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

HB 629 increases the annual enrollment cap for Mississippi's Rural Dentist Scholarship Program from three to six students. The program recruits and supports undergraduate students committed to practicing dentistry in rural or underserved Mississippi communities after dental school. Key provisions include requiring scholarship applicants to meet competitive academic standards and securing a commission majority vote for admission. The bill aims to expand access to dental care in rural areas by growing the pipeline of dentists willing to serve those communities. It takes effect July 1, 2026.