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
School of Dentistry Students Enjoy a Sunny Lunch on the Lawn
10 Sep 2026 | Another great event with the Office of Student Involvement! Read full story School of Dentistry Students Enjoy a Sunny Lunch on the Lawn
School of Dentistry Roos at the K
9 Sep 2026 | An annual tradition brought the School of Dentistry community to see the Royals once again Read full story School of Dentistry Roos at the K
Meet the 2026 UMKC Trustees’ Scholars
1 Sep 2026 | Seven outstanding students join the university’s prestigious scholarship program Read full story Meet the 2026 UMKC Trustees’ Scholars
New Dental and Dental Hygiene Students Receive Warm Welcome from Rinehart Foundation
28 Aug 2026 | A special Lunch & Learn for incoming students at the School of Dentistry Read full story New Dental and Dental Hygiene Students Receive Warm Welcome from Rinehart Foundation
A Fun-Filled Take Your Kid to Work Day at the School of Dentistry!
26 Aug 2026 | Families welcomed for a morning of interactive dental activities Read full story A Fun-Filled Take Your Kid to Work Day at the School of Dentistry!
DDS Class of 2030 and DH Class of 2028 Complete Orientation
24 Aug 2026 | Orientation wrapped up with a fun-filled day in the School of Dentistry Read full story DDS Class of 2030 and DH Class of 2028 Complete Orientation