UMKC School of Dentistry
A Dental Education That Cares
Our students serve the community and gain valuable clinical experience by providing the highest standard of care alongside our experienced faculty practitioners at our dental clinics. Our students are the future of oral healthcare.
Become a Student
Whether you’re new to oral healthcare or an experienced professional, our programs deliver the education you need to reach your full career potential.
Become a Patient
We’d love to be your dental care team — our students and residents, guided by licensed professionals, treat over 60,000 patients each year.
Work with Us
We offer rewarding academic and staff opportunities—and we’d love for you to join us.
Support Us
With generous support, we fund scholarships, endowments, and professional programs. Every gift matters — and makes a difference.
Why Choose UMKC
There are many reasons to choose UMKC for your dental healthcare education. Here are just a few:
8 accredited programs
Our programs are fully accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation. In addition, we provide several scholarships to help cover the cost.
6 advanced residency programs
We offer several advanced education residency programs for practitioners, including endodontics, general dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics and periodontics.
50% of practitioners in the state
As the only public dental school in Missouri and Kansas, our graduates account for roughly half of all practicing dentists in the surrounding area.
60,000 patient visits
Under the supervision of experienced faculty practitioners, our students provide oral healthcare for a wide range of patients at our clinics.
What Our Students Have to Say
From volunteering in the community to patient care in our clinics, our students have a lot to say about what they like about our programs.
Being able to get involved in the community through hygiene has been just so much fun. I’ve loved my experience here in Kansas City.
Macila Arnold ('23)
B.S. in Dental Hygiene
The school’s focus on putting patients first captured my attention. I want to treat people, not just as my patients, as if they were my family.
Flavia Santos Bada ('26)
Advanced Standing DDS
Playing soccer — and especially coaching — has helped me in dealing with my patients. We coach our patients to keep good oral hygiene and teach them the skills to achieve that.
Edgardo Leiva ('23)
DDS
Caring for Our Community: Food and Social Support Resources
Together, we thrive — connecting UMKC to care, compassion, and community.
Food and Social Support Resources
At the UMKC School of Dentistry, we’re committed to lifting one another up. Guided by our values of compassion and justice, we know that challenges like food insecurity and access to social support can touch anyone. That’s why we’re offering some great resources — on campus and across the Kansas City Metro — to help our community stay nourished, supported, and strong.
School of Dentistry Events
Latest Headlines
2026-27 Summer Scholars Complete Their Research
6 Aug 2026 | Predoctoral dental students compete in a research mentorship program. Read full story 2026-27 Summer Scholars Complete Their Research
Advanced Standing Dental Program Candidates Visit for Interviews
5 Aug 2026 | The School of Dentistry hosted 36 candidates for the fourth cohort of Advanced Standing Dental Program. Read full story Advanced Standing Dental Program Candidates Visit for Interviews
School of Dentistry Holds 2026 STAHR Summer Dental Scholars (DAT Prep) Program
31 Jul 2026 | Students completed online curriculum and visited School of Dentistry for a week on-site Read full story School of Dentistry Holds 2026 STAHR Summer Dental Scholars (DAT Prep) Program
UMKC Dental Students Help Combat Dentist Shortages Across Missouri and Kansas
28 Jul 2026 | The school is preparing the next generation of oral healthcare providers while bringing much-needed care to underserved communities Read full story UMKC Dental Students Help Combat Dentist Shortages Across Missouri and Kansas
School of Dentistry 2026 Reserved Admissions Showcase
21 Jul 2026 | Welcome, members of the class of 2031! Read full story School of Dentistry 2026 Reserved Admissions Showcase
School of Dentistry Welcomes 2026 Advanced Education Residents
7 Jul 2026 | School of Dentistry welcomed 12 new advanced education residents across five programs. Read full story School of Dentistry Welcomes 2026 Advanced Education Residents