Summer 2025

Message from the Dean

THE END OF the Spring Semester is always a time to reflect — watching our graduating class step into the "real world" while we prepare to welcome the next generation of learners. It’s truly a reminder of how swiftly time passes! The Spring Semester was a dynamic and exciting one at the School of Dentistry.

It is incredibly special to witness our newest graduates take that final step — armed with years of education, clinical expertise and an unwavering determination to succeed. I especially cherish moments like the School of Dentistry Professional Recognition Ceremony (Page 21), where we watch the graduating dental Students receive their hoods, often presented by family members or alumni like you. Dental hygiene graduates are given their class pins, symbolizing the completion of their program and welcoming them to the profession. Events such as these serve as a reminder of all of our students’ hard work.

It was a pleasure to meet with so many of you at the Midwest Dental Conference this past April (Pages 2-7). More than 2,500 attendees gathered in Kansas City for a weekend filled with continuing education, celebrations and moments of reconnection. Among the many highlights was the Gratitude Luncheon, where we had the opportunity to thank our generous supporters who make the work we do possible. The Pouring from the Heart gala exceeded expectations, raising more than $110,000 for student clinic vouchers that provide vital care to our patients (Pages 6-7).

Among our students pursuing their degrees, you may be surprised by how many are twins! Whether sharing study sessions, clinical experience or future goals, these siblings bring a special dynamic to their dental school journey. Meet a few of these pairs on Page 8. I am happy to announce Paul Luepke, DDS, M.S., FACD, as the School of Dentistry's new dean (Page 17). Dr. Luepke’s first day was June 1. He had previously been at the University of

Tennessee Health Science Center’s College of Dentistry, serving as its associate dean of faculty affairs, interim dean for clinical and extramural affairs and chair of periodontology. He also served as diplomate, director and president of the American Board of Periodontology, in addition to serving on the board of the Commission on Dental Accreditation. He is a veteran, retiring from the U.S. Navy as a captain in 2008 after 21 years of service. I am confident you all are in great hands with Dr. Luepke, and I am truly fortunate to have been part of this remarkable institution.

I’d like to express my deep gratitude for your continued support of our school, its students and its mission. A heartfelt thank you to our faculty and staff, as well. Without their dedication and hard work, none of our achievements would be possible.

Sincerely,

Russell B. Melchert, Ph.D.
Interim Dean, UMKC School of Dentistry

Midwest Dental Conference

THE UMKC SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY’S Dental and Dental Hygienists’ Alumni Associations welcomed more than 2,500 alumni and friends back to Kansas City, Missouri, for the 2025 Midwest Dental Conference at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel in Crown Center. Attendees enjoyed four full days of education, networking, reminiscing and fun.

 

Reuniting to Celebrate Milestones

MDC ORGANIZERS OFTEN HEAR from School of Dentistry alumni that the milestone class reunions are what they look forward to the most. Many reunion classes celebrated their dental school journey together once again — through lunches, dinners downtown or casual get-togethers at the Sheraton. Milestone reunions from five to 60 years were recognized.

Celebrating Our Greatest Champions

 THE GRATITUDE LUNCHEON, held Saturday, April 5, provided an opportunity to celebrate and honor the alumni and donors of the UMKC School of Dentistry. Michael LeBlanc (DDS ’03, PEDO ’05), president of the Dental Alumni Association, recognized four classes celebrating special milestone reunions: the Class of 1965 (celebrating 60 years), the Class of 1975 (celebrating 50 years), the Class of 1985 (celebrating 40 years) and the Class of 2000 (celebrating 25 years). Many members of the Class of 1965 attended, sharing their gratitude for the profession and the School of Dentistry. In addition to the reunion classes, several alumni awards were recognized:

• Chloe Stuck (DDS ’17) — Young Alumna of the Year
• Jessica Meeske (DDS ’96) — Alumni Achievement Award
• Charles L. Mahaffey (DDS ’72), Darren Mahaffey (DDS ’05), Sarah Mahaffey (DDS ’05) and Samantha Mahaffey (DDS ’22)

— UMKC Legacy Family Award

The Rinehart Foundation, the independent nonprofit organization that raises money solely for the UMKC School of Dentistry, also recognized some special donors. Crystal Walker (DDS ’04, PEDO ’06), chair of the Rinehart Foundation, led the donor honors. Those who have made substantial gifts to the Rinehart Foundation — lifetime giving of $10,000+, $25,000+, $50,000+ and $100,000+ — were recognized.

Philanthropy Medallions ($10,000+)

Dr. Jane F. Knapp
Dr. Sarah L. Mahaffey
Dr. Kelly Rodgers Suchman
UMKC Dental Class of 1994 
UMKC Dental Class of 1995            
UMKC Dental Class of 2002            
UMKC Dental Class of 2005            

Benefactor Pins

$25,000–$49,999
Dr. Bryan R. Neuwirth
Dr. Ralph Younger

$50,000–$99,999
Dr. Pamela R. Overman
Dr. James L. Parrott
Dr. Rodger L. Suchman

$100,000+
Dr. Wesley Choy

 School of Dentistry leaders acknowledge that the school remains a world-class educational institution because of its generous alumni and donors.

