Summer 2024

 

Message from the Dean

When I was searching for a prosthodontic residency, I found two good fits. The one that seemed ideal and closer to home cost more than three times the other program and, for me, cost was a real consideration. Following my interview there, the chair extended an acceptance into the program, but I explained I had another interview at a school with a much lower cost. He went to meet with the dean and when he returned, he said the dean would extend a full-tuition scholarship. The one caveat: I had to accept on the spot. I did, but as the first year came to an end, I became concerned the scholarship may have only been for one year, as I had nothing in writing. Slightly panicked, I set up a meeting with the dean. He said, "Son, I made the offer for as long as you are here, and it is for your entire program."

Certainly, his offer was a personal relief, but also a very important lesson. The kindness and generosity of others has both an immediate and practical impact, but can also lead to life-changing experiences. I was able to finish my residency and continue a career trajectory to become a dean, which may not have been possible without the charity of others. In this issue, we have the opportunity to highlight some of that benevolence at the School of Dentistry, including a $30 million gift from the Sunderland Foundation to jump start the fundraising efforts for the new Health Sciences District Building.

We are also pleased to announce a generous endowment from the family of the late Dan Root, an impactful gift for students from rural areas. In addition, we are thrilled to recognize the generous gift from GEHA Solutions. These scholarships and fellowships will support the development of a culturally diverse student body and profession. Both of these scholarships will not only help students with the ever-rising cost of dental and dental hygiene education, but will also aid areas of need within the industry. Both are remarkable examples of generosity that have an immediate and lasting impact. We appreciate the generosity and support of all our donors and friends who contribute to the school and its mission.

The annual welcoming of new residents and dental and dental hygiene students marked the traditional start of the school year — and the football season — here in Kansas City. Enjoy a fun piece featuring some of our talented alumni who were able to tackle (pun-intended) both school and professional-level athletics successfully. Along with welcoming a talented and enthusiastic student body, a key administrative appointment has been made: Dr. Lance Godley is now associate dean for clinical affairs. He makes an excellent addition and will be an important voice as we shape the future of the school.

Finally, I would be remiss if I did not mention how remarkable it is to be a part of an event marking the 100th anniversary of a dental school alumni association meeting. Momentous and amazing do not even begin to describe such an occasion. Make plans to celebrate with us April 13-16 and be sure to watch for your registration brochure! The longer I am at UMKC, the more I see the incredible talent and commitment of our students, faculty and staff. The loyalty of our alumni and friends is second to none, and your generosity is important to the school's promising future. This issue of Explorer speaks to the impact of your support. Take a moment and relish our accomplishments and the contributions you've made.

With gratitude,

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

Message from the Chair and Estate Gifts

When I began dental school in 1974, I never imagined I would be chair of the Rinehart Foundation. It is particularly an honor because of the foundation's namesake, the man remembered for making UMKC School of Dentistry one of the most prestigious and oldest schools — traced back to 1881  — in the country through his selfless devotion to its growth. Thanks to your donations, the Rinehart Foundation provides scholarships, fellowships, professorships, professional development and projects that advance oral health.

Dental school did not come easy for me. I had much help attaining an education that gave me an incredibly rewarding profession, and I am not referring to monetary rewards. Christie, my wife, and I give regularly to the Rinehart Foundation. We do this so future students will have the same opportunity I had.

To keep our dental school at the top, we need to attract the best students, especially those from underrepresented communities. This is accomplished through the many scholarships made available through your generous donations and endowments. Working with the UMKC Foundation, we have received additional financial help for students through community partners. This year, we have been able to help 206 students with $1,257,222 in scholarships.

We also need to have an updated facility to attract students and provide the needed dental treatment for our community. When I began dental school, our facility was only a couple of years old. It had all the latest technology and was truly state-of-the-art. Times have changed, and our facility has fallen behind. The University of Missouri-Kansas City is poised to begin work on a new $120 million interprofessional health sciences building in the UMKC Health Sciences District. With Chancellor C. Mauli Agrawal's vision of the UMKC Health Sciences District and the exciting leadership of Dean Haas, we will be building new state-of-the-art dental clinics.

I look forward to working with you to grow Dr. Rinehart's rich tradition of giving and helping the next generation succeed. Working together, there will be great things in our school's future.

Thank you from the Rinehart Board, the staff, and especially, the students at UMKC School of Dentistry.

—Dr. Nick Rogers (DDS '78) Chair, Rinehart Foundation

Donor Honor Roll

Thanks to our many generous donors.

Estate Gifts:

