Summer 2026

Message from the Dean

AS I REFLECT on my first year as dean, I'm filled with gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead. I began this role during our accreditation process — and witnessing our faculty, staff and students work together so seamlessly was both affirming and inspiring. Their professionalism and dedication established a strong foundation for my early months here.

With construction well underway on the Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building, we stand at an exciting moment of transformation. This new space will allow us to expand and reimagine how we teach, learn and practice — while further strengthening what UMKC Dentistry represents: excellence, compassion and innovation.

This issue of Explorer highlights the momentum driven by our remarkable people. You'll find updates on key administrative transitions, along with features showcasing our outstanding student clinical rotations  and a four-generation UMKC School of Dentistry family — a powerful reflection of our legacy of alumni loyalty.

We also celebrate meaningful moments that bring our community together. The Midwest Dental Conference once again reunited alumni and friends for learning and connection, and the Pouring from the Heart gala raised vital support for our student clinic voucher program. I'm deeply grateful to everyone who made these successes possible.
One of the greatest joys of this season is celebrating our graduates. Their talent, compassion and commitment remind us why our work matters. When our students thrive, our patients and communities benefit.

As we look ahead, staying connected and strengthening our alumni relationships remain top priorities. Your support, advocacy and partnership are essential, and I'm truly thankful for all you do.
Thank you for being part of our story — past, present and future. I'm honored to serve as your dean and excited for what we'll accomplish together.

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

Midwest Dental Conference

THE UMKC SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY'S Dental Alumni and Dental Hygienists' Alumni Associations welcomed more than 2,300 alumni and friends back to Kansas City, Missouri, for the 2026 Midwest Dental Conference at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. Attendees enjoyed four full days of education, networking and fun.

 

Old Friends, New Memories

FOR MANY ATTENDEES, the Midwest Dental Conference is as much about reconnecting as it is about continuing education. This year's milestone reunions brought together classmates spanning six decades, with reunion classes marking anniversaries from five years to 60. Whether it was a celebratory lunch, a dinner in the city or a relaxed gathering at the hotel, alumni picked up right where they left off — swapping stories, reminiscing about their time at the school and celebrating the careers and friendships built along the way.

 

Honoring Those Who Give Back

ON SATURDAY, APRIL 25, the Gratitude Luncheon offered a moment to pause amid the energy of the Midwest Dental Conference to recognize the alumni and donors whose commitment continues to shape the UMKC School of Dentistry.

After opening remarks of gratitude from UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal, Dental Alumni Association President Eric Gottman (DDS '01, PROSTH '04) began the celebration by honoring four milestone reunion classes: the Class of 1966 (60 years), the Class of 1976 (50 years), the Class of 1986 (40 years) and Gottman's own Class of 2001, which celebrated its 25th reunion. Hearing members of each class reflect on their careers and their enduring connection served as a meaningful reminder of the lasting bonds forged at the School of Dentistry. Michael Florez (DDS '16) was also recognized as the Young Alumnus of the Year, honoring his early and notable contributions to the profession.

The afternoon's agenda then turned to philanthropy, as Rinehart Foundation Chair Crystal Walker (DDS '04, PEDO '06) led the donor recognition portion of the program. The Rinehart Foundation — the independent nonprofit dedicated exclusively to supporting the UMKC School of Dentistry — honored those who have made lifetime gifts at the $10,000, $25,000, $50,000 and $100,000 levels, as well as those who have chosen to include the foundation in their estate plans.

Philanthropy Medallions ($10,000+)

Dr. Mark G. Beck
Dr. Daniel Brunner
Dr. Mary Hagan Burke
Dr. David A. Cacchillo
Dr. Jon Copeland
Class of 1971
Dr. Dio L. Daily
Dr. Carol Dennison
Dr. Christopher S. Dung
Dr. Laura J. Huyett
Dr. Jill Jenkins
Dr. Christopher Lee
Dr. Paul Luepke
Dr. Richardson McGuire
Dr. E. Eldon Mitchell
Dr. Douglas A. Pearson
Dr. Robert E. Truly
Dr. Mary A. Walker
Dr. Suzanne Watson
Dr. John G. Younger

Benefactor Pins

$25,000–$49,999
Dr. Armand Chong
Dr. Jon Copeland
Tom and Laurie Schwartz Corrick
Dr. Dio L. Daily
Dr. Christopher S. Dung
Dr. E. Eldon Mitchell
Dr. Robert E. Truly
Dr. Doug Wyckoff

$50,000–$99,999
Dr. Daniel Brunner
Dr. Justin R. Kohlhorst
Dr. Herman Sakimoto

$100,000+
Dr. David J. Dung
Dr. Russell S. Tabata

Heritage Society

Dr. Bob and Mary Fry
Dr. Scott Robinson
Dr. Pasco Scarpella
Dr. Suzanne Watson

Thank you to all who attended the Midwest Dental Conference. 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR NEXT YEAR'S MDC — APRIL 1-4, 2027

Outpouring of Generosity — Pouring from the Heart

ON THURSDAY, APRIL 23, supporters of the UMKC School of Dentistry's Rinehart Foundation gathered for the annual Pouring from the Heart benefit gala — an evening of fine wine, spirited bidding and remarkable generosity. The event raised more than $100,000 to support student-patient clinical experiences at the dental school.

The funds from the event address two vital needs — patients in the community receive necessary dental treatment, while senior dental and dental hygiene students gain hands-on clinical experience essential to launching their careers.

610 Sports Radio host and UMKC alumnus Steven St. John (B.A. '96) returned as emcee, guiding guests through a lively evening that featured a silent auction, a live auction led by the high-energy Nigro Brothers, a fine jewelry raffle showcasing topaz and diamond earrings and the crowd-favorite game of Heads or Tails.

