Dental Veterans Spotlight
January 2021
This week was special, I had the opportunity to sit down with Natani Atsitty, a current D3 at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. This was unique not only because we are classmates and good friends, but we also previously served in the same military unit. Natani is somebody who I greatly admire, he is an extremely hard worker, determined to succeed but also has cultivated a balance of academics, clinical time and family life with 5 KIDS!!!!
“I am not the best or the smartest, but I will out work anyone”
Dental School: University of Michigan School of Dentistry
Military Service: US Army Aviation: UH-60 Blackhawk Pilot
Brief Bio: In 2009 Natani graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelors in Linguistics and commissioned as an Active Duty Aviation Officer. Following his flight training in Fort Rucker, AL, his first duty assignment was in Korea, serving as a Platoon Leader and Aide de Campe. Following the Aviation Captains Career Course, Natani completed two years as a Company Commander in the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, including a deployment to Afghanistan. After exiting active duty, Natani entered the US Army Reserves where he taught ROTC at Murray State University and the University of Michigan. He is Currently a D3 at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.
What ultimately led you to transition out of the Army into the profession of dentistry?
I always wanted to be a dentist from age 14 when I would shadow an oral surgeon at the Northern Navajo Medical Center in Shiprock, NM. During undergrad, I found the sciences difficult and had some growing up to do. While I was in Korea I was taking dental school prerequisite courses online. My decision to pursue the dental field had to do with being an Aide de Campe and sacrificing so much family time. Following Command time, the Brigade commander brought me into his office to let me know that the Army was separating me for unknown reasons. Perfect opportunity to go to school, because as an aviation officer I still had more time on my Additional Duty Service Obligation to complete. The Army gave me a severance package which allowed me to continue my prerequisite courses. Funny thing is that the Army sent me a letter 1 month prior to my mandatory separation date asking me to stay in. I turned them down to continue my dental progression.
How has serving in the military contributed to your success in the dental profession?
The number one thing that the Army contributed to my success in dental school was teaching me how to study. Flight school was difficult as any graduate can tell you. There were many early days of classes mixed with flying. I would “fly my chair” and imagine myself doing maneuvers. I do the same before all my dental procedures. The night before, I imagine myself and the instruments that I need to complete the procedure and make sure that I have all the logistics available to be successful. I use checklists like I did while doing start up and shutdown procedures.
Another is being a veteran at a yellow ribbon school opens the doors to financial opportunities. The GI bill allows me the freedom to take any job I want after dental school by graduating debt free.
Debt Free!! How are you funding Dental School?
Throughout dental school I have used multiple educational entitlements from the military and other sources. My first three years I used the remaining amount of my Post 9-11 GI Bill from undergrad. Following this I applied for and was accepted into the Medical and Dental School Stipend Program (MDSSP). This program gives me a monthly stipend (approx. $2200) along with covering other expenses. In return I owe time as an Army Reserve Dentist. In addition, my remaining tuition is paid for by the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver. This program started as a result of a treaty the state of Michigan made with the Native American tribes; Native Americans get tuition waived to include all professional schools.
Editors note: Look for more information on the MDSSP in the near future here
What was the most difficult part applying to dental school as a non-traditional application?
The most difficult part was studying to do well on the DAT with a degree in Linguistics. The last time I took a Chemistry class was in 2002,I think they discovered 2 more elements since then. I had to relearn the material and retake classes to bring my science GPA up to a competitive level that top schools would accept.
How did you choose what schools to apply to and why did you ultimately choose UMN Dentistry?
I was on facebook browsing and saw an add for Graduate Horizons, which is a program to help Native American students get into graduate school. The program happened to be hosted by the University of Michigan. After the week-long program was completed I talked to U of M Liaison and told him I wanted an introduction to the dental school. He put me in touch with school and I shadowed for a day. They invited me to apply for their program called Profile For School which is a competitive program to help students get into dental school who are planning to serve in underserved communities. I applied to 4 schools accepted to 2 schools, waitlisted for one and rejected by my fourth. I chose U of M because I felt the school wanted me, I felt recruited and they gave me the biggest financial support. Being the #1 dental school in the world didn’t hurt either.
What advice do you have for vets that are considering dentistry?
Get in touch with www.dentalveterans.com He has a website full of information that nobody told us and has done all the heavy lifting. Find people who have done it and pick their brains. Talk to people from different dental schools. Each dental school has a different focus from research to clinical success.
What do you plan to do after graduation?
I plan on either doing a GPR at the University of Michigan or Veterans’ Affairs Hospital in Ann Arbor or working as a General Dentist in Kentucky.
Anything else you want to add? Thanks!
I have failed many times to get to this point in my life. I have also succeeded many times to get to this point in my life. Continue forward and don’t quit. The Army Warrior Ethos states, “...I will never accept defeat. I will never quit...”