Dental Officer
Name: Neville Bo
Age: 29
Rank: Squadron Leader
Base: RAF Kinloss
As an RAF Dentist, you’ll operate in an environment far removed from the normal civilian job. Chances to travel, perfect your sports skills and deliver a service without worrying about budgets are just some of the perks of the job, as Squadron Leader Neville Bo tells us.
Q. What drew you to a job and life in the RAF?
A. Being a member of the Combined Cadet Force at school gave me some insight into the military lifestyle, but it was only when the RAF presentation team came to my university that I was attracted to a career in the Armed Forces. After spending a few days at the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre at RAF Cranwell, I made the decision to apply formally. I haven’t looked back since.
Q. Were you too late to benefit from the RAF’s Medical and Dentist Sponsorship, then?
A. No, I was sponsored in my final year. Unlike my fellow students, I could concentrate fully on my studies without worrying about money – that’s probably why I passed my final exams with flying colours!
Q. Do RAF Dentists get to travel much with the job?
A. I’ve travelled to Germany and Cyprus to practise dentistry on dependents (children), rather than just serving personnel. I really enjoyed my time in Cyprus, as the lifestyle was very different. Working hours were generally 7am till 1pm to avoid the afternoon heat, leaving the afternoons free to enjoy the beach or do some sightseeing in the local area.
I’ve also been detached to the Falkland Islands where I ran the dental practice for 1,500 personnel. I was there during the summer months, so I got the best of the weather and wildlife, like penguins, seals and puffins! I also visited some of the battlefields and flew in a Hercules C130 and Sea King helicopter on practice rescue drills, which was great fun.
Q. What do you enjoy most about life in the RAF?
A. The active lifestyle. Since joining I have skied in the Austrian Alps, learnt how to fence, tandem sky-dived and am currently working towards a rock climbing qualification. I can’t imagine many other dentistry jobs that provide so much opportunity for action.
Q. How do RAF Dentists differ from civilian dentists?
A. I earn a decent salary without being put under pressure to see large numbers of patients or do a certain type of work. I also prefer the fact that we can treat a patient to the best of our abilities rather than what can be afforded. This results in a better quality of dentistry as we are not constrained by budgets. I suppose it’s a bit like doing private dentistry, but without having to charge the patient.
Q. What does the future hold for you?
A. Ultimately I would like to be running a dental centre and possibly complete an MSc whilst in the RAF. At some point in my career I would also like the opportunity to be deployed overseas – that’s what serving in the military is all about.
Find out more about the role of the RAF Dentist