The evening's most memorable moment came when Class of 2026 student doctors Matt Roberts and Taylor Kynaston introduced guests to one of their own patients — a young man born with a genetic disorder that left him without teeth. Through treatment vouchers made possible by Pouring from the Heart funds, he received dentures that transformed not only his smile, but also his confidence. Guests were able to see the patient's story come full circle with wedding photos that were taken just one week after treatment.

The success of the evening belongs to the dedicated steering committee, generous attendees and donors whose contributions make it all possible. Mark your calendars! Next year's Pouring from the Heart promises another unforgettable night in support of an extraordinary cause.

 

Meeting the Need

UMKC takes on dentist shortages in underserved areas and proposes St. Joseph expansion

By Bryce Puntenney

In the 56 years since alumnus Andrew Trout's family began practicing dentistry in St. Joseph, Missouri, he's seen firsthand a growing scarcity of care, resulting in almost half the amount of practicing dentists there now compared to 1970.

“Outside of St. Joseph, there are almost no other dentists in northwest Missouri,” said Trout (DDS '95), a St. Joseph city councilman since 2022. “I don't know anyone in private practice in the surrounding towns. People are traveling all the way to Leavenworth, Kansas, for care.”

The UMKC School of Dentistry is leading the charge to address these dental deserts. Pending funding and approval by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a proposed expansion in St. Joseph would serve northwest Missouri and join more than 30 active student rotation sites across Missouri and Kansas that help meet the oral healthcare needs of the region.

More than half the counties that make up Missouri do not have enough dentists or hygienists to serve their population. In fact, 81 counties in the state are federally designated as Healthcare Provider Shortage Areas (HPSA) specific to oral health. In neighboring Kansas, 20 such counties carry that designation. Across both rural and urban areas, there is a dire need for dental care.

UMKC's dental student rotation sites cover a variety of different environments — including a clinic in the heart of downtown Kansas City, Missouri, a clinic in the rural community of Hays, Kansas, and an Army base just outside Junction City, Kansas. In the 2025-26 school year alone, UMKC dental students treated more than 4,000 patients and provided nearly $650,000 worth of services across all rotation sites.

Expanding in Northwest Missouri

The school's proposed expansion to northwest Missouri in St. Joseph would enable it to reach even more people in need. To Trout's point, most counties in that region have less than one oral healthcare provider for every 2,100 residents.

Under the proposed program in St. Joseph, fourth-year dental students, senior dental hygiene students and residents in the school's advanced education in general dentistry (AEGD) program would provide direct patient care while building the rural workforce pipeline.

According to Trout, the area is primed for dental education. The American Dental Association cites just 18 dentists in the St. Joseph area currently. When Trout started practicing in St. Joseph in 1995, that number was 28. When his late father James (DDS '59) began his career, it was 32.

His father and late mother, Judith Trout (BSDH '58), ran a dental hygiene school at Hillyard Technical Center in St. Joseph from roughly 2005 to 2015. When it shut its doors, the dental hygiene field still had plenty of interest from potential students, but Trout's parents had trouble filling academic leadership positions.

“My father was very focused on education,” Trout said. “To have a UMKC satellite campus in St. Joseph would be his dream.”

Trout, who retired from dentistry in 2016, hopes an expansion will address the need in St. Joseph while also drawing in college students from other rural areas who want to work in a similar environment.

“I think it's the best thing in the world for people across the state who aren't from the major metropolitan areas,” Trout said. “It will be an absolutely bright light for St. Joe.”

According to School of Dentistry Dean Paul Luepke, the school's goal is to establish additional ways to help meet shortages.

“A St. Joseph expansion will enable us to add more rotation sites in northwest Missouri and beyond,” Luepke said.

Students Meet the Need

The St. Joseph program would build on efforts the school already has in place to meet shortages. UMKC works to attract dental students who are already comfortable in those environments, like third-year dental student Jenna Romme, who is focusing on rural care.

Next Fall, Romme will begin a rotation at First Care Clinic in her hometown of Hays, Kansas. She is following her brother, Nathan Romme (DDS '24), who also had a rotation in Hays and stayed there to start his career. The duo hopes to eventually practice in their hometown together, and this rotation will allow Jenna to get an idea of what her future might look like.

“I'm able to see what it will be like when I graduate, since these will be the people I'll be working on all the time, so I like that,” Romme said. “And when I come back to school after my rotation, I'll have a better understanding of what I need to work on to treat a rural population.”

Romme believes the rotation will allow her to improve her speed and accomplish more in each appointment, saving patients the need for multiple trips. She's thrilled to begin taking care of the community that's done so much for her.

“I love small town vibes, how it feels like everyone knows each other,” Romme said. “They are always there for you and ready to help out one another.”

Rural areas aren't the only underserved places UMKC School of Dentistry aims to serve. Students and alumni work at the Seton Center, a community health center in downtown Kansas City, where the need for dental care is also great.

As a fourth-year dental student, Michelle Bui is making some big decisions about her future. She was considering private practice or a DSO, but the weekend before she was set to sign a contract, her public health professor, Shelly Howard, BSDH, told the class Seton Center needed a new dentist. Having already completed a dental rotation at Seton, Bui knew it was the place for her. Seton Center runs one of the largest safety net dental clinics in the region, treating underserved populations in the Kansas City urban core.

“I jumped on that opportunity so fast,” Bui said. “I worked well with the doctors there, and got along great with the assistants and hygienists. I'm really excited for the opportunity to come back and pick things up where I left off.”

Public health is a passion for Bui. She's worked and volunteered in public health offices throughout high school and college, and she credits the School of Dentistry for integrating public health early on in her education. Early in her first year, she was already performing screenings and offering oral health education to elementary students.

Bui is also a first-generation dentist, so the generous loan forgiveness program offered by Seton is a major benefit. But the people are what truly made her want to return, especially dentists like Andrew Thompkins (DDS '24). Bui said Thompkins is always willing to take the time to teach after each appointment.

