This program is rewarding students from regional and rural areas – including students from the Wimmera – with bonus ATAR points, work placement and a grant of at least $1000 to study overseas.

East Grampians Health Service dentist Dominic Barlow said the university’s initiative was wonderful.

“This will make it easier for rural students to study dentistry,” Dr Barlow said.

Health Service chief executive Nick Bush said it was important that rural students got into the course.

“Rural students are two-and-a-half times more likely to go on to practise rurally,” he said.

“Rural Victoria’s public dental practices continue to have workforce shortages.”