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

• Anonymous
• Dr. Lloyd Alquist, deceased
• Dr. Dan L. Blackwell
• Dr. Robert E. Butler
• Dr. James M. Callender III
• Ms. Louise G. Chapman, deceased
• Dr. Robert and Mrs. Lucille E. Cowan, deceased
• Florence Irene Dengel, deceased
• Dr. J. Dennis Dlabal
• Dr. David K. H. Dung, deceased
• Dr. Adam Edwin Ericsson, deceased
• Mr. Leonard Faulconer Jr., deceased
• Dr. Newell O. Feeley, deceased
• Dr. Brett L. Ferguson
• Dr. John E. Franks Jr.
• Dr. Frank R. Fullerton Jr., deceased
• Dr. Carl and Mrs. Marguerite Fyler, deceased
• Dr. John D. Gardner
• Dr. Otis B. Gentry, deceased
• Mrs. Ruth Somers Gilman, deceased
• Dr. Patrick K. Hardman
• Dr. Grant B. Hatfield Jr., deceased
• Dr. Richard M. Haun, deceased
• Dr. William J. Hayden Jr., deceased
• Dr. Phil E. Held
• Mrs. Carolyn Abney Hodges
• Dr. Frank J. Holtz, deceased
• Dr. Harry Jett, deceased
• Mrs. Hazel Johns, deceased
• Colonel Onas Johns, deceased
• Dr. Gregory K. Johnson
• Dr. Michael G. Johnson
• Dr. Theron C. Johnson
• Dr. Thomas A. Jones, deceased
• Dr. J. Edward Kendrick
• Dr. Dan L. Lavitt
• Dr. Carolyn S. Magnuson
• Dr. Grant W. Merritt
• Dr. Michael L. Milford
• Dr. William and Mrs. Bonney Miller, deceased
• Ms. Ida Mae Niblo, deceased
• Dr. James W. Osborne
• Dr. Robert E. Peterson
• Dr. V. Leroy Riley, deceased
• Myrtle H. Rinehart, deceased
• Ms. Tomiyo Seo, deceased
• Dr. William F. Slagle Jr.
• Mrs. Eloise Sloan*
• Mr. John and Mrs. Effie Speas, deceased
• Dr. Charles F. Squire
• Dr. Rodger L. Suchman
• Dr. Donald J. Thompson, deceased
• Dr. George X. Trimble, deceased
• Ms. Rosemary L. Wiley, deceased
• Dr. Terry C. Williams
• Professor Emeritus Leslie Young Jr., deceased

Monetary Gifts

$150,000+:

• Government Employees Health Assoc.

$25,000-$49,999:

• Belmont Equipment
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Associates of Kansas City

$10,000-$24,999:

• Goldman Sachs Foundation
• Dr. Patrick and Dr. Jill Hardman
• Dr. Paul and Mrs. Doris Hund
• Dr. Michael and Mrs. Terri Klein
• Dr. Justin R. Kohlhorst
• Dr. Herman and Mrs. Ardyce Sakimoto
• Spillers Family Fundation
• Drs. Daniel and Donna Thomas
• Mr. Robin and Dr. Crystal Walker
• Jack and Glenna Wylie Foundation

$5,000 - $9,999:

• Dr. Gary and Ms. Pamela Brown
• Dr. Dustin S. Burleson
• Dr. Mitchell D. and
• Mrs. Terisa Esquibel
• Dr. Sam and Mrs. B. Jeannene Hayes
• Dr. D. Stanley Hite and
• Ms. Sydney Hite
• Dr. Hoanh Ba Le
• Drs. Darren and Sarah Mahaffey
• Mr. Steve J. Overman
• Thompson Family Foundation
• Dr. Ralph and Mrs. Lynda Younger

$2,500-$4,999:

• AdventHealth Foundation
• Shawnee Mission
• Mr. Lance and Dr. Mariah Frazier
• Ms. Nicole Hawkinson
• Mrs. Judith B. Haynes
• Dr. Randall S. Honda
• Dr. Brent L. Kincaid
• KS Perio and Dental Implants
• Dr. Ted O. Mason
• Dr. Mark and Barbara Medina
• Nail Dental
• Dr. Nancy Newhouse and
• Dr. Paul McGraw
• Dr. P. Nick and Ms. Christie Rogers
• Drs. David and Kelly Suchman
• Dr. Rodger L. Suchman
• Dr. Russell and Mrs. Loretta Tabata
• Dr. Camden J. Tokunaga
• UMKC Dental Hygienists'
• Alumni Assoc.
• Dr. J.B. White

$1,000-$2,499:

• Drs. Mark and Melodee Armfield
• Assoc. of Women Lawyers
• of Greater KC
• Drs. Blake and Clare Borello
• Dr. Richard L. Briscoe
• Ms. Sherry M. Burns
• Dr. Robert E. Butler
• Mr. David Cameron
• Cash Family Charitable Fund
• Dr. Armand K. and Ms. Cathy Chong
• Drs. Andrew and Vanessa Choy
• Dr. Russell L. Coad
• Dr. Charles and Mrs. Sally Cobb
• Commerce Bancshares Foundation
• Dr. Jonathan Copeland and
• Dr. Stephanie L. Copeland
• David J. Dung Charitable Gift Fund
• Dr. Vance and Mrs. Judith Dykhouse
• Mr. Michal Everist
• Dr. John Thomas Fales Jr.
• Dr. Jerry and Ms. Leslie Fankhauser
• Fidelity Charitable Dr. David J. Dung
• Dr. John and Ms. Victoria Franks
• Dr. Gary Fulton
• Dr. Stuart G. Gibby
• Goetze Dental Company Incorporated
• Dr. Eric Gottman and Dr. Kyong Kong
• Dr. J. Reese II and Dr. Rachael L. Graue
• Dr. Mark D. and Mrs. Sandi Gregston
• Hechler, Steven L. D.D.S., M.S., P.A.
• Ms. Karen E. Haynes
• JC Family Law American Inn
• Jett Fund, Dr. & Mrs. Harry
• Mark L. Johnson, Ph.D.
• Kansas City Surgical Arts
• Dr. Daniel and Ms. Tiffany Kieu
• Dr. Lynn Kinderknecht
• Dr. Charles and Mrs. Angela Leins
• Dr. T. Wayne and Ms. Linda Lewis
• Dr. Charles and Ms. Diana Mahaffey
• Mr. William A. Marse
• Dr. Sean and Ms. Christie McReynolds
• Dr. Ward A. Meyerhoeffer Jr.
• Missouri Dental Association
• Dr. Andrew S. Moore
• Mr. Charles Moser
• Dr. Bryan R. Neuwirth
• Dr. Daniel C. Nielson
• Ms. Tammy Ojo
• Dr. Virgil L. Palmer
• Dr. James L. Parrott and
• Ms. Helen Parrott
• Patterson Dental Supply, Inc.
• Procter & Gamble
• Distributing Company
• Property Law Firm LLC
• Dr. Bart W. Putnam
• Dr. Suzanne M. and
• Mr. William C. Quigg
• Rainbow Mennonite Church
• Dr. Allen B. Reavis
• Mr. Kevin J. Robertson
• Dr. Peter and Ms. Letticia Robinson
• Dr. Thomas L. Russell
• Dr. Allan Y. and Ms. Sandy Segawa
• Dr. Joseph and Mrs. Elizabeth Spalitto
• Dr. Kathryn N. Stanley
• Ms. Debbie Thompson
• Tigras Charitable Foundation
• Dr. Stanton D. Widmer
• Dr. M. Dean and Ms. Nancy Wright
• 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, 2021, through June 30, 2022. If you notice an error, please contact the Office of Alumni.

