Thank you for making these videos, Dr. Lee! I'm in undergrad right now, the dream is to get my law degree and join the Navy as a JAG Officer. I can't overstate how nice it has been to see an officer talk about their experience like a regular person. As informative as the videos the Navy puts out are, they don't compare to yours when it comes to what life will actually be like. Hopefully I can compare my experiences to what you've shown us here in a couple of years! Thank you, and I hope you stay safe on your deployment. - O.R.
Hello! Thank you for your support. That's wonderful that you have a solid plan in mind. I hope undergrad is going well and you'll get to live your dream out soon. I'm really happy to hear that these videos have brought a little perspective for you. Although it is mostly through a dental scope, a few things may apply here and there. Thank you again, and best of luck with everything :)
Congratulations, Samantha! That's so great. I know it may be difficult, but you just take it day-by-day. I'm really looking forward to my experience. It's just what you want to get out of it. Good luck with dental school, and congrats again :>
It has traveled through so many countries now haha! Don’t let it make you nervous. A month is still plenty of time. Remember to do as many practice questions as you can since repetition is key. You’ll do great. Best of luck!
Good luck!! I can’t wait for you to come back and share your experiences. I have a question. Getting stationed over seas is different then going on deployment right? I am going to get a dog in a couple months and I heard that I could take my dog over seas but I’m assuming this doesn’t mean I can take it on deployment. Do you have any insight on this?
Thank you! They can be synonymous depending on your set of orders. So I'm going on an individual deployment overseas (I know, confusing haha). However, you can PCS (permanent change of station) to an overseas location. I'm not entirely sure about the pet situation. I think it depends on the location. However, I know some colleagues that have taken their dog to their new command. I even saw a couple dogs on the plane on the way to my duty station too. You also want to consider the fact that you could be deployed without planning to. Just think of future back up plans just in case you can't take your fur baby with you!
Thanks so much for sharing your experiences! Your videos are invaluable to us pre-dentals considering HPSP. My question: I know that you cannot disclose where you are going, but could you say how long you are going for? Would you say that despite the sudden need for travel for (I'm assuming) an extended period of time you think that the HPSP has been worth it and that you have enjoyed your time? Thanks again!
I'm so glad that they have been helpful. Thanks for your support, Oleg! I can't say exactly how long, but I'll be back within this year at some point. In all honesty, even with some inconveniences, I wouldn't have changed my decision. I knew this could be a possibility when I swore in. Overall, my experiences have been mostly positive, and I am grateful for being in the position I'm in. I'm looking forward to learning so much on my deployment. Hope this helps. Take care. (:
Hi Dr. Lee, thank you for replying to my questions. I wanted to wish you all the best. I do have couple more questions. What is the longest duration one can get deployed for? Is it possible to get deployed more than once? If someone is vegan or vegetarian, is food going to be a problem during deployment, I’m not sure if you would have answer for that. Thank you!
No problem at all. Typically, I've seen deployments lasting from months (ships) to 3 years. It just depends on the billet available. Sometimes, you can ask to extend at your location and it may be approved. I'm not sure how vegan/vegetarian friendly ships can be, but as far as what I've seen in the galley on my deployment, they are very accommodating. I think it'll depend on your setting and area.
Hi Dr. Lee! I'm a pre-dental student and just finished my first interview with a Navy officer for HPSP. We talked about her deployments and what I can expect once I'm in the Navy. I was wondering if you could go back would you have done HPSP again or would you work in the civilian sector? I know the appeal to HPSP is graduating dental school debt free, but is there a certain dollar amount you would feel comfortable paying back instead of joining the military? I ask because I'm from Texas and the schools here offer fairly low tuition rates (~200k) so I'm wondering if I should pay back these loans working as a normal dentist. I've watched all your videos and it seems like you've had a good experience in the Navy. I look forward to traveling to different part of the country and world but I haven't seen too much content online about what the Navy ships are like and if you feel lonely at all being on one. Thank you so much for making these amazing videos!!
