ECCC Graduates Selected For Rural Dentists Program

DECATUR, Miss. (PRESS RELEASE) – Evan Derrick of Morton and Ben Pace of Philadelphia, 2016 East Central Community College graduates, were recently selected to participate in the undergraduate portion of the Mississippi Rural Dentists Scholarship Program (MRDSP).

Derrick is the son of Dwayne and Jessica Derrick of Morton. Pace is the son of Derek and Patty Pace of Philadelphia.

Created in 2013 by the Mississippi Legislature, MRDSP identifies up to five college sophomores and juniors who demonstrate the necessary commitment and academic achievement to become competent, well-trained rural pediatric or general dentists in Mississippi.

The program offers two years of undergraduate academic enrichment including DAT (Dental Admission Test) preparation and clinical experience in a rural setting.

Upon completion of all dental admissions requirements, the student can be admitted to the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry.

During dental school, each MRDSP scholar may receive $35,000 per year based on available funding. The program will award 10 new scholarships in 2016-2017, totaling $350,000.

With continued legislative support, the program hopes to grow to 12 scholarship totaling $420,000 by 2017.  Additional benefits include personalized mentoring from practicing rural dentists and academic support.

After completing dental school, MRDSP scholars must practice general or pediatric dentistry in a rural or medically under-served community.

The MRDSP scholar must provide dental services as determined by the MRDSP in a full-time clinical practice in an approved Mississippi community of 10,000 or fewer population located more than 20 miles from a medically served area.

MRDSP provides a means for rural Mississippi students to receive DAT preparation, benefit from mentoring, learn the art of oral healthcare from practicing rural dentists, and earn a $140,000 dental school scholarship in return for four years of service.

For more information, contact the MRDSP Associate Director at 601-815-0654, jdcoleman@umc.edu or http://www.umc.edu/mrdsp.