Smiling big: Three MSU students accepted into Mississippi Rural Dentists Scholarship program

Author: Sasha Steinberg

Micah Morgan and Dylan Tran (Photo by Submitted)

Three Mississippi State students each are receiving a four-year, $140,000 Mississippi Rural Dentists Scholarship to the University of Mississippi Medical Center's School of Dentistry.

Each MRDSP scholar is receiving $35,000 per year to attend dental school. MSU's recipients include (by hometown):

GULFPORT—Dylan T. Tran, a senior biochemistry/pre-dental major.

PHILADELPHIA—Micah V. Morgan, a senior biochemistry/pre-dental major.

TUPELO—Alyssa M. Ware, a junior biomedical engineering major.

Created in 2013 by the Mississippi Legislature, this year's program is providing nine dental students with $315,000 to support their education. Awards are based on available funding.

Scholars have demonstrated the necessary commitment and academic achievement to become competent, well-trained rural pediatric or general dentists in the Magnolia State.

Additional benefits include personalized mentoring from practicing rural dentists and academic support.

After completing dental school, MRDSP scholars must work full time for at least four years in general or pediatric dentistry at a program-approved, clinic-based practice in one of the state's rural or medically underserved communities.

MSU's Dr. A. Randle and Marilyn W. White Health Professions Resource Center guides MSU students in any academic major who aspire to gain entry into a health professional school. Located in Harned Hall, Room 116, the office is named for the Greenwood nephrologist and his wife whose support helped make it a reality in 2016. Learn more at www.prehealth.msstate.edu.

For more information, visit www.umc.edu/mrdsp or contact Steven Carter, MRDSP associate director, at 601-815-9022 or jscarter@umc.edu.

Date: 2020-09-25