Hi Ryan! Sorry for the late reply. I hope you got some answers to your questions. They are very good questions. I can't really tell you at what tuition cost it becomes "worth it." That is something you'll have to consider and ask yourself. In my class of 120, I believe there were ~10 people that were on the military scholarship. I feel like my classmates are still doing okay paying off their tuition, but I'm sure many are still paying it off today. Depending on how aggressively you budget will determine how much time it may take to pay off your debt. In terms of ship experience, I haven't had any so unfortunately I can't shed too much light on that. However, I know many people that have or are currently attached to a ship. Experiences will definitely be different. I think the consensus is that it is difficult but definitely rewarding. Depending on the ship's trajectory, you can have many port stops in different countries so that may be cool. I personally would not want to go on a ship. However, I did go to Bahrain and overall despite my videos depicting my time there, it was difficult for me personally. Again, I think it'll differ for each person depending on their personality. Overall, I think I would still do the Navy HPSP but would've probably made different choices along the way. If I were to go back, I think I would've applied to different branches too to keep my options open. I hope this helps!!
Hi I'm sure you wont see this, but I am interested in becoming a dentist in the army. I graduated high school yesterday, and I'm not really sure the route to take. I looked up what it takes before applying into the army. it stated that I needed a bachelor before I can even apply. would I need a bachelors in sciences? I'm just curious what you did to become what you are now because I am interested in the same path.
Hello! Great that you're starting early. You will need at least a bachelors to apply for dental school but does not necessarily have to be science-based; I chose biology because I was pretty set on becoming a dentist. Each school has different requirements, so when you're ready to apply, make sure to look at the details. When you apply to dental school, you would apply to the military dental scholarship of your choice. If you get accepted, you usually start your military training after graduating from dental school.
Hi Dr Lee, I’ll join navy soon but still thinking about which job I should choose, I current work as orthodontics assistant and I plan join Navy to learn dental hygienist, how’s your recommendation. Than you so much.
I have met many lovely hygienists both on the contractor and military side. If you want to enter as a contractor, I would look out for any openings on USAjobs. Best of luck!
Personally, no. I've had experiences where some days weren't the best days (just life, right?) However, I would 100% apply again if I were to be presented the same opportunity. It really is about the people and network you work with and your attitude that carries you through some of the tougher days. Although the deployment was a little bit of a surprise in the beginning, I'm thoroughly enjoying the new experiences and the ability to travel around a country I've never been in. Military life isn't for everyone, but in my opinion, the pros outweigh the cons at the moment :)
@@harrrMONICA Thanks for replying! I completely agree with you that it really is about the people you work with and your attitude. I didn't work with the best people when I was enlisted and was going through a tough time in my life. But it was worth it! Also I think it's "regret" and not "regretted" right? I can't speak English lol
@@angiem7725 That must have been difficult. It really is a gamble every time you PCS, right? I hope you still came out of it with some amazing experiences!
@@harrrMONICA I’m sorry , my sentence was autocorrected.My question was , Can you wear perfume on your uniform? I know it’s a stupid question but I was thinking the military was so strict that you can’t wear makeup or perfume while in uniform
Thank you for making these videos, Dr. Lee!
I'm in undergrad right now, the dream is to get my law degree and join the Navy as a JAG Officer. I can't overstate how nice it has been to see an officer talk about their experience like a regular person. As informative as the videos the Navy puts out are, they don't compare to yours when it comes to what life will actually be like.
Hopefully I can compare my experiences to what you've shown us here in a couple of years!
Thank you, and I hope you stay safe on your deployment.
- O.R.
Hello!
Thank you for your support. That's wonderful that you have a solid plan in mind. I hope undergrad is going well and you'll get to live your dream out soon. I'm really happy to hear that these videos have brought a little perspective for you. Although it is mostly through a dental scope, a few things may apply here and there. Thank you again, and best of luck with everything :)
Good luck doc, thank you for sharing your journey!
