeks).
The aim of the IOC is to develop in newly commissioned Air Force and Air Force AR officers and officer cadets the core
military skills, knowledge and attitudes required for effective performance as junior officers.

Employment Training
Graduate, Undergraduate, Graduate (Reserve)
Dental Officer Initial Course - 14 days
This initial course is conducted during your first year of employment as a Dental Officer and is held at the ADF Dental
School, HMAS CERBERUS (near Hastings, Victoria). The course includes training in Administrative and Clinical rules relating
to the provision of Dental Services in the Australian Defence Force and particular clinical skills.

Further Training
Graduate, Undergraduate
Your training and work within the Air Force will provide you with distinct skills rarely matched in private or government
practice.
During the early years of your Air Force career, you will undertake training in Aviation Medicine and Physiology, Operational
Health Support, Operating a portable dental treatment unit, Forensic Odontology and Advanced Life Support.
As part of your ongoing professional development, the Dental Officer Specialist Officer Career Structure defines much of the
sponsored training you will have access to in your career. As already explained, newly graduated Dental Officers will initially
be classified as Competency Level 1, and following a structured and deliberate program of training and mentorship by a
senior dentist, will be reclassified to Competency Level 2 usually around the end of their second year of practice. Further
development to Competency Level 3 will either be in the form of Fellowship in general stream of the Royal Australasian
College of Dental Surgeons or in a clinical Graduate Diploma in selected fields based on Air Force needs. Attainment of
Competency Level 3 is usually achieved after the fourth or fifth year of clinical practice.
Additional courses beyond this point will skill you further as an Officer and as a manager of people and finance. This
training may include sponsored further tertiary study leading to formal qualifications in Management or Population Health.
Together, these skills will make you an extremely well skilled and versatile Dentist, with a variety of work and life
experiences which make you the envy of your civilian colleagues.

Graduate (Reserve)
You may also be required to complete specific courses during the early years of your Air Force career. These may include
training in Aviation Medicine, Dental Field Operations and Aeromedical Evacuation. As a RAAFAR Dental Officer, you will
also be required to undertake a number of other courses during your career to develop skills necessary for the performance
of your duties, or to prepare you for promotion. Regular attendance at short, continuing professional education courses is
encouraged.

Employment Location
Graduate, Undergraduate
Though you may be posted to any Air Force Base within Australia, your first posting will be to a large dental facility at RAAF

Amberley, RAAF Williamtown or RAAF Richmond. This provides you with the opportunity to develop your clinical and
military skills under the supervision and mentorship of a more experienced Dental Officer. Dentists classified as Competency
Level 2 may be posted to any location based on service requirements and could work as a solo military dentist in a remote
location.
During your Air Force Career, further postings and promotions are based on reporting history and a requirement to fill
specific vacancies.

Graduate (Reserve)
Reservists may be employed within the closest City Squadron to their home location. These include 13SQN (Darwin);
21SQN (Melbourne); 22SQN (Sydney); 23SQN (Brisbane); 24SQN (Adelaide); 25SQN (Perth); 26SQN (Newcastle); 27SQN
(Townsville); 28SQN (Canberra) and 29SQN (Hobart). However, depending of job availability, it is not uncommon to be
posted to any Unit within Australia.

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