Army Requirements
Dentists and physicians should be aware that the IDF is in the process of implementing new rules and regulations about drafting dentists and doctors. The information in the article below is being provided as a service. The IDF is the ONLY official source of information.
Male
| Age or Age of Arrival | 23-26 | 27-29 | 30-33 |
| Israeli Medical License? | yes | yes | yes |
| Completed your Shnat Histaglut* | yes | yes | yes |
| Service Time | 24 months | 20 months | 20 months* |
*If you are above the age of 30, and married with children, you will be exempt from serving in the army
Female
| Age or Age of Arrival | 23-26 | 27-29 | 30-33 |
| Israeli Medical License? | yes | yes | yes |
| Completed your Shnat Histaglut* | yes | yes | yes |
| Service Time | 24 months | 18 months | EXEMPT |
* Female dentists who are married or are single mothers do NOT have to serve.
* Shnat Histaglut (adaptation year – שנת הסתגלות) is one year, starting from a person’s date of Aliyah.
The official IDF article about the length of service for dentists can be FOUND HERE.
Dentists will go through basic training and then they will join a 3.5 month preparatory program to get to know the army medical system. Depending on their Hebrew level, the army will decide if they need an Ulpan. This will leave them 14 months to serve as doctors in the army. Almost all dentists will serve as battalion dentists (in army bases and not in clinics), and will be giving general medical treatment.
Dentists will only join the officers’ course if they wish to continue serving beyond the 18 months. Dentists to which the above applies will be asked to do Milu’im (serve in the reserves) until the age of 43. You will be paid a salary during this time.
Regardless of your age, all dentists should be in touch with Nefesh B’Nefesh regarding the possibility of IDF service (The IDF may change the age limit at any time). The army is entitled to draft you after six months. You are allowed to defer the service for up to twenty-four months from your Aliyah date. If you are asked to serve before the six month period, you are asked to sign a waiver – and it is your right to refuse.
Serving as a Specialist
Dentists can serve as a specialist in their field only after completing their first tour as a battalion doctor.
Salary in the Army
For the first 18 months, the salary is around 15,000 NIS per month. Dentists who wish to serve more than 18 months will receive a better salary.