25 Years of Philanthropy

POURING FROM THE HEART attendees celebrated 25 years of generosity on Thursday, April 3.The annual benefit gala, hosted by the Dr. Roy J. Rinehart Foundation, raises funds to support senior dental and dental hygiene students and patients at the School of Dentistry clinic. Every procedure funded provides essential care to a patient while giving students valuable hands-on experience as they work toward their degrees and prepare to serve their communities Radio personality Steven St. John (B.A. ’96) returned to emcee the event, leading guests in a fun-filled night that included a silent auction, a live auction led by the charismatic Nigro Brothers, a fine jewelry raffle, a game of Heads or Tails and a 25^th anniversary celebratory signature cocktail served down an ice luge. UMKC School of Dentistry student doctor Jancee Johnson shared the story of a patient who truly gained his smile from Pouring from the Heart funds. Through the Pouring from the Heart treatment vouchers, Johnson’s patient, who had a genetic disorder that left him without any teeth, was able to receive dentures that changed his life. According to Johnson, because of her patient’s new smile, he was no longer being bullied at school and his confidence grew tremendously. Johnson shared that her patient was extremely thankful for the generosity of Pouring from the Heart donors. The school thanks the steering committee, attendees — and especially the donors. Without all of them, raising more than $110,000 for such a special and important cause would not have been possible.

Dental Double Take

A surprising number of twins have attended UMKC School of Dentistry through the years
By BRYCE PUNTENNEY

 To paraphrase an old idiom, two brains are better than one. At the School of Dentistry, that saying holds true, especially when two brains have been connected since birth. The school has welcomed an unusually large number of twins over the years.

Whether identical or fraternal, these pairs have an uncanny ability to divine their siblings’ thoughts, share their burdens and enjoy working in  tandem, giving them a unique experience both in their clinical and class work but also as they build their practices after graduation.

Richie Bigham, assistant dean for student programs, estimates the school has an incoming class with a set of twins every three to four years.

“We’ve had a lot of siblings,” Bigham said, “but having them in the same class is unique to twins. One benefit is they get double the friends.”

What gives? Are genetics responsible for the twin phenomenon? The environment? Nature or nurture?

The twins say it’s not that complicated.

Third-year students Abagayle and Annabella Moody saw dentistry as a healthcare career that would give the sisters the opportunity to work together after graduation. Their classmate, Jade Bauer, also a twin, put it more succinctly – twins do everything together.“

It’s just a twin thing,” Bauer said.

Double the Success and the Stress

Alumni Adam (DDS ’10, PERIO ’12) and Peter McClellan (DDS ’10) never know what to say when they are inevitably asked about their experience as fraternal twins.

 “People always ask what it’s like,” Adam said. “It’s hard to answer that, because you don’t know any different.”

 As students, they experienced everything twice – the success and the stress. Adam internalized Peter’s struggles as much as his own.

 During an endodontic competency test  the two sat across from each other working on typodonts. Adam could hear Peter getting frustrated, unable to find the pulp in a specific tooth. It was distracting Adam. He knew his brother was drilling on the wrong tooth, trying to find pulp that wasn’t there.

 “Eventually, he figured it out and passed the practical,” Adam said. “But I was so stressed out worrying about him that I failed the practical. It’s something we laugh about to this day.”

 Their connection as twins gave the brothers a unique perspective on the benefit of collaboration and mentorship. These values are now built into their everyday at each of their practices. They began separate practices in Prairie Village, Kansas, and over the years each has expanded his individual practice to offices around the Kansas City metropolitan area.

“Part of being a twin is seeing firsthand that things are easier when you do them together,” Peter said. “We both saw collaboration was the future of dentistry. Collaborating instead of being solo practitioners.”

Looking back on their time in dental school, Adam is grateful he always had a partner in Peter.

“I’m glad we had each other to lean on,” said Adam. “I often wonder how I would have done if it was just me. Same for Peter.”

 Bigham sees it as an advantage as well. “You think about their journey and how twins share so much in life,” Bigham said.

 “When we make acceptance calls with twins, we try to call them at the same time,” Bigham added. “We notify them together so they find out at the same moment.”

Identical in Every Way

Third year dental students Abagayle and Annabella Moody are a quintessential pair of identical twins. Not only do they finish each other’s thoughts, but they sometimes say entire sentences in unison.  The sisters, originally from Frontenac, Kansas, now live together, commute to school together and work out together. They also share a dog named George. 

The Moodys have had two goals since they were young: work in healthcare and work together. Dentistry seemed like the profession that would give them the best chance at achieving their vision. After they earn their dental degrees, both want to complete pediatric residencies and work separately for a while. But their ultimate goal is to buy a practice and work together for the rest of their lives, according to Annabella.

 The sisters’ dental school experience mirrors the McClellans’. Both sisters feel double the fun and double the pressure.

“Sometimes during a test, I would look at Annabella and try to read how she’s doing,” Abagayle said. “And then I would be like, ‘Oh my gosh, I need to focus on what’s in front of me.’”