“I was really lucky Dr. Thompkins was supportive,” Bui said. “He helped me get my feet wet with endodontics on that rotation.”

Public health is a calling for Thompkins as well. Growing up in northwest Arkansas, he noticed the health disparities in his own community and became acutely aware of how things like missing teeth or mouth pain can pose a barrier for people.

“When it comes to teeth, a lot can ride on your smile,” Thompkins said.

Thompkins is leaving Seton for another public health position in St. Paul, Minnesota, but there is more help from UMKC on the way. Michael Florez (DDS '16) recently transitioned from private practice to working full-time at Seton Center.

“It's probably the best decision of my career,” Florez said. “I feel like I'm making a difference in people's lives, and it feels very rewarding each day.”

Both Florez and Thompkins credit the students on rotation for enabling them to do more for their patients. With a student assisting, they have more bandwidth for same-day emergency appointments. That can be critical for Seton's patients, who may have limited time away from work or are coming from significant distances.

Even military bases are considered underserved in some areas, and UMKC has stepped up there as well.

When it came to his time at UMKC, recent dental grad Timothy Nguyen's (DDS '26) plan was to maximize the opportunities presented to him. He refereed intramural sports, was a digital denture teacher's assistant at the School of Dentistry and had already finished one dental rotation at Samuel U. Rogers Health Center in downtown Kansas City.

Nguyen was content with that being his only rotation until a unique opportunity presented itself at Fort Riley — a major army base in north central Kansas, near Junction City, where UMKC established a rotation site this past spring. Nguyen, who was the first and only student at the site this year, spent the last few weeks before graduation at the base. The site will continue offering rotation opportunities next year.

According to Luepke, the Fort Riley site has three state-of-the-art dental treatment facilities, but only five dentists to serve about 14,000 active-duty service members.

Nguyen, originally from Lee's Summit, Missouri, was intrigued by an opportunity further from home. He hoped being 2.5 hours away would cultivate more independence. And as the guinea pig for the new program, he welcomed the challenge.

"I feel like I'm making a difference in people's lives, and it feels very rewarding each day.” — Michael Florez (DDS '16)

“I'm ready to embrace being comfortable in the uncomfortable,” he said, ahead of the rotation. “I'm looking forward to gaining different pearls of wisdom from the other providers and figuring out what I can utilize in my career.”

Step Inside the Future of Dentistry

Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building Opens Next Spring

The largest capital project in UMKC history, the new building blends traditional dental training with advanced digital technology

By Hunter Miesner

School of Dentistry Dean Paul Luepke is counting down the months until the Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building opens its doors. With that moment now less than a year away, the five-story, 160,000-square foot building represents a chance to rethink how students learn, faculty teach and patients receive care.

“The new building gives us an opportunity to make real, innovative changes in our curriculum and how we deliver care,” Luepke said. “Companies are more interested in partnering with us when they can showcase their newest technology in a modern space.”

The new facility will serve as a hub for innovation, designed to attract industry partners and support new approaches to dental education and care delivery. It will also house School of Medicine simulation labs, the Health Equity Institute, biomedical engineering and the Data Science and Analytics Innovation Center.

“The Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building embodies the university's commitment to innovation and student success,” UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal said. “It will prepare the next generation of dental professionals while expanding access to high-quality care.”

From digital scanners to 3D milling and AI-assisted radiography, the School of Dentistry's spaces in the Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building are designed to connect the old and the new. Students will still learn traditional analog methods, but they will also train on state-of-the-art equipment that allows them to move from scan to finished restoration in a single visit.

“We want to be innovators and even beta test new technology,” Luepke said. “You move from traditional lab work to digital design to production. It's almost like walking through time.”

Construction of the new facility is ongoing, with the building expected to be move-in ready Spring 2027. Key milestones ahead include finishing exterior stonework, installing dental chairs and equipment on the upper floors and completing landscaping and site utilities. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place after final inspections and furniture installation.

“The exciting part will be seeing people walk in and experience it for the first time,” Luepke said. “There's a finale, and then the real work begins — actually using the space to deliver on what we've promised.”

Transitioning into the new building has required careful planning. Dental school staff and faculty are already training for more integrated roles, and workflow is being redesigned for efficiency.

“This building lets us rethink workflow in a way that's more seamless for both patients and providers,” Luepke said. “We're designing systems so instruments and materials move efficiently without extra steps.”

Alumni support has been a crucial part of the project. Luepke said donors respond enthusiastically to visible progress.

“This building is something tangible that alumni can feel proud to be part of,” Luepke said. “There's a real sense of pride in being able to point to this and say, ‘That's my school.’”

The Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building will feature bright, naturally lit spaces for both students and patients, including the digital design area, milling lab and traditional wet lab.

“For patients, I think it will create a more uplifting experience,” Luepke said. “Natural light even helps with clinical work, like matching tooth color more accurately.”

Come Spring 2027, the Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building will provide a fully integrated learning and clinical environment, reflecting years of planning, investment and collaboration across the university community.

“Getting a project like this funded and built today is a huge accomplishment,” Luepke said. “It took vision, commitment and a lot of people working behind the scenes. I hope everyone who contributed feels proud when they see what they helped create.”

Alumni News

Celebrating a Centennial Family Dentistry Legacy

FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS, proud UMKC School of Dentistry alumni in the Kutina family have been practicing across Kansas. The family, boasting dentists and hygienists educated at UMKC, appreciate their shared legacy, milestones and memories from the school.

The past year especially has given the family, with a total of eight oral healthcare practitioners across four generations, the opportunity to reflect on their years at UMKC and all the school has given them.

“I have great pride when I think of four generations of dentists all graduating from the same school,” said Larry Kutina (DDS '88). “To be able to provide dental care for more than 100 years is an incredible journey and a legacy I am very proud to be a part of.”