Donor Recognition and New Scholarships

Rinehart Medallions

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

Rinehart Medallion Recipients:

• Michael J. Armijo (DDS '89, AEGD '90)
• Fred W. Distelhorst (DDS '63)
• Eric Gottman (DDS '01, Prosth. '04)
• J. Reese Graue, II (DDS '08)
• Eric S. Kapustka (DDS '85)
• Darren W. Mahaffey (DDS '05)
• Mark R. Medina (DDS '73)
• Tom W. White (DDS '47)
• M. Dean Wright (DDS '76)
• Colleen Yoshida

Rinehart 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.

Rinehart Pin Recipients:

$25,000-$49,999:

• Justin R. Kohlhorst (DDS '88, Perio. '90)
• Thomas L. Russell (DDS '81)
• Herman T. Sakimoto (DDS '71)

$50,000-$99,999

• Randall S. Honda (DDS '78)

New Scholarships

Dan Root Memorial Scholarship

Dan Root discovered he had a natural gift for dentistry working for a dental lab as a young man. That gift launched his successful career. He founded Root Dental Laboratory in 1964, where he continued to build his business while he served in the U.S. Army Reserves as a dental assistant, working alongside UMKC dental students. An advocate for giving everyone a chance to succeed, Root hired many young people. Dan's wife, Glenda, has established the Dan Root Memorial Scholarship in his honor for students with a demonstrated financial need and a 3.5 GPA, with preference given to students from rural areas.

Dr. Robert G. Marx Scholarship

Dr. Robert G. Marx (DDS '77) was a proud graduate of the UMKC School of Dentistry. Both his patients and colleagues described him as gentle and caring, saying he made the most terrified patient enjoy their visits. Dr. Marx was an avid musician and philanthropist. In 1988, he established a special day where he provided free cleanings and crucial treatments to underserved children. His legacy lives on through his music, his practice and his philanthropic work. Family, friends and patients came together to create this scholarship to celebrate and honor Dr. Marx.

Recognizing Generous Benefactors and Deserving Recipients

At the 2022 Scholarship Recognition dinner on Oct. 3, the UMKC School of Dentistry distributed 405 awards to 206 students. All the awards combined for a grand total of $1,257,222. At the event, Assistant Dean Richard H. Bigham welcomed the audience and Dean Steven Haas presided over the recognition of the scholarship donors and recipients.

Recipient Shairry Lene (B.S.D.H. '23) said the impact of these gifts can be life changing.

"I am a first-generation college student and my parents grew up not having much," said Lene. "Scholarships give me the opportunity to relieve my family from financial burden and allow me to pursue a career I am passionate about."

This year's new scholarships were also announced: the Dan Root Memorial Scholarship; the GEHA Solutions Diversity in Dentistry and Dental Hygiene Scholarships; and the Dr. Robert G. Marx Scholarship.

Endowed Class Scholarships

UMKC Health Sciences District Project Receives $30 Million Gift

UMKC announced a $30 million gift from the Sunderland Foundation to help fund a new building in the UMKC Health Sciences District to house state-of-the-art dental teaching clinics and expanded medical school teaching facilities.

The project will escalate momentum for expanding the district into a major regional academic medical center that can provide innovative health care, attract top medical students and researchers and generate billions of dollars in jobs and economic development, while advancing care for the underserved.

The multi-story, $120 million Healthcare Innovation and Delivery Building will also provide space for the UMKC Health Equity Institute, the university’s Data Science and Analytics Innovation Center and its new Biomedical Engineering program.

“We are grateful to the Sunderland Foundation for their investment in taking the Health Sciences District to the next level, spearheading an academic medical center with extraordinary community benefits,” said UMKC Chancellor C. Mauli Agrawal. “This gift by a local foundation that supports making big positive change in Kansas City is an investment, not just in a building, but in a truly big, longer-term vision. We believe our new building will escalate momentum to exponentially expand the Health Sciences District in coming years to become the major regional academic medical center that we know it can be.”

