Fall 2025

Message from the Dean

As I complete my first few months as dean of the UMKC School of Dentistry, I am inspired by the remarkable individuals who have come through these halls, bringing their values and skills to our patients and community. I’m excited for you to get to know me a little better on Page 6 of this issue. The School of Dentistry has been incredibly supportive, and I have thoroughly enjoyed witnessing the passion and commitment of our faculty and staff as they create the outstanding dentists and hygienists of our future.

Their profound impact on our communities and the field of dentistry resonates with me deeply. They remind me of a personal philosophy I follow based on the words of Maya Angelou — “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

I have challenged my administrative team to prioritize the well-being of our faculty and staff. In turn, they will take care of our students, and our students will take care of our patients. This cycle is fostered by listening intently and treating everyone with respect.

I am grateful for our loyal alumni and impressed by your dedication to the school. The Rinehart Foundation is the heart of our giving community, and I am continually amazed by the scholarships, endowments and support that allow us to thrive. Applying the philosophy I mentioned earlier, the Rinehart Foundation has a lasting impact on how our alumni feel about our school. I have no doubt that you will be by our side as we continue to improve our physical structure with the Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building, as well as planned rural expansion. Learn more about a transformational gift from one of our very own on Page 10.

Our students may need more support as new regulations on government-sponsored loans may change limits and terms. We will need to rely on our alumni more than ever as we strengthen our future with academic and capital projects. This includes UMKC’s recently announced Blue & Bold comprehensive campaign, which will not only help to make our building projects come to life, but will also include support for student scholarships, faculty, research, programming and more. I have great faith that you will step up to support our current and future students and residents. I want them to be able to look back at their dental school journey and fondly reflect on how we as supporters made them feel.

I am deeply grateful and appreciative of your continued support.

Paul Luepke, DDS, M.S., FACD
Dean, UMKC School of Dentistry

Message from the Chair and Honor Roll of Donors

CONSTRUCTION IS WELL UNDERWAY on UMKC’s new Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building, the future home of the School of Dentistry’s pre-doctoral clinics. Ready for occupancy in the 2026–2027 academic year, the new clinic will feature more chairs to treat more patients, a state-of-the-art digital design center and an acute care center for emergency cases and after-hours patients.

But much work remains. I encourage you to join other caring alumni in creating this new future for UMKC School of Dentistry students. With your support, we can build tomorrow, together.

The alumni who give to the Rinehart Foundation remain steadfast in their passion of supporting the next generation of dental professionals. Your generosity resulted in another year of awarding more than $1.5 million in scholarships, faculty/staff development and free dental care for patients.

Lastly, on behalf of the Rinehart Foundation and our board of directors, we extend a very warm welcome to Dean Paul Luepke. We are excited to have him at the helm, guiding both alumni and students to a new future at the School of Dentistry.

It’s a pivotal time in our school’s history, with significant growth and enthusiasm for what lies ahead. Thank you for your continued commitment to the Rinehart Foundation and the UMKC School of Dentistry.

Crystal Walker (DDS ’04, PEDO ’06) Chair, Roy J. Rinehart
Memorial Foundation

Build Tomorrow, Together

For information on giving to the Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building, including naming opportunities for rooms, suites and individual operatories, contact:

Doug Anderson, executive director Dr. Roy J. Rinehart
Memorial Foundation 816-235-2173
douganderson@umkcfoundation.org

To donate, scan this QR code:

Thanks to Our Many Generous Donors

Estate Gifts and Honor Roll of Donors

$100,000–$499,999

Dr. Wesley J. and Ms. Frances Choy
David J. Dung Charitable Gift Fund
GEHA Solutions
William M. & D. Roehling Trust

$50,000–$99,999

KC Orthodontic Support and Research Foundation
Orlando Somers Trust

$25,000–$49,999

Phillip E. Held Irrevocable Trust
Eulalia M. Langford Revocable Living Trust
Dr. E. Eldon Mitchell Trust
Dr. W. Scott Robinson
Dr. Robert E. Truly

$10,000–$24,999

Dr. Dean W. Bassel
Goldman Sachs Gives
Dr. Justin R. Kohorst
Drs. Darren and Sarah Mahaffey
McDavid Dental Educational Trust
Pamela Rae Overmann
Dr. P. Nick and Ms. Christie Rogers
Dr. Rodger L. Suchman
Suchman Giving Fund, Drs. David and Kelly Suchman
Dr. Crystal and Mr. Robin Walker
Dr. Suzanne Watson
Scott J. and Glenn A. Wylie Charitable Foundation
Day Younger Family Fund, Dr. John G. Younger and Mrs. Sharlene Day

$5,000–$9,999

Dr. David A. Casaccio
Mrs. Judith P. Dykhouse
Dr. Jeremy Fry
Dr. Sam E. Hayes
Dr. Paul E. Hund
Dr. Laura J. Huyett
Dr. Shilana A. Kawamoto
Dr. Michael A. and Ms. Elizabeth LeBlanc
Drs. Christopher and Jennifer Lee
Dr. Charles I. Mahaffey
Dr. and Mrs. David L. Mey
Dr. Mark R. and Barbara Medina
Dr. Chuck Fredrick Squire
Dr. Doug Allen Wyckoff

