The UMKC School of Dentistry is committed to diversity.  As part of this commitment the UMKC School of Dentistry sponsors and partners with other organizations to host several unique programs.

Dental Explorer Post

Summer Hybrid Dental Exploration Program

The Summer Hybrid Dental Exploration Program is a one-week summer opportunity to explore dentistry through hands-on activities, dental presentations, shadowing in our clinic, and interacting with our students, staff, faculty and alumni. The program is offered in a hybrid approach with virtual and in-person participation. The program is designed for minority high school seniors and college freshman/sophomores. Students across all schools are welcome with specific focus toward minority students in the Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas City, Kansas school districts and college students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s). Join us this summer for an engaging experience to learn more about dentistry as a career choice!

STAHR Scholars Dentistry

The UMKC School of Dentistry hosts The STAHR Scholars Dentistry Program. The mission of STAHR Scholars Dentistry is to develop culturally diverse candidates and candidates from educationally or economically-disadvantaged backgrounds who are applying to the UMKC School of Dentistry within the next two years. This innovative 10-week summer program focuses on DAT prep, professional and leadership development, personal statement and interview feedback, and exposure to the field of dentistry. The STAHR program is generously funded by a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant.

GEHA Solutions Oral Health Equity Dental and Dental Hygiene Scholars & STAHR Fellowships

GEHA (Government Employees Health Association, Inc., pronounced G.E.H.A.), based in Lee’s Summit, MO, has a storied history of supporting its community with intentional giving, starting in 1937 when the organization was created to help fellow postal clerks after the Great Depression. This spirit carries through to today, where philanthropic efforts are focused around health equity and positively impacting the social determinants of health. They have a strong desire to make a difference by expanding under-represented healthcare workers, being a model for others, investing in change, and addressing social determinants of health and systemic change. The STAHR fellowships and UMKC Dental and Dental Hygiene scholarships provided by GEHA Solutions support our mutual desire to reduce student’s financial burdens, care for our community, support health equities and break down social determinants of health that affect the oral health community. Learn more about this partnership through the links below.

• UMKC / GEHA Solutions Press Release

• Scholarship Recipients Attend Chiefs Game