 In clinic, the two team up on difficult cases. If one is doing a complicated crown prep, for example, the other makes sure she is there to assist. Whoever is done with her patients first will help clean up the other’s operatory.

“It’s like a built-in third hand,” Annabella said.

 As identical twins, bringing patients to the clinic from the waiting room leads to some unique interactions.

 “We’re on different teams, so our patients don’t see us together,” said Annabella. “But we’ll be walking with our patients and pass each other. Our patients are like, ‘What is going on?’”

Always There for Each Other

Students Sydney and Jade Bauer have wanted to be dentists since middle school. But neither recalls who had the idea first.

During their first two years of dental school, the pair lived together and thought it was helpful to always have a study partner nearby, especially when it came to sharing flash cards. Although they live separately now, they live in the same apartment complex and help keep each other motivated.

 “Nobody else really understands what we’re going through in dental school,” Jade said, “so it’s nice being able to vent to someone who understands.”

Now that the two are in clinic, their bond gives them an advantage.

“I wouldn’t say we have a telepathic connection, but I understand when Sydney is stressed or frustrated,” Jade said. “I can tell her to slow down and take a couple breaths, and that’s something her friends wouldn’t be able to recognize.”

 Along with their twin intuition, Jade and Sydney share similar values when it comes to caring for their patients. Both of them believe it’s important to form strong relationships, and they think having a twin helps break the ice.

“We’ll tell them about being a twin and introduce them to the other,” Jade said.

As fraternal twins, Sydney is surprised by how many people get the two mixed up.

“I don’t think we look anything alike,” Sydney said. “But some people think we’re identical.”

 Another topic up for debate? Whether or not they share a talent for singing. Following Sydney’s impressive vocal performance at the school’s annual talent show, many asked Jade if she sings too.

 “Jade said, ‘I try, but she tells me not to.’”

 Originally from St. Louis, the Bauers’ hope is to own a practice together at some point, either in the Kansas City area or in Austin, Texas. For now, they both just hope they can practice in the same city. “

 If I ever buy a practice, it will be with Sydney,” Jade said. “We understand each other so well. There’s never been a fight that we haven’t been able to overcome.”

A Family Affair

Identical twins Daniel (B.S. ’79, DDS ’83) and David Stamos (B.S. ’79, DDS ’83)  were raised in Independence, Missouri, by a single mother who instilled in them the desire to live a more comfortable life. They believed education was the key to achieving their goal – and they knew they had to do it together.

 “In high school, we would split the assignments,” David said. “‘You do the even numbers, and I’ll do the odd,’ and the ones we couldn’t figure out, we would work together,” David said.

 That collaboration never stopped. They both attended Metropolitan Community College-Longview in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, on tennis scholarships. They finished their undergrad at UMKC with degrees in biology. Next came dental school. After earning their dental degrees, Daniel headed to Marquette University in Milwaukee for an endodontic residency.  David headed to Wisconsin a year later for the same residency.

 Now the brothers have started a family of endodontists who are all proud UMKC alumni. David’s son, Alexander Stamos (DDS ’14) practices with his father in Independence, Missouri. Daniel’s daughter, Kate Edwards (DDS ’17), also joined her dad’s practice, with two locations in Kansas City, North. His son, Patrick Stamos (DDS ’15), owns an endodontic office in Columbia, Missouri. The two fathers couldn’t be prouder.

 “The kids are following in our footsteps because they saw what the profession could lead to and they liked it,” Daniel said. “I asked my son why he wanted to be an endodontist. He said, ‘All those meetings you used to drag us to, everybody was always just so nice and looked like they were having a good time.’’

Although the Stamos twins practice separately, the two live 10 minutes from each other, and they talk every day on their way to the office.

 “Every morning on the way to work, Dave will call me, and we spend five or six-minutes rehashing everything,”

Daniel said. “And at night as well.”

 Through the ups and downs of dental school and beyond, each one of the twins has leaned on that special relationship and second brain to share in their passion and devotion to the field of dentistry. While their paths look a little different from each other, there is no denying their common bond: they cherish their time at the School of Dentistry and deeply value their chosen profession.

“We’ve had a lot of blessings in our life,” Daniel said. “We’re old, but we haven’t forgotten what dentistry has given us.”

Alumni Achievement Award Recipients

EACH YEAR, UMKC recognizes outstanding alumni for their lifelong commitments and contributions. The School of Dentistry was proud to have several alumni recognized at the 2025 Alumni Awards event on Friday, April 25, 2025, at the UMKC Student Union.

The Legacy Award recognizes one family with a tradition of attending the University of Missouri-Kansas City and a record of outstanding service to the university, the Alumni Association and their community or profession.

Charles Mahaffey (DDS ’72), Darren Mahaffey (DDS ’05), Sarah Mahaffey (DDS ’05) and Samantha Mahaffey (DDS ’22)
For three generations, the Mahaffey family has made an impact on the dental profession, the Springfield, Missouri, community and oral healthcare throughout Missouri. Charles Mahaffey graduated from the UMKC School of Dentistry in 1972 and then completed a general practice residency through the United States Air Force before settling into private practice  in 1975. Though Charles is retired, the practice continues to thrive under the leadership of his family.

