Fall 2023

 

Message from the Dean

 

I usually end my dean’s messages with a note of gratitude, but in this donor appreciation edition of Explorer, it seems much more fitting to start with thanks.

The contributions of our loyal alumni and friends, talented students, hardworking staff, faculty, administration and researchers committed to the very highest standards are what make us great. In this issue, we’re afforded the opportunity to recognize and express gratitude for extraordinary generosity, support and commitment.

Giving comes in various forms, not just monetary. Many give their time. Others, their talent. And some, like our graduates who serve in the dental corps of our armed services, show up for our country. We recognize their service and the remarkable care they provide the military and their families — no matter where they were called — in our cover story, Called to Serve, on page 10. Serving our country has been a long and proud tradition at UMKC, and to all our service members, we say “thank you.”

The practice of dentistry is flourishing, and as times change, we’re developing along with it. We’re seeing more applications than ever. We’re drawing in the best and brightest, including our incoming classes, which you can read about on page 18.

These students are starting their journey as we’re in the final planning and design workshops for the new Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building, which will house most of our clinical programs and will be a state- of-the-art dental home for our patients. Our new students will be the first class to start and finish their clinical experience in the new facility. An update on the project can be found on page 6. We feel it’s equally important to invest in the current facility. Many key operations will remain, and cosmetic improvements and updates, including security enhancements, are planned. Our Dental Faculty Practice has relocated into a new space that will have new equipment, allowing us to test chairs and delivery units being considered for the new building.

As exciting things continue to happen locally, we’re continuing our commitment to providing care for underserved and rural areas. We are constantly seeking meaningful experiences to offer students, like a new rural health rotation program opportunity in Salina, Kansas, highlighted on page 20.

In this issue, we say farewell to several of our retired colleagues. We’re grateful for their contributions and wish them the very best. With departures come opportunities for faculty and administrators to join the school. We welcomed the new chair of Orthodontics and the new director of our Advanced Education in General Dentistry Program, which has reopened after a year’s hiatus.

Accepting my appointment as dean has come with challenges, but those have been outweighed by wonderful opportunities and the remarkable and committed family here at UMKC School of Dentistry.

With gratitude,

Steven E. Haas, D.M.D., J.D., MBA
Dean, UMKC School of Dentistry

Message from the Chair and Estate Gifts

As this year winds down, I am grateful to be able to take a moment and reflect on the impact of the Rinehart Foundation’s generous donors and the impact of their generosity. We awarded more than $1 million in scholarships, provided support to faculty and staff through professorships and development, and provided free care for those patients most in need. These were just a few of the ways your contributions helped our school this year.

With a new year comes a fresh start, and I am excited for what is on the horizon for the School of Dentistry. Plans are becoming reality as we move closer to breaking ground on the school’s new home for our pre-doc clinics. Chancellor Mauli Agrawal, Dean Haas and many others have worked hard to secure funding for the building, and now we have the opportunity to be a part of the process and leave our lasting legacy. I urge you to get involved.

Along with the excitement of a new building, the Rinehart Foundation is also excited to welcome Doug Anderson, our new director of development and executive director of the Rinehart Foundation. Doug has hit the ground running since he started in October. We look forward to his leadership and expertise as we continue to grow alongside the School of Dentistry.

Your commitment to the school does not go unnoticed, and we hope that as you look through these pages and see the impact of your gifts, you will take great pride in knowing you have made a difference.

Thank you for the irreplaceable role you play in making the School of Dentistry the remarkable institution that it is.

Nick Rogers (D.D.S. ’78)
Chair, Rinehart Foundation

Estate Gifts:

These donors have indicated the UMKC School of Dentistry is in their estate plan. The school is grateful for the legacy they are creating.

Honor Roll of Donors

A Movember to Remember: Psi Omega Dental Fraternity Holds Competition for Men’s Health Awareness

On November 30, Psi Omega held a Mustache Competition to celebrate Movember with all proceeds going the Movember Foundation – the leading organization fighting male suicide, testicular cancer, and prostate cancer.

As part of Movember, participants are asked to grow a mustache from November 1 to December 1, as a symbol representing healthier men and a healthier world.

The month kicked off with faculty and staff wearing fake mustaches all around the clinic floor.

Photo courtesy of DJ Davis

DJ Davis, Psi Omega member and DDS Class of 2025, says this, “set a great tone for everyone and helped bring awareness to the event, which I am so thankful for. Thank you Dr. Weimer (Dr. Wendy Weimer, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Restorative Clinical Sciences) for helping us start out!”

Participants got together for the competition at the dental school, which required a $5 donation towards funding game-changing men’s health projects.

Those that wanted to advocate for the cause but were unable to grow mustaches could still show support by sporting a fake mustache, courtesy of Psi Omega.

“The event became much more meaningful to us when we were told there were survivors of prostate cancer at the dental school,” said Davis. “The event was serious in nature due to the cause, but allowed us all to add some silliness to the month of November that I hoped lifted the spirits of the school.”

Categories for the competition included: Best Student Mustache, Best Staff/Faculty Mustache, Most Creative Mustache and Best Attempt Mustache.

Mustache Competition Winners

Best Student Mustache
Evan Andrews, DDS Class of 2024

Best Staff/Faculty Mustache
Dr. John Ball, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Restorative Clinical Sciences

Most Creative Mustache
Jake Jardon, Class of 2027

Best Attempt Mustache
Michael Gimotty III, DDS Class of 2025

All winner photos courtesy of DJ Davis

View photos from the event here.

