Dr. Melodee Armfield (DDS ’87) brings years of service to organized dentistry to her new post as president of the UMKC Dental Alumni Association. She took the reins at the 2019 Midwest Dental Conference just as she was completing a term as president of the Kansas Dental Association. Through the years she has been an advocate for dentistry through the Seventh District Dental Society and the KDA Board of Delegates. Continue reading
Alumni
Pouring From the Heart
Pouring From the HeArt celebrated 20 years this year with a new location and format. Guests enjoyed some phenomenal views of the Kansas City skyline from the floor-to-ceiling windows at the legendary American Restaurant event space. The night featured five tasting stations spread throughout the venue displaying the amazing culinary arts of Chef Andrew Longres. Each station was paired with a delectable cocktail. A true foodie’s paradise. Continue reading
Diversity in Action
The first-ever Student National Dental Association/Hispanic Student Dental Association Alumni Reunion, held Saturday, went extremely well, according to John Cottrell, the director of minority and special programs for the UMKC School of Dentistry. The reunion helped rekindle alumni relationships, connect minority students with mentors and encourage future recruitment and mentorship.
Poster presentations
More than 130 students presented posters, formally known as table clinics. The first-place dental hygiene team was Brooke Borel (DH ’19) and Erica McClain (DH ’19), on “Domestic violence: What is the dental professional’s role?” The first-place dental team was Veeshesh Patel (DDS Class of 2020) and Drake Conner (DDS Class of 2020), on “Prevalence of adverse effects of Articaine vs Lidocaine following dental nerve blocks.”
MDC 2019: Building Ever-Stronger Bonds
This year’s Midwest Dental Conference brought together more than 3,400 alumni, friends, students and professional partners from 33 states. The conference was held a little earlier this year, March 21-24, and was an exciting weekend full of educational sessions (117 CE credit hours), 14 class reunions, 98 vendor booths in the Exhibit Hall (including 20 new companies), two-dozen organizational meetings, donor recognition and, of course, socializing and professional bonding. Continue reading
Message from the Dean – A Thriving Tradition
Every year, the Midwest Dental Conference strengthens professions, renews friendships and \adds to its legacy.
When I arrived 10 years ago, I quickly learned that the lasting bonds of friendship forged among classmates are one of the most revered features of our school. These amazing bonds form early, often out of common interests but sometimes out of necessity, and continue to evolve through our personal and professional development. Our more senior alumni for decades have understood the importance and value of these relationships and work to keep them strong through early and sustained outreach to our students and recent alumni. Dental education creates the opportunity, but the relationships are cemented through remarkable annual events such as the Midwest Dental Conference. Continue reading
Explorer Summer 2019: Alumni Magazine
Playing for a Good Cause at the 2019 Annual Dental Alumni Scholarship Golf Tournament
It was a fantastic day for participants Friday, May 31st, at Shoal Creek Golf Course, for the annual UMKC Dental Alumni Scholarship Golf Tournament. Attendees enjoyed food, fun, and some antics, putting contests, and of course a few mulligans.
Now in its 19th year, the, the event has awarded over $230,000 in individual scholarships to UMKC School of Dentistry students. The steering committee was led by Dr. Joe Spalitto and included Dr. Chad Barth, Dr. Reese Graue, Dr. Michael McCunniff, Matthew Muir, Joel Piper and Michael Rehme.
2019 Dental Alumni Royals Opening Day Event
The School’s Dental Alumni Association maintained the long-standing tradition of attending the Royals season opener at Kauffman Stadium. While the threatening weather and rain delays caused the less than hearty to way, those that did venture out and stay for the game were loyal and spirited! Photos here.
Sunday Highlights from Midwest Dental Conference 2019
Midwest Dental Conference 2019 concluded with the annual Dental Alumni Trustees/Alumni Past President’s Breakfastup followed by three Scientific Sessions. The last of nearly 3,000 attendees exchanged goodbyes and headed home with full hearts and heads after their weekend of “Celebration and Education.
The UMKC Dental and Dental Hygienist’s Alumni Associations and the School of Dentistry extend a most heartfelt thank you to all who helped make MDC 2019 such a great success.
DON’T FORGET TO MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Next year’s meeting is scheduled for April 16-19, 2020.