Thank you for following along. Take care :)
Good luck Dr. Lee! We’re looking forward to your safe return! 🦷
Thanks for your kind words. Take care!
This was a wonderful video!! So exited for the next!
Thank you for watching 😊 Take care.
I appreciate you making these videos! I was just selected for the Navy HPSP and this is the aspect that I'm most nervous about😬
Congratulations, Samantha! That's so great. I know it may be difficult, but you just take it day-by-day. I'm really looking forward to my experience. It's just what you want to get out of it. Good luck with dental school, and congrats again :>
first off, LOVE that pig squishable! SO CUTE! I'm about to take my DAT next month, and I am SO scared and nervous!
It has traveled through so many countries now haha! Don’t let it make you nervous. A month is still plenty of time. Remember to do as many practice questions as you can since repetition is key. You’ll do great. Best of luck!
Good luck, you got this!
Thank you!!
Good luck!! I can’t wait for you to come back and share your experiences.
I have a question. Getting stationed over seas is different then going on deployment right? I am going to get a dog in a couple months and I heard that I could take my dog over seas but I’m assuming this doesn’t mean I can take it on deployment. Do you have any insight on this?
Thank you! They can be synonymous depending on your set of orders. So I'm going on an individual deployment overseas (I know, confusing haha). However, you can PCS (permanent change of station) to an overseas location. I'm not entirely sure about the pet situation. I think it depends on the location. However, I know some colleagues that have taken their dog to their new command. I even saw a couple dogs on the plane on the way to my duty station too. You also want to consider the fact that you could be deployed without planning to. Just think of future back up plans just in case you can't take your fur baby with you!
Dr.? You're an Officer Ma'am! Salute. Stay safe.
Thank you. You as well. Take care!
More GOD BLESSINGS AND FAVOR TO YOU DR. MONICA LEE...
I'm always praying for U.S. UNIFORMED MEN AND WOMEN DR. MONICA ...I'm a Filipino Public Secondary Teacher..And young at heart hi hi...
Thanks so much for sharing your experiences! Your videos are invaluable to us pre-dentals considering HPSP. My question: I know that you cannot disclose where you are going, but could you say how long you are going for? Would you say that despite the sudden need for travel for (I'm assuming) an extended period of time you think that the HPSP has been worth it and that you have enjoyed your time? Thanks again!
I'm so glad that they have been helpful. Thanks for your support, Oleg! I can't say exactly how long, but I'll be back within this year at some point. In all honesty, even with some inconveniences, I wouldn't have changed my decision. I knew this could be a possibility when I swore in. Overall, my experiences have been mostly positive, and I am grateful for being in the position I'm in. I'm looking forward to learning so much on my deployment. Hope this helps. Take care. (:
@@harrrMONICA thank you so much for your response! Good luck and take care!
Good luck !!!!!!! 👍
Thank you!
Hi Dr. Lee, thank you for replying to my questions. I wanted to wish you all the best. I do have couple more questions. What is the longest duration one can get deployed for? Is it possible to get deployed more than once? If someone is vegan or vegetarian, is food going to be a problem during deployment, I’m not sure if you would have answer for that. Thank you!
No problem at all. Typically, I've seen deployments lasting from months (ships) to 3 years. It just depends on the billet available. Sometimes, you can ask to extend at your location and it may be approved. I'm not sure how vegan/vegetarian friendly ships can be, but as far as what I've seen in the galley on my deployment, they are very accommodating. I think it'll depend on your setting and area.
Thank you for sharing, be save please
Thanks for your support. Take care :>
Hey Doc, was this Norfolk or Portsmouth? Looks pretty familiar.