Thanks to Our Many Generous Donors

$5,000,000+
Ms. Glenda Root

$100,000 – $499,999
Mrs. Judith P. Dykhouse GEHA Solutions

$50,000 – $99,999
Dr. P. Nick and Ms. Christie Rogers Dr. Jerome K. Reid

$25,000 – $49,999
McDavid Dental Educational Trust

$10,000 – $24,999
Dr. Shara M. Dunlap
Dr. Lawrence and Ms. Richelle Fujioka
Dr. Michael and Mrs. Terri Klein
Dr. Paul E. and Mrs. Doris Hund
William Reed Jr. Estate
Dr. Thomas A. Jones
Spillers Family Foundation
Thompson Family Foundation

$5,000 – $9,999
Dr. Gary and Ms. Pamela Brown
Dr. Sam and Mrs. B. Jeannene Hayes
Dr. Justin R. Kohlhorst
Dr. Pamela R. Overman
Dr. Scott Robinson
Dr. Crystal and Mr. Robin Walker

$2,500 – $4,999
Advent Health Shawnee Mission
Dr. Richard L. Briscoe
Dr. Zachary L. Brown
Dr. Patrick D. Christopher
Dr. Jerry and Ms. Leslie Fankhauser
Dr. Mariah and Mr. Lance Frazier
Dr. Randall S. Honda
Dr. Brent L. Kincaid
Dr. Michael A. LeBlanc
Dr. Richardson L. McGuire
Dr. Mark R. and Mrs. Barbara Medina
Dr. Wendy D. Reynolds
Dr. Edward and Mrs. Marie Robison
Dr. Jacquelyn R. Sloop
Dr. Michael Strand
UMKC Dental Hygienists’ Alumni Association

$1,000 – $2,499
AGA Group
Dr. Robert H. Altomare
Dr. Richard Lawrence Anema
Dr. Dean S. Arashiro and Dr. Margaret C. Garcia-Arashiro
Drs. Mark and Melodee Armfield
Dr. Daniel Bednarczyk
Dr. Aaron Michael Bumann
Dr. Mary Hagan Burke
Ms. Sherry M. Burns
Dr. David and Renee Cacchillo
Dr. Kyle K. Catron
Dr. Armand and Ms. Cathy Chong
Dr. Wesley and Ms. Frances Choy
Commerce Bank
Dr. Fred W. Distelhorst
Adrianne Evans
Foundation For Endodontics
Dr. John and Ms. Victoria Franks
Dr. and Mrs. Milton M. Fujiuchi
Dr. Neil and Mrs. Carol Furuya
Dr. Stuart G. Gibby
Dr. Eric Gottman and Dr. Kyong Kong
Dr. Stephen Harrison
Dr. Jay and Mrs. Rosalyn Hiramoto
Dr. Matthew and Dr. Larinda Hlavacek
Drs. Brad and Jill Jenkins
Jett Fund, Dr. and Mrs. Harry Jett
Mark L. Johnson, Ph.D.
Dr. M. Conrad Journee
Dr. Kurt and Ms. Stephanie Kavanaugh
Dr. Liz Kaz
Dr. John and Mrs. Ann Koehler
Dr. Larry G. Kutina
Dr. Charles E. and Mrs. Angela Leins
Dr. T. Wayne and Ms. Linda Lewis Drs. Darren and Sarah Mahaffey
Dr. Daniel Margolis
Mr. William A. Marse
Dr. Mark A. Massey
Drs. David and Emily Mattingly
Missouri Dental Association
Dr. George and Mrs. Andrea Myers
Dr. Paul McGraw and Dr. Nancy Newhouse
Dr. Daniel C. Nielson
Drs. Todd Pankratz and Jessica Meeske
Dr. James and Ms. Helen Parrott
Patricia Pierce
Procter & Gamble
Dr. Suzanne M. and Mr. William C. Quigg
Dr. Peter and Ms. Letticia Robinson
Dr. Thomas L. Russell
Mr. Jay T. Shadwick and Ms. Dianne Z. Shadwick
Dr. Rodger L. Suchman
Drs. David and Kelly Suchman
Dr. Russell and Mrs. Loretta Tabata
Tigras Charitable Foundation
Dr. Daniel and Mrs. Mary Tira
UMKC Foundation
Juliya Vaghani
Dr. Asvin Vasanthan
Dr. Stephanie M. Warden
Dr. Douglas A. Wyckoff
Young Charitable Remainder Trust Fund

Every effort has been made to accurately list each donor who has supported the UMKC School of Dentistry from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023. If you notice an error, we apologize and ask you to call the Office of Alumni and Development, 816-235-2060

Donor Recognition and New Scholarships

Medallion and Pin Recipients

Philanthropy Medallions
The Rinehart Medallion honors the memory of Dr. Roy J. Rinehart, longtime dean of the UMKC School of Dentistry. The medallion is bestowed on alumni and friends who have distinguished themselves through philanthropy or service. Each year, lifetime donors of $10,000 or more are given a medallion. Annual donations to the Rinehart Foundation provide invaluable support, enabling the school to improve the quality and expand the scope of its educational, research, clinical and outreach programs.

Recipients:
Brenda Bohaty (Ph.D. ’09), Paul Hund (D.D.S. ’75), Glenn Kadohiro (D.D.S. ’83)

Rinehart Benefactor Pins
Many of our alumni have continued to give long after they received their Rinehart Medallion. We recognize their continued generosity and the impact of their gifts by awarding a lapel pin to donors at the $25,000, $50,000, and $100,000 lifetime giving levels.

$25,000 – $49,999
Brent L. Kincaid (D.D.S. ’97)
Charles E. Leins (D.D.S. ’77)
J. Don Spillers (ORTHO ’93)
Daniel J. Thomas (D.D.S. ’90, PERIO ’92)

$50,000 – $99,999
Crystal Walker (D.D.S. ’04, PEDO ’06)

$100,000 +
Sam Hayes (D.D.S. ’66)

Scholarship Total Breaks Record

This year, more than $1.5 million in scholarships were awarded at the Scholarship Recognition Dinner — the largest amount to date. The school distributed 364 scholarships to 193 students at the annual celebration of donors and recipients, held Oct. 16 at the UMKC Student Union. School administrators and two current students, Abby Loch, a senior studying dental hygiene, and Kristina Nguyen, a fourth- year dental student, spoke at the event.

