SB144 Summary

• Amends Section 16-47-78 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to update references to dental accreditation standards used by the Board of Dental Scholarship Awards and Alabama Dental Service Program.

• Changes the name of the accrediting organization from "Council on Dental Education" to "Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association" throughout the statute.

• Maintains four types of scholarships: loans equal to 20 percent of University of Alabama School of Dentistry enrollment; merit scholarships equal to 5 percent of enrollment; Rural Dental Health Scholars Program loans; and Rural Dental Scholars Program scholarships and expense reimbursements.

• Allows both University of Alabama and other accredited dental institutions to participate in the loan and scholarship programs based on applicants' economic need and scholastic ability.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor, with retroactive effect to September 30, 2005.