The family's legacy began with George Kutina (DDS '25), who opened his dental office in Great Bend, Kansas, in 1925. George's son, Loren (DDS '61), joined the practice shortly after his own dental school graduation. And Loren's son, Larry, joined the family practice in 1989.

Larry's chief memory of his grandfather George is his unfailing work attire. Every day, he wore a crisp, white, button-down shirt and a smock with a black tie.

“I look back at those old pictures, I don't know if I could have practiced with spittoons getting passed around, using belt driven handpieces while performing stand-up dentistry with no stool,” Larry said. “My back couldn't handle that.”

Larry worked alongside his dad for about 13 years until Loren retired in 2002. Larry fondly remembers attending the Midwest Dental Conference (MDC) with his dad, getting to see Loren in a different light and hearing stories about his grandpa.

One of Larry's favorite family stories is about a time George and Loren shared a hotel room while attending the conference. Every MDC, George and a few other dentists would get together to play poker. One of those nights, Loren went out with his own buddies. He got back to their room in the early morning hours, and snuck in quietly to avoid waking his dad.

“But my grandfather was nowhere to be found,” Larry said. “When my dad woke up at 6 a.m., there was my grandfather, already awake and brushing his teeth — no mention of how late that poker game went.”

Larry's son, Andrew (DDS '18), reflected fondly on the days when his dad and grandpa Loren practiced together.

“I remember a lot of days just sitting in there or running up and down the hall,” said Andrew. “It was the '90s. Times were different compared to today.”

According to Larry's children, dentistry was never pushed on either of them. Andrew wanted to be a dentist for as long as he can remember. His sister, Elizabeth (DDS '23), decided on dentistry after she completed her undergrad at Kansas State University. Now, Andrew is practicing in Manhattan, Kansas, and Elizabeth is practicing in the Wichita area.

Both siblings have treated patients who were former patients of their dad. Andrew can count more than 20, and one or two even remember Andrew assisting his dad at the clinic in Great Bend. According to Andrew, Manhattan is a popular choice for retirees from Great Bend, as well as other small towns in western Kansas, who are looking to retire to a bigger city.

“Some of my first patients were ones that remember me assisting for my dad,” said Andrew. “That was a real full circle moment for me.”

Father, son and daughter have shared a number of School of Dentistry milestones, from white coat ceremonies to graduation. Loren and Larry were the ones to hood Andrew, and Andrew and Larry took part in Elizabeth's hooding ceremony.

Larry cherishes how his relationships with his kids have evolved.

“Our texting has changed. I'm like a mentor from afar,” said Larry, who still practices in Great Bend. “It's been cool to be that for them, help them with some situations, not just techniques for practicing dentistry, but some patient management things too.”

Larry's enthusiasm for dentistry was imprinted on Elizabeth early on and has stuck with her. When she and her brother were growing up, every time Larry got a new piece of equipment, he wanted to show his kids how it worked. She fondly remembers the time her dad got his first-generation CEREC mill and then showed them how he could produce crowns in his office.

“He was always teaching us,” said Elizabeth. “Until recently, I did not know just how much I absorbed and have taken into my daily practice now.”

Their family history in dentistry is special for all three of them, and Andrew and Elizabeth are proud to have this connection to their great grandfather, some 100 years later.

“It is such a special legacy,” said Elizabeth. “Not many people can say they share something so strong with so many generations of their family.”

Other members of the Kutina family who are also UMKC School of Dentistry graduates include Alan Marcotte (DDS '89), son of George's daughter, Mary. Alan was classmates with Larry during dental school, and went on to practice in Winfield, Kansas. And Larry wasn't the only child of Loren's to go into the dental field. Larry's sisters, Julie (BSDH '81) and Jan (BSDH '86) also went to UMKC. Julie retired from dental hygiene in 1987, and Jan works in the Kutina family practice with her brother.

“I'm so thankful to the UMKC School of Dentistry for starting and continuing my family's legacy,” Larry said.

Alumni Leadership Changes

Nancy L. Newhouse (DDS '85) — Chair, Dr. Roy J. Rinehart Memorial Foundation
Nancy L. Newhouse (DDS '85) has been named the next chair of the Dr. Roy J. Rinehart Memorial Foundation. A full-time periodontal specialist in Independence, Missouri, Newhouse has also served as an assistant clinical professor in the UMKC Department of Periodontics and is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology.

Her leadership reaches far beyond the clinic. She served as president of the American Academy of Periodontology from 2012 to 2013 and has held numerous leadership roles at the national, regional and state levels. Newhouse opened her first practice in 1985 and has been placing dental implants since 1988. As foundation chair, she brings deep pride in UMKC, a commitment to excellence and genuine enthusiasm for supporting the future of the School of Dentistry.

Sarah Mahaffey (DDS '05) — President, Dental Alumni Association
Sarah Mahaffey (DDS '05) is stepping into her new role as president of the UMKC School of Dentistry Dental Alumni Association. A general dentist in her family's practice in Springfield, Missouri, she is actively involved in organized dentistry as a member of the Greater Springfield Dental Society, the Missouri Dental Association and the American Dental Association. She has also served in leadership roles with both the Missouri Dental Association and the Greater Springfield Dental Society. She is a fellow of the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and is a member of the American Association of Women Dentists. Alongside her husband, Darren Mahaffey (DDS '05), she also helped launch the Missouri Mission of Mercy charitable dental clinic.

Grace Wilson (BSDH '22) — President, Dental Hygienists' Alumni Association
Grace Wilson (BSDH '22) is the next president of the UMKC School of Dentistry Dental Hygienists' Alumni Association. Wilson practices as a dental hygienist in a well-established office in Kansas City, Missouri. As DHAA president, Wilson said she looks forward to bringing alumni together, supporting current students and celebrating the vital role dental hygienists play in oral health. She is enthusiastic about building meaningful connections and helping to keep UMKC's dental hygiene alumni engaged and proud of where they began.