$2,500–$4,999

Drs. Jonathan and Stephanie Copeland
Connie L. Drisko Trust
Dr. Eric Gottman and Dr. Kyong Kong
Drs. J. Reese and Rachael Graue
Estate of William Hebed Love Jr.
Deborah Lee Hock Revocable Trust
Dr. Randall S. and Gail T. Honda
Dr. Kurt Kavanaugh
Dr. Brent L. Kincaid
Mr. Ron Locton
Dr. Richardson L. McGuire
Dr. John M. Roberts
Dr. Grant R. Smith
Dr. Kathryn N. Stanley
Dr. Stephanie M. Warden and William Shackelford IV
Wilson Family Fund, Dr. Donald C. and Mrs. Kimberly L. Wilson
Dr. Bill D. Wright

$1,000-$2,499

Dr. Richard R. Anderson
Dr. Dic Lawrence Anema
Anonymous
Drs. Mark H. and Melodee R. Armfield
Dr. Jason R. Baker
Dr. Daniel Bednarczyk
Dr. David Body
Dr. Tara Boyle
Brockman Family Dentistry, Dr. John Brockman
Dr. E. Joanne Brown
Dr. Zachary L. Brown
Bruening Family Fund, Drs. Andrew and Carissa Bruening
Dr. Mary Hagan Burke and Mr. Michael A. Burke
Dr. Robert C. Burns
Ms. Sherry Burns
Cash Family Charitable Fund, Dr. Jerry and Shara Cash
Dr. Kyle K. Catron
Dr. Megan Ching
Dr. Latedra M. Collins
Commerce Bank
Dr. Tara Lynn Craven
Dr. Dio L. Daily
Dr. Fred W. Distelhorst
Dr. Jerad Divine
Drs. Adam and Hollie Flack
Dr. John E. Franks Jr.
Fry Family Foundation, Dr. Robert W. and Mary Louise Fry
Dr. Milton M. Fujiuchi
Tara Gabriel
Dr. Jolynn Galvin
Kathryn D. Glasscock
Goetze Dental Company, Inc.
Dr. Michael Stephen Harrison Jr.
Dr. Steven L. and Mrs. Leigh A. Hechler
Dr. Scott W. Heriford
Drs. Matthew and Larinda Hlavacek
Honolulu Endodontics, Inc., Dr. Blake Ishikawa
L. Ronald or Dianne J. Ingram Trust
Drs. Jill and Brad Jenkins
Dr. and Mrs. Harry Jett Fund
Kansas Dental Association
Dr. Jeffrey A. Kagihara
Dr. Richard L. Kice
Dr. Jane F. Knapp
Dr. Larry G. Kutina
Dr. Adam Lukens
Mansfield Caritas Fund
Dr. Matt Eugene Mansfield
Dr. Anthony Marengo Jr.
Mr. William A. Marse
Drs. David and Emily Mattingly
Dr. Bob McMillan
Missouri Dental Association
Dr. A. Josh Montgomery
Dr. George R. and Mrs. Andrea P. Myers
Dr. Robert A. Nadeau
Dr. Bryan R. and Elyse Neuwirth
Dr. Nancy L. Newhouse and Dr. Paul McGraw
Dr. Daniel C. Nielson
Dr. Nathan C. Niles
Dr. Crystal A. Obee
Dr. Virgil L. Palmer
Dr. James L. and Ms. Helen Parrott
Dr. Devang Ashokbhai Patel
Dr. Douglas A. Pearson
Dr. Bart W. Putnam
Dr. Suzanne Newell Quigg and Mr. William C. Quigg
Dr. Stephanie A. Robertson-Cameron
Dr. Ed and Mrs. Marie Robison
Dr. Ivan George Smith Jr.
Southeast Dental Society, Inc.
Dr. Joseph P. and Mrs. Elizabeth B. Spalitto
Terra Haute Endodontics, Dr. Zane Lambert
Drs. Daniel J. and Donna Kay Thomas
Thompson Family Foundation, Dr. R. Wayne Thompson
Trident CPA Services, LLC
Dr. Kathleen Tritsch
UMKC Dental Hygienists' Alumni Association
Dr. Asvain Vasanthan
Young Charitable Remainder Trust Fund
Dr. Ralph and Mrs. Lynda Younger

Every effort has been made to accurately list each donor who has supported the UMKC School of Dentistry from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. If you notice an error, we apologize and ask you to call the Office of Alumni and Development at 816-235-2060.

Estate Gifts

THESE DONORS have indicated the UMKC School of Dentistry is in their estate plan. We are grateful for the legacy they are creating.

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

If you’re interested in making a donation through your will or estate plan, or have already done so and wish to join the Rinehart Foundation’s Heritage Society, call 816-235-2173 or email Doug Anderson at douganderson@umkcfoundation.org.

Donor Recognition and New Scholarships

Annual Scholarship Celebration

The UMKC School of Dentistry hosted its annual scholarship celebration Oct. 6 at the UMKC Student Union, bringing together student recipients and generous donors. The event featured lively conversation between donors and students and heartfelt reflections from recipients on how scholarships have impacted their academic and personal journeys.

“We all know dental school comes with significant  financial and personal challenges,” said Kat Harston, School of Dentistry dental student. "But we also recognize these are stepping stones toward becoming the providers our patients deserve. Knowing we have generous donors who believe in our mission and support our success makes the highs brighter and the lows more manageable.”

This year, 408 scholarships were awarded to 210 students, totaling $1,674,715 in support. Once again, the school and the Rinehart Foundation broke their own records in scholarship funding, reinforcing their commitment to student success.

Newly Endowed Scholarships

Class of 1995 Scholarship

The Class of 1995 Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance for DDS students in need. Realizing that the cost of tuition can be a barrier for students, the Class of 1995 created this scholarship to increase access to UMKC’s world-class dental education programs.