Charles' son, Darren Mahaffey, graduated from the School of Dentistry in 2005 along with his wife, Sarah Mahaffey (formerly Brown). Darren has served in numerous leadership roles at the local level, including as president, vice president, treasurer and secretary of the Greater Springfield Dental Society. He has also contributed at the state level, serving as a board member of the Missouri Dental Foundation since 2011, and as its president for the last three years. Together, Darren and Sarah executed the first of many Missouri Mission of Mercy (MOMOM) in 2011 – when 1,100 volunteers provided more than $1 million worth of free dental care to 1,856 patients.

Sarah saw a need for mentoring and supporting new dentists in Missouri, and created a new dentist conference, in conjunction with the Missouri Dental Association (MDA), called Connect4Success. Over time, the event has grown to include all members and has become the annual meeting of the MDA.

Samantha (DDS ’22), granddaughter of Charles and niece to Darren and Sarah, is now practicing at Mahaffey Family Dentistry.

 The Mahaffeys have remained active and engaged with the School of Dentistry, including regular attendance at MDC. Charles has served as president of the Dental Alumni Association Board, and Sarah is currently vice president. The family also supports the Rinehart Foundation, earning medallions and pins for their lifetime giving contributions.

The Alumni Achievement Award recognizes one alumnus or alumna from each of the 12 university academic units who has achieved notable success in his or her professional field and rendered outstanding service to the community.

Jessica Meeske (DDS ’96) 
Jessica Meeske is a pediatric dentist in Hastings and Grand Island, Nebraska, and is the senior partner of Pediatric Dental Specialists of Greater Nebraska. Meeske graduated with her DDS from UMKC and then trained in pediatric dentistry and public health at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry.

Meeske is past vice chair of the ADA’s Medicaid Reform Task Force and the Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention. She is the president of the Nebraska Dental Association, and has served in numerous leadership roles with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Meeske is a part-time faculty member in pediatric dentistry at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry.  She has also given numerous lectures on children’s oral health issues, with specific emphasis on ensuring all children have affordable access to dental care. She was invited to the White House for the signing of the Affordable Care Act by former President Barack Obama. Meeske has earned many awards, including AAPD’s Pediatric Dentist of the Year and the Edward Shils Award, a national dental public service award. Her colleagues have elected her into both the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists.

The Young Alumni Award is presented annually to an alumnus or alumna who has graduated within the past 10 years and has maintained the highest ethical and professional standards in service to the dental profession, the UMKC School of Dentistry and the community.

 Chloé Stuck (DDS ’17)
Chloé Stuck currently serves as chief dental officer at Four Rivers Community Health Center in Rolla, Missouri.

Since graduating, she has helped expand the center's dental clinics from one brick and mortar clinic and one mobile clinic to four (soon to be five) clinics – increasing access to care throughout central Missouri. Additionally, Stuck is an active member of the MDA and recently traveled to Washington, D.C., as part of the delegation for Missouri representing the ADA. She also serves on the MDAF and MDIS Board of Directors.

Alumni News

Class Notes

Classes of the 1960s

Frank Monroe Wallace (DDS ’60) is retired. He turns 91 years old on Nov. 20. He currently lives at home with his wife and two dogs. He has four children, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Gary Foster (DDS ’65) is retired and playing lots of golf.

George Myers (DDS ’65) is now fully retired. Glaucoma unfortunately forced him to stop practicing and driving, which he says is a “bummer!” He loved to volunteer and provide care to those in need before he had to stop practicing.

Classes of the 1970s

Jerald Elrod (DDS ’70) retired from orthodontics in 2018. He and his wife enjoy traveling in their motorhome, fishing, hunting and ballroom dancing.

Classes of the 1980s

Donna Davidson (Gardner) (DDS ’80) just had her fifth grandchild. She is still attending CEs and misses practicing every day.

Timothy Larson (DDS ’80) has been married for 48 years and has two daughters and four grandchildren. He is still employed full time as the clinical director of laser dentistry for Heartland Dental. He is also on the Academy of Laser Dentistry Board and the Missouri Dental Board.

Linda (Lafferty) Bascom (DDS ’85) is a retired endodontist since 2010.

Shanon Kirchhoff (DDS ’85, ORTHO ’88) currently resides in Cozumel, Mexico.

Classes of the 1990s

Ronald Massie (DDS ’90, AEGD ’91) successfully defended his patents on improvements in 3D dental imaging after an eight-year legal battle. A jury decided in favor of Massie and his company, Osseo Imaging, LLC, in a week-long civic trial. The U.S. Court of Appeals then confirmed that verdict and the legitimacy of Massie’s inventions. He is the inventor of six patents in the United States, as well as patents in Canada, Great Britain, Germany, Switzerland, France, Monaco, Lichtenstein and a pending patent in Japan.

Sean Phelan (DDS ’90) is retired. He is currently a circumnavigator, ordained minister, sailing captain, president of The Art of Dentistry Study Club and president of Comfort Dental Inc. of New Mexico.

