DRILL AND DEPART: UNCOVERING THE EXIT TRENDS OF ACTIVE DUTY DENTAL CORPS OFFICERS

Abstract

Attrition within the Military Dental Corps has increased in recent years, posing challenges to meet force readiness across the Department of Defense (DoD). This thesis analyzes personnel data from 2016 to 2023 to identify factors associated with attrition among dentists in the Navy, Army, and Air Force Dental Corps. Using Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and regression models, findings indicate that general (non-specialized) dentists experienced the highest attrition rates across all services, with an 87% relative increase when compared to specialist dentists, with most attrition occurring between seven and 12 years of service. Oral surgeons had a 76% relative increase in attrition when compared to specialist dentists predominately occurring between 13 and 19 years of service. Air Force dentists notably attrite at lower rates compared to Navy and Army dentists. Female and minority dentists attrite at lower rates; however, being assigned in the Pacific and South Atlantic regions are associated with increased attrition. These findings highlight the need for targeted, service-specific retention strategies—especially for general dentists—to preserve the military's investment in its dental workforce and maintain operational and force readiness.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Lieutenant Commander, United States Nav