Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB665

Introduced
11/13/23  
Refer
11/13/23  
Report Pass
1/11/24  
Refer
1/11/24  

Caption

Scholarships for Marquette University School of Dentistry students who practice in dental health shortage areas. (FE)

Impact

If passed, AB665 would significantly modify state statutes relating to scholarship awards for dental students. The bill defines a 'dental health shortage area' specifically, excluding populous counties (Brown, Dane, Kenosha, Milwaukee, and Waukesha), which could focus recruitment efforts on less populated regions in need of dental care. Additionally, HEAB would receive annual funding of $350,000 earmarked for the ongoing development and operational support of programs aimed at recruiting and training students in rural dentistry. This aligns with state interests to improve dental service accessibility in underserved areas.

Summary

Assembly Bill 665 aims to amend the existing scholarship program managed by the Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB) to specifically benefit students enrolled in the Marquette University School of Dentistry (MUSD). The primary goal of the bill is to encourage dental graduates to serve in areas designated as having a shortage of dental professionals. Under the proposed changes, HEAB would award scholarships worth $30,000 per year for a maximum of four years to no more than 15 eligible MUSD students. In return, these students would be required to practice in dental health shortage areas for a specified period after graduation.

Contention

While proponents of AB665 argue that it addresses critical shortages in dental care, concerns may arise regarding the limited scope of eligible areas and the overall impact on students who may find it challenging to fulfill locational practice requirements. It highlights the balance needed between incentivizing graduates to serve in necessary regions while not overly restricting their choice of practice location post-graduation. Furthermore, the financial obligations related to scholarship repayment, should students fail to meet their practice promises, could also spark debate regarding student debt and career flexibility.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WI SB706

Scholarships for Marquette University School of Dentistry students who practice in dental health shortage areas. (FE)

WI AB2920

Dentistry: dental schools.

WI LD1891

An Act to Address the Dental Professional Workforce Shortage by Establishing Scholarship and Loan Programs and Updating the Dental Care Access Tax Credit

WI AB966

Dental Practice Act: foreign dental schools.

WI HB557

MS Rural Dentists Scholarship Program; increase number of students who may be admitted into annually.

WI SB1471

Dentistry: foreign dental schools.

WI HB42

MS Rural Dentists Scholarship Program; increase number of students who may be admitted into annually.

WI AB67

The award of Wisconsin Merit scholarships to University of Wisconsin System students. (FE)

WI SB84

The award of Wisconsin Merit scholarships to University of Wisconsin System students. (FE)

WI HB2773

Relating to the Texas Teach Corps Scholarship Program for students who agree to teach in public schools in this state that have shortages of teachers in mathematics or science.

Similar Bills

WI SB706

Scholarships for Marquette University School of Dentistry students who practice in dental health shortage areas. (FE)

AL HB413

Dental Scholarship and Loan Awards Board, named, membership and meetings, eliminates Rural Dental Scholars Program, board authorized to make loans for furthering dental education, Secs. 16-47-76, 16-47-77, 16-47-78, 16-47-79, 16-47-80, 16-47-81 am'd.

MS SB2729

Rural Physicians Scholarship Program and Rural Dentists Scholarship Program; revise certain provisions of.

LA SB524

Establishes and provides for a prestige license plate for the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, Warren Easton High School and LSU School of Dentistry. (8/15/10)

MS HB42

MS Rural Dentists Scholarship Program; increase number of students who may be admitted into annually.

SC H3632

STEM scholarship stipends

MS HB557

MS Rural Dentists Scholarship Program; increase number of students who may be admitted into annually.

MS HB531

MS Rural Dentist Scholarship Program; increase number of students who may be admitted annually.