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Paul Luepke, D.D.S., M.S., FACD Announced as New Dean of UMKC School of Dentistry

Posted on by Audriana Thompson
After a national search, Paul Luepke, D.D.S., M.S., FACD, will serve as the new UMKC dean of the School of Dentistry. His first day will be June 1.

Luepke comes from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center where he has held leadership and faculty positions since 2020, most recently as associate dean of faculty affairs, interim associate dean for clinical and extramural affairs and chair of periodontology in the College of Dentistry.

“We are happy to welcome Dr. Luepke, an oral healthcare leader at both the university and national levels,” Provost Jenny Lundgren said. “His leadership will be a great asset not only to the School of Dentistry but to UMKC in our dedication to excellence.”

In his role as dean, Luepke will lead the School of Dentistry, the only public dental school in Missouri and Kansas, with clinics providing more than 70,000 patient visits and $500,000 in uncompensated care per year. He also will help guide our transition to the new Healthcare Delivery and Innovation building when it is complete in 2026 and will take point on the proposed expansion of the School of Dentistry to a satellite campus in St. Joseph, part of our effort to better meet rural dental-care needs. The school also has a robust research portfolio that contributes to the university’s research enterprise as a Carnegie R1 institution, and Luepke’s background also includes research.

“I look forward to leading the UMKC School of Dentistry, which has a passionate alumni base across the nation,” Luepke said. “There is incredible forward momentum at this world-class university, and I’m committed to collaborating with campus and community leaders in service to the region.”

Luepke is active in the field of dentistry as diplomate, director and president of the American Board of Periodontology and serves on the board of the Commission on Dental Accreditation, or CODA. The American Academy of Periodontology has honored him several times for education mentorship. He received his periodontal training (certificate and master’s) from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. In 2008, he retired from the Navy with the rank of captain after 21 years.

Luepke’s professional background includes leadership and faculty positions at the Marquette University School of Dentistry. He graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry from Monmouth College in Illinois and with a Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Illinois Chicago School of Dentistry.

Russell Melchert, dean of the UMKC School of Pharmacy, has been serving as interim dean of the UMKC School of Dentistry since Nov. 1.

From UMKC Insider

Midwest Dental Conference Comes to a Close

Posted on by Audriana Thompson

The final day of the conference began with the annual Dental Alumni Trustees’ and Alumni Past Presidents’ Breakfast, followed by the last round of insightful scientific sessions.

After a weekend filled with fun, learning, and celebration, attended by more than 2,000 dental professionals, the conference wrapped up on a high note.

The UMKC Dental Alumni and Dental Hygienists’ Associations extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this year’s event one to remember!

Be sure to save the date for next year’s #UMKCMDC, April 23-26, 2026.

See photos from the day here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/YBDVvRbpjTDHAb9c6

Celebrations and Sessions Continue at the 2025 Midwest Dental Conference

Posted on by Audriana Thompson

The excitement continued on Saturday at the Sheraton hotel, starting with a complimentary coffee bar sponsored by the UMKC Dental Hygienists’ Alumni Association. The day was filled with engaging lectures and hands-on workshops that ran throughout the day.

The Rinehart Foundation and UMKC Dental Alumni Association hosted a heartfelt Gratitude Luncheon to honor the generous donors and supporters of the school. A special highlight of the event was the chance to reconnect with our Hawaiian alumni, who share a rich legacy with the dental school.

Many reunion classes celebrated their time together once again, whether through dinners in the city or casual get-togethers at the hotel. The SNDA/HSDA also hosted an alumni and friends reception, complete with delicious food and plenty of fun.

See photos from the day here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/A4KCvEX7TV2n4GGP8

A Fun-Filled Friday at the Midwest Dental Conference

Posted on by Audriana Thompson

Day two of the Midwest Dental Conference kicked off with over 2,000 attendees and exhibitors at the Sheraton hotel, offering a full day of learning, networking, and exploring the latest in dental technology.

The Exhibit Hall opened its doors, showcasing cutting-edge products and trends in the dental field. Students also presented their research posters during a public viewing, giving attendees the chance to engage with new developments in dental research.

The day concluded with a lively Welcome Party in the Exhibit Hall, providing plenty of opportunities to connect with friends and colleagues.

See photos from the event, here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/Y3j66Ew3QazFUEp5A

Pouring from the Heart: 25 Years of Philanthropy

Posted on by Audriana Thompson

The Westin Crown Center Hotel Ballroom was buzzing with energy on Thursday, April 3, as hundreds of guests gathered for a night of celebration and philanthropy. Now celebrating its 25th year, Pouring from the Heart raises funds to support students and patients at the UMKC School of Dentistry.

Proceeds from ticket sales, raffles, and both live and silent auctions are directed toward patient care vouchers, providing our students with valuable hands-on experience to help them graduate while ensuring our Kansas City community receives essential dental care. Guests enjoyed exquisite food and wine pairings, heard from UMKC leadership and students, and had the chance to bid on unique auction items.

See photos from the event, here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/a52HqXLgGFY3SsyZA

Midwest Dental Conference 2025 Begins

Posted on by Audriana Thompson

The UMKC Dental and Dental Hygienists’ Alumni Associations welcomed hundreds of attendees on Thursday, marking the start of a four-day event filled with scientific sessions, reunions, workshops, and exhibits at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel for the 2025 Midwest Dental Conference!

The conference kicked off on Thursday with specialty lectures on pediatrics, prosthodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery.

Check out the photos from day one of the conference below and stay tuned for more highlights from our Pouring from the Heart gala.

See event photos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/iNkonWjnXNTi8t3P8

School Volunteers Attend TeamSmile Event

Posted on by Audriana Thompson

On March 21st, volunteers from the UMKC School of Dentistry attended a TeamSmile event at Urban youth Academy with the Kansas City Royals to provide free dental care and education to children in the area.

Student volunteers included:

  • Ayah Alameery
  • Shaikhah Albenwan
  • Annabella Moody
  • Camden Chastain
  • Mikaylie Parco
  • Abagayle Moody
  • Abigail Sedlacek
  • Hardi Thacker
  • Juliana Tomita
  • Sierra Wilson
  • Francisco Flores
  • Amrutha Sudarsana Babu
  • MaKenzie Montie
  • Hawraa Alqattan
  • Tim Nguyen

Faculty members included Dr. Becky Smith and Dr. CJ Ehrenberger.

Dr. Kendell Cline and Dr. Ron Marquez, both UMKC School of Dentistry alumni joined in, along with residents from Children’s Mercy.

See photos from the event here.

Grant Awards

Posted on by Ken Honas

Sarah Dallas, Ph.D., received R01 five-year grant funding for “Dynamics of Bone ECM Assembly and Resorption,” totaling approximately $440,000 over five years.

Timothy Cox, Ph.D., received R01 grant funding for “Impact of maternal dietary vitamin A on risk and severity of cleft lip/palate in genetically sensitized embryos,” totaling approximately $1.25 million.