2026 Alumni Achievement Award Winner

JENNIFER PIEREN (M.S. '11) RDH, FADHA, was honored with the School of Dentistry's 2026 Alumni Achievement Award at an event for all of UMKC's winners on Friday, April 17.

Pieren is a dental hygiene educator, author and speaker with more than 25 years of experience spanning clinical practice, education, research and academic leadership. She currently serves as a faculty member at Youngstown State University (YSU) and as an adjunct professor at the University of New Haven.

Pieren earned her associate and bachelor's degrees at YSU. She earned her Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Education from UMKC. Her teaching experience includes all levels of clinical dental hygiene and a broad range of didactic coursework.

She is co-editor of the 5th and 6th editions of Darby and Walsh Dental Hygiene: Theory and Practice. The 6th edition was honored with the 2025 Textbook Excellence “Texty” Award from the Textbook and Academic Authors Association. Pieren's scholarly work is published in respected dental hygiene and education journals, and she serves as a peer reviewer for professional publications.

Pieren has held numerous leadership and service roles in professional organizations throughout her career. Her contributions have supported national initiatives and curriculum development. Recent notable work includes serving as a content expert for the ADHA's 2025 Standards for Clinical Dental Hygiene Practice and the upcoming 2026 American Dental Education Association's (ADEA) Compendium of Curriculum Guidelines for Allied Dental Education. She continues to present continuing education courses nationwide and serves as a faculty expert for the ADHA National Board Review.

Pieren's dedication to her work has earned her honors, including YSU's Bitonte Health and Human Services Alumni of the Year Award and the YSU Teaching Excellence Award. She is a professional fellow of the American Dental Hygienists' Association and an active member of ADEA, the International Federation of Dental Hygienists and Sigma Phi Alpha.

Upcoming Alumni Events

Dental Alumni Scholarship Golf Tournament — Friday, Aug. 14, 2026

New Student Welcome Game at “The K” — Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026

Alumni Reception — St. Louis, Missouri (held in conjunction with Mid-Continent Dental Congress) — Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026

Rinehart/Alumni Board Meeting — Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026

UMKC School of Dentistry Scholarship Banquet — Monday, Oct. 5, 2026

Midwest Dental Conference — April 1-4, 2027

Rinehart/Alumni Board Meeting — Thursday, April 1, 2027

Pouring from the Heart — Thursday, April 1, 2027

For more information about alumni events and news, visit dentistry.umkc.edu/alumni. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X

Class Notes

Classes of the 1960s

Dio L. Daily (DDS '66) is still seeing patients part time, working for his son-in-law. He has eight grandchildren, ranging in age from 12 to 24. He still tries to play golf and be a gardener.

Eric Johnson (DDS '66) is retired.

Stephen Zacker (DDS '66) retired November 2017.

Classes of the 1970s

Harry Gilbert (DDS '71) retired from VAMC at Houston. He is still on OMS Faculty at UT Health School.

Gregg Kalbfleisch (DDS '71) is retired.

Kenneth Rowan (DDS '71) retired in May 2022.

David Cohen (DDS '76) sold his practice in 2006. He served UMKC as a faculty associate professor in the Restorative Dentistry Department from 2007 to 2019. David retired to Sedona, Arizona, with his spouse, Helen. He enjoys hiking moderate to difficult trails, working out and “geezer” yoga. He loves being in nature, visiting his adult kids and traveling to Europe and around the U.S. He says life is good!

Jay Joern (DDS '76) sold his practice in 2016 but still practices three days a week because he finds it to be a rewarding pastime. He lives in Ladue, Missouri, a small suburb of St. Louis, and spends a lot of his time at his lake house, where he still water skis and is forced to relax. Jay still has season tickets for Mizzou football and enjoys serving on three nonprofit boards in St. Louis, helping those who are less fortunate. He also serves on several committees at Mizzou, so he often takes trips to Columbia. His daughter is a psychologist in St. Louis. Jay says he's proud of what his dental class has accomplished and the contributions they have made to the betterment of their profession. 

R. Raymond Lyle Jr. (DDS '76) served in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps from 1976 to 1978. He practiced 45 years in Bartlesville-Dewey, Oklahoma, and retired June 2023. He is enjoying retirement and stays busy walking his dog and attending two ongoing bible studies. He's been married for 52 years.

Daniel Mayeda (DDS '76) is a consultant and educator for an international implant company. His website is danielmayedadds.com.

Ed Pyatt (DDS '76) works one day a week in community health. He has 12 grandchildren, and he hunts elk every year in Idaho. He stays busy serving at the local church and lives on a 100-acre farm in Buffalo, Missouri.

Harry Richter (DDS '76) retired from private practice in May 2017. He remains active in his church and community, and spends lots of time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

John Steuterman (DDS '76) designed his dental practice to fulfill his expectations. His retirement was predicated on a thoughtful plan — and he and his wife, Moira, are enjoying their success! John has been married to Moira for 48 years and they share three sons.

Jerry Theilen (DDS '76) retired in 2014. He and his wife have traveled the world. They still live in the same home they built in 1978. They have four children and three grandchildren.

Robert Thousand Jr. (DDS '76) sold his practice to his nephew, John W. Thousand IV, who is a periodontist and serves as president of the Florida Association of Periodontists. Robert's son, Robert Thousand III, is an endodontist.

Robert (Bob) Yard (DDS '76) retired from practice and teaching in 2012 after a rewarding career in dentistry, education and service. He proudly served 27 years in the U.S. Army, both active duty and reserve, and later spent 12 years in part-time practice and teaching at the University of Texas Health Science Center Dental School. Most recently, he celebrated 53 wonderful years of marriage with his college sweetheart, Becky.

