Students studying dentistry at Charles Sturt University (CSU) will be the beneficiaries of a significant new scholarship scheme announced today by the Foundation Head of the CSU School of Dentistry and Health Sciences, Professor Ward Massey.

 

The Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation has offered the University up to $1 million in scholarships for dentistry students over the duration of their studies at the CSU School of Dentistry and Health Sciences.

 

“This is a significant and generous scholarship offer by the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation for which the University is extremely grateful,” Professor Massey said.

 

The VFFF Dentistry Scholarships will provide accommodation support to eight students - four starting in 2009 and another four starting in 2010 - for the duration of their five years studying at Charles Sturt University, with prospects for a total of 20 scholarships being awarded between 2009 and 2017.

 

“In granting the scholarships, the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation has acknowledged the University’s effort to tackle the rural dental crisis in Australia and to recruit, educate and retain dental and other health professionals in rural and regional areas. This support also recognises the increasing awareness of the link between dental health and general health,” Professor Massey said.

 

“While the scholarships are, of course, subject to assessment of student achievements, and the scheme is subject to review, this marks a progressive development of the University’s capacity to support its dental students and to foster their ambitions for careers serving the communities of inland Australia.

 

“I look forward to welcoming the first students to the new School of Dentistry and Health Sciences in just a few weeks, and to initiating the scholarship application and award process,” he said.