32.1-122.10 - Conditional grants for certain dental hygiene students. - Virginia Statutes

§ 32.1-122.10. Conditional grants for certain dental hygiene students.

A. The Board of Health shall establish annual dental hygiene scholarships forstudents who intend to enter an accredited dental hygiene program in theCommonwealth. The amounts and numbers of such scholarships shall bedetermined annually as provided in the appropriation act. The Commissionershall act as fiscal agent for the Board in administration of the scholarshipprogram.

B. To administer the scholarship program, the Board shall promulgateregulations which shall include, but are not limited to:

1. Qualifications of applicants;

2. Criteria for award of the scholarship to assure that a recipient willfulfill the practice obligations established in this section;

3. Standards to assure that these scholarships increase access to dentalhygiene care for individuals who are indigent or who are recipients of publicassistance;

4. Assurances that residents of Virginia, as determined by § 23-7.4, studentsof economically disadvantaged backgrounds and residents of medicallyunderserved areas are given preference in determining scholarship eligibilityand awards;

5. Assurances that a scholarship recipient will practice as a dentalhygienist in an underserved area of the Commonwealth within two yearsfollowing completion of training;

6. Methods for reimbursement to the Commonwealth by a recipient who fails tocomplete the educational program or who fails to honor the obligation toengage in practice as a dental hygienist for a period of years equal to thenumber of annual scholarships received;

7. Procedures for reimbursing any recipient who has repaid the Commonwealthfor part or all of any scholarship and who later fulfills the terms of hiscontract; and

8. Methods for reporting data related to the recipients of the scholarships.

C. For purposes of this section, the term "underserved area" shall includethose underserved areas designated by the Board pursuant to § 32.1-122.5 anddental health professional shortage areas designated in accordance with thecriteria established in 42 C.F.R. Part 5.

D. Any scholarship amounts repaid by recipients pursuant to subdivision B 6,and any interest thereon, shall be used only for the purposes of this sectionand shall not revert to the general fund.

(1994, c. 867; 2000, c. 926; 2001, c. 188.)