Dr. John Hume Memorial Scholarship

Friends and family of the late John Hume (DDS ’75) created this scholarship in his memory. This fund supports the education of dental students who carry a 3.0 GPA and are from southwest Missouri — where Hume was born and raised, and where he practiced general dentistry for more than 42 years

Endowed Class Scholarships

1943a: $19,823.99
1947: $24,645.26
1949: $28,375.39
1950: $22,548.67
1955: $12,353.62
1956: $18,616.18
1957: $34,602.73
1958: $21,221.77
1959: $50,199.74
1960: $48,195.90
1962: $71,549.19
1963: $32,497.54
1964: $38,958.09
1965b: $27,781.32
1965: $76,862.82
1966: $54,382.65
1967: $93,725.36
1968: $93,698.02
1969: $49,312.42
1970: $173,373.59
1971: $12,089.75
1972: $97,145.07
1973: $73,566.07
1974: $25,144.54
1975: $25,006.25
1976: $46,252.02
1977: $95,954.24
1978: $23,845.19
1979: $60,018.10
1980: $34,544.30
1981: $48,365.92
1982: $24,479.17
1983: $47,755.97
1984: $68,976.19
1985: $45,931.70
1986: $44,781.28
1987c: $105,670.70
1988: $31,458.06
1991: $19,904.84
1992: $31,935.76
1994: $20,671.68
1995: $17,022.28
1996: $17,963.05
2000: $31,214.40
2002d: $16,270.37
2005: $20,203.67
2008e: $17,081.76
2014f: $39,139.13

a-Sept Scholarship
b-Dr. David L. Moore Award
c-Dr. Daniel Cruz Memorial Scholarship
d-Heidi Garren Everley Scholarship
 e-Dr. Jeffery A. Higgins Scholarship
f,J,i- Blanchfield Scholarship
g-Melodee R. Armfield Memorial Scholarship

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: $6,575.00
1987: $9,900.00
1989: $3,500.00
1990: $1,100.00
1993: $6,050.00
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: $8,200.00
2009: $1,700.00
2010: $300.00
2012: $3,921.57
2017: $3,549.36

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

‘Dean in Learning’

New dean brings passion for supporting people

By Bryce Puntenney

A few weeks prior to starting his new job as dean of the UMKC School of Dentistry in June, Paul Luepke sent faculty and staff a survey asking what they enjoyed about the school and in which areas they have concerns. His favorite question on the survey? “If you were dean for a day, what would you do?”

That question — and the survey itself — illustrate just how passionate Luepke, DDS, M.S., FACD, is about connecting with people.

“My first key takeaway was I want to be an intentional listener, really find out about people and keep a learning mindset,” Luepke said. “I almost want to wear a badge that says, ‘Dean in Learning.’”

Walkabout Leadership

A key aspect of Luepke’s leadership style is being available — walking the building, clinics, research labs and office spaces, being visible to ensure the faculty, staff and students all have a voice before issues while the stakes are low,” he said of his “walkabout leadership” style.

He strolls the halls as much as he can, at least one lap in the morning and another in the afternoon. He hopes the scrubs he wears make him more approachable.

“When I say, ‘Good morning, how are you doing?’ — that’s their opportunity to ask me a question,” Luepke said. “The first couple of months, I worked really hard to be seen and available to everyone because it’s my way of creating a relationship and building trust.”

One morning, about two months into his deanship, Luepke strolled through the halls asking at least 50 people how they were doing. During the walk, he was met with responses like “Hi, Dean Luepke!” and “Doing good, Dr. Luepke!” up and down the halls.

Stopping by the oral surgery department, he noticed a dozen students

Luepke’s leadership style focuses on being visible and available to students, faculty and staff.

surrounding an operatory and said, “Must be something cool going on here.” The group excitedly told him they were learning how to administer nitrous to a patient.

 Luepke’s swing by student programs gave him the chance to ask a staff member if their leg was okay, as Luepke had noticed they were limping the day before.

Luepke intends to implement a bottom-up leadership style. His goal? Togetherness. The school’s best chance for success happens when everyone works together, he said.

He considers himself a “servant leader,” an approach that puts the well-being of others at the forefront. One guiding principle Luepke has taken from his studies is “leaders eat last,” making sure everybody else has what they need to be successful first.

“I’m doing everything I can to listen and give value and respect to all our faculty and staff,” Luepke said. “I hope that it will translate into them passing the same mindset to our students and patients.”

New Building, New Opportunities

Luepke is excited to be at the helm as the future home of the school’s dental clinics, the Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building (HDIB), takes shape. True to his leadership style, he’s ensuring all voices are heard in the process, including those of brand-new students and faculty. Reaching out for feedback from first-year students is something he learned while visiting Fort Riley in his current position. The military base in Kansas utilizes “incubators,” where they get feedback from the youngest soldiers. These soldiers don’t have strong biases yet, and their open-mindedness often allows them to think more outside the box.

“We want to ask first-years where they think dentistry is going and give them an opportunity to share their thoughts,” Luepke said. “Sometimes the best ideas come from someone without preconceived notions.”

This past summer, Luepke was a featured speaker at a retreat for third-year, advanced perio residents at the University of Texas Health San Antonio School of Dentistry. That dental school recently moved into a new building, so Luepke stayed an extra day to take a tour, learn about what some of their relocation obstacles were and go over their

“If you make people feel valued, like part of a family, people remember that. And they work with more intention.”

— UMKC School of Dentistry Dean Paul Luepke, DDS, M.S., FACD

 

moving process . San Antonio is a familiar place for Luepke, as he received his master’s degree in periodontics there.

