The College of Community Health Sciences welcomed five students to the second class of the Rural Dental Scholars Program, which is exclusively for rural Alabama students who want to become dentists and practice in rural communities.
The Rural Dental Scholars Program was created to address the shortage of dentists in Alabama’s rural communities.
The program is a separate admissions pathway to the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry. To be eligible for the program, students must have either lived in rural Alabama for eight years or have graduated from a rural Alabama high school.
The Rural Dental Scholars Program includes a year of study and a master’s degree in rural community health at CCHS, after students receive their undergraduate degree, as well as early admission to the UAB School of Dentistry.
During the year of study at CCHS, students engage in biomedical science courses designed to adequately prepare scholars for a rigorous dental school curriculum, as well as seminar courses in rural health, community engagement experiences and shadowing dental providers. After completion of the master’s degree, students spend the next four years at the UAB School of Dentistry.
“This year, we welcome our second cohort of Rural Dental Scholars,” said Dr. Antonio Gardner, director of education and evaluation for CCHS Rural Programs. “Although few in quantity, these students have the potential to expand dental services offered and improve oral health outcomes in rural Alabama.”
The 2024-25 class of Rural Dental Scholars includes Brittany Howard of Mobile, Jenna Lankford of Malcolm, Segura Magdalen of Centre, Tamara Montes of Birmingham, and Coleman Wright of Headland.
