Bill > HB531

This bill amends the Mississippi Rural Dentist Scholarship Program by increasing the maximum number of students who can be admitted annually from three to six students. The scholarship program, administered by the state commission in collaboration with the University of Mississippi Medical Center, aims to recruit and support undergraduate students interested in pursuing dental careers in rural or underserved areas of Mississippi. Applicants must submit applications meeting the commission's requirements and be considered academically competitive by the dental school's admissions committee. The program provides faculty mentors and specialized coursework to help students successfully complete dental school and establish practices in rural Mississippi communities. Admission to the program requires a majority vote from commission members, and the changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, potentially allowing more students to receive support for becoming rural dentists and addressing healthcare access challenges in underserved regions of the state.

Health and Social Services

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0531.xml