Gov. Mike Parson, who in July signed legislation from the state of Missouri to appropriate $40 million for the building, said the appropriation came with a challenge to the Kansas City community to raise the additional funds needed.

“We are proud to support the efforts of UMKC to improve educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math to expand health-care access in the state of Missouri, particularly in rural areas,” Parson said. “Missourians will reap the benefits of increased collaboration between health-care services and the data science and biomedical engineering programs that will share the building. This partnership could help further health outcomes through new, innovative solutions right here in Missouri.”

“The Sunderland Foundation is proud to give to UMKC’s efforts to transform the Health Science District,” said Kent Sunderland, chairman of the Sunderland Foundation. “The cutting-edge facilities will provide innovative training opportunities for tomorrow’s doctors, dentists and healthcare leaders who will improve prosperity in our neighborhoods, cities and state. The Sunderland Foundation and UMKC share a mission of caring for the underserved and lifting neighborhoods.”

Dental clinics in the new building will be supported with the most modern technology, making UMKC competitive with top schools across the country. The interprofessional medical building will provide education space for the next generation of dentists to deliver better care at lower costs, while expanding dental emergency services and making first-rate dental care more accessible to the community.

Back to Their Roots

UMKC School of Dentistry and alumni rising to meet the need in rural communities

Only 10 of the 219 counties that make up Missouri and Kansas have enough dental care providers, according to the Rural Health Information Hub. The majority of these dental deserts are in rural communities, which, historically, face challenges in recruiting health-care professionals.

The UMKC School of Dentistry is working to end this dental drought through a number of measures, including a new scholarship aimed at students from rural areas. The scholarship is enabling its first recipient, third year dental student Katie Roe, to fulfill her dream of owning a practice back in her hometown.

Hometown homecoming

Roe’s path to a dental career began in middle school. She and her mother visited their town’s only dentist, Lynn Otte (D.D.S. ’79), to discuss what kind of opportunities the field of dentistry could hold for a young girl from Herington, Kansas.

Through the years, Roe and Otte formed a connection and began discussing plans for Roe to eventually take over Otte’s practice. Roe had always envisioned owning a practice in Herington, but was considering working for another dentist while she paid off her school costs. That is, until she found out she’d be the first recipient of the Dan Root Memorial Scholarship. Now she plans to buy the practice after she graduates.

“I still remember that first discussion we had about dentistry,” Otte said. “And Katie’s just kept working in that direction ever since, which has been wonderful.”

The scholarship was established by Glenda Root in honor of her late husband, Dan, who founded Root Dental Laboratory, where he worked closely with many UMKC dentistry alumni. The transformational scholarship will cover a full year of Roe’s tuition. It doesn’t end with her. Thanks to the Roots’ donation, UMKC estimates it will be able to award three or four full-tuition scholarships annually, beginning next year.

The scholarships will go to students with a demonstrated financial need, with preference given to students from rural areas.

“This scholarship allows me to focus on what’s most important to me — helping people,” Roe said. “It doesn’t just impact me; it impacts my immediate family, my future family, the patients. The ripple effect of this scholarship is amazing.”

Roe has long been dedicated to her hometown of Herington, about 50 miles south of Manhattan, Kansas, population 2,129. Her loyalty was solidified when her brother was diagnosed with a serious health issue and the people in Herington rallied behind her family.

“Everyone in town stepped up to help us in our time of need,” she said.

Encouraging rural Roos

Richard Bigham, assistant dean for student programs at the UMKC School of Dentistry, said he hopes lifting some of the financial burden will make scholarship recipients more willing to return to their rural roots and fill the need. Many students worry whether they can maximize their earning potential in rural areas.

According to Dean Steven Haas, practices in rural areas show lower gross income compared to urban practices. The flip side is that urban practices can suffer greater losses and failure rates due to overhead costs and competition, among other things. Haas said that a newly opened rural practice can be financially successful in one year and subsequently generate a stable earning for a dentist.

These shortages are not limited to dentistry, as the entire health-care field is grappling with a maldistribution of health-care providers. Beyond scholarships, Haas said the school has incorporated courses into its curriculum that explore some of the challenges rural populations face, such as the Community-Based Dental Education course.

The school is also working to get students out to rural areas through some of these courses, particularly through externships at community health centers across Missouri and Kansas. According to Melanie Simmer-Beck (R.D.H. ’94, Ph.D. ’13), each year, about half of the thirdand fourth-year students who take the class choose health-care centers based in rural communities, and a number of them come back with job offers in-hand.

Simmer-Beck is both the chair of Dental Public Health and Behavior Sciences and the director of the UMKC Students Training in Academia, Health and Research (STAHR) Dental Scholars program at the School of Dentistry. STAHR is a pipeline program that addresses shortages in both rural and urban areas of Missouri. The program also includes the schools of medicine and pharmacy, and focuses on increasing the number of students from economically and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds, while helping students better prepare for the rigors of health sciences programs.

“The dental school has always been committed to seeking out students who come from rural areas, hoping they have a strong desire to return and give back,” Haas said. “Scholarships like the Dan Root Memorial Scholarship are an amazing act of philanthropy.”

Ample opportunity for alumni

Justin (D.D.S. ’07) and Sadie (B.S.D.H. ’05) Ebersole began mapping out their plans for practicing in a rural area on their first date, when they were students at the UMKC School of Dentistry.

“He told me, ‘I’m a small-town boy and I’m going to a small town in Kansas, so if you want to live in the city, you should probably move on,’” Sadie said.

