SB144 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Garlan GudgerSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: Dental Scholarship Awards Board, Alabama Dental Service Program, name revised from Council on Dental Education to Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, Sec. 16-47-78 am'd.
Summary: The bill updates Alabama's dental scholarship program to reference the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association and preserves four scholarship types and funding for dental students.
What This Bill Does
It changes the accrediting organization name cited in the scholarship program to the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. It keeps four types of awards: need-based loans, merit scholarships, Rural Dental Health Scholars Program loans, and Rural Dental Scholars Program scholarships/reimbursements, with specified limits tied to in-state tuition and program eligibility. It specifies funding from the Education Trust Fund and directs that any remaining funds stay with the Board of Dental Scholarship Awards; the changes have retroactive effect to 2005 and the act becomes effective after a short waiting period following approval.

Who It Affects
Alabama residents pursuing dental education at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry or other CODA/ADA-accredited programs who meet need or merit criteria and are eligible for loans or scholarships.
Students participating in the Rural Dental Health Scholars Program or the Rural Dental Scholars Program who receive loans or reimbursements as part of those programs.

Key Provisions
Update the referenced accrediting organization to the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
Maintain four scholarship/loan types: (a) need-based loans up to tuition or four years’ worth, (b) nonrefundable merit scholarships up to 5% of enrollment with amounts tied to tuition, (c) Rural Dental Health Scholars Program loans, and (d) Rural Dental Scholars Program scholarships/reimbursements.
Loans/scholarships apply to students enrolled in institutions accredited by CODA/ADA and who agree to program contracts; funding comes from the Education Trust Fund and appropriations, with remaining funds staying with the Board of Dental Scholarship Awards.
Retroactive provision to September 30, 2005; effective date is the first day of the third month after gubernatorial approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Colleges and Universities