Inclusive Opportunities and Excellence Programs
The UMKC School of Dentistry is committed inclusivity and excellence. As part of this commitment the UMKC School of Dentistry sponsors and partners with other organizations to host several unique programs.
Summer Dental Discovery Program
The Summer Dental Discovery Program is a two-day summer opportunity to explore dentistry through hands-on activities, dental presentations, shadowing in our clinic, and interacting with our students, staff, and faculty. Students across all schools are welcome with specific focus toward students enrolled in a college preparatory curriculum at high schools in the Metro Kansas City Area. This includes students and graduates of the Kansas City Missouri Public School District, Kansas City Kansas Public Schools, North Kansas City School District, Alta Vista Charter High School, Guadalupe Centers High School, Grandview High School, Ruskin High School, Hogan Preparatory High School, Piper High School, Turner High School, University Academy Charter School. 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