The HDIB gives the school a fresh start in terms of technology, Luepke said, and he hopes to capitalize on that. For example, digital dentistry is moving at an accelerated pace, so plans are staying flexible to allow for adding new developments that may be available in the next year or two.

“The more we can expose our students to the latest technological innovations,” Luepke said, “the better they will be at making decisions for their patients.”

Career Steps

Innovation is what drew Luepke to his specialty in periodontics in the first place. While in dental school at the University of Illinois Chicago, he thought it was the last specialty for him. At that time, he disliked the field’s focus on extractions and tissue removal. But several years into a dental career in the Navy, where he practiced right after graduation, he had the opportunity to work with a periodontist. He recognized a shift in the field to a more regenerative approach of creating instead of taking away, and decided to get a master’s degree in periodontics.

“You could replace teeth with implants, and for patients who lost bone, you could create new bony ridges,” Luepke said. “The quality of life for patients was going to be so much better with this newer direction.”

Luepke has held higher education leadership positions in periodontics, first at Marquette University and most recently at University of Tennessee. He also serves as president and director of the American Board of Periodontology.

“That’s probably my biggest honor, being on the forefront of making the next class of board-certified periodontists,” Luepke said. “I take that very seriously, and it’s very rewarding for me.”

According to Luepke, his walkabout leadership approach began in the Navy, where he oversaw 100 clinicians and 250 staff.

“If you make people feel valued, like part of a family, people remember that. And they work with more intention.”

His time in the military also helps him stay levelheaded. In addition to being the periodontist on staff, Luepke served as a triage officer, rapidly assessing injuries and assigning patients based on the likelihood of their survival. The patients could be fellow soldiers, enemy combatants or civilians as young as 2 or 3 years old.

“You are exposed to a lot of severe scenarios that require quick decisions,” Luepke said. “You just have to stay totally level, otherwise everybody around you will get freaked out.”

When Luepke retired from the military as a captain in 2008, he thought he might go into private practice. His wife, Judi, who is a science educator, said to him, “You enjoy teaching, you have done a lot of it in your military career, why don’t think about that for your future?”

His post-military career began at Marquette in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as the chair of the Department of Surgical Sciences. Luepke and Judi put down roots in the Milwaukee area, where they still have a house near Lake Geneva — the gathering spot for family. They share fraternal triplets — sons, David and John, and daughter, Mari. They also have three grandchildren.

At those family gatherings near the lake, Luepke can be found with an apron and a spatula, participating in one of his favorite hobbies — barbecue. His new city is treating him well in that department. He’s on a mission to try as many Kansas City barbecue restaurants as possible. Typical of a periodontist, he’s taking a scientific approach to decide his favorite.

“I’m trying to do burnt ends and turkey at each place to make a complete comparison,” Luepke said. “Those two are my barometer of satisfaction.”

Now, as he breaks in another pair of walking shoes for this next lap in his 16-year career in higher education, he appreciates the lasting impact he’ll have on the profession.

“I realized early on that I could create significantly more change in dentistry as an educator,” Luepke said. “Not just advocate for patients, but teach those that will see patients — and you extend your impact on the field exponentially.”

Alumnus Gives Back to School That Gave Him So Much

Daniel Brunner champions new building with major gift

By BRYCE PUNTENNEY

When he heard last year about the first major dental alumni gift to the new UMKC Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building (HDIB), alumnus Daniel Brunner was inspired. That first gift, donated by the Suchsland family, sparked something in him — a desire to be involved and make his own donation. It’s a trend UMKC hopes will continue.

“We hope other alumni join the cause in supporting the construction of the dental school’s first new building in more than 50 years,” said Doug Anderson, the school’s senior development director and executive director of the Roy J. Rinehart Memorial Foundation.

Brunner, (DDS ’96), M.D., an oral surgeon who practices in the Atlanta area, was fascinated by the possibilities when he heard about the building, which will be the new home for the school’s dental clinics.

“We’ve had the privilege to work with other charities and organizations to help get buildings built; so this was in our wheelhouse of what we love doing,” he said.

Brunner’s gift of $250,000 to the HDIB will help ensure faculty, students and patients will benefit from high-tech emergency care, a passion of his.

“I’m really proud to watch our alumni step up and generously support the project,” said Paul Luepke, DDS, dean of the School of Dentistry. “They’re helping to develop a transformational experience for our students and patients.”

The acute care clinic inside the HDIB will bear Brunner’s family name, an idea he finds humbling.

“There’s not a lot that you can invest in and 60 years from now, 80 years from now, it’s still going to be there and it’s still going to be helping people,” Brunner said. “There’s a real sense of pride in knowing that I’m supporting a clinic that’s going to be outstanding in a building of excellence.”

Path Through Dentistry
Brunner’s gift is a symbol of his gratitude for all that the UMKC School of Dentistry has provided him.

“Dental school totally shaped and changed my life,” Brunner said. “It sent me on a trajectory that was beyond what I ever could have imagined.”

Before Brunner decided on dentistry, he planned to major in business in his home state of California. In a twist of fate, he met his future wife, Melissa,  whose brother, Paul Mabe (DDS ’91), sold him on dentistry with a tour of the dental office Mabe worked in after graduating.

“It was a very modern practice for the time,” Brunner said. “I love technology, and I was like, ‘Wow, this office is unbelievable. My dentist didn’t have anything like this.’”

Melissa also has an affinity for the Roos, having attended some law school at UMKC. Though she completed her degree in Los Angeles, she recalls her time at UMKC as “an amazing experience.”