“Seeing the difference a cleaning, filling or crown can make reminds me how the dental work I received growing up helped me improve my confidence,” said Nguyen. “In those moments, my classmates and I see the difference we make in our patients’ lives, and your donations have a great effect. You are helping us help others.”

Three Newly Endowed Scholarships Recognized

Class of 2008 – Dr. Jeffrey A. Higgins Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established to honor the memory of 2008 classmate, Jeffrey Higgins. Jeff, the Class of 2008’s class president, was known for his kindness, effortless leadership, witty sense of humor and selflessness. The Class of 2008, along with Jeff’s widow, MaKenzi, created this scholarship for dental students with a financial need to celebrate Jeff and his impact on his class and community

Dr. Paul E. and Mrs. Doris Hund Scholarship

Paul E. Hund (D.D.S. ’75) recalls his time at the UMKC School of Dentistry fondly and is grateful for his education and the life it provided him and his family. This scholarship was established to assist UMKC School of Dentistry students and to continue the cycle of giving.

Dr. Prabu and Woon Mi Raman Scholarship Fund

Akila Raman Vaseghi established this scholarship in honor of her parents, Prabu and Woon Mi Raman. Born during Prabu’s senior year of dental school, Akila was no stranger to her parents’ work and spent many hours in their dental practice growing up. This scholarship will provide support to at least one first-year dental student.

Endowed Class Scholarships

1943: $17,562.63
1947: $21,834.36
1949: $25,138.67
1950: $19,976.22
1955: $10,942.89
1956: $16,491.56
1957: $30,641.74
1958: $18,801.18
1959: $44,469.33
1960: $42,683.60
1962: $63,380.26
1963: $27,649.74
1964: $34,757.75
1965: $23,099.19
1965: $64,089.02
1966: $46,372.14
1967: $79,796.11
1968: $82,506.96
1969: $42,371.39
1970: $152,641.51
1971: $10,106.50
1972: $86,034.73
1973: $65,020.26
1974: $18,998.22
1975: $22,013.36
1976: $39,869.42
1977: $82,301.28
1978: $20,128.43
1979: $53,156.54
1980: $30,088.24
1981: $42,511.83
1982: $21,418.57
1983: $42,306.18
1984: $57,040.80
1985: $38,739.14
1986: $38,736.49
1987: $90,827.26
1988: $26,838.29
1991: $17,106.26
1992: $27,770.43
1994: $18,234.75
1996: $15,913.87
2000: $25,466.81
2002: $14,224.29
2005: $15,774.42
2008: $14,448.77
2014: $32,657.16

Not Yet Endowed Scholarships*
1948: $5,000.00
1951: $1,000.00
1952: $5,530.00
1953: $2,220.00
1954: $7,093.56
1961: $5,575.00
1989: $6,310.00
1990: $1,100.00
1993: $6,050.00
1995: $9,600.00
1997: $1,350.00
1998: $4,407.80
1999: $9,625.00
2001: $1,750.00
2003: $3,785.00
2004: $1,000.00
2006: $850.00
2007: $6,200.00
2009: $1,700.00
2010: $300.00
2012: $3,921.57
2017: $3,449.36

*When your class fund reaches $10,000, we look forward to making your first award.

Features

Building For the Future

New Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building will elevate patient care and allow students to enhance their skills with the latest technology

By Bryce Puntenney

In more than 50 years of serving patients in the current UMKC School of Dentistry building, faculty, staff and students have learned a lot about what makes dental clinics efficient, patient-focused and effective at educating students. The planners of the new state-of-the- art UMKC Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building relied heavily on that expertise and have designed clinics that will eliminate bottlenecks in X-ray and sterilization areas, added new technology to see patients virtually and even brought in more natural light, all to better serve the school’s mission of advancing patient care and developing skilled oral health-care providers.

“The stuff we’re doing in dentistry wasn’t even dreamt of when the current building was built, but whoever designed it did a great job,” said Lance Godley, D.M.D., M.Ed. “Our building has served us well for 50 years. Whoever comes after us, we want this new building to hopefully be nimble enough to incorporate new dental techniques and technological advances another 50 years.”

As associate dean for clinical affairs, Godley is part of a group of school administrators attending planning meetings for the building, which will break ground next year and is expected to be completed in 2026. In addition to the school’s clinics, the multi-disciplinary building will house the UMKC School of Medicine simulation labs, the UMKC biomedical engineering program collaborative space, as well as the UMKC Health Equity Institute and the Data Science and Analytics Innovation Center. More than 60% of the six-story, 200,000-square-foot facility will be dedicated to the School of Dentistry.

Clinical Excellence
The $120 million building will be constructed on what is now a parking lot at 25th and Charlotte streets and will be the largest capital investment by the university to date.

The planning for the dental portion of the building has been a school- wide effort, with architects and engineers meeting regulary with students, faculty and staff.

Godley said the bottlenecks that occur in two areas of the current building — radiology and sterilization — will be addressed in the new building. Currently, both serve the entire clinical floor and the hundreds of student clinicians at work, and both the clinician and their patient must wait in line for services. The new leading-edge pre-doctoral clinics will be spread across three floors, which means rethinking the existing centralized sterilization process that has been the norm for many years.

Moving forward, all sterilization will happen on the first floor, where a dedicated elevator will be used to dispense and collect instruments. Each student will have a storage locker the size of a mailbox within their clinics, with access on one side for the student and on the other for the sterilization staff. Students will pre-order instruments, which will then be delivered to their mailbox. No more standing in line.

The logjam created in radiology will receive some relief by dispersing X-ray units throughout each clinic floor. Currently, one radiology clinic serves all student clinicians seeing patients. Whether it’s routine X-rays or complicated dental issues, all radiology needs now go through this central location.

In the new building, students won’t be competing with everyone in the clinic. Radiology services will still include a centralized clinic for complicated cases, but the new clinics will also provide additional X-ray units dispersed on multiple floors, with the four operatories in each clinic team equipped to take radiographs.

The dedication to efficiency will be best represented in the new acute care clinic in the Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building.

Currently, the school has separate clinics for oral surgery, endodontics and emergency services, each in different areas of the building. Those clinics will be combined in one acute care clinic, which will operate as its own dental clinic, providing everything from oral surgery to restorative dentistry. The school is also exploring keeping the acute care clinic open some nights and weekends for dental emergencies that occur after the clinic’s regular business hours.

“The students won’t just diagnose a patient’s problem in the emergency care clinic and then have to send the patient up to another student on the third floor who’s on rotation for oral surgery, or over to another student in the endodontic clinic,” Godley said. “In the acute care clinic, students will provide beginning-to-end care.”

Student Perspective
Students have been integral in the planning process and Godley said it’s been eye-opening to find out what’s important to them. Security was top-of-mind. The nature of the clinics means the public will have access to the building, so the school will balance accessibility with security.

The new clinics will be secured by badges that provide clearance to specific areas. For patients, the building will be equipped with self-check-in kiosks, relieving another bottleneck that occurs in the current building. Patients will receive access only to the areas they need for their appointments.

Fourth-year dental student Van Hopkins was impressed that administrators and architects sought out student input. The planners laid out changes they were contemplating and asked students to weigh in.
“Clinically, we have a lot of advantages over dental students in other settings,” Hopkins said. “We come out of school with a lot of experience. We’re very blessed, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t things that can be improved.”

Students prioritized the inclusion of natural light in the new building, in contrast to the current windowless clinics in the current dentistry building. According to Hopkins, students sometimes arrive at the building in the dark and leave in the dark. He and others connect natural light with better well-being for patients, students, faculty and staff.

Third-year dental student Nhukha Nguyen said she is excited about the endless possibilities the cutting-edge technology in the new building will provide, especially the school’s push to the forefront of teledentistry. “This will be a huge breakthrough for underserved populations and individuals with disabilities who may not have access to traditional dental care,” Nguyen said. “Teledentistry will provide more accessibility for patients who do not have time to go to the dentist.”

Visionary Leadership
According to Dean Steven Haas, the improved efficiency will allow for an increased amount of uncompensated care provided by students. Right now, the school delivers about $600,000 a year, but he is confident that could easily go up to $1 million. The goal is to deliver care faster, at a lower cost, while keeping the standard of care at the highest level.

“Dentists are always servant leaders,” Haas said. “From the very day our students enter the school, every minute of information they receive is geared toward patient care.”

With the new acute care clinic, the school will have more capacity to take on emergency dental cases. Before Haas entered academia, he worked in a variety of oral health-care clinics, including hospitals. There, he saw dental cases that ended up in emergency rooms. Many hospitals are not equipped to provide care for those dental emergencies beyond pain mitigation. The new acute care clinic will help alleviate that tremendous burden on the hospital system.

Students and patients will also benefit from a new high-tech dental design lab to produce crowns, bridges, and implants. Haas was moved by the broad support the building has received. The project
is close to being fully funded. The state of Missouri committed $60 million, the Sunderland Foundation has pledged $30 million, the Hall Family Foundation will contribute $15 million and $10 million will come from federal funding secured by former U.S. Senator Roy Blunt.

For Haas, that coalition is a testament to the vision UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal has for the Health Sciences District. Agrawal saw the importance of the school’s dental clinics and the role the building could play as a catalyst to launch a new era for the district and health-care access.

“The fact that the chancellor’s vision saw dentistry as a priority shows how important this new building is,” Haas said. “When you invest in a state-of-the-art building that visually stands out, people will take notice that Kansas City is a serious health-care hub.”

Campus, community and political leaders joined the UMKC Health Sciences community to celebrate that vision and the future building with an unveiling event on Oct. 17, on the lawn across the street from the building site. In front of the group of supporters, Agrawal reiterated his vision.

“The new Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building will be one of a kind,” he said. “We know of only one other combined medical and dental education building in the nation and none other that will include what ours will, with a unique combination of collaborative programs focused on elevating health care.”

Called to Serve

Celebrating our heroes at the School of Dentistry

By Annemarie Hunter

It was Dec. 20, 1966, in Da Nang, Vietnam, and Lt. Cmdr. Peter Steinhauer and his medical team
treated mass casualties as rain poured down for hours. Among the injured was a Marine with an open jaw injury and a meal object lodged in his neck. That object, X-rays revealed, was a live grenade.

Using great care, Steinhauer and his fellow surgeons removed the grenade, which explosive experts then carried out of the hospital and detonated, shaking the operating room.

“My year in Vietnam was the most difficult and yet rewarding of my career,” said Steinhauer (D.D.S. ’62).
He was not alone. “Of the 25 dental officers in our company, six were UMKC graduates, including my commanding officer, Capt. Louis Cordonier (D.D.S. ’45),” he said.

For nearly a century, the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry has held an enduring connection to its students, alumni and faculty in the military. From organizations and
ceremonies to health-care services that support soldiers’ well-being, the dental school continues to prove its commitment to those who serve and have served.

These soldiers are equally committed to their roles in both the military and the dental profession.
Steinhauer, Derek Williams — who served in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps — and Macila Arnold and Adam Bennett of the U.S. Army credit their military service with making them better dental professionals and their dental education with making them better soldiers through life-changing service to others.

While in Vietnam, Steinhauer treated extreme facial and jaw injuries and was assigned the unpleasant but important task of soldier body identification through dental examinations.

“I also cared for Vietnamese civilians and started a program to correct cleft lip and palate in children, as no Vietnamese doctors did this surgery where we were,” Steinhauer said.

Following his service with the Navy Dental Corps from 1965–67, Steinhauer ran an oral surgery practice in Colorado for 33 years. In 1989, his admiration for Vietnam and its people drew him back.

“Being confronted with life- threatening injuries, and in the position of providing the best care, led me to a life of volunteerism,” said Steinhauer, who documented his experiences in his book, Remembering Vietnam 1966- 67.

“I’ve returned to Vietnam 26 times since 1989, working in medical settings and sharing my professional skills.”

Like Steinhauer, Williams (D.D.S. ’87), clinical associate professor in the Department of Restorative Clinical Sciences, is a Navy Dental Corps veteran. A retired Reserve commander, he served 11 years on active duty and 12 years in the Reserve.

“The Navy allowed me to complete a dental residency that helped me prepare and gave me the credentials to pursue a career in dental education,” said Williams, who joined the UMKC faculty in 2003.
In addition to teaching, Cmdr. Williams officiates a commissioning ceremony and administration of
oaths each May during the school’s Hooding Ceremony. During this event, dental school graduates enter the military as commissioned medical officers — pledging to serve as both military leaders and dentists.

Each year, between one and three graduates are commissioned. “As they become military officers, these graduates are not only responsible for their patients’ oral health but will lead those who serve under them — many fresh out of high school,” said Williams. “Our graduates who enter the military find themselves transported into a new world overnight, and their responsibilities will extend far beyond dentistry.”

During Williams’ time in the Navy, he worked as a division officer on the USS George Washington, managing the daily activities of enlisted crew. Many of them were new to the Navy and had never been on a ship before.

“I was also the Moral, Welfare, and Recreation Fund Custodian, the ship’s triage officer and in charge of the flight deck battle dressing station,” Williams said. “Dentistry was a small part of the job. Being a dentist in the military holds a future with many more experiences than most graduates could ever imagine.”

Like fellow veterans Steinhauer and Williams, Macila Arnold (B.S.D.H. ’23) has had military and health-care careers that centered around service, although her Army experience focused on a different type of soldier — the kind with four legs.

An Army reservist from 2011– 23, Arnold was initially an animal care specialist and sergeant with
the Veterinary Corps, completing two tours overseas. During her first mission in Kuwait, she cared for military dogs, assisted with surgeries, educated soldiers on animal safety and worked with Kuwait Army horses.

During her second tour in Africa, she provided animal care and education to local populations.
After a decade of working with animals, Arnold wanted to make a change. Her last two years in the Reserve, she reclassed to the Dental Corps as a dental sergeant, similar to a dental assistant. During this time, Arnold discovered UMKC’s dental hygiene program and enrolled in Fall 2021.

“I have a passion for helping others, and dental hygienists have many options to give back to the community, including school-based programs and working with low-income and veteran communities,” she said.

With family and financial commitments to consider, Arnold’s military education benefits provided the resources she needed to pursue her degree. She soon realized her new journey would require the same strength she relied on in the military.

“When I started the program, my husband and I were still serving,” she said. “Early in my first semester, my husband deployed for a year, leaving me as a solo parent. There were late nights, early mornings…finding ways to be a present mom and excel in my studies.”

While in school, Arnold also continued her staff sergeant duties, leading soldiers on drill weekends. The highest-ranking soldier on the dental team, she worked with the lead dental officer to set up missions and training.

Managing this rigorous schedule was made even more challenging when Arnold was forced to cope with the loss of several family members. She found invaluable support at UMKC through the Student Veteran Organization. Members helped her navigate the challenges, and she enjoyed the uplifting camaraderie of fellow veterans. Arnold completed her mission and graduated last May.

“Looking back, I’m proud of what I overcame, despite the challenges and fears of not making it through,” she said. “I’ve been resilient to everything that came my way.”

Veteran Adam Bennett, D.D.S., A.E.G.D, also has a servant’s heart. A current resident who will complete the Advanced Endodontics program next year, Bennett graduated from Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health in 2014 and served in the U.S. Army from 2014–22. Bennett’s military career started at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he provided dental care for soldiers completing basic and other training. He was then stationed at Camp Buehring in Kuwait.

“We had a four-chair clinic in a mobile trailer and served approximately 6,000 soldiers,” Bennett said.
Back in the States, Bennett completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry program at Fort Bragg and spent his last two years of active duty with the 10th Special Forces Group. He was one of five dentists who provided care for these elite soldiers.

“I had opportunities to serve brand new recruits and leading medical commanders,” he said. “My patients’ achievements humbled me on a daily basis.” Despite his many accomplishments while serving, one of Bennett’s greatest achievements has been his adjustment to life outside of active duty. When he arrived at UMKC, Bennett did not anticipate the complex emotional journey he would have to navigate.

“I thought the transition from military to civilian life would be seamless,” he said. “I was wrong. For me, the changes have been unsettling and lonely. Thankfully, the military and UMKC recognize this and have provided access to mental health services to help
ease stress.”

Bennett’s program director, Ken Frick (D.D.S. ’86), served in the Air Force, and he encourages Bennett to celebrate his past as a military dentist, which makes a world of difference to a future endodontist who will always be a soldier, too.

“From continuing Reserve service to wearing my OCP scrubs in the clinic during military holidays, UMKC has encouraged me to maintain my military connection,” Bennett said.

Alumni News

Class Notes

Classes of the 1960s

Lloyd Baumwart (D.D.S. ’64) has been retired for six years and is doing volunteer work.

Michael Byers (D.D.S. ’64) is retired and keeps himself busy with golf, stained glass, travel, Rotary, MOAA and get togethers with friends.

Classes of the 1970s

Eugene F. Anderson (D.D.S. ’73) retired May 30, 2021.

Michael Billingsley (D.D.S. ’74) (graduated early – Aug. ’73) participated in an internship and OMS residency in the U.S. Army and retired from the military in 1988. He was in private practice in Colorado and Georgia and retired in July 2021.

Charles Massler (D.D.S. ’74) served in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps from 1974– 94, was at VCU School of Dentistry from 1994–98, then worked at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and N.C. Baptist Hospitals until 2014. He’s retired now, plays a lot of golf, but still serves as the dental member for the Forsyth County Board of Health and Human Services.

John Meschke (D.D.S. ’74) plays a lot of golf and travels some, making time to hug those grandkids.

Ercell Lynn Miller (D.D.S. ’74) retired at the end of 2022 and is currently working on a patent.

Gary Nail (D.D.S. ’74) is semi-retired and is currently working with his son James Nail, D.D.S., in Springfield, Missouri.

Bryan Pope (D.D.S. ’74) is still enjoying 3.5 days a week of dentistry!

William Powell (D.D.S. ’74) retired at the end of 2018 and spends his time traveling, going to church, serving his community and babysitting his two grandsons.

Keith Robinson (D.D.S. ’74) is writing movies and inventing health technologies.

Johnathon R. Weinbach (D.D.S. ’78) retired from orthodontics and relaxes by spending time at the beach, playing tennis and woodworking.

Greg Houston (D.D.S. ’79) is facing a battle with cancer.

Michael Otradovec (D.D.S. ’79) retired in January 2023.

Charles A. (CA) Ritter, Jr. (D.D.S. ’79) retired from group general dentistry practice four years ago. He helps with family and grandchildren. He’s still riding bicycles and playing trombone with a local R&B horn band. He enjoys the outdoors and guiding the scouts of Troop 2 on their path to become Eagle Scouts.

David Vreeland (D.D.S. ’79) retired in 2018. He spends time with his kids and grandchildren, fishes and invests.

Classes of the 1980s

Patrick Freeman (D.D.S. ’83) is retired.

Scott H. Nearinct (D.D.S. ’83) is in his sixth year working at Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas and is happily married with two grown boys, one in Wichita and one near him in Pittsburg, Kansas.

Tom Cates (D.D.S. ’84) sold his practice in March 2016 due to disability and became a taxi driver to his four daughters, who were in middle school and high school. He volunteered with several school organizations and currently helps mentor a high school robotics team and assists at two food pantries.

Steven Hechler (D.D.S. ’84) is glad to be working with his youngest son in their Overland Park, Kansas,
orthodontic office. Steve is enjoying a less hectic schedule that allows him to travel a bit and enjoy his grandkids.

Robert Hurst (D.D.S. ’84) retired from private practice in 2014 and has been a clinical instructor at UMKC for the past four years. He enjoys working with students and helping them transition into careers in dentistry. He also enjoys travel and is still playing guitar and writing songs.

William Lamanno (D.D.S. ’84) is working fulltime.

Thomas Matthes (D.D.S. ’84) had his son join his prosthodontic practice in 2021.

Don Vespa (D.D.S. ’84) is enjoying life in Florida.

Donald Hobbs (D.D.S. ’88) retired two years ago and has returned to Table Rock Lake. He gets great pleasure from friends, family and traveling.

Richard McFadden (D.D.S. ’88) is retired.

Richard Wittsnauer’s (D.D.S. ’88) son finished dental school at USC and will join Richard’s practice in 2024 after completing his endodontics residency.

Classes of the 1990s

Tara Aghaloo (D.D.S. ’94) has been doing lots of surgery and teaching, while also raising a family and doing research.

Renato Aves (D.D.S. ’94) established an oral and maxillofacial surgery practice with seven associates. They have locations in Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando, Florida.

Sue Dobbs (D.D.S. ’94) is living her life!

Stephanie Files (D.D.S. ’94) started a private practice in her hometown in 1994. After marrying in 1998, Stephanie and her husband raised one son. She is trying to fit in a bit more travel. She and classmate James Jennings have had a few music-inspired trips.

Kirby Kavanaugh (D.D.S. ’94) is in the process of helping her daughters transition from college life to the real world.

Lisa Thurlow (D.D.S. ’94) is teaching full time at a hygiene school in Kansas City.

Staci Blaha (D.D.S. ’98) continues to love practicing dentistry. Her son is her partner. In 2021, they built a dental office and are enjoying the new surroundings. Staci loves spending time with family, traveling and mentoring young dentists.

Teresa Hills (D.D.S. ’99) sold her practice in Platte City, Missouri, and is now living in Warsaw enjoying her grandchildren. She owns Truman Lake Dental and is enjoying the lake and life!

Classes of the 2000s

Rebecca Cornille (D.D.S. ’04, A.E.G.D. ’05) is the chief dental officer for Vista Community Clinic, a federally qualified health-care center serving patients in San Diego, Orange and Riverside counties in southern California.

Alison Riekhof (D.D.S. ’04) is enjoying family and work.

Amanda Fitzpatrick (D.D.S. ’09) is working at the same office. She has two girls, ages 12 and 9. She enjoys being involved with organized dentistry on all three levels.

Ashley Knight (D.D.S. ’09) is working and raising kids.

Classes of the 2010s

Nichole Madison (D.D.S. ’13) is an adjunct faculty member for UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry in public health.

Melissa Barnhart (D.D.S. ’14) is not practicing dentistry for now and is staying home with her kids.

Ryan Bland (D.D.S. ’14) is living the dream!

Brett Durbin (D.D.S. ’14) worked his first six years in rural public health in West Plains, Cabool and Mansfield, Missouri, before returning home to Springfield to purchase a private practice in 2020 – where he has been enjoying his career since. Thank you, UMKC SOD!

Emily Marx (D.D.S. ’14) is the owner of Marx Family Dental.

Thomas Runco (D.D.S. ’14) is working in private practice.

Nathan Schmidt (D.D.S. ’14) and his wife Sara have been busy managing life with four children. Kendrick is 20, Bella is 6, Beau is 4 and Rory is 2. Nathan is owner of a solo practice in Goodland, Kansas, called Goodland Dental Arts, P.A.

Jared Zimmerman (D.D.S. ’14) has been in public health since graduation and loves working with the underserved.

Julianna (Harman) Ervin (D.D.S. ’18) is practicing in Olathe, Kansas, and married Alex Ervin in 2020. They welcomed their first son, Callahan, in December 2021.

Rashin Alipour-Tricamo (D.D.S. ’19) got married in 2021 and purchased a practice this year.

Morgan Burgard (D.D.S. ’19) is working at an FQHC and had a baby.

In Memoriam

Robert Reith Adams (D.D.S. ’69)
Isaac Eugene Appleton (PROSTH ’72)
John N. Bagley (D.D.S. ’58)
Fred B. Blythe (D.D.S. ’69)
Stanley H. Bohon (D.D.S. ’46)
Gary K. Crnic (D.D.S. ’71)
B. Van Ferguson (D.D.S. ’60)
William J. Flynn (D.D.S. ’54)
Erbin Jones Jr. (D.D.S. ’60)
Charles E. Leins (D.D.S. ’77)
Gweldon L. Long (D.D.S. ’61)
Robert M. Menchetti (D.D.S. ’58)
Robert E. Peterson (D.D.S. ’63)
Ronald H. Schoolman (D.D.S. ’75)
Ralph M. Stonner (D.D.S. ’86)
Morris Clayton Talbert (D.D.S. ’68)
Ronald M. Wayt (D.D.S. ’65)
Buck R. Wilson (D.D.S. ’68)

Rooting for the Home Team

The UMKC Dental Alumni Association welcomed the incoming dental and dental hygiene classes by taking them out to Kauffman Stadium. The students, along with staff, faculty and alumni, enjoyed watching the Kansas City Royals take on the Pittsburg Pirates on Wednesday, Aug. 30. Attendees enjoyed a tailgate with grilled favorites before the first pitch.

Windy Day at WinterStone

Although a little cool and windy, alumni, friends and students enjoyed a day on the course at the annual UMKC Dental Alumni Scholarship Golf Tournament at WinterStone Golf Course on Friday, Oct. 13. As always, golfers enjoyed food, fun and more than a few Mulligans.

Since its inception, the tournament has awarded more than $290,000 in individual scholarships to UMKC School of Dentistry dental and dental hygiene students.

The school appreciates the players and sponsors for another great day of golf and raising money for student scholarships. A special thank you to Joe Spalitto (D.D.S. ’72) for his guidance, effort and the time he devotes to making sure the tournament goes smoothly.

School News

SNDA Chapter Shines at National Convention

The UMKC chapter of the Student National Dental Association brought home several awards from this year’s national convention. Students Shonté Reed, Andrew Thompkins, Daniel Archibong, Precious Hollins, Galen Swearingen and Jordan Baudoin traveled to New Orleans to represent the School of Dentistry this past July. UMKC’s chapter received recognition and several individual students were honored with awards as well.

Student Dentist Leadership Award
Shonté Reed, D.D.S. Class of 2024

2023 Student Research Competition: Second Place
Daniel Archibong, D.D.S. Class of 2025

Small Chapter of the Year
UMKC SNDA

Heartland Dental Scholarship
Shonté Reed, D.D.S. Class of 2024

Dental Shark Tank Competition: Second Place
Shonté Reed, D.D.S. Class of 2024 and Precious Hollins, D.D.S. Class of 2025

Audacity to Dream Scholar Award
Shonté Reed, D.D.S. Class of 2024

New Program Director Appointed

Luana Oliveira, D.D.S., M.S., PH.D., has been named director of the Advanced Education in General Dentistry (A.E.G.D.) residency program.

Oliveira brings 15 years of prior academic experience with her, having worked at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine and the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry. She also recently completed a two- year A.E.G.D. program herself at the University of Florida. She believes that inside experience will help her as she sets priorities at UMKC.

“My primary goal is to achieve a high standard of clinical excellence,” Oliveira said. “Our main focus is to refine clinical skills while exposing residents to a diverse patient base, gaining experience in treating complex cases with a strong restorative and esthetic component. The objective is to graduate highly skilled general dentists who can deliver exceptional care.”

Oliveira earned her dental degree at the Federal University of Uberlandia in Brazil and earned her M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in operative dentistry at the University of Florida.

New Faculty

Lana Krause (D.D.S. ’88) has returned to UMKC as an associate clinical professor of periodontics. Up until now, she has worked in private practice, but also worked as an adjunct faculty member at the School of Dentistry from 1988–1996. She rejoined the faculty full time this year.

New Orthodontics Chair Announced

Abraham Lifshitz, D.D.S., M.S., is the new chair of the Orthodontics Department. He comes to UMKC from New York University College of Dentistry, where he worked as the Orthodontics Residency Program director. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and has more than 25 years of experience in private practice. He earned his D.D.S. from the Technological University of Mexico in 1980 and went on to complete a Certificate in Orthodontics and a Master of Science degree at the University of Iowa.

Legacy Students

The School of Dentistry is proud to have many multigenerational families. Our success is in part from our rich history with roots stretching back to 1881. Here are the legacy students from the D.D.S. Class of 2027 and D.H. Class of 2025.

Adam Albright:
Sam Smith (D.D.S. ’23) (Cousin); Jordan Campbell Rains (D.D.S. ’22) (Cousin)

Jonathan Armijo:
Michael J. Armijo (D.D.S. ’89) (Father)

Maddie Janes:
Charles Janes (D.D.S. ’91) (Father)

Hesston Murrow:
Tilar Wells (D.H. ’22) (Cousin)
Jenna Romme:
Nathan Romme (D.D.S. ’23) (Brother)

Caitlin Ruth:
Craig Starnes (D.D.S. ’81) (Uncle); Chelsey (Werdehausen) Ruth (D.D.S. ’21) (Sister-in-law); Caleb Ruth (D.D.S. ’21) (Brother)

Grace Walker:
Alex Knecht (D.D.S. ’04) (Uncle); Nathan Knecht (D.D.S. ’02) (Uncle)

Setting the Stage

The Dental Class of 2027 and Dental Hygiene Class of 2025 were officially welcomed during Orientation, Aug. 16–18. Throughout the three-day event, incoming students got acquainted with the school — taking their composite photos, moving into their lockers and getting started on prep work. They also had the opportunity to get to know each other through various activities and hear from school administrators.

“They are starting a new journey as professional students which is much different from their previous experiences,” said Richie Bigham, assistant dean for student programs. “Our orientation welcomes them, introduces them to our culture and sets the stage for the patient care journey ahead. We also work hard to build up their community so they are comfortable with each other as classmates.”

School Welcomes New Residents

The School of Dentistry welcomed 11 residents to five advanced education residency programs.

Advanced Education in Orthodontics:
Jacky Lung (D.D.S. ’23) Matthew Greaves (D.D.S. ’14)
Dana Loveland (D.D.S. ’17, A.E.G.D. ’18)

Advanced Education in General Dentistry:
Ben Kincaid, D.D.S.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery:
Thomas Dofredo, D.D.S. Anh Le, D.D.S.
Ali Khalifa, D.D.S.

Advanced Education in Endodontics:
Miranda Jimenez (D.D.S. ’17) Ellie Altomare, D.D.S.

Advanced Education in Periodontics:
Jennifer Malloy, D.D.S. Shirley Lee, D.D.S.

Incoming Class Demographics

Faculty/Staff Retirements

Twelve faculty and staff members with a combined 260+ years of service have retired. The School of Dentistry thanks them for their dedication and wishes them luck on what comes next.

Dinah Bounds (10 years)
Office Support Staff
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

Cara Bradley (35 years)
Dental Assistant
Periodontics

John Cottrell (32 years)
Director, Minority and Special Programs
Student Programs

Mark Dallas (22 years)
Research Assistant
Oral and Craniofacial Sciences

Winifred Davis (36 years)
Dental Assistant
Oral Surgery and Hospital Dentistry

Mark Johnson, Ph.D. (18 years)
Professor
Oral and Craniofacial Sciences

Patricia Mullin (13 years)
Office Support Staff
Dental Clinic

Lorraine Rauckman (B.S.D.H. ’84, M.S. ’85) (32 years)
Associate Professor
Periodontics

Juliana Redford (D.D.S. ’20) (14 years)
Associate Clinical Professor
Pediatric Dentistry

Jennifer Rosser (22 years)
Research Associate
Oral and Craniofacial Sciences

Susan Simonds (12 years)
Office Support Staff
Dental Clinic

Li Zhang (16 years)
Research Associate
Oral and Craniofacial Sciences

Rural Health Rotation Begins Spring 2024

The School of Dentistry is expanding its footprint in the field of rural health. Applications are open for the new Advanced Studies in Rural Health Program, a partnership with Salina Family Healthcare Center (SFHC).

The state of Kansas does not currently have a dental school, so leaders with UMKC School of Dentistry and SFHC hope this program will increase the number of Kansas students who earn dental degrees and stay in rural areas of the state to practice.

According to Melanie Simmer-Beck, Ph.D. (B.S.D.H. ’94, M.S. ’04), professor and chair of Dental Public Health and Behavioral Science at the school, the program emerged organically through conversations with oral health advocacy organizations, oral health providers and key stakeholders in rural communities.

“Looking at the data, there is clearly a need for more dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants in rural communities,” said Simmer-Beck.

Charles A. Abbick III (D.D.S. ’09) is the executive director of Dental Services at SFHC and was largely involved in creating the partnership with the school. When he’s not managing his team, Abbick is providing care to dental patients or supervising and mentoring students on rotation. He believes the next step in meeting the need for dentists in rural areas is familiarizing future providers with those settings while they’re still students.

“Rotations offer dental students a practice experience that more closely resembles real-life dentistry,” said Abbick. “Rotations in rural areas give students exposure to career options in rural areas, and rotations in community health centers and federally qualified health centers give students exposure to career options in public health.”

The School of Dentistry hopes the new rural health program will help increase the number of students who stay in rural communities after they earn their degrees.

UMKC is no stranger to successfully collaborating with community health centers throughout Missouri and Kansas to provide experiential student learning opportunities. School leaders hope this new rotation, slated to begin Spring 2024, will broaden the school’s impact even further.

Professor Earns New Honor

Sarah L. Dallas, PH.D., has been named a fellow of the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR), the premier scholarly organization for scientists like Dallas, who specialize in bone and mineralized tissue study.

With roughly 30 years in the society, her designation as a fellow recognizes her long-term engagement with the society and her outstanding contributions to the field of bone and mineral science.

At UMKC, she serves as the Lee M. and William Lefkowitz Endowed Professor in the School of Dentistry’s Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, and is a University of Missouri Curator’s Distinguished Professor.

The Clinical Phase Begins

The Dental Class of 2025 and Dental Hygiene Class of 2024 celebrated the next phase of their education with the Transitioning into the Profession Ceremony at Unity Temple on the Plaza on Friday, June 2. The ceremony symbolizes the transition into the clinical phase of their education.

As part of the milestone event, both classes read their own Code of Ethics before each student was called to the stage to receive their scrub jacket or white coat and sign the code, which is displayed in the clinic at the dental school as a reminder of the importance of their dedication to their patients, education, classmates and dentistry. Each class also chooses an influential faculty member to give keynote speeches. This year’s speakers were Prof. Karen Davis (B.S.D.H. ’01, MS ’19), R.D.H., and Prof. Luke Wezeman, D.D.S.

In addition to being named a fellow, Dallas was selected this year to give an oral presentation of her research at the 2023 ASBMR Annual Meeting, the world’s largest meeting in the bone, mineral and musculoskeletal research field. According to Dallas, the selection itself is an accomplishment, because it means her abstract scored in the top 10% of the thousands that were submitted.

“That score was a bit of a shocker for me,” Dallas said. “It’s a real feather in the cap for our lab.”
The acknowledgement did not end there. Her abstract was recognized as the most outstanding in the basic sciences, having received the highest score by the judges.

Her abstract was titled, “Interrogating Osteoclast Biology by Live Cell Imaging Reveals Novel Insight Into Their Cellular and Resorption Dynamics and Real-Time Effects of OPG-Fc and RANKL.”

Dallas is the director of the Confocal Microscopy and Multiphoton Core at UMKC. She was recently awarded $600,000 from the National Institutes of Health’s shared instrumentation program to purchase a new confocal microscope, which allows for building high-quality, 3D images. She is three-for-three in applying for these instrumentation grants.