Board of Dental Scholarship Awards (Rural Dental Scholarship)
Alabama Board of Dental Scholarship Awards (BDSA), administered through the UAB School of Dentistry
A $200,000 award for dental students who commit to five years of practice in a rural/small-town Alabama community that needs a dentist.
- How much
- upfront award of $200K in return for five years of service in an Alabama small town/rural community in need of a dental professional
- Who qualifies
- D1-D4 dental student; agree to five years of practice in an Alabama small-town/rural community with dental need. In-state residency not required.
- For grad students
- For dentistry students
- When to apply
- Check dates Twice a year: applications due in July and January; board interviews in February and August.
- How to apply
- Answer the twice-yearly call for applications (due July and January): submit the online application linked on UAB's Board of Dental Scholarships page and send supporting materials as instructed there
- Finalists interview with the board
- What you'll need
- state application + interview
- Last checked
- October 21, 2026, against the official page (uab.edu)
The details
State board award for D1-D4 dental students: $200K in return for five years of service in an Alabama small town or rural community in need of a dental professional. The UAB page says it is in addition to regular practice earnings, and BDSA staff help awardees find a practice home and a mentor. Candidates are interviewed by the board (February and August). In-state residency for UAB is not required.
More money from Alabama
- (Re)Engage Alabama Grant ProgramUp to $1,500 per semester (community college, associate) or $3,000 per semester (university, bachelor's) for full-time students; prorated for 6-11 hours
- Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP)$300 to $5,000 per academic year
- Alabama Student Grant Program (ASGP)Up to $3,000 per academic year (amount varies with available funds)
- Senior Adult Scholarship (Tuition Waiver) - Alabama Community College SystemTuition waived (fees, books and supplies not covered)
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.