In conjunction with his oral and maxillofacial residency at the University of Southern California, Brunner also earned his M.D. In 2003, he established his current practice, Brunner BioHealth Oral Surgery, in Marietta, Georgia.

Inspired to Give Back
Brunner and his wife have both had successful careers and feel called to pay it forward. The couple is grateful for what dentistry and law have provided their family.

“There is a parable in the Bible that talks about how people are given great talents, which meant wealth,” Brunner said. “They were expected to return with gold or whatever currency of the time. So that’s our feeling. We need to give back, whether it’s internationally or locally.”

Soon after residency, Brunner participated in his first church mission trip to the Dominican Republic. That experience taught, inspired him to found Impact Health International, a nonprofit organization that provides dental education and services to developing nations. Brunner said the organization has provided $2.5 million in dental services since its inception in 2007. The missions have been a family affair, with the Brunners’ three children joining their parents over the years. Melissa managed the administrative side of the orga-nization, while the kids learned the importance of giving back.

“I think they will tell you those experiences profoundly affect them to this day,” Brunner said. "They were able to see the world in a different way, appreciate what they have and instill a charitable spirit in them to give back in ways that they are able.”

Excellence in Acute Care
While in dental school at UMKC, Brunner spent much of his time in the Oral Surgery Department. That’s why it’s so important to him to support the new acute care clinic.

"If the acute care clinic was there when I was a student, I would probably have spent my evenings, weekends (there), as much time as I possibly could," Brunner said.

He really liked the immediate positive impact oral surgery treatment provided patients.

“There's a real sense of pride in  knowing that I'm supporting a clinic that's going to be outstanding in a building of excellence.”

— DANIEL BRUNNER (DDS ’96), M.D.

“During my residency, I would get to treat trauma cases — broken jaws, broken faces — and I liked the immediacy of putting them back together again,” Brunner said. “A patient comes in with an infection, you take out the bad tooth and treat the infection, immediate relief. You can get people out of pain right away, so I really liked that aspect.”

Eric Gottman, DDS, interim associate dean for clinical programs, said the new clinic will be an emergency area with endodontics and oral surgery in the same place. Those areas are located on different floors in the current building.

Gottman is also excited about students’ access to technology in the new clinic, which will include a cone beam CT for 3D scans. In endodontics, for example, the device will create detailed images of fractures and complex root anatomy not easily seen in conventional radiographs. The CT will also aid in oral surgeries such as third molar removal and implant placement.

The acute care clinic will have its own entrance so it can stay open evenings and weekends. This extended service will benefit patients seeking emergency dental care after hours, and it will also provide some relief for emergency rooms in the area. According to Gottman, each year, more than 2 million people with dental pain in the U.S. go to the ER to seek care.

“These patients don’t receive the treatment they need,” Gottman said. “They’re typically evaluated and given antibiotics and pain medication, so the problem doesn’t get solved. The acute care clinic will alleviate some of those pressures on ER departments, while being able to perform the treatment the patient needs.”

Beyond the acute care clinic, UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal sees the five-story, 160,000-square-foot building as a catalyst for growth in the UMKC Health Sciences District. Agrawal envisions the district becoming a major regional academic medical center in the Kansas City region.

Grateful to Give Back
Anderson, the school’s development director, knows the support from alumni of the School of Dentistry is critical to making the chancellor’s vision a reality.

Anderson and the Rinehart Foundation are honored to have the support of Brunner and his family, as well as the Suchmans before them.

These alumni are making an impact that will resonate for years to come. “The School of Dentistry’s new building will be a beacon of innovative dental education, unlocking new learning opportunities for future generations of dentists and dental hygienists,” Anderson said.

For Brunner, giving back makes sense at this point in his career. He’s not working to build or grow his practice, and his kids will graduate from college soon.

“I think it’s imperative that all of us alumni give back in some way,” Brunner said. “Whether it’s with time or a little bit of money, give back because you received so much from the school. Who knows, I may even talk to Dean Luepke about becoming volunteer faculty at the clinic.”

This stage of Brunners' life has them thinking a lot about legacy — what their parents handed down to them, and what they worthwhile impact, and he’s proud to know his legacy will be forever tied to his alma mater.

“The school has always been great, but it’s in an amazing moment right now,” Brunner said. “A new dean, a new building. It’s poised to accelerate like a rocket in the dental world.”

Your Name Here

BE A PART OF UMKC HISTORY
Donate $25,000 to sponsor an operatory in the new Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building. Your name and personalized message will be displayed for years to come, and your contribution will help a new generation of UMKC dental and dental hygiene students.

Contact Doug Anderson at 816-235-2173 or

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CHOOSE BLUE. CHOOSE BOLD.
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Alumni News

Class Notes

Classes of the 1960s

Mike Bird (DDS ’66) is still working part-time. He sold his practice in 2023 and is teaching hygiene part-time at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry.

Classes of the 1970s

Meyler Gibbs (DDS ’76) retired in February 2025, sold the practice in April 2025 and also moved to Olathe from Washington, Kansas.

Lester Joern Jr. (DDS ’76) is partially retired and has sold his practice and building. He’s currently enjoying serving on committees on the University of Missouri campus and enjoying water skiing at the lake house.

Randy Reed (DDS ’71) retired in 2010 and is currently golfing three times a week. He’s been married 55 years to his lovely wife, Kay, who was actually one of his patients in dental school.

Jerry Theilen (DDS ’76) retired in 2014. He and his wife, Judy, celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary recently, and they travel around the world regularly. They still live in their country home (48 years later) that keeps them outdoors and active.