Classes of the 1980s

William Booth (DDS '81) retired in 2014. Both of his children are married, and he has four wonderful grandchildren. He still plays music 3-4 times a year and golfs 2-3 times a week.

Karen Cheek (DDS '81) shared that her husband, Dr. Stephen Cheek, passed away at their home on Feb. 7, 2024. He was 72. Karen is currently in the midst of retiring from private practice.

Jerry Paz (DDS '81) has been married to his wife Barbara for 40 years. They have seven kids and 16 grandkids. Three of their kids work in the ministry. Jerry is still working four days a week but is taking more time off for rest and relaxation.

Joe Richardson (DDS '81) retired June 2020. He is currently the owner of a store specializing in candy, custard and coffee.

Thomas Russell (DDS '81) retired in 2024 after 10 wonderful years as a faculty member at the UMKC School of Dentistry.

Roderick Thiele (DDS '81) is retired.

Mark Bentele (DDS '86) recently retired from private practice but still works at Children's Hospital Colorado – CLP Team. He is now a part-time resident at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Kristopher Bruso (DDS '86) is celebrating 40 years in dental practice and 30 years married to his wife, Anne. He still loves the clinical side of dentistry and still hates dealing with insurance! Retirement is on the horizon for Kristopher — just don't ask him when exactly.

Gary Hatutian (DDS '86) has been at 8605 College Blvd for 35 years and is still loving it. He's enjoying family, mission trips, fishing trips, the Chiefs and the Royals.

Lynn Kinderknecht (DDS '86) retired at the end of 2024 after a fulfilling career in dentistry. He proudly turned his practice over to his son, Jon (DDS '12). Lynn is looking forward to this next chapter — spending more time with his 10 wonderful grandchildren, traveling, enjoying concerts and woodworking.

Ted Mason (DDS '86) is blessed with four wonderful grandchildren. He's still practicing full time and recently earned his pilot's license — an exciting new adventure outside of dentistry.

Cy Tenn (DDS '86) is 70 years old and has started collecting social security. However, he is still working and will likely continue for another five years or more. Cy's first granddaughter was born in 2026. He enjoys golfing, swimming and softball – and is a big Chiefs and Royals fan!

Classes of the 1990s

William Giannobile (DDS '91) is currently serving as dean of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. In Fall 2025, he was recognized with the Gold Medal for Excellence in Research by the ADA.

Patrick Bauer (DDS '96) is celebrating 25 years at his orthodontic practice in Springfield, and he couldn't be more grateful for the journey. He and his wife, Karie, have been married for more than 27 years and have raised four amazing kids, who keep them busy and proud. Drew (23) is a mechanical engineer at Burns & McDonnell in Kansas City. Gus (20) is in his second year at Drury University in Springfield. Millie (17) is excited to play SEC volleyball at Mizzou next year. Xander (12) is enjoying sixth grade and all the adventures that come with it.

James “Jim” Dixson (DDS '96) shared that Andrew Buckner (DDS '21) has been an associate with his practice since Andrew's graduation from UMKC.

Donna Mager (DDS '96) graduated with a specialty in oral medicine and a doctorate in medical research. She was a pioneer in salivary diagnostics during her tenure at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Jessica Meeske (DDS '96) is continuing to practice in Hastings, Nebraska, at Pediatric Dental Specialists of Greater Nebraska. She recently finished her term as president of the Nebraska Dental Association.

Classes of the 2000s

Julie Swift (DDS '01) is the author of “Profit Over Production,” an Amazon bestseller.

Classes of the 2010s

Bernard Bruns (DDS '11) has kids ranging from 12 to 28 years old. His oldest two children are in law school at UMKC, another one is finishing undergrad, two are on church missions, and his youngest is in seventh grade.

Koby Ferguson (DDS '11) became the head of the Department of Oral Surgery at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia.

Kyle Shull (DDS '11) is married with four children. He recently received his mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry.

Grant Snider (DDS '11) recently celebrated the publication of his 12th book, which he wrote and illustrated. He and his wife, Kayla, live in Wichita, Kansas, with their five children.

Jordan Haedt (DDS '16) is in her ninth year of practice ownership in Hiawatha, Kansas. She and Nick have two boys, Ben and Forest. They joke that they need to stop having kids because every time they have a child, they end up buying a business three months later. She and Nick also own and manage a large RV park in Nebraska. In their free time, Jordan and Nick coach many sports and enjoy traveling, hiking and cooking. They have remodeled two homes in Hiawatha and will be settling into their forever home there in the fall.

Classes of the 2020s

Tara Craven (DDS '21) has two kids, Micah (20 months) and Joanna (two months).

Remembering a Beloved School of Dentistry Professor: John W. Killip (DDS '68)

PROFESSOR EMERITUS John W. Killip (DDS '68) passed away on March 16, 2026. Born in Flagstaff, Arizona, he earned a Bachelor of Science from Northern Arizona University in 1964. After receiving his DDS from UMKC in 1968, he served as a captain in the U.S. Army in Korea during the Vietnam War and continued to serve four additional years in the Army Reserve.

Killip practiced general dentistry for 15 years before dedicating more than 25 years to the UMKC School of Dentistry. Beginning as a clinical assistant professor in restorative dentistry, he later served as associate dean for student programs, and retired as clinical professor emeritus in 2012. In 2009, the school established the John Killip Student Leadership Award in his honor.

A fellow of the American College of Dentists, Killip was an active contributor to ADEA and the broader dental community, receiving both a Presidential Citation (2009) and Distinguished Service Award (2013). He was deeply committed to lifelong learning and professional service.

