UMKC School of Dentistry

Holiday Schedule

The School of Dentistry and Clinics are CLOSED in observance of the University’s Holiday Break.  We will reopen on Friday, January 2nd.

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 Student

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.

Become a Patient

Work with Us

We offer rewarding academic and staff opportunities—and we’d love for you to join us.

Work With Us

Support Us

With generous support, we fund scholarships, endowments, and professional programs. Every gift matters — and makes a difference.

Support Us

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.
Dental hygiene student Macila Arnold wears a mask and face shield while cleaning the teeth of a primate at the zoo. She works with another student.

Macila Arnold ('23)

B.S. in Dental Hygiene

Macila's story

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, a student in the advanced standing program, works on a simulation mannequin at the dental school. She wears a mask and glasses while she concentrates.

Flavia Santos Bada ('26)

Advanced Standing DDS

Flavia's story

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.
DDS student Edgardo Leiva, wearing a clinic gown and face mask, talks to a patient sitting in the dental chair.

Edgardo Leiva ('23)

DDS

Edgardo's story

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.

Community Resource Guide link opens in a new tab

School of Dentistry Events

All School of Dentistry Events

Latest Headlines

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Cox Lab Showcases Research

26 Dec 2025 | Cox Lab Showcases Research and Receives Top Honor at SCGDB Annual Meeting Read full story Cox Lab Showcases Research

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A Conversation with a Legend

26 Dec 2025 | A Conversation with a Legend: Dr. Gordon Christensen Inspires UMKC School of Dentistry Students and Faculty Read full story A Conversation with a Legend

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Generosity That Truly Paid Off

26 Dec 2025 | Thanks to the incredible generosity of the UMKC School of Dentistry Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association chapter and the Dental Hygiene Classes of 2026 and 2027, this year’s giving efforts made a meaningful difference in our community. Read full story Generosity That Truly Paid Off

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Holiday Luncheon

26 Dec 2025 | Boogie, Bites & Holiday Delights: A Disco-Themed Celebration to Remember Read full story Holiday Luncheon

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Spooky Smiles at Boo at the Zoo

17 Nov 2025 | Volunteers Bring Smiles to Boo at the Zoo Read full story Spooky Smiles at Boo at the Zoo

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UMKC Advanced Endodontics Symposium 2025

3 Nov 2025 | UMKC Advanced Endodontics Residency Program Hosts Educational Symposium Read full story UMKC Advanced Endodontics Symposium 2025

Dentistry News