The potential impact of an auction based retention bonus and other factors on the continuation rates of general dentists completing their initial obligation

Abstract

This thesis seeks to determine the impact of an auction based retention bonus on continuation rates for general dentists completing their initial obligation. An auction based retention bonus has the potential to improve retention rates. In lieu of actual bids from Navy general dentists, the difference between average civilian dentist salaries and Navy general dentist pay is used to represent theoretical opportunity costs. Inputting opportunity costs into a break-even formula allows approximation of the retention bonus amount needed for a one-year and/or five-year employment agreement with the Navy. A logistic regression retention model is also estimated using data for 516 Navy general dentists commissioned between 1998 and 2001. Model results indicate that accession source significantly affects the decision to continue military service. Officers commissioned as direct accessions and participants in the Dental Student Program are more likely to stay in the navy than participants in the Health Sciences Collegiate Program. Dentists commissioned in 2000-2001 are less likely to stay than those commissioned in 1998-1999. Those commissioned between the ages of 30 and 39 are more likely to continue service beyond their initial obligation than younger dentists. Race and gender do not significantly affect retention.