Last week the buzz around school was all about plans for the three-day weekend coming up. Between pool parties, weekend getaways and lab work, everyone sounded pretty busy. But this holiday also gives us a chance to express appreciation for our armed forces – and a reason to find out more about our fellow students who serve. The Armed Forces – Army, Navy, and Air Force – have health professions scholarships which include dental school. We spoke with three D2s about their plans to serve as military dentists.
Dannica Brennan (Air Force, Las Vegas ’18) was inspired to join by Dr. Raybeck, a part-time faculty member at UNLV. She chose the 3-year scholarship because she figured out during her first year that she would prefer the military to private practice right after graduation.
Matthew Thacker (Navy, Las Vegas ’18) plans to serve for 20 years to make Navy dentistry his career and earn a military pension. His dad was a communications officer on a nuclear submarine. He knew he wanted to join the Navy before he knew he wanted to be a dentist.
Dustin Nygard (Army, Las Vegas ’18) will serve for about 7 years – long enough to fulfill his requirements and do a residency. As a newlywed, he understands the burden placed on service people’s families while they are serving.
What are you most looking forward to during your service?
I’m excited that I can work side-by-side with other medical professionals. It’s a non-competitive setting where you receive excellent training and people are willing to help you. ~ Dannica Brennan
What’s the best thing civilians can do to support and appreciate your work?
The biggest thing that deployed people struggle with is their families back home. There are some organizations like USO that help those families. You can also donate time or funds to services like our Veteran’s Clinic. ~ Matthew Thacker
What would you say to someone thinking about a military scholarship for dental school?
It takes a lot of pressure off your future knowing that you have a plan and little to no debt coming out of school. The military has some of the best training you can receive anywhere, and it’s all free. It’s an amazing opportunity. ~ Dustin Nygard
So get out there and enjoy the pool, take advantage of an extra day to study, and enjoy the shortened week. But also please take a moment to honor our service men and women for all they do. To our current students who will serve after school, to those who have already served, and to all our military dentists out there – thank you.
~ Rachel Bush, Las Vegas ’18