Remembered also for his artistic woodworking, Killip crafted intricate pieces, including carved carousel animals and furniture. A loyal alumnus and benefactor, he supported the Roy J. Rinehart Foundation and endowed the John and Kathy Killip Scholarship.

In Memoriam

Logan Harold Childers Jr. (DDS '69)
Jim Randolph Cole II (DDS '67)
Sandra Lee Crnic (BSDH '71)
William J. Hayden Jr. (DDS '71)
William Edgar Hoffman (DDS '64, ORTHO '68)
Professor Emeritus John W. Killip (DDS '68)
Robert E. Lacy (DDS '62)
Steven P. Leon (DDS '92)
James W. Meares (DDS '74)
Donald K. Meyer (DDS '59)
Frank W. Meyer (DDS '58, M.S. '77)
Jorae Miller
Daniel N. Minnis (DDS '88)
Allie Christine Montgomery (BSDH '15)
Robert T. Morrison (DDS '57)
Dan Muehlebach (DDS '79)
Suewo Okazaki (DDS '51)
James L. Sutton (DDS '74)
Jim Bernard Theilen (DDS '76)

School News

Annual Day of Service

HONORING DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.'S legacy of service, School of Dentistry students, faculty and staff joined together on Jan. 21, 2026, to assemble, donate and deliver more than 2,000 dental hygiene kits to shelters in the Kansas City metro. Each kit included a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and a timer to help promote healthy dental habits.

From Students to Stewards: A Full-Circle Moment

COMING HOME IS SPECIAL. But helping lead the institution that shaped your career — that's extraordinary. At the UMKC School of Dentistry, three accomplished alumni are stepping into key leadership roles.

Eric Gottman (DDS '01, PROSTH '04) has been appointed associate dean of clinical programs, following his service as interim associate dean and director of clinic operations. Since joining the faculty in 2004, Gottman has held numerous leadership roles, including director of the oncology dental support clinic and team 2 coordinator, along with serving as a clinician and educator. His career reflects a balance of academic excellence and clinical practice, along with extensive local and national service. As associate dean, he guides the entire clinical enterprise, ensuring students are well-prepared and patients receive excellent care. A dedicated alumnus, Gottman most recently served as president of the Dental Alumni Association, further strengthening ties between graduates and the school.

Keerthana Satheesh (DDS '05), a board-certified periodontist, has been appointed interim associate dean of advanced education residencies while continuing as chair of the Department of Periodontics. With advanced training from the University of Minnesota and a career at UMKC that began in 2003, Satheesh has played a pivotal role in shaping graduate and residency programs. In her new role, she will provide centralized leadership for advanced education, overseeing program quality, accreditation and faculty development. Her expertise in periodontics, implantology and research — combined with a strong record of teaching and scholarship — positions her to guide these programs into the future.

Becky Smith (B.A./DDS '95), a graduate of UMKC's six-year dental program, has been named interim associate dean of clinical operations and is also serving as interim chair of the Department of Restorative Clinical Sciences. Smith joined the faculty in 2006 and has been a cornerstone of clinical education, progressing through multiple leadership roles, including team 1 coordinator. Her responsibilities now center on the day-to-day operations of the school's clinics — supporting students, faculty and patient care systems to ensure efficiency and excellence. Beyond UMKC, Smith has contributed nationally as a clinical science consultant to the Commission on Dental Accreditation since 2009. Her extensive scholarly work, professional service and leadership within the Roy J. Rinehart Foundation reflect a career defined by commitment to both education and the profession.

Graduation

Congratulations, Class of 2026!

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 2026 during UMKC's Spring Commencement at T-Mobile Center on Saturday, May 16. The Professional Recognition Ceremony was held prior to Commencement at Swinney Recreation Center on Thursday, May 14.

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Balsim Abdulwahed
Asma Syed Ali
Michael Allison
Hawraa Adnan Alqattan
Elise Avery Artzer
Halei Atoe
Hayden James Bartholomew
Jordan Alexis Baudoin
Jade R. Bauer
Sydney A. Bauer
Jack Edward Beuerlein
Ethan Michael Biehl
Neil Boes
Taylor Christopher Bonnewitz
Chelsea Nicole Breihan
Taylor Nicole Brock
Michelle Lan Chi Bui
Andrew Charles Burton
Taylor Lee Bushman
Camden Reid Chastain
Jaspreet Chauhan
William Reilly Edwards
Cole Arthur Eise
Reid William Evers
Joseph Ferguson
Giovanni Giuseppe Ferraro
Jason Robert Firth
Sara Elisabeth Fletcher
Tasneem Ayman Gaballah
Nathan Bradley Gabbard
Casey Ryan Geddes
Amarvir Singh Ghuman
Tatum Layne Glaser
Jacob Forrest Goodman
Elias Amir Halwaji
Jimmie Justin Harper
Hannah Claire Hart
Galen Isamu Hayashi
Samuel Himstedt
Skyler Lauren Hooper
Aditi Indurkar
Zane Ali Issa
Carly Jaquez
Alexandria Johnson
Landon D. Jones
Marley Rose Jones
Ethan Kaus
Alyssa Knaak
Andrew Gene Krause
Meredith Amber Kruse
Dustin Taylor Kynaston
Michael Vien Luong
Hunter Graham Majure
Gabriel Martin Sasamoto
Mary Kolissa McCanna
Gabriel Mefrakis
Mary Katherine Mefrakis
Daniel Miller
Makenzie Kathleen Montie
Abagayle Thomas Moody
Annabella Terrah Moody
Ashlynn Murrow
Alexander Salvatore David Myers
Nicholas Joseph Natanov
Timothy Hieu Nguyen
John Gerard Nikodem
Rebecca Lynne Otten
Brandon Nicholas Pappas
K-Leigh Pappas
Mikaylie Parco
Tina Sherean Parki
Hardik R. Patel
Khushboo Jagadish Patel
Shreya Patel
Kamryn Peters
Chance M. Porter
Brittany Linn Raines
Lisa Margaret Raymond
Quinten Thomas Reasoner
Gregory Dalton Roberts
Matthew Austin Roberts
Kacie Kiana Sakamaki
Flavia Beatriz Santos Bada
Kristen Schneider
Hadley Raygn Schreiner
Nicholas Cole Schulte
Abigail Sedlacek
Ciara Seib
Maxwell Seibolt
Andrew C. Self
Anu Shruthi Selvaraj
Tyler Shank
Molly Katherine Shumard
Drew Stoll
Matthew John Straetker
Amrutha Sudarsana Babu
Hira Javaid Sukhera
Emma Rose Suttee
Radhika Swaminathan
Amy Elizabeth Swaters
Noah Benjamin Tally
Hardi Dharmanshu Thacker
Jacey Thelen
Juliana Nomin Tomita
Kylee Allyn Townsend
Andrew Douangpraseuth Truong
Kasidee Wells
Lukas James Whistler
Olivia Willis
Sierra Nicole Wilson
Claire Wreath
Alex Yang
Luke Yang
Guangxin Zou

Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene

Lorena Ivette Barraza
Avery Lillian Behrends
Emma Blain
Shaelyn McKenzie Burks
Isabella Cannon
McKenzie Caster
Antonia Fraizer
Korbyn Gentry
Justina Hartman
Abby Danielle Hecker
Peyton Elaine Howard
Grace Anne Ipsen
Charlotte Nichole Kettler
Aleksis Rose Lee
Arbyanna LaNiece Lewis
Clara Isabel Lindstrom
Itzhel Yamel Martinez
Maria Maxine Mason
Loren Noel May
Julia Rose Messina
Ariyana Miller
Anna Mitchell
Ashley Tu Nguyen
Cheyanne Paulie Grace Poterbin
Ashlyn Mae Rhodes
Klare Rollins
Reagan Rose Thornhill
Jocelyn Vang
Grace Wilson

BSDH - Degree Completion

Karen Michelle Wilson

Senior Scholarship Day

ON MONDAY, MAY 4, the annual Senior Scholarship Day welcomed graduates, faculty, family and friends to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Class of 2026. Graduates were recognized with a series of awards and presentations.

Academy of Dentistry for Persons with Disabilities Award — Aleksis Lee

American Association of Public Health Dentistry — Cheyanne Poterbin

Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals Star Award — Clara Lindstrom

Golden Scaler Award — Lorena Barraza

MDHA Outstanding Student Award — Reagan Thornhill

UMKC DHAA Sherry Burns Outstanding Clinician Award — Klare Rollins

American College of Dentists' Dental Hygiene Ethics Award — Loren May

Greater Kansas City Dental Hygienists' Association Community Service Award — Avery Behrends

Crest & Oral-B Hygienist Proud SMILE Award (Inaugural award) — Arbyanna Lewis

Dean's Academic Distinction Award — Antonia Fraizer

Advanced Education Residency Certificates

Advanced Education in General Dentistry
Marina Figueredo Florez, BDS (Graduate-Summer 2026)
Rodolfo Plech, BDS (Graduate-Summer 2026)

Endodontics
Laura Altomare, DDS (Graduate-Summer 2026)
Daniel Lee, DDS (Graduate-Summer 2026)
Daniel Shimansky, DDS (Graduate-Summer 2026)

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Matthew Greaves, DDS (Graduated-Fall 2025)
Jacky Lung, DDS (Graduated-Fall 2025)
Dana Loveland Napper, DDS (Graduated-Fall 2025)

Periodontics
Shirley Lee, DDS (Graduate-Summer 2026)
Jennifer Malloy, DDS (Graduate-Summer 2026)

Graduate Degrees

Oral and Craniofacial Sciences M.S. Degree
Matthew Greaves, DDS (Graduated-Fall 2025)
Jacky Lung, DDS (Graduated-Fall 2025)
Dana Loveland Napper, DDS (Graduated-Fall 2025)

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.

Reid Evers — Family Hooder: Brent Evers, DDS (Father, Class of 1990)

Jason Firth — Family Hooders: John Firth, DDS (Father, Class of 1992); Justin Firth, DDS (Brother, Class of 2019)

Skyler Hooper — Family Hooder: James Penney III (Father-in-Law, Class of 1992)

Taylor Kynaston — Family Hooder: Brian Kynaston, DDS (Father, Class of 2003)

Nicolas Lopez Lara — Family Hooder: Sandra Lara, DDS (Mother, Class of 2001)

Hunter Majure — Family Hooder: Austin Majure, DDS (Brother, Class of 2019)

Katie Mefrakis — Family Hooders: Mary Gadbois, DDS (Mother, Class of 2000); Anthony Gadbois, DDS (Father, Class of 2000)

Nicholas Natanov — Family Hooder: Albert Natanov, DDS (Father, Class of 2003)

Jack Nikodem — Family Hooders: Gerald Nikodem, DDS (Father, Class of 1988); Ryan Nikodem, DDS (Brother, Class of 2015)

Chance Porter — Family Hooder: Justin Porter, DDS (Father, Class of 2004)

Matthew Roberts — Family Hooder: Blake Roberts, DDS (Brother, Class of 2020)

Noah Tally — Family Hooder: J. Brad Tally (Father, Class of 1991)

Sierra Wilson — Family Hooder: Benjamin Wilson (Father, Class of 2003)

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

Taylor Brock
Carly Jaquez
Alexandria Johnson
Gabriel Martin Sasamoto

Kuwait Program Participant

Hawraa AlQattan

Military Commissioning Ceremony

Quinten Reasoner, Lieutenant, United States Navy.
Stationed at: Naval Station Great Lakes, Great Lakes, Illinois.

Where Graduates Are Going