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Dental School FAQ

Can I apply for the scholarship without being in the pre-matriculation phase?
Highly qualified students who have been admitted to or already attending UMMC School of Dentistry may apply for the scholarship only by May 1 each year. Admitted MRDSP undergraduates (pre-matriculation program) participants receive priority consideration.

I just learned I'm accepted to UMMC. Where can I find the scholarship application?
Check with the MRDSP office to confirm funding is still available, then complete the online application by May 1. Schedule an appointment with the MRDSP office to discuss the program if you have questions.

How is the scholarship recipient determined?
Preference for scholarships will be given to applicants who participated in the pre-matriculation phase of the program. First preference will be given to applicants who are admitted to the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry after participating in the pre-matriculation portion of the program. Secondary preference will be given to applicants who have been admitted to or attending UMMC School of Dentistry who did not participate in the pre-matriculation phase of the program.

Will the $35,000 scholarship cover all living expenses during medical school or just tuition?
Tuition and fees continue to increase across the country. Though costs will likely change prior to your admission to dental school, tuition for the 2015-16 academic year at the UMMC School of Dentistry is $34,600.. The remainder of the scholarship funding is divided into equal semester stipends to assist with books, housing, food and transportation. To view the cost of attendance, visit the UMMC Office of Student Accounting.

Will the stipend be enough to cover my living expense?
No. The stipend varies from year to year due to different fees for testing, number of months in class and tuition increases.

What if I change my mind about going into general or pediatric dentistry once I'm in dental school or I do not make it academically?
If a scholarship recipient fails to complete the four years of dental school training, he or she is considered in default against the state of Mississippi, and repayment of the scholarship must begin within 90 days. The recipient will have the period of time repay the funds equal to the amount of time they received the award. This is true regardless of whether the reason is academic, personal or as a result of a change in career direction.

What if I fail to enter practice in a rural area in Mississippi or I enter into a residency that does not meet the MRDSP standards upon the completion of dental training?
Once a student begins a residency program that is not pediatrics or not approved by the MRDSP commission or fails to enter practice in a rural area in Mississippi, they are in breach of the scholarship contract. Six percent (6%) non-compounded interest shall accrue from the date of the initial payment is made to the recipient. The recipient must repay the entire amount awarded to them plus the accrued interest within 120 days of default status being assigned. After 120 days, 6% interest will begin to accrue. The funds may not be repaid by a third party under any circumstances. They must begin repayment immediately.

What if I default on or breach the scholarship contact?
For individuals in breach or default, 6% non-compounded interest accrues from the date of the first award. If in default or breach, the participant will have 120 days to repay the money (with interest). The participant will begin repayment immediately after defaulting on or breaching the scholarship contract.