Hi Dr. Lee! I'm a pre-dental student and just finished my first interview with a Navy officer for HPSP. We talked about her deployments and what I can expect once I'm in the Navy. I was wondering if you could go back would you have done HPSP again or would you work in the civilian sector? I know the appeal to HPSP is graduating dental school debt free, but is there a certain dollar amount you would feel comfortable paying back instead of joining the military? I ask because I'm from Texas and the schools here offer fairly low tuition rates (~200k) so I'm wondering if I should pay back these loans working as a normal dentist. I've watched all your videos and it seems like you've had a good experience in the Navy. I look forward to traveling to different part of the country and world but I haven't seen too much content online about what the Navy ships are like and if you feel lonely at all being on one. Thank you so much for making these amazing videos!!
Hi Ryan!
Sorry for the late reply. I hope you got some answers to your questions. They are very good questions. I can't really tell you at what tuition cost it becomes "worth it." That is something you'll have to consider and ask yourself. In my class of 120, I believe there were ~10 people that were on the military scholarship. I feel like my classmates are still doing okay paying off their tuition, but I'm sure many are still paying it off today. Depending on how aggressively you budget will determine how much time it may take to pay off your debt.
In terms of ship experience, I haven't had any so unfortunately I can't shed too much light on that. However, I know many people that have or are currently attached to a ship. Experiences will definitely be different. I think the consensus is that it is difficult but definitely rewarding. Depending on the ship's trajectory, you can have many port stops in different countries so that may be cool. I personally would not want to go on a ship. However, I did go to Bahrain and overall despite my videos depicting my time there, it was difficult for me personally. Again, I think it'll differ for each person depending on their personality.
Overall, I think I would still do the Navy HPSP but would've probably made different choices along the way. If I were to go back, I think I would've applied to different branches too to keep my options open.
I hope this helps!!
Hi I'm sure you wont see this, but I am interested in becoming a dentist in the army. I graduated high school yesterday, and I'm not really sure the route to take. I looked up what it takes before applying into the army. it stated that I needed a bachelor before I can even apply. would I need a bachelors in sciences? I'm just curious what you did to become what you are now because I am interested in the same path.
Hello! Great that you're starting early. You will need at least a bachelors to apply for dental school but does not necessarily have to be science-based; I chose biology because I was pretty set on becoming a dentist. Each school has different requirements, so when you're ready to apply, make sure to look at the details. When you apply to dental school, you would apply to the military dental scholarship of your choice. If you get accepted, you usually start your military training after graduating from dental school.
Be Safe Monica 🤗🤗 an say Flossie
Thanks! Right back at ya.
@@harrrMONICA your welcome Monica 🤗
Hi Dr Lee, I’ll join navy soon but still thinking about which job I should choose, I current work as orthodontics assistant and I plan join Navy to learn dental hygienist, how’s your recommendation. Than you so much.
I have met many lovely hygienists both on the contractor and military side. If you want to enter as a contractor, I would look out for any openings on USAjobs. Best of luck!
Thank you so much Dr Lee❤
Have you ever regretted joining?
Personally, no. I've had experiences where some days weren't the best days (just life, right?) However, I would 100% apply again if I were to be presented the same opportunity. It really is about the people and network you work with and your attitude that carries you through some of the tougher days. Although the deployment was a little bit of a surprise in the beginning, I'm thoroughly enjoying the new experiences and the ability to travel around a country I've never been in. Military life isn't for everyone, but in my opinion, the pros outweigh the cons at the moment :)
@@harrrMONICA Thanks for replying! I completely agree with you that it really is about the people you work with and your attitude. I didn't work with the best people when I was enlisted and was going through a tough time in my life. But it was worth it! Also I think it's "regret" and not "regretted" right? I can't speak English lol
@@angiem7725 That must have been difficult. It really is a gamble every time you PCS, right? I hope you still came out of it with some amazing experiences!
I’m going to ask you a stupid question. Can you where person your uniform ?
Hey sorry - Not quite understanding your question. Can you clarify?
@@harrrMONICA I’m sorry , my sentence was autocorrected.My question was , Can you wear perfume on your uniform? I know it’s a stupid question but I was thinking the military was so strict that you can’t wear makeup or perfume while in uniform
@@tonib4800 You can wear make up as long as it looks natural! There isn’t really any regulation for perfumes.