They’ve made for a great “small town team” ever since. The Ebersoles own Parsons Dental Care in Parsons, Kansas. Justin is the practicing dentist. Sadie started as a hygienist, but has transitioned to office manager, while still practicing one or two days a week.

The couple settled on Parsons, near Justin’s family farm in neighboring Chautauqua County, because they found a practice that met all their criteria. After graduation, they joined the practice in Parsons and acquired sole ownership in 2020.

“We did some serious research when evaluating practices,” Justin said. “I would strongly encourage people to look at all the numbers: how many active patients, how many dentists are in that town and the surrounding area.”

The Ebersoles agree the most rewarding part of owning a smalltown practice is getting to know their patients. In the years they’ve been in Parsons, they’ve been able to watch families form and kids grow up.

“Those bonds that you build are so cool,” Justin said. “I see great-grandparents, grandparents and all the way down.”

It also doesn’t hurt that business is good. The Ebersoles hope practitioners realize the significant need in these rural areas also means opportunity.

“We have no need for an advertising budget,” Justin said. “There are more patients than you can ever handle. I never imagined how well we would do. That’s been a huge bonus.”

While it may be a bonus, Sadie stresses the decision to practice in a rural area shouldn’t only be a financial choice. According to her, a practitioner considering a rural setting needs to feel a personal connection to the area. The Ebersoles love how immersed they are in the Parsons community.

“I would just encourage people to maybe step outside their box and go to some of these places that are rural and are looking for a dentist. Just give it a chance,” Justin said. “Be open minded about all the benefits of living in a small town.”

“This scholarship allows me to focus on what’s most important to me — helping people.”

— Katie Roe (DDS '24)

Dedication and Good Cheer

The connection between cheerleading and the field of dentistry is quite clear for Ashley Hobbs (B.S.D.H. ’11). As a member of the Kansas City Chiefs cheerleading squad, she used her athletic skills to pump up crowds and keep them smiling at Arrowhead Stadium. Now, as a dental hygienist, she’s still focused on bright smiles – but she’s using a different set of skills to motivate and engage with her patients.

“You are their oral health coach,” Hobbs said of her patients. “As a cheerleader, you bring positivity, and you lift everyone up. I do the same for my patients. You are encouraging them to not only improve their oral health, but their overall quality of life.”

Hobbs is a pediatric dental hygienist, a proud alumna and a faculty member at UMKC. And from 2013 to 2016, she was also a Chiefs cheerleader, a unique experience she shares with other School of Dentistry alumni. The school counts several former Chiefs cheerleaders and at least one Chiefs drumline member among its alumni ranks.

These alumni have taken valuable lessons into their careers from their days on the sidelines. For Hobbs, Tim Albright (D.D.S. ’21) and Kathryn Teruya (D.D.S. ’22), the experience reinforced the importance of discipline, teamwork and putting people first.

Smiles in the Crowd and in the Chair

As a member of the Chiefs drumline, the KC Rumble, from 2016 to 2020, Albright was energized by the crowd. Now he gets that feeling from the gratitude of his patients. Whether it’s an undetectable filling or a straightened Invisalign finish, the smiles of his patients take him back to his days drumming in front of 70,000 screaming fans.

“I still experience euphoria whenever I have a solid crown,” Albright said. “Your patient is happy, they’re gleaming. It’s the same look I would get playing music for people. It keeps me going.”

Time in front of fans was not limited to game day. The Rumble and the cheerleaders had public appearances throughout the week. These opportunities to connect with people prepared them for future chairside interactions.

“Everybody has something they’re passionate about. With people who may be apathetic about their dental care, you’re trying to find what sparks them,” Albright said. “Once you find their icebreaker, you’re able to make that connection.”

Public appearances also provided Hobbs an opportunity to hone her pediatric skills. There were often kids excited to meet the cheer squad. Those conversations laid the groundwork for the six years she’s practiced in pediatric dentistry.

“Just learning how to interact with them,” Hobbs said. “I took everything that I learned from the Chiefs and applied it to my work in pediatrics.”

Discipline in Dance, Drumming and Dentistry

Whether drumming or dancing, a common thread emerges: discipline. All three credit the discipline required to succeed in their respective crafts with helping them manage the rigors of dental school.

That discipline was formed back in seventh grade for Albright, when he took up drumming and would practice until midnight every night. Dental school changed his perspective, however.

 “I don’t think you need 10,000 hours to master something anymore,” Albright said. “I learned in dental school about the importance of deliberate practice.”

 Discipline is also essential in cheerleading because of the demanding schedule. For Hobbs, cheering for the Chiefs felt like a full-time job on top of her full-time job as a hygienist. She had weekly appearances and daily fivehour practices in addition to long game days. She also had fitness testing, mandatory training sessions and extra time in the gym.

 “I was newly graduated and new to the dental hygiene profession,” Hobbs said. “It was a struggle juggling both lives.”

 Hobbs and Teruya said their love of dance drove them to take on the arduous schedule. Hobbs has a degree in dance and lived in New York, performing with professional dance companies before coming to UMKC. She taught dance while in dental hygiene school.

 Dance has been a presence in Teruya’s life since she was three. A former Miss Hawaii (she was crowned in 2017), she’s an experienced dancer in hula, ballet and jazz. She credits the perfectionist nature dancers have to her success in dentistry.

