The UMKC-Kuwait Dental Student Program began in 1989 as an agreement between the curators of the University of Missouri, the State of Kuwait and its Ministry of Higher Education. Currently, the program admits up to five students per year, and the State of Kuwait provides full financial support. This year’s graduates of the program are Abdullah Akbar and Ahmed Almuweel.
Author: Ken Honas
Choosing to Serve: Three Graduates Commissioned
Three dental graduates were commissioned as they prepare to enter active duty in the U.S. Navy and Kansas National Guard. Once sworn in, they received the rank of lieutenant or captain, depending on the branch of service. Continue reading
Continuing the Family Legacy
Family members of the graduating class who are dental school alumni participated in honoring the class as legacy hooders at the hooding ceremony. This special moment creates long-lasting memories and continues a unique tradition. Continue reading
A Success to Smile About: Honoring the Dental Hygiene Class of 2023
Academic achievements, generous service and clinical excellence are just a few of the noteworthy aspects of the Dental Hygiene Class of 2023 that were celebrated on Friday, May 12, by faculty, alumni, family and friends.
Well-deserved awards were presented, accomplishments recognized and there were plenty of opportunities to kindle new connections at a luncheon hosted by the UMKC Dental Hygienists’ Association. Continue reading
Congratulations, 2023 Graduates!
Three cheers for fourth years: Celebrating the Dental Class of 2023
This year’s dental graduates achieved in and out of the classroom. They learned during a global pandemic and responded to calls of service and leadership. They succeeded academically and put lessons into practice on the clinic floor. The annual hooding ceremony on May 12 was an opportunity to honor our graduates and those who supported the journey to their doctoral degree. Continue reading
Graduate Uses Soccer Background to Help Local Kids
Edgardo Leiva (D.D.S. ’23) rose through the competitive ranks of soccer, playing for the Honduran National Team and also playing college soccer in the U.S. While he was a dental student, he formed a soccer training company, Soccer Roots, employing many of his classmates. Leiva explained what inspired him to start the endeavor.
Q: How did your soccer career begin?
A: I started playing competitively when I was 12 or 13, eventually participating in the developmental program for the Honduran national team. But the situation in Honduras became too difficult for my family, so my mom brought us to Miami, where my grandmother was living. Continue reading
Achieving Perfection
The School of Dentistry D.D.S. Class of 2023 achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the Integrated National Board Dental Examination for the first time in more than 10 years. The Dr. Roy
Rinehart Memorial Foundation provided a “Boards Celebration” party in March at Main Event to recognize the class achievement.
The B.S.D.H. Class of 2023 tested just as well. The class received a 100% pass rate on its clinical license examination, administered by CRDTS. This was the first time this exam had been administered since the Missouri Dental Board approved a simulated patient exam for dental hygiene in January 2023
Give Kids a Smile
In February, the School of Dentistry participated in the American Dental Association’s Give Kids A Smile campaign. The event takes place every year during Children’s Dental Health Month, and offers free dental care to children in the Kansas City area. Kids are shown how important oral health care is in a fun, interactive environment. This year, the school’s faculty, students and staff shared smiles, at-home care kits and even some bubbles with kids from around the community.
New dual degree option
INCOMING DOCTOR OF DENTAL SURGERY (D.D.S.) students will now be able to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree while going to dental school.
Melanie Simmer-Beck (B.S.D.H. ’94, M.S. ’04, Ph.D. ’13), chair of the Department of Dental Public Health, and David Thein (D.D.S. ’79), also with the School of Dentistry, have partnered with the Henry W. Bloch School of Management to create a unique opportunity for dental students to help meet the increasing demand for more comprehensive business knowledge as they enter the workforce. Continue reading
Dental hygiene students volunteer at the Missouri Special Olympics
Senior and junior dental hygiene students and one of their professors volunteered at the Special Olympics at the Special Smiles tent, on Saturday, Oct. 8, in Jefferson City, Missouri. They provided dental screenings and oral hygiene instructions to athletes at the day-long event. Volunteers included Vi Tran, Lauren Hills, Jaden Greenwood, Madison Hoffman, Cameron Nhotharack, Lilly Swyers and Professor Ashley Hobbs.