Classes of the 2000s

Shelliann Kawamoto (DDS ’05, ORTHO ’07) welcomed her first child. Cru Kenzo Kawamoto was born June 28, 2024.

Classes of the 2010s

Jeanine Sasek (DDS ’10) received an AGD fellowship in 2022.

Classes of the 2020s

Yona Rasynouvong (DDS ’20) started her own dental practice.

In Memoriam

David R. Atkins (DDS ’61)
Ron Leslie Bashor (DDS ’76)
Daniel L. Blackwell (DDS ’68, ORTHO ’72)
Floyd J. Davis (DDS ’63)
James A. Dryden (DDS ’66, ENDO ’72)
Howard K. Eppinger (DDS ’63)
Ray O. Esquibel (DDS ’63)
Jerry R. Fankhauser (DDS ’69)
C.R. Friedley (DDS ’59)
Phillip E. Held (DDS ’68)
Sheila Heriford (BSDH ’98)
Ronald G. Higgins (DDS ’63)
Charles Hawkes Johnson (DDS ’60)
John E. Kazmierski (DDS ’60)
Harold H. Masunaga (DDS ’63)
Vernon D. McElwee (DDS ’72)
Gary A. Murphy (DDS ’70)
William G. Novotny (DDS ’58)
Raymond L. Pettus (DDS ’77)
Robert E. Pitcock Jr. (DDS ’62)
Charles W. Plett (DDS ’61, ORTHO ’66)
Eddie O. Romero (DDS ’76)
Jim Smith (DDS ’80)
Richard L. Smith (DDS ’57)
Cecil G. Soto Jr. (DDS ’71)
Professor Emeritus Daniel E. Tira
Steven F. Twietmeyer (DDS ’81)
Randy Joe Woodruff (DDS ’83)
Ralph E. Younger (DDS ’67)

Upcoming Alumni Events

 New Student Welcome Game at “The K” 
Kauffman Stadium
Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025

Alumni Reception – St. Louis, Missouri
Held in conjunction with Mid-Continent Dental Congress
Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025

Rinehart/Alumni Board Meeting
Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025

UMKC School of Dentistry Scholarship Banquet
Monday, Oct. 6, 2025

Alumni Reception – Washington, D.C.
Held in conjunction with the ADA SmileCon
Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025

 Midwest Dental Conference
April 23-26, 2026

Rinehart/Alumni Board Meeting
Thursday, April 23, 2026

Pouring from the Heart
Thursday, April 23, 2026

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

New Alumni Association Leadership

Eric Gottman (DDS ’01, PROSTH ’04) President, Dental Alumni Association
Eric Gottman received both his DDS and his certification in prosthodontics from UMKC. He currently serves as a clinical professor and as interim associate dean for clinical programs at the School of Dentistry. Previously, Gottman served as director of the UMKC oral oncology clinic. He is a member of the American Dental Education Association and serves as the UMKC faculty representative on the ADEA Council of Faculties. Gottman has received multiple distinguished teaching awards and was presented the 2020 Elmer F. Pierson Good Teaching Award for the School of Dentistry.

Macila Arnold (BSDH ’23)
President, Dental Hygienists’ Alumni Association
Macila Arnold was born and raised in Kansas. Her medical training began in the United States Army Reserve Veterinary Corps. After 10 years in the veterinary field, in 2021, Arnold decided to pursue an old passion and return to the dental field. She transitioned in the Army to become a dental assistant. She earned her BSDH from UMKC in 2023. Since graduating, Arnold has worked as a dental hygienist in both military and civilian sectors.

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

School Welcomes New Dean

UMKC WELCOMED PAUL LUEPKE, DDS, M.S., FACD, as the School of Dentistry’s new dean in June. Luepke previously served as associate dean of faculty affairs, interim associate dean for clinical and extramural affairs and chair of periodontology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry.

“Dr. Luepke’s leadership will be a great asset – not only to the School of  Dentistry, but to UMKC in our dedication to excellence,” said UMKC Provost Jenny Lundgren.

Luepke is already looking forward to what’s next at the School of Dentistry.

“There is incredible forward momentum at this world-class university,”  Luepke said. “I’m committed to collaborating with campus and community leaders in service to the region.”

Luepke received his DDS from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Dentistry. He serves as a diplomate, director and president of the American Board of Periodontology.

GEHA Increases Support for Students

LEE’S SUMMIT, MISSOURI based GEHA Solutions increased its scholarship and student pathway support for the School of Dentistry for the fourth year in a row. Their 2025 gift totals $325,500 – bringing their fouryear combined giving to $913,500. This gift is one of the largest of its kind in school history, significantly impacting students, patients and the future of oral healthcare.

So far, the partnership between GEHA and the School of Dentistry has provided scholarships and student fellowships for 91 dental and dental hygiene students in the Students Training in Academia, Health and Research (STAHR) pathway program. According to school leaders, student recipients say the support has helped relieve their educational burdens, inspired them to give back to the community and motivated them to help other students achieve their goals in the future, just as they were helped.