 “We always joked on our (Chiefs) dance team that a lot of us are type-A people,” Teruya said. “That correlates well to dentistry. We like things orderly and in a particular way.”

 Although the pull toward dance was strong for both Hobbs and Teruya, their priority was always UMKC. Hobbs was laser-focused on becoming a full-time faculty member. Teruya juggled many activities while at the dental school, including the Chiefs cheer squad from 2020 to 2021. But the pursuit she valued most was that of future dentist.

 “First and foremost, I moved from Hawaii to Kansas City to be a dental student,” she said.

Team and Community in the Dental Practice

The cheerleading schedule was grueling, Hobbs and Teruya admitted. But they loved being part of a team of women who lifted each other up, both literally and figuratively.

 “It’s much more than just dancing on the sidelines,” said Hobbs. “It became a sisterhood where you were supportive of one another and you were in it together.”

 During Teruya’s time at UMKC, her two teams joined together for TeamSmile, an event at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium with Chiefs players, coaches and cheerleaders during which UMKC students and faculty provide dental care to underserved children. She got to participate as both a student and a cheerleader.

 “It was one of my favorite memories,” Teruya said. “It was really special to be able to celebrate my classmates and connect with the kids.”

 The moments standing in front of a crowd at “the loudest stadium in the world” may now be only memories for Hobbs, Teruya and Albright, but those memories serve a purpose. The discipline formed, strong bonds made and feelings that come with energizing a crowd have all made an impact on who they are as dental professionals. The dedication, sense of community and drive to help people connects the worlds of cheer and dentistry.

 “Every single year a student will ask, ‘were you really a Chiefs cheerleader?’ and every time I wonder, ‘when will this not be a thing anymore?’” Hobbs said. “But those are some of the best memories of my life and I wouldn’t change it.”

 “We always joked on our Chiefs dance team that a lot of us are type-A people. That correlates well to dentistry. We like things orderly and in a particular way.”

— Kathryn Teruya (DDS ’22) 

“As a cheerleader, you bring positivity, and you lift everyone up. I do the same for my patients.”

— Ashley Hobbs (BSDH ’11)

César Sabatés Reflects on His Time as ADA President

César Sabatés (DDS ’87, AEGD ’88) has spent the last year at the helm of the American Dental Association. He shared his takeaways from his time as president as he ended his groundbreaking tenure in October 2022.

Q: What has it meant to you being the first Cuban-American to hold the position?

A: I wanted to give all dentists hope that there are opportunities for them to serve organized dentistry at the highest levels, regardless of their backgrounds. Over the course of my career I have seen our professional community become increasingly more diverse. Organized dentistry must continue to reflect the changing face of the workforce, not just in terms of membership, but also among the volunteers who are shaping the future of dentistry through leadership and service.

Q: How has your term met your expectations? What has surprised you?

A: It has been an experience beyond my wildest dreams and expectations. But nothing has touched me more than the chance to hear the stories of our members one-on-one. I am honored that they trusted me with their personal and professional journeys—the good, the bad and ugly. I carried them with me to the boardroom, to every meeting, every call, and in considering every decision at the ADA. They gave me insight to the real challenges they have faced as dentists and they offered both their praise and passionate complaints. All of this continues to inform how the ADA will sharpen its focus on members’ needs. Every member has a story, and every member matters here. I wanted everyone to know they were not only heard, but they were listened to. I took their stories to heart.

Q: What are the initiatives you implemented that you are most proud of?

A: These are transformative times at the ADA. During the last year we have made some great strides forward from every corner of our association. From the amazing work of the ADA Science and Research Institute, the development of the Health Equity Action Team, to the launch of the reimagined ADA member app, there is so much to be proud of. The accomplishment belongs to the countless leaders, volunteers and professional team members who have made these successes possible.

This also includes the “New Day for Dentistry” campaign, which was launched in 2021 to signal the ADA’s commitment to being a place where all dentists feel welcome, where their voices count and no one feels excluded.

Whether they conduct research, work in dental education, serve our nation in the federal dental service, care for underserved communities as dentists in public health or work in a solo, supported or large group practice – no matter who a dentist is or how they practice, the ADA is a professional home for them.

During my year as president, it has been my priority to build the ADA’s new day by strengthening our community through diversity, equity and inclusivity. I am proud to see this new day start to come to life.

Q: What do you think will be your lasting impact on the ADA?

A: I certainly hope that I’ve opened the door for greater acceptance and camaraderie in our professional community. I know firsthand the kindness and goodness that permeates within dentistry, so much that I consider our community a professional family. I want everyone to have the same experience and to create the same experience for others. I hope that with my leadership, along with the New Day for Dentistry campaign, the ADA continues to be an oasis for all dentists to find support they need and the sense of community we all deserve.

Alumni News

Class Notes

 1970s

• Dale Davis (D.D.S. ’73) is retired.
• Nicholas Hunter (D.D.S. ’73) recently retired.
• Steven Tipp (D.D.S. ’73) retired and enjoys sailing, traveling and spending time with grandchildren.
• Paul A. Jones (D.D.S. ’74) retired in October 2013 and lived on a sailboat for six months. He received his USCG captain’s license and started a sailboat charter business called Stuart Sailing Charters in Stuart, Florida.

