MS HB776

Establishes the Mississippi Rural Dentists Scholarship Program to identify and recruit qualified university and college students from rural Mississippi areas for dental school matriculation.

Creates the Mississippi Rural Dentists Scholarship Commission composed of dentists from state dental associations, University of Mississippi School of Dentistry designees, and dental students to administer the program and promulgate rules and regulations.

Limits new admissions to up to three (3) students per year; applicants must have academic records and characteristics considered credible and competitive by the School of Dentistry Admissions Committee.

Requires scholarship recipients to practice as dentists in rural or underserved areas of Mississippi for one (1) year for every year of financial assistance received, with a maximum obligation of five (5) years; breach requires repayment of all assistance plus penalties.

Provides tuition support, book funding, and living stipends to eligible dental school students; financial assistance is forgiven if student completes dental school, but must be repaid if not accepted to dental school within three (3) years or if agreement is breached.