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
Pursuing Healthcare Careers with Biology and Chemistry Degrees
1 Apr 2026 | Undergraduate biology and chemistry degrees at UMKC prepare students for success in professional health programs Read full story Pursuing Healthcare Careers with Biology and Chemistry Degrees
UMKC Staff Honored for Shaping Student Success and a Thriving Workplace
1 Apr 2026 | Staff Awards 2026 recognizes people who elevate the university and Kansas City community Read full story UMKC Staff Honored for Shaping Student Success and a Thriving Workplace
UMKC Hosts Annual Dental Symposium: Oral Healthcare of the Future
18 Mar 2026 | UMKC School of Dentistry hosted its annual Dental Symposium on March 7, 2026 Read full story UMKC Hosts Annual Dental Symposium: Oral Healthcare of the Future
Celebrating Our Graduates Pursuing Advanced Dental Education Residency Programs
18 Mar 2026 | Celebrating Our Graduates Pursuing Advanced Dental Education Residency Programs Read full story Celebrating Our Graduates Pursuing Advanced Dental Education Residency Programs
223 Brighter Smiles with the Royals
18 Mar 2026 | UMKC dental and dental hygiene students and faculty joined forces with TeamSmile and the Kansas City Royals Read full story 223 Brighter Smiles with the Royals
Smiles, Community & New Beginnings: Welcoming the DDS Class of 2030
11 Mar 2026 | The future of dentistry is bright at UMKC! Read full story Smiles, Community & New Beginnings: Welcoming the DDS Class of 2030