 1980s

• Mitchell Esquibel (D.D.S. ’83)  is retired, but working part-time.
• Lynne Schopper (D.D.S. ’83)  got married in May 2020.
• Kevin McNamara (D.D.S. ’88)  is practicing two days a week with two associates at his practice, Smiles Unlimited. Hisdaughters, aged 10  and 12, keep him busy. Kevin travels as much as possible and enjoys time off.

 1990s

• Beth Gehring (D.D.S. ’93)  had a private practice in Blue Springs, Missouri, for 20 years until 2012, when she joined the staff at University Health Lakewood Dental Clinic. For nine years, she ran the IndependenceSchool Project Mobile Dental Program and is now a staff dentist serving mostly pediatric patients in the clinic.
• Jason Hiramoto (D.D.S. ’93)  is the dental director at Kokua Kalihi Valley, a community health center in Honolulu, Hawaii. He’s also a part of the clinical faculty in the NYU Langone AEGD Residency Program, University of Hawaii Dental Hygiene Program and Kapiolani Community College Dental Assisting Program.
• Don Wilson (D.D.S. ’93) is practicing orthodontics in Topeka, Kansas, andenjoying family.
• Craig Lashley (D.D.S. ’98)  is balancing family and work. He has a daughter who is a 4th year at UMKC School of Dentistry. Another daughter is a hygienist at his office.
• Kathi Matthes (D.D.S. ’98)  is still in her general dentistry family practice in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Her oldest son started his freshman year in college, and her youngest son started the 8th grade. Kathi and her husband, Mark, enjoy traveling as much as their busy schedule allows them.

  2000s

• A. Joshua Montgomery (D.D.S. ’03)owns a general dentist practice and is married with two children.
• Christa Walker (D.D.S. ’03)  has five children with her husband, Allen. Their oldest is a high school senior. The youngest starts kindergarten next year. This summer,the family went on a three-week road trip from Texas to Maine. Christa continues to work part-time for a nonprofit dental clinic for the uninsured.
• Laurel Prichard (D.D.S. ’08)  is in private practice in Carthage, Missouri.

 2010s

• Benjamin Hechler (D.D.S. ’13)  started his career at Duke University Hospitals in August 2020 with academic appointments in the Department of Surgery (Division of Plastic, Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery), Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Communication Sciences after completing a fellowship in oral/head and neck oncologic surgery at the University of Tennessee. He currently lives in Durham, North Carolina, and he and his wife had their first child, Lewis, in July 2020. A second child, Madelyn, is due in February 2023.
• Neena Patel (D.D.S. ’13)  returned to complete a pediatric residency six years after graduating. Now she is a pediatric dentist at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.
• Bradley Rachow (D.D.S. ’13)  has two children with his wife, Molly.
• Kristen Sander (D.D.S. ’13)  practiced ortho for four years in Kansas City, then moved home to Wichita to buy into Smiles Orthodontics with her partner in 2020. They are building a new office space this year. Outside the office, Kristen is busy with her husband, John, and their three kids: Michael, Henry and Rosalie.
• Jackie Sloop (D.D.S. ’13)  is in private practice in Kansas City.
•  Tiffany Teegarden (D.D.S. ’13) and Jake Anderson (D.D.S. ’14)  in 2017. They have two boys, Chase (2) and Brooks (3.5 months). They purchased a dental practice in 2019 called Careswell + Anderson Dental in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.
• Casey Zook (D.D.S. ’13) is working at an FQHC and is dental director for the western region.
• Sarah Heeter (D.D.S. ’18) is working as an associate in a private practice in Northern Virginia and became a mom in 2020.
• Anna McKee (D.D.S. ’18)  finished her pediatric residency and is working in private practice in Liberty, Missouri. She got married in 2020 and is expecting her first child.
• Panagiota Sandoval (D.D.S. ’18) returned to a pediatric residency.
• Jessica Sliger’s (D.D.S. ’18) second child, Layla, was born during her residency. Jessica graduated in 2020 and became ABPD pediatric board certified in 2022. She has a practice called My Village Pediatric Dentistry.

In Memoriam

• Vance J. Dykhouse (D.D. S. ’66, ORTHO ’70)
• Jack W. Hudspeth (D.D.S. ’55)
• Larry S. Jacobson (D.D.S. ’61)
• Robert E. Morhart (D.D.S ’65, PERIO ’67)
• Jack L. Pierce (D.D.S. ’56)
• (D.D.S. ’66)
• R. Michael Robson (D.D.S. ’81)
• Kenneth F. Stewart (D.D.S. ’54)

Dental Alumni Association Welcomes New Students at The K

The UMKC Dental Alumni Association hosted the incoming dental and dental hygiene classes by taking them out to the ball game. The students, along with participating staff, faculty and alumni, attended the Kansas City Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians game on Wednesday, Sept. 7, at Kauffman Stadium.

Attendees enjoyed a pre-game tailgate with grilled favorites before heading inside to root for the boys in blue. The Royals walked away with a win and the UMKC Dental Alumni association was happy to host this fun annual event once again

Alumni in Houston

UMKC School of Dentistry alumni gathered in Houston, Texas, for an alumni reception. Classmates reminisced and reconnected on Thursday, Oct. 13, during the ADA Annual Meeting, SmileCon. The event had a great turnout, despite being so many miles away from Kansas City.

Alumni in St. Louis

UMKC Chancellor C. Mauli Agrawal joined Dean Steven Haas for an alumni reception on the other side of the state. School of Dentistry alumni gathered Thursday, Oct. 27, during the Mid-Continent Dental Congress in St. Louis, Missouri. Alumni spent the evening sharing fond memories and conversing with the chancellor.

