Chibueze Chiaka (Eze) a D-1 student (DDS Class of 2026) and Dr. Anthony Jimenez an alum (DDS ‘ 15; AEGD ’16) spoke with KSHB 41 reporter Megan Abundis about combatting dentist shortages in Kansas and Missouri that dates back to 20 years.

Dr. Anthony Jimenez is the dental director of Vibrant Health, whose healthcare is funded by donors and makes an effort to provide access to care in marginalized communities.

Eze Chiaka, a current D-1 student at the UMKC School of Dentistry, is the recipient of one of GEHA Solutions dental scholarships, which they have sponsored in hopes to shrink the dentists shortage.

In the interview, Jimenez and Chiaka talk about who is impacted by this crisis and how they are working to solve the problem.

Learn more and watch the interview from KSHB here.