The goal of GEHA’s collaboration with the School of Dentistry is to increase accessibility for those in need and to alleviate dental health burdens – ultimately creating stronger, healthier communities­– and moving one significant step closer toward oral health access for all. According to GEHA representatives, the organization is investing not only in oral health immediately, but also in creating networks for the future of dentistry.

Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building Construction Underway

CONSTRUCTION IS WELL UNDERWAY on UMKC's Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building, which will be the new home for the School of Dentistry's pre-doctoral and dental hygiene clinics on the Health Sciences Campus.

The foundation of the building should be complete this summer. Construction will continue into next year, and the building will be ready for occupancy by late 2026. More than 60% of the 200,000-squarefoot facility will be dedicated to the school.

The $145 million building, the university's largest capital investment to date, will also house UMKC School of Medicine simulation labs, UMKC biomedical engineering program collaborative space, the UMKC Health Equity Institute and the Data Science and Analytics Innovation Center.

UMKC School of Dentistry Proposes Partnership With Missouri Western

Campus in St. Joseph would help address rural health provider shortage

 MISSOURI HAS A SHORTAGE of dentists, especially in the northwest region of the state where most counties have less than one provider for every 2,100 residents. UMKC, in collaboration with Missouri Western State University, has a plan to change that with a proposed School of Dentistry satellite program expansion.

 With this expansion, some dental students would spend their first two years at the Kansas City campus and  their last two years of clinical training at the St. Joseph satellite, following the existing Kansas City curriculum. The School of Dentistry would admit an additional 10 DDS students and five dental hygiene students to each class to make up the program.

The dental hygiene students would complete two years of major-specific dental hygiene coursework: one year in Kansas City and one year in St. Joseph.

UMKC will be partnering with state, federal and philanthropic leaders to raise an estimated $12 million in one-time renovation and equipment startup costs to start the program on the Missouri Western campus. A start date for the program will be set when necessary approvals and funding are secured.

New Faculty

Marcio Ortegosa, DDS, is the director of the Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency program (AEGD). Ortegosa earned his dental degree in 2001  from Camilo Castelo Branco University in São Paul and his AEGD in 2024 from the UF College of Dentistry at the Hialeah Dental Center. He is board-certified in Brazil through the National Dental Board in Dentistry for Patients with Special Needs.

James Wahl III, Ph.D., is a professor and chair of the Oral and Craniofacial Sciences Department. Wahl comes to UMKC from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry, where he was a professor, associate dean of research and chair of the Oral Biology Department. Wahl has experience in cancer biology, chemotherapy and cell biology, and has work published in multiple journals. He earned his bachelor's and doctoral degrees from the University of Toledo.

Meenakashi Vishwanath, BDS, MDS, MScD, MOrth, is the director of the Advanced Education in Orthodontics program. She was previously an associate professor and director of the orthodontics program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. A diplomat of the American Board of Orthodontics and a member of the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, she received her dental degree from Mahatma Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Dental Sciences and her master's in orthodontics from SDM College of Dental Sciences in India. Vishwanath also completed two fellowships in orthodontics.

Administrative Changes

Liz Kaz (BSDH ’86, M.S. ’87) retired in January from her role as associate dean of academic affairs. Kaz assumed that role in 2018 after serving the school since 2015 as director of continuing education, clinical associate professor and interim director of dental hygiene.

Melanie Simmer-Beck (BSDH ’94, M.S. ’04, Ph.D. ’13) has been named interim associate dean of academic affairs at the School of Dentistry. Simmer-Beck will continue to serve as chair of the Department of Dental Public Health and Behavioral Sciences. Meghan Wendland, DDS, an assistant professor in the department, will serve as interim vice chair to assist with daily operations. 

Allison Louie, DDS, who currently serves as a clinical associate professor in the Department of Restorative Clinical Sciences, has been named interim director of curriculum for the dental program. She will work closely with Simmer-Beck to develop and review curriculum, policies and procedures.

Faculty and Staff Retirements

SEVEN FACULTY AND STAFF members have retired. The School of Dentistry thanks them for their dedication and wishes them luck on what comes next.

FACULTY

Neal Bilyeu (DDS ’68) –12 years of service Assistant Clinical Professor Restorative Clinical Sciences

Brenda Bohaty (Ph.D. ’09) – 37 years of service Professor and Chair Department of Pediatric Dentistry

Liz Kaz (BSDH ’86, M.S. ’87) –9 years of service Associate Clinical Professor and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs School of Dentistry

STAFF

Patrice Adams – 28 years of service Certified Dental Assistant Dental Clinic

Brenda Cindrich – 20 years of service Dental Services Supervisor Central Sterilization

Carmen Jaramillo – 36 years of service Registered Dental Hygienist Faculty Practice

Karen Wilson – 29 years of service Team 2 Clerk Dental Clinic

Research Grants Could Impact Osteoporosis and Cleft Palate Treatment

THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH) awarded $3.5 million in grant funding to two researchers at the School of Dentistry. Sarah Dallas, Ph.D., will study bone formation and absorption, while Tim Cox, Ph.D., will study vitamin A’s effect on the development of cleft lip and palate.