School News

GEHA Solutions Invests $150,000 Into Oral Health Equity Partnership With UMKC

Within the fields of dentistry and dental hygiene, many communities of color are still underrepresented. According to the American Dental Association, fewer than 11% of American dentists come from African American/Black, Hispanic/ Latinx and American Indian/Alaska Native/Pacific Islander backgrounds, even though these groups make up more than 34% of the U.S. population. The lack of representation can affect health outcomes in a number of ways.

Lee’s Summit-based GEHA Solutions has committed to contributing $150,000 in scholarships at UMKC School of Dentistry to create meaningful, sustainable change in the area of oral health equity. The gift includes five $20,000 dental scholarships, five $5,000 dental hygiene scholarships and five $5,000 pre-dental fellowships to prepare rising dental school students for testing and interviews.

“GEHA Solutions and the School of Dentistry share a mutual interest in culturally diversifying the oral health workforce through the dental and dental hygiene programs at UMKC,” said Dean Steven Haas. “GEHA Solutions’ generosity will help alleviate some of our potential and current students’ financial burdens and allow them to better focus on their goals.”

This year’s GEHA Solutions Diversity in Dentistry and Dental Hygiene scholarships were awarded to five dental hygiene students in the Class of 2024 and five dental students in the Class of 2026 at the annual Scholarship Recognition Dinner on Oct. 3.

More Opportunities for Kansas Residents

The number of available out-of-state tuition waivers for Kansas residents attending dental school in Missouri is increasing in an effort to supply a pipeline of new dentists for the state of Kansas. The number of waivers available is now 108, compared to 85 previously. 

Recently, the Kansas Board of Regents, Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education and The University of Missouri System Board of Curators confirmed their ongoing reciprocal agreement that sends Kansas residents to Missouri to study dentistry and optometry, while Missouri residents go to Kansas to study architecture. This latest tuition waiver increase allows nearly 27 Kansas residents to attend UMKC’s dental program with in-state tuition rates each year.

Professor Receives Grant for Cutting-Edge Microscope

Sarah Dallas, Ph.D., doesn’t just look at cells through a microscope. The director of UMKC’s Confocal Microscopy Core uses her high-powered devices to actually watch living cells at work.

Dallas is a University of Missouri Curator’s Distinguished Professor and serves as the Lee M. and William Lefkowitz Endowed Professor in the School of Dentistry’s Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences. She recently received a $600,000 National Institutes of Health shared instrumentation program grant to purchase a new confocal microscope that will provide her an even better view of cell life.

The devices Dallas uses and offers to the entire community of UMKC researchers through the Confocal and Multiphoton Microscopy Core allow her to do time-lapse imaging and watch cells at work.

“I can look in real time at cells in the actual bone tissue to see how they respond to different drugs that are used to treat osteoporosis,” said Dallas, a bone cell biologist.

The new microscope will actually be the third Dallas has purchased through NIH funding. This one, she explained, will replace the first confocal microscope she purchased nearly a decade ago.

Confocul microscopes allow for what’s known as “optical sectioning,” collecting information from only the portions of an image in focus. By taking and combining several images, one can build a high quality, 3D image.

With the aid of the latest microscope, Dallas said she will also be looking at the how the aging process affects cell dynamics, starting from embryonic development of cells and the early stages of bone development. From a dental research standpoint, Dallas said, “I think we could look at how teeth form from scratch.”

Incoming Class Demographics

New Faculty

Karen Davis (B.S.D.H. ’01, M.S. ’19) has rejoined the faculty as a clinical assistant professor in the Division of Dental Hygiene.

Pin-Chuang Lai, D.D.S., Ph.D., has joined the faculty as an associate professor and director of the Advanced Education Prograhe Department of Periodm in tontics. He received his D.D.S. from Tai Pei Medical University and both a Certificate in Periodontics and Ph.D. in Oral Biology from Ohio State University.

Wendy Weimer (D.D.S. ’01, A.E.G.D. ’02) joined the faculty as a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Restorative Clinical Sciences.

Faculty Promotions

Ranked Non-Tenure Track Promotions

• Rebeca Weisleder, D.D.S., promoted to clinical professor
• Eileen Cocjin (D.D.S. ’05) promoted to clinical professor
• Linda Seabaugh (D.D.S. ’88)promoted to associate clinical professor
• Gloria Redford (D.D.S. ’20) promoted to associate clinical professor

Tenure-Eligible Promotions 

• Cynthia Petrie (D.D.S. ’01) promoted to professor
• JoAnna Scott, Ph.D., granted tenure with promotion to associate professor

New Associate Dean Announced

After a national search, the School of Dentistry has announced Lance Godley, D.M.D., as the new associate dean for clinical affairs.

Godley has a doctorate in dental medicine, master’s of education degree and is currently pursuing an MBA. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Dentists.

Godley practiced general dentistry in Naples, Florida, for more than 18 years before joining UMKC in 2015 and beginning his full-time academic career. Since then, he has spent a significant amount of his time teaching and serving as director for several courses. Godley has been involved with the scholarship of teaching and learning, including as a coauthor, publishing papers in the Journal of Dental Education and the European Journal of Dental Education.

He has been married to Candace, a senior credit analyst and vice president at Academy Bank in Kansas City, for 27 years. They have one daughter, Emily, who is attending Purdue University and majoring in computer engineering.

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