Addressing Alabama's dental workforce needs
One of the aims of UAB Dentistry – Dothan will be to identify, recruit and prepare the next generation of dentists committed to practicing in rural Alabama, alleviating some of the burden caused by the rural dentistry shortage across the state. In addition, UAB School of Dentistry is working to forge key partnerships to build a portfolio of programs to address Alabama’s dental workforce needs. These programs include:
Community Rotations
Complementing their work in general dentistry and specialty clinics within the School of Dentistry, our third- and fourth-year dental students have opportunities to serve communities across the state, thereby broadening their clinical experiences and exposing them to the myriad of opportunities in dentistry, through shifts at appropriate healthcare sites.
Rural Dental Scholar Program
The Rural Dental Scholar Program helps scholars build a strong biomedical science foundation and become educated about issues in rural health. This program begins with a one-year Rural Health Master’s program delivered by UA CCHS in Tuscaloosa, AL. During the year, students engage in biomedical science courses designed to adequately prepare scholars for a rigorous dental school curriculum.
Board of Dental Scholarships
The Board of Dental scholarships considers candidates for an upfront award in return for at least four years of service in an Alabama small town/rural community in need of a dental professional.