School of Dentistry says millions of reasons to practice dentistry in-state
September 27, 2012 ·
Today West Virginia University's the School of Dentistry announced a $1.5 million grant designed to entice dental graduates to practice in-state.
“The
grant is for a three year period, $1.5 million in funding that will
enable loan repayment programs for WVU dental students to stay in the state,”
says WVU’s Dean of the School of Dentistry, David Felton.
He says given
the dental health disparities that already exist in the state and knowing that 35 percent
of the state’s dental workforce due to retire over the next decade, these types
of incentives for graduates are critical for long-term oral health in the
state.
State
dental director Jason Roush says multiple organizations collaborating made this
and other grants possible.
“The infrastructure has been in place at the state
level, the collaboration with the school of dentistry, and really all the
community partners has really led us to the point that we can compete
nationally for these additional funds.”
Felton
says last year the students from the school of dentistry lobbied legislators for
a loan repayment program, and he hopes this grant the others like it provides
extra incentive for the state government to provide more support.