James B. Theilen (DDS ’76) is currently enjoying retirement by traveling the world, spending time with family, watching grandchildren grow up and keeping busy with farm life.

Classes of the 1980s

John Gambill (DDS ’81) retired in 2018.

Don Gossett (DDS ’81) is retired. His current interests include family, church and grandkids.

Michelle Petersen (DDS ’81) is enjoying being a grandmother. Her oldest son and his wife welcomed a baby girl named Sophia on Sept. 22, 2023. Petersen says Sophia is a beautiful bundle of joy and she can’t wait to spoil her more when she retires next year.

Dennis Schulze (DDS ’86) is currently looking for a UMKC grad to buy his practice. He says 40 years is long enough! Schulze says he had a great time, but now it is time for grandkids!

Paul Scruggs (DDS ’81) retired from private practice in prosthodontics in 2023.

Randy Sollenberger (DDS ’81) retired in 2020. He’s been traveling a lot with his wife, Paula. They have two sons and three grandchildren, all in Colorado.

John W. Tabash (DDS ’81) relocated to Michigan in 2025 to be closer to children and grandchildren.

Rebecca (Becky) Durst Twietmeyer (DDS ’81) retired in September 2024.

Tom Walther (DDS ’81) retired in July 2024.

Classes of the 1990s

Matt Cline (DDS ’96) shared that his wife, Stacy Moeller Cline, passed away on March 9, 2025.

David Dibert (DDS ’91) retired from private practice after 33 years of clinical dentistry and his wife, Carol, retired as a physician in 2023. Both are enjoying travel, the lake and grandkids.

Rick Winburn (DDS ’91) sold his practice in Overland Park and retired from dentistry in May 2023. In October 2023, he purchased a wholesale tile distributorship close to home in Overland Park. He is still in the porcelain business, but just on a much larger scale!

In Memoriam

Melodee R. Armfield (DDS ’87)
Jack B. Austerman (DDS ’54, ORTHO ’61)
Dean W. Baesel (DDS ’78)
Roger K. Bright (DDS ’64)
Vicki S. Carpenter (BSDH ’76)
Lisa R. Catlett (BSDH ’98)
Ronald B. Claiborne (DDS ’87)
Darrell Drissell (DDS ’85)
Michael A. Fikes (DDS ’73)
John M. Gorton (DDS ’66)
Donald L. Hawley (DDS ’64)
Allen C. Keenan (DDS ’63)
Gary D. Lohr (DDS ’83)
James Norman Marker (DDS ’76)
Arthur Vernon McAuley (DDS ’75)
Clyde William Payne (DDS ’60)
Brandon Rogers Prusa (DDS ’10)
Calvin D. Replogle (DDS ’65)
Morton Schreiber (DDS ’67)
Robert L. Toth (DDS ’67)

Upcoming Alumni Events

Midwest Dental Conference and Alumni Class Reunions
Thursday–Sunday, April 23–26, 2026

Rinehart and Dental Alumni Board meetings
Thursday, April 23, 2026

Pouring from the Heart
Thursday, April 23, 2026

Alumni Scholarship Golf Tournament
Friday, May 29, 2026

For more information about alumni events and news, visit dentistry.umkc.edu/alumni.

Fall Crawl with Paul

THE FALL SEASON gave alumni plenty of chances to catch up with each other, get the latest on school happenings and meet Dean Paul Luepke.

Dean Luepke put in some miles to connect with alumni across the region. He started with an alumni social in St. Louis, Missouri, on Sept. 25, held alongside the Mid-Continent Dental Congress. On Oct. 9, the dean joined a gathering at the Metropolitan Grill in Springfield, Missouri, where many alumni turned out to warmly welcome him to his new position. Later in the month, Luepke joined the Oct. 23 alumni social at the ADA SmileCon in Washington, D.C. He was already quite familiar with SmileCon, but this time, Luepke experienced it as a proud UMKC Roo. The final stop on Luepke’s “fall tour” was Wichita, Kansas, for an event with alumni at River City Brewery on Nov. 6.

The school would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out and made these events memorable for Dean Luepke. If you haven’t had the chance to meet him, you’ll get another chance at the upcoming Midwest Dental Conference.

Root, Root, Root for the Home Team

THE UMKC DENTAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION welcomed first-year dental and dental hygiene students to Kansas City by sharing a classic tradition with them — a night out at the ballpark. On Sept. 2, students enjoyed a pregame tailgate in the Kauffman Stadium parking lot before watching the Kansas City Royals host the Los Angeles Angels. The Royals lost the game, but the students never lost their spirit.

26th Annual Dental Alumni Scholarship Golf Tournament

ALUMNI AND FRIENDS hit the links at Drumm Farm Golf Club in Independence, Missouri, on Friday, May 30, for the annual Dental Alumni Scholarship Golf Tournament. Golfers enjoyed a barbecue lunch and a putting contest before teeing off at 1 p.m.

Along with some ideal weather, golfers were treated to a surprise visit from the new dean, Paul Luepke. A few days before his official start date, Dean Luepke took a break from unpacking to attend the event and thank golfers and sponsors for participating.

Since its inception, the alumni golf tournament has raised more than $300,000 in individual scholarships for dental and dental hygiene students at the UMKC School of Dentistry. The school would like to thank the steering committee, led by chair Joe Spalitto (DDS ’72), for its hard work organizing another successful event.