Sarah Dallas has received a $2.4 million NIH grant to advance her ongoing osteoporosis research using the confocal microscope.

Building Bones
Dallas, who is a University of Missouri Curators’ Distinguished Professor and Lee M. and William Lefkowitz Endowed Professor, is the director of the School of Dentistry’s Confocal and Multiphoton Microscopy Core. She is using her $2.4 million NIH grant to advance her ongoing research with  the confocal microscope, a tool that shows the active process of bone development at the cellular level via time-lapse imaging.

Dallas’ team is looking at bone formation and absorption in the bone turnover process. According to Dallas, on average, humans replace 2% of their bone mass with this process over any given year. She is specifically studying two of the cell types in bone: osteoblasts that form bone and osteoclasts that resorb bone.

“The process will paper over cracks in bone,” Dallas said. “If you’ve got micro-cracks in your bone, that may stimulate these resorption cycles where you put better bone back in and it’s just constantly turning over bone.”

Dallas believes the research could significantly impact osteoporosis treatment. With osteoporosis, the bone turnover process becomes imbalanced. The amount of bone that gets removed outpaces what is replaced. This leads to an increased risk for fracture. 

Cleft Palate Prevention
Cox’s research focuses on the underlying cause of facial anomalies, like cleft palates. The endowed professor in dental and musculoskeletal tissue research is using the $1.1 million NIH grant he received to study whether a simple dietary adjustment – adding Vitamin A – could reduce the risk of a child getting a cleft palate, especially for those who are predisposed.

According to Cox, this would be similar to folic acid supplements being recommended to pregnant women to prevent birth defects, known as neural tube defects, including spina bifida.

“The precedent is there,” Cox said. “Almost every woman who has gone through pregnancy knows the benefits of taking folic acid, so I think this recommendation is easily relatable, especially to women.”

While most people understand what a cleft palate is or even know someone who was born with one, according to Cox, few people understand how they are treated. There are many talented surgeons available to correct them, but it can be an arduous process. Cox said some cleft palate patients will have 10-15 facial surgeries up to the age of 18. Some may also need speech therapy, and sleep and eating can be negatively impacted.

“I want find a way to prevent it or minimize the impact, because these kids and their families go through a lot,” Cox said. “Even if instead of 10 surgeries, they now only need four, that’s huge.”

Tim Cox received a $1.1 million NIH grant to study whether a simple dietary change could reduce cleft palate risk in children.

Graduation

Congratulations, Class of 2025!

LONG HOURS IN THE CLASSROOM, in the study commons and in the clinic all culminated in a celebration of the School of Dentistry’s Class of 2025 during UMKC's Spring Commencement at T-Mobile Center on Saturday, May 17. The Professional Recognition Ceremony was held prior to Commencement at Swinney Recreation Center on Thursday, May 15.

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Ali Syed Ahmed
Ayah O. F. S. Alameery
Shaikhah Y. M. M. Albenwan
Mohammed Alharbi
Julissa Andazola
Cole K. Anderson
Daniel Archibong
Jacqueline Clare Ballay
Abdullah H. A. M. Baqer
Mattie Melynn Beard
Holden T. Bequette
Henry Clay Bodde
Caleb Borland
Grant Alexander Bryan
Kayla Burdette
Kaitlyn Carr
Connor Catron
Nicholas Scott Chamberlain
Brooke Alexandra Coltrane
Anastasia Compton
Ignacio Ruben Cordova III
Anna Carol Cosner
Megan Dart
Daniel Jacob Davis
Joshua Ray Dawdy
Vi Thi Hoang Dinh
Zachary Eckels
Abigail Edwards
Parker William Fancher
Claire Jialin Feng
Andrew Fiaush
Francisco José Flores
Samantha Eliese Foley
Brittany Marie Fulmer
Alex Joseph Gardner
Michael Charles Gimotty III
Tyler Gossett
Dishti Goyal
Luke Sawyer Hanby
Ashley N. Hart
John Vincent Haug
Haley Heaton
Seth Hofheins
Precious Kymelah Hollins
Caleb Ian Houghton
Samuel Huckabee
Christopher Evan Johnson
Jancee Lashley Johnson
Jentry Johnson
Karanjot Kaur
Alexis Ellen Kelbaugh
Kenneth W. Kleiman
Jacob Andrew Klenke
Layne O. Konneman
Mackenzie R. Kortz
Alanya Kucera
Andrea Luzaic
Quinn Montgomery Ray
Lyddon
Ann Catherine Martin
Robert Yong Zhong Mau
Kirby Alan McCandless
Gabrielle Elizabeth Mertz
Jonas D. Miller
Matthew Ryuichi Miyamoto
Jonathan Paul Mueller
Elisa M. Mulkey
Ian Ngo
David Nguyen
Nhukha T. Nguyen
Veronica Thao Duyen
Nguyen
Abagael Elysse Nunnery
Nathan Overbay
Katie E. Parrott
Riley Stephen Pereles
Michelle Perez-Hernandez
Nathaniel Prather
Elizabeth Quinn
Michael Domenic Rizzi
Cameron Luke Robertson
Matthew Amarai Rodrigues
Marilise Cayla Ruanne Rogers
Sophia Dallas Rosen
Lauren Elizabeth Rowland
Morganne Jones Sanchez
Joshua T. Sanders
Adam Randolph Sattler
Blake Schreck
Trenton David Schroeder
Sydney Scott
Vanessa Sena
Nicholas Hart Setser
Katelyn Nichole Stepanek
Galen Swearingen
Taylor Michael Swim
Alyssa M. Torres
Taylor Nichole Victorine
Kenyon Garrick Walker
Claire Isabella Waugh
Meredith Marie Wendling
Nasja Zdenka Weske
Kensen White
Connor Williams
Scott Owen Wilson
Edward Donghoon Wun
Andrew T. Zieba

Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene

Gabrielle Marie Aber
Arlette Andrade
Elle Augustine
Lauren Amber Bailey
Braylee Shea Childers
Ella Jane Corse
Abigail Garcia
Erica George
Chloe Gerken
Kayla Haff
Naima M. Ibrahim
Marissa Lyn Johnson
Kylee Renee Kiernan
Carrington Mae Kudrna
Kaytlyn Kunkel
Kaylee Kytasaari
Jennifer Le
Thao Nhi Nguyen
Madeleine Rausch
Mia Reidelberger
Daniela Ruiz Lazo
Omina Saidova
Hailey Jo Elizabeth Schlup
Mackenzie Simpson
Lauren Slavens
Hannah Clair Sloan
Abbigail Crystal Smith
Adriann L. Whitworth
Jenna Lauren Wright
Shaina Leigh Wright

B.S.D.H. - Degree Completion

Sarah Ann Bennefeld
Haley Mayes

Senior Scholarship Day

THE ANNUAL SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP DAY on Monday, May 5, allowed graduates, faculty, family and friends to come together and celebrate the many accomplishments of the Dental Hygiene Class of 2025 through awards and presentations. 

 Academy of Dentistry for Persons with Disabilities Award
Mackenzie Simpson

American Association of Public Health Dentistry
Daniela Ruiz Lazo

Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals Star Award
Jennifer Le

Golden Scaler Award
Alexis Parke

MDHA Outstanding Student Award
Lauren Bailey

UMKC DHAA Sherry Burns Outstanding Clinician Award
Braylee Childers

American College of Dentists – Dental Hygiene Ethics Award
Carrington Kudrna

Procter And Gamble Crest Oral B Preventive Dentistry Hygiene Award
Reagan Thornhill

Dean’s Academic Distinction Award
Lauren Slavens

Advanced Education Residency Certificates

ADVANCED EDUCATION IN GENERAL DENTISTRY
Yasmine Hassan, BDS
Erica de Oliveira Morelli da Silva, BDS

ENDODONTICS
Miranda Jimenez, DDS

ORTHODONTICS AND DENTOFACIAL ORTHOPEDICS
Charlie Boehm, DDS
Brandon Knapp, DDS
Brandon Simister, DDS

ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY RESIDENCY
Benjamin Welch, DDS2
Ehsan Sadighara, DDS, M.D.
Mouhab Samman, DDS, M.D.

Graduate Degrees

ORAL AND CRANIOFACIAL SCIENCES M.S. DEGREE
Charlie Boehm, DDS
Brandon Knapp, DDS
Brandon Simister, DDS

A Longstanding Legacy

FAMILY MEMBERS of the graduating class who are dental school alumni participated as legacy hooders while honoring the class at this year’s Professional Recognition Ceremony, continuing this unique tradition and special moment for graduates and families.

NAME - FAMILY HOODER, RELATIONSHIP, D.D.S. CLASS

Cole Anderson - Trey Anderson, DDS, Brother, 2015
Kayla Burdette - Ric Crowder, DDS , Father , 2006
                              Richard Crowder, DDS, Grandfather, 1974
Connor Catron - Kyle Catron, DDS, Father, 1989
Alex Gardner - Jeff Gardner, DDS, Father, 1997
Seth Hofheins - Donald Hofheins, DDS, Father, 1985
Karan Kaur - Jamandeep Kaur, DDS, Sister-in-law, 2020
Robert Mau - David Dung, DDS, Uncle, 1983
Nathaniel Prather - Joshua Prather, DDS, Brother, 2024
Cameron Robertson - Chandler Robertson, DDS, Brother, 2021
Claire Waugh - Dylan Waugh, DDS, Spouse, 2024
Connor Williams - Jarrod Williams, DDS, Father, 2000
Scott Wilson - Donald Wilson, DDS , Father, 1993

Students Training in Academia, Health and Research (STAHR) Program Participants

Samantha Foley
Precious Hollins

Kuwait Program Participants

Ayah Alameery
Shaikhah Albenwan
Mohammed Alharbi
Abdullah Baqer

Military Commissioning Ceremony

Christopher Johnson,
Captain, United States Army
Stationed: Fort Sill, Oklahoma

 Andrew Zieba,
Lieutenant, United States Navy
Stationed: Naval Medical Center-San Diego,
San Diego, California

Where graduates are going