The inaugural New South Wales Regional Dentistry Scholarship, sponsored by The Nationals Senator  for NSW John Williams, is now accepting applications for 2010.

Senator Williams has committed $4,800 in the first year and will offer the scholarship for a new commencing student each year thereafter during his current Senate term.

He is keen to see dentistry numbers boosted in regional Australia, and has worked with the National Rural Health Alliance to implement the scholarship.

"The recipient will need to satisfy a number of criteria, including having lived in a regional area of New South Wales for a number of years, and demonstrate a commitment and aspiration to living and working in regional New South Wales after graduation.

 Eight Universities will offer suitable courses next year for the successful applicant, and during the year the scholarship holder will receive guidance and mentoring from Armidale dentist Dr. Chris Cole.

 I am looking forward to the announcement  early in March of the first Regional Dentistry Scholarship winner, and it will be the forerunner of what I expect to be a very successful programme to get more dentists into country areas", Senator Williams said.

 Applications close on the 24^th of February and details can be found online at www.ruralhealth.org.au