1.0 Introduction

This article provides an overview of the recruitment and selection process for medical officers wishing to join the Irish Defence Forces (IDF).

2.0 What is the Role of a Dental Officer?

A medical officer is a specialist Officer who practices dentistry within the IDF, both at home and overseas, focusing on:

  • Preventative dentistry; and
  • Provision of dental treatment for:
    • Oral diseases;
    • Injuries; and
    • Defects of teeth and their supporting structures.

In addition to their dental role as an officer, dental officers are expected to lead and manage the personnel of the Defence Forces Medical Corps.

3.0 Eligibility Criteria and Professional Qualifications

Criteria include:

  • Possess a degree or licence in dental surgery from a University or recognised licensing body.
  • Be registered in the Dental Register of the Irish Dental Council (A successful candidate will be required to maintain registration).
  • Have three (3) years post graduate experience.

4.0 Dental Officer Competition

The recruitment and selection process for dental officer is held as required, and is known as the Dental Officer Competition. Dates for competitions are advertised in national newspapers and the IDF website.

The process includes:

  • Online Application.
  • Interview:
    • Candidates who are deemed eligible will be asked to attend for Interview.
  • Medical Exam:
    • The top scoring candidates at the Interview will be called to attend a full medical examination in St. Bricin’s Military Hospital, Dublin.
  • Security Clearance:
    • In conjunction with the medical exam all candidates will be security vetted by An Garda SÁochána.
  • Candidates will be required to pass both the medical examination and security vetting to be considered for induction.

Candidates are placed in a competition’s order of merit, with only the top scoring candidates being offered a commission in the IDF with the rank of Captain (OF-2).

5.0 Dental Officer Training

All newly commissioned Direct Entry Dental Officers will undertake a Military Induction course.

6.0 Assignment to First Unit

Dental officers are assigned to medical units according to the needs of the IDF within the following locations:

  • Naval Base, Haulbowline, County Cork.
  • Collins Barracks, Cork.
  • Custume Barracks, Athlone.
  • Defence Forces Training Centre, Curragh Camp, County Kildare.
  • St. Bricin’s Hospital, Dublin.