CONNECTING THROUGH CONTINUING EDUCATION

The UMKC School of Dentistry invites you to earn your continuing education credits with us! We are updating our website with the newest courses available and will be releasing our 2026 CE courses soon. Bookmark our site for available courses and updates: go.umkc.edu/SODCE

School News

New Faculty

Anna Cameron (DDS ’95) received her dental degree from UMKC and recently completed a general practice residency at University Health Lakewood Medical Center in Kansas City. Over the past three decades, she has practiced in private, public health and academic settings, including leading her own practice and serving as acting dental medical director at University Health. Cameron has supervised dental residents, managed clinical operations and maintained a strong focus on restorative and cosmetic dentistry, including certification in Botox and Invisalign.

Katherine Dumbell (DDS ’19) is a general dentist with a strong foundation in public health and community-based care. They earned a DDS from UMKC and are currently completing a master’s degree in public health with a dental emphasis. Dumbell has served in a range of clinical and academic roles, including as interim dental manager at Katy Trail Community Health and as adjunct faculty for both ATSU and UMKC. Their practice and teaching experience spans restorative dentistry, pediatric care and medically complex patient management, with a deep commitment to health equity, trauma-informed care and interprofessional collaboration. They remain actively engaged in public health advocacy and professional organizations.

Josephine Itakpe, BDS, MSc, MSE, is a specialist in temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain, having completed her certificate at the University at Buffalo. She holds degrees in dental surgery (University of Benin), pharmacology (University of Port Harcourt), and oral science (University of Iowa), and is currently completing her Ph.D. in pharmacology. Itakpe has extensive experience in clinical care, teaching and research, with a particular focus on underserved populations and innovative pain management therapies. Her clinical expertise spans orofacial pain, dental sleep medicine and pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment modalities. She has taught pharmacology and dental materials at both undergraduate and graduate levels and has been involved in research on biomaterials and pain therapeutics.

Yasmine Hassan, BDS (AEGD ’25), earned her degree from the University of Khartoum and recently completed an AEGD residency at UMKC. During her residency, she further developed her clinical expertise in restorative dentistry, digital workflows and interdisciplinary care. She previously served as a teaching assistant and house officer at the University of Khartoum and has also practiced in both private and hospital settings. Hassan brings with her strong instructional skills, a commitment to underserved communities and a passion for mentoring students.

David Platt (DDS ’93) earned his dental degree from UMKC, and brings more than 30 years of clinical experience, including 20 years as the owner of Gladstone Family Dental Group. A U.S. Navy veteran, he completed a general practice residency at Great Lakes Naval Hospital and oversaw clinic operations in Okinawa, Japan. Platt has a strong background in general dentistry, practice management and patient-centered care.

New Residents

ON JULY 1, the School of Dentistry welcomed nine new residents to four advanced education residency programs.

Advanced Education in Endodontics
Anthony Jimenez, DDS – UMKC
Brandon Taylor, DDS – University of California, Los Angeles

Advanced Education in Orthodontics
Austin Collazo, DDS – University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Laura Ruiz, DDS – University of Nebraska Medical Center
Scott Wilson, DDS – UMKC

Advanced Education in Periodontics
Val Estrella, DMD – Midwestern University-Downers Grove
Abbey Nunnery, DDS – UMKC

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Lex Azuma, DMD – University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Jacob Weber, DMD – Midwestern University-Downers Grove*

From UMKC to Harvard: Alumnus Researcher on UMKC R1 Milestone

THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI–KANSAS CITY reached a historic milestone in 2025, becoming Kansas City’s first and only Carnegie Research 1 institution, a prestigious designation that reflects years of dedication to research, innovation and community collaboration.

At the School of Dentistry, Dean Paul Luepke highlighted how this achievement will elevate patient care and academic excellence.

“Dental schools need to be the epicenter of curiosity,” said Luepke. “Research advances the field and drives innovation in treatments, materials and technology that benefit our patients.”

This R1 designation will strengthen the university’s reputation and attract top-tier faculty and students.

Only 187 universities out of more than 2,800 four-year institutions, about 6%, are R1, according to a Carnegie news release.

For William Giannobile (DDS ’91), dean of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, the news came as no surprise.

“It was only a matter of time before UMKC got R1 status,” Giannobile said. “I’m so excited to see my alma mater reach this height, and UMKC can only grow from here.”

Giannobile credits the start of his own research career to three UMKC School of Dentistry faculty members: Professor Emeritus Charles Cobb, J. David Eick and George Revere. These mentors urged him to combine his DDS program with a master’s in oral biology to explore his research interest in periodontology. A year later, they encouraged him to apply for a summer fellowship at the National Institute of Dental Research, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The experience laid the foundation for his thesis work on the diagnostics of periodontal disease.

After graduating from UMKC, Giannobile joined the NIH-supported Dentist Scientist Program, receiving five years of fellowship funding to pursue specialty training in periodontics and doctoral studies in oral molecular biology. He earned a Ph.D. in molecular biology and a certificate in periodontology from Harvard. In addition to his work at Harvard as dean, Giannobile is an American Dental Association Norton Ross Award for Excellence in Clinical Research recipient and has maintained an NIH-funded research program for the past 30 years, focusing on oral and periodontal regenerative medicine, tissue engineering and precision medicine.

“My academic research career was born at UMKC,” Giannobile said. “The mentorship and opportunities I received set me on a path I continue to follow today. I wouldn’t be where I am without their amazing support and encouragement. I still stay in close contact with my mentors, especially Charlie Cobb. He is the kind of mentor who continually inspires you and is a mentor for life.”

Giannobile is excited for the future of his alma mater.

