THE UMKC SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY welcomed the Dental Class of 2028 and Dental Hygiene Class of 2026 during Orientation from Aug. 14-16.

Throughout the three-day event, students prepared for their dental school journey with computer checks, composite photos, locker move-in, prep work and more - all designed to help start their first year off smoothly.

Orientation also included an opportunity for the new students to meet with school administrators as well as a variety of activities to allow the incoming classes to get to know one another. Presentation topics covered student success, school culture and the dental school's alumni associations.

All the information was mixed in with some fun, like cold treats from One More Scoop ice cream truck, sponsored by the Missouri Dental Society and Greater Kansas City Dental Society.

The annual pancake breakfast, a longstanding tradition at the dental school, kicked off the last day of Orientation. Afterward, both classes took their first official group photos, did some team building, learned more about how to set themselves up for success in dental school and found out how to get involved with different dental school organizations.