Alabama Administrative Code Title 280 - ALABAMA BOARD OF DENTAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
Title 280 of the Alabama Administrative Code pertains to the Alabama Board of Dental Scholarship Awards. This Board is specifically created by Alabama state law (Code of Alabama 1975, §§ 16-47-76 through 16-47-81) with a crucial mission: to address the dental care needs of underserved areas in Alabama by providing financial incentives for dental students.
The core purpose of the Board and its administrative rules is to establish and manage scholarship and loan programs that encourage qualified dental students to pursue their education and, upon graduation, practice dentistry in designated rural or underserved communities within the state. This helps to improve access to dental care in areas that typically struggle to attract and retain dental professionals.
The administrative rules under Title 280 are organized into chapters that detail the operation of these programs:
Chapter 280-X-1 - Organization of the Board: Covers the structure, membership, and general administrative procedures of the Alabama Board of Dental Scholarship Awards. This would include details on how the Board operates, its officers, and meeting protocols.
Chapter 280-X-2 - Awarding of Loans: Outlines the criteria and process for awarding scholarship loans to eligible dental students. This would include:
Eligibility requirements for applicants (e.g., enrollment in an accredited dental school, often with priority given to Alabama residents attending the University of Alabama School of Dentistry).
Application procedures and deadlines.
Factors considered in the selection process.
The amount of each loan/scholarship award.
Chapter 280-X-3 - Renewal of Loans: Specifies the conditions under which a scholarship loan can be renewed for subsequent years of dental education, likely dependent on academic standing and continued commitment to the program's objectives.
Chapter 280-X-4 - Ineligible Dental Students: Defines circumstances that would render a student ineligible for a scholarship loan.
Chapter 280-X-5 - Contract: Details the contractual agreement that scholarship recipients must sign. This contract legally binds the student to the terms of the award, particularly the service obligation.
Chapter 280-X-6 - Merit Scholarships: Separately addresses any merit-based scholarships the Board may offer, including criteria for selection and award amounts, possibly without the same service obligation as the loans.
Chapter 280-X-7 - Repayment of Loans with Cash: Explains the terms and conditions for repaying the scholarship loan in cash if a recipient does not fulfill the service obligation, including any interest accrual or penalties.
Chapter 280-X-8 - Approved Areas for Repayment of Loans with Service: Identifies and defines the specific "approved areas" or "qualifying counties" within Alabama that are designated as rural or underserved, where recipients can fulfill their service obligation. This is a critical component for achieving the program's goal.
Chapter 280-X-9 - Repayment-With-Service: Outlines the specifics of fulfilling the service obligation, including the duration of service required (e.g., five years for a significant upfront award), the type of practice, and reporting requirements.
Chapter 280-X-10 - Violation of Terms to Repay with Service: Details the consequences and procedures if a scholarship recipient fails to meet the terms of their service obligation.
Chapter 280-X-11 - Disability or Death: Addresses provisions for cases of recipient disability or death that may prevent the fulfillment of the contract.
Chapter 280-X-12 - Contractual Agreement of Recipient: Further elaborates on the legal aspects of the agreement between the Board and the recipient.
Chapter 280-X-13 - Administration of Program: Covers the general oversight and management of the scholarship program by the Board.
Chapter 280-X-14 - Recusal of Board Members: Establishes rules for Board members to recuse themselves from decisions where a conflict of interest may exist.
Chapter 280-X-16 - Appeals: Specifies the process for appealing decisions made by the Board, typically following the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act.
In essence, the Alabama Board of Dental Scholarship Awards, through Title 280 of the Administrative Code, manages a vital program that provides financial assistance to dental students in exchange for a commitment to practice in underserved areas, thereby directly impacting the availability of dental care in critical regions of Alabama.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is always recommended to consult the official Alabama Administrative Code as published by the Alabama Legislative Services Agency and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Dentistry's "Board of Dental Scholarships" page, as UAB plays a central role in the program given its status as the state's primary dental school.
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