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FINANCIAL AID

STEP 3 - APPLY FOR STATE AID

State Dental Education Loan/Scholarship

Program Overview
Mississippi funds are available for those interested in becoming a dentist.

Important Dates
Application deadline: March 31
Document deadline: July 31
The dates are important as the number of awards and recipients are dependent upon available funds.

Eligibility
You may be eligible if all of the following apply:

  • Be a legal resident of the State of Mississippi for one year prior to application
  • Be fully admitted to the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry
  • Agree to service as a licensed general dentist in an approved geographical shortage area of the state.

Click here for a complete listing of eligibility requirements.

Award Amount and Length of Eligibility
Tuition each year for attendance at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, School of Dentistry, not to exceed four (4) academic years.

Awarding Priorities
The Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid will make awards on a first-come first-served basis based upon our level of funding. However, priority is given to renewal applicants who complete the renewal process by the deadlines.

Service Obligation
The loan to service obligation can be discharged on the basis of one year’s service for one year of loan/scholarship received. The service must be rendered as a licensed general dentist in approved geographical shortage area of the state. Click here for important information on service requirements and penalties for non compliance.

To Apply

  1. Complete the online application by the application deadline of March 31. This online application must be completed each academic year whether you are a prior recipient or a first-time applicant.
  2. Submit copy of Letter of Acceptance to the University of Mississippi Medical Center, School of Dentistry
  3. If currently enrolled we will need a Letter of Good Standing from the Registrar’s Office
  4. Submit two of the following three documents for residency verification by the deadline date of July 31st:

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. I know that as a recipient under the State Dental Education Loan/Scholarship
    Program I have a contractual obligation to work in the field of dentistry in a geographical area of critical need in the state of Mississippi. Where would I seek employment? What if I am unable to find a job immediately after completing my degree?
    There is no deferment of the contractual obligation for reasons of unemployment. Failure to secure employment in a geographical area of critical need or failure to enter into full-time public health work at a state health institution or community health center shall result in repayment of principal and interest of all funds received.
    State (public) Health Institution means any of the following: Mississippi State Hospital; Ellisville State School; east Mississippi State Hospital, Mississippi Children’s Rehabilitation Center; North Mississippi Retardation Center; Hudspeth Retardation Center; South Mississippi Retardation Center; University Medical Center; Boswell Retardation Center; the Mississippi State Department of Health; and health care facilities under the Mississippi Department of Corrections or a community health center as approved by the Mississippi State Department of Health.
    The State Dental Education Loan/Scholarship is eligible for deferment during post-graduate training in conformity with specific requirements which are stated in the Contract. Deferment for post-graduate training must be at an accredited hospital in family medicine dentistry and deferment for post-graduate training cannot exceed one (1) year.
  2. May I receive funds to pursue post-graduate training?
    No. State Dental Education Loan/Scholarship funds are not available for post-graduate training.