The Benefits of Working as an OMS in the Army (with Dr. Andrew Jenzer and Dr. Kevin Smith) Artwork

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The Benefits of Working as an OMS in the Army (with Dr. Andrew Jenzer and Dr. Kevin Smith)

March 26, 2025 • Grant Stucki - oral and maxillofacial surgeon • Episode 296

What if your career as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon could offer world-class training, financial stability, and the opportunity to serve your country, all while performing full-scope surgery? In this episode of Everyday Oral Surgery, Dr. Andrew Jenzer and Dr. Kevin Smith, both Army OMS program directors, share their journeys in military medicine, detailing the unique benefits of an Army career. They dive into the benefits of a debt-free education, unparalleled hands-on surgical experience, and a patient-first system that prioritizes comprehensive care over financial constraints. Plus, they shed light on leadership development, moonlighting opportunities, and the realities of military life, from deployments to career mobility. Whether you're a student considering your next steps or a practicing surgeon curious about new opportunities, tune in to find out if an Army OMS career is the right fit for you!

Key Points From This Episode:

Insight into Dr. Smith’s Army background and his transition into OMS.
The mental toughness and intense training required to become a Ranger.
An overview of Dr. Jenzer’s career path to Army OMS and his motivations for joining.
The perks and trade-offs of an Army OMS career.
What you need to know to get into an Army OMS residency.
The realities of career mobility and location flexibility.
Moonlighting opportunities, skill-building, and financial benefits.
Full-scope surgery without financial barriers: what an Army career in oral surgery offers.
An insider’s guide to fellowship opportunities and career advancement.
Potential pathways to joining the Army as an oral surgeon at any stage of your career.
How an Army OMS career compares to one in VA hospitals.
Dr. Smith’s experience of serving in a special operations unit in Afghanistan.
The care and attention paid to resident education and development.
Life after Army OMS: retirement, career options, and transitioning to private practice.
Recommended reads, non-oral surgery skills, forceps for tooth number 12, and more!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Andrew Jenzer — https://surgery.duke.edu/profile/andrew-clark-jenzer

Dr. Andrew Jenzer Email — andrew.jenzer@gmail.com

Dr. Kevin Smith — https://www.omslakewood.com/meet-us/kevin-d-smith-dmd/

Madigan Army Medical Center — https://madigan.tricare.mil/

OMS Residency Program | Madigan Army Medical Center — https://madigan.tricare.mil/Health-Services/Dental/Dental-Clinics/ORAL-MAXILLOFACIAL-SURGERY-RESIDENCY-PROGRAM

How to Win Friends & Influence People — https://www.amazon.com/dp/0671027034

Once an Eagle — https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062221620/

Band of Brothers — https://www.netflix.com/title/70308702

Eastbound and Down — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0866442/

Jocko Willing Books — https://jocko.com/books/

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/

Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/

Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook —