The UMKC Alumni Awards annually recognize outstanding alumni for their lifelong commitment and contributions to the university, the School of Dentistry, the Dental and Dental Hygienists' Alumni Associations and the dental profession. This year's awardees were recognized at a campuswide UMKC Alumni Awards celebration on March 10.

Cesar Sabates (D.D.S. '87, A.E.G.D. '88)
Cesar Sabates has strong roots at UMKC and a deep passion for advancing the dental profession. Sabates completed his D.D.S. in 1987 and his Graduate Advanced Education in general dentistry residency the following year. From 1989 to 2022, Sabates provided general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry and implantology services in the Miami, Florida, community. Sabates devoted his time to both his patients and organized dentistry. He achieved his highest national organized dentistry leadership position when he was installed as president of the American Dental Association in 2021. Previously, Sabates served numerous other leadership roles.

Heather Samuel (B.S.D.H. '90, M.S. '91)
Heather Samuel taught dental hygiene courses at Johnson County Community College for 30 years before retiring in May 2022. Samuel's most impactful accomplishment was the establishment of the Mobile Dental Clinic, Oral Health on Wheels. With the support of college leadership, she helped raise more than $380,000 to purchase the 40-foot, two-operatory mobile clinic. The clinic provides valuable patient care to underserved clients with intellectual and physical deficits, as well as populations with limited access to oral care in the surrounding community. Samuel has also served on the boards of multiple local civic organizations and has been involved with oral health initiatives for the state of Kansas.