“Achieving R1 status is a game changer for not only UMKC, but for Kansas City as a whole,” Giannobile said. “R1 universities are magnets for the best and brightest people from all around the world. This designation will attract student talent that can truly advance the biomedical research enterprise, including dentistry, and have a great economic impact on the Kansas City region.”

Legacy Students

FACULTY AND STAFF at the School of Dentistry are proud of the many families who have had multiple generations begin their dental careers at UMKC. These families are a part of our school’s rich history — with roots dating back to 1881 — and have greatly contributed to our success. Here are the legacy students in the DDS Class of 2029.

Kathleen Adriano
Adrian Mohn (DDS ’04), Aunt
Peter Mohn (DDS ’05), Uncle

Chamberlain Brownsberger
Gregory Brownsberger (DDS ’90), Father
Chad Brownsberger (DDS ’15), Brother

Katie Ching
Megan Ching (DDS ’22), Sister

Jake Closser
Spencer Kemmer (DDS ’94), Uncle
Jeffrey Scheperle (DDS ’96), Uncle

Madeline Fuchs
Emily Fuchs (DDS ’27), Sister

Sana Gaballah
Tasneem Gaballah (DDS ’26), Sister

Brayden Housh
James Bourland (DDS ’78), Grandfather

Megan Khong
John M. Le (DDS ’97), Uncle

Noah Kurlbaum
Gene Sigler (DDS ’63), Uncle; Suyler Kurlbaum (DDS ’17), Brother; Rick Marlinski (DDS ’85), Cousin; Ian Kuklenski (DDS ’17), Cousin; Sally Kuklenski (BSDH ’71), Aunt; Rachel Loggan (DDS ’19), Sister-in-Law; Nicole McClure Kurlbaum (DDS ’22), Sister-in-Law

Isabell Mayuga
Eric Mayuga (DDS ’95), Father
Aime Broyles (DDS ’95), Mother

Katherine Mazzanti
George Muehlebach (ORTHO ’59), Uncle
Kurt Muehlebach (DDS ’90, ORTHO ’92), Cousin

Payton Miller
Lance Miller (DDS ’91), Father

Kaden Moore
Casey Moore (DDS ’01), Father

Shreya Patel
Naiya Patel (DDS ’23), Cousin
Anisha Patel (DDS ’15), Cousin

Nathan Ponnuru
Jasbeer Singh (DDS ’80), Grandfather

Emily Samples
James Samples (DDS ’71), Grandfather
Stuart Samples (DDS ’05), Father
Kyle Samples (DDS ’11), Uncle

Victoria Unnerstall
Christopher G’Sell (DDS ’13), Cousin

Braden White
Dan Rathgeber (DDS ’76), Uncle

Students Enjoy Updated Study Commons

THE THIRD-FLOOR STUDY COMMONS inside the School of Dentistry received a much-welcome renovation over the summer. The area now has updated chairs, couches, private study booths and collaboration areas for students to relax and study, all thanks to a generous donation from the Rinehart Foundation.

Rinehart Foundation Hosts New Student BBQ

THE INCOMING DENTAL and dental hygiene classes were treated to a catered lunch of Kansas City barbecue thanks to the Rinehart Foundation. At the luncheon on Sept. 4, Rinehart Chair Crystal Walker (DDS ’04, PEDO ’06) introduced herself to the new students, sharing some of her dental school experiences and explaining all the ways the Rinehart Foundation supports current students. Students in attendance also received a fleece jacket as a welcome gift.

Incoming Class Demographics

Students show off their class T-shirts outside the School of Dentistry.

Welcoming New Additions to the Family

THE UMKC SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY welcomed the Dental Class of 2029 and Dental Hygiene Class of 2027 during Orientation from Aug. 20 to 22.

Designed to help start the students’ first year off smoothly, events included computer checks, composite photos, locker move-in and prep work. There were also a variety of activities to help the classes get to know one another and opportunities to meet administrators. Presentations covered student success, school culture and the important legacy of the dental school’s alumni associations.

To keep things fun, and cool, the Missouri Dental Association and Greater Kansas City Dental Society sponsored the One More Scoop ice cream truck. Another highlight of this year’s Orientation was an interactive scavenger hunt around Kansas City called “Roos on the Loose,” designed to help the new dental and dental hygiene students get to know Kansas City and work together as teams to compete for prizes.

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

Transitioning into the Profession

THE DENTAL CLASS OF 2027 and dental hygiene Class of 2026 were welcomed into the clinical phase of their education during the annual Transitioning into the Profession ceremony at Unity Temple in Kansas City on Friday, June 6.

Eric Gottman (DDS ’01, PROSTH ’04), interim associate dean for clinical programs, served as master of ceremonies. Dean Paul Luepke welcomed and shared remarks with the more than 1,200 in attendance.

“Place your hands in front of you and look at (them),” Luepke told the dental and dental hygiene students. “These are the hands that are going to heal and transform our patients’ lives. Take care of these hands. Also, you will have many instruments in dentistry and hygiene to choose from. However, the most important instrument is your mind. Keep it sharp, keep learning and always make decisions that will be the most professional and with the highest integrity.”

Each class chose faculty members to provide keynotes. Andrea Tresner, RDH, MSDH, assistant clinical professor of dental hygiene, was chosen by the dental hygiene class and Luke Wezeman, DDS, assistant clinical professor and vice chair of the Department of Restorative Clinical Sciences, was chosen by the dental class.

After the remarks, each class read its respective code of ethics in unison and members signed their names and received their white coats (dental students) and scrub jackets (dental hygiene students).

Registration Opens in December
midwestdentalconference.org