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

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

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

DO YOU REMEMBER your time in our student organizations? Reach out to us at explorer@umkc.edu and share your favorite memories. Scan the QR code to see what some of the UMKC School of Dentistry student organizations have been up to lately.

CURRENT STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
• American Student Dental Association (ASDA)
• American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Student Club (AAPD)
• American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research -Student Research Group (AADR/SRG)
• American Association of Orthodontics UMKC Study Group
• American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD)
• American Dental Education Association (ADEA)
• Association of Women Dentists (AWD)
• Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA)
• Dental Student Council

Chance encounter launches long line of dental mentors for former nail tech

MICHAEL LUONG was taking a break from college, working as a nail technician, when alumna Kelly Farmer (DDS ’06) sat down at his station for a pedicure. As Luong worked on Farmer’s nails, the dentist saw his transferable skills almost immediately.

“We got to chatting and she started listing all the reasons I would be a good dentist,” Luong said. “She said, ‘You’re obviously good with people, you work with your hands, you’re smart. You would be a great dentist!’”

Nine years later, Luong has begun his third year of dental school at UMKC and  is president of his class.

“If it wasn’t for Dr. Farmer coming in the nail salon that day,” Luong said, “I wouldn’t be here.”

As a first-generation college student whose parents immigrated from China, Luong has forged his own path toward dentistry.  Although Farmer was the catalyst that day in the nail salon, it was still an uphill battle for Luong to get in to dental school. He had to apply more than once.

But he persevered, and he credits the UMKC dental alumni who inspired him to keep going – those who are tireless promoters of the profession and saw something in Luong. There was Farmer, who introduced Luong to the field and was the first dentist he shadowed. There was Dustin Burelson (B.A. ’00, DDS ’04, ORTHO ’06), an orthodontist who hired Luong and took the time to introduce him to the basics of dentistry. And Harlen Hassen (DDS ’81), who was the first general dentist Luong worked under and is still his mentor today.

“Every dental office I worked at,” Luong said, “they would all cheer me on.”

Luong’s first exposure to the life of a dentist happened after Farmer encouraged him that day in the nail salon. Her sales pitch worked well enough that Luong set up a time to shadow her at the practice where she worked. The profession hooked him immediately, so he asked her what he needed to do in order to have a future in it. She told him to finish the last two years of his undergraduate degree and get a job in dentistry.

“It’s fun to think back on that time,” Farmer said. “I’m not surprised Michael is where he’s at today. I knew he had a lot of motivation.”

Luong followed Farmer’s advice and finished his degree in microbiology at the University of Kansas. He also began to work as a dental assistant at Burelson’s orthodontics practice in Kansas City, Missouri.

“Mentoring Michael was a highly rewarding experience,” Burelson said.

“From the very beginning, Michael showed a keen interest in learning all aspects of dentistry, even beyond orthodontics.”

While working with Burelson, Luong also had the opportunity to assist him with Smiles Change Lives, a nonprofit organization that provides access to orthodontic treatment for children from families who can’t afford the full cost.

“Michael’s work with Smiles Change Lives was transformative,” Burelson said. “I have no doubt the profound impact it had on him fueled his passion for the field.”

There was one particular patient who made a lasting impression on Luong. The young patient opened up to him about being bullied at school for her teeth. He got to see the complete transformation that came with her treatment, and it was life changing – for the patient and Luong.

“You could see the change in her from correcting her smile, making her feel more confident,” Luong said. “I saw firsthand the tremendous impact dentistry could have.”

Luong also worked for New Horizons, a dental support organization, where he connected with Hassen, who is now on faculty at the School of Dentistry and one of Luong’s go-to mentors.

“You could see that spark in Michael,” Hassen said. “That’s why I kept in touch with him – I kept trying to encourage him to continue on and not give up on anything.”

According to Hassen, it’s a point of pride to see Luong’s progression through the profession. He loves seeing young people become stewards of dentistry. When Hassen was in the beginning stages of his career, there were many dentists who helped him along the way, so it’s important to him that he pays it forward.

“I had a dream and desire to do this job, and it meant a lot to have people that were there in my corner, that were pulling for me,” Hassen said. “And it’s quite fun to watch the students come back from rotations realizing that they can do this job.”

Luong’s story is one of triumph that Hassen plans to use to inspire others.

“Michael can be an example for other students,” Hassen said. “He did not come from a long line of dentists.

He had to work for years to get to this point. But he’s worked his way here and he’s made a difference and will continue to make a difference.”