As the reality of COVID-19 became clear and the School of Dentistry realized it would be sending students home, suspending clinics and clearing the building, it knew many in its dental family would have challenges to overcome. Students have seen their carefully laid plans for graduation turned on their sides, many are experiencing anxiety about securing their first jobs, others have been trying to figure out how to pay extra rent while staying in town longer than expected and, of course, like people everywhere, most wonder what changes will come to dentistry to keep everyone safe going forward. Staff and faculty also share these same concerns.

Some of the school’s dental family members will need more support as the situation continues. Recognizing this, our alumni groups wanted to help. The missions of the Dr. Roy J. Rinehart Memorial Foundation, the Dental