Jessica Powell, a first year Bachelor of Dental Science student at the Orange campus of Charles Sturt University, has been awarded the New South Wales Regional Dentistry Scholarship for 2011.

The scholarship is sponsored by The Nationals Senator for NSW, John Williams, who will provide $4,800 of his own funds to assist Jessica in her studies.

During his current Senate term he plans to fund a similar scholarship amount each year for a newly commencing dentistry student from regional NSW.

As part of her scholarship Jessica will also receive mentoring support from experienced Armidale dental practitioner Dr. Christopher Cole who was of invaluable assistance to last year's recipient.

Jessica has moved from her home town of Tamworth to start dentistry studies in Orange.

“Jessica has been active in her local Tamworth community and has demonstrated a commitment to improving the oral health of people living in regional NSW,” Senator Williams said.

The NSW regional dentistry scholarship is administered by the National Rural Health Alliance which has overseen the application process.

The Chair of the Alliance, Dr Jenny May, praised the quality of the applications and said the high standard presented a difficult task for the selection panel.

“Twelve applications were received for the one available scholarship place. This is an indication that there are many students from regional NSW who are interested in pursuing future careers in dentistry in rural and regional areas,” Dr May said.

Dr May thanked Senator Williams for sponsoring the scholarship which will help to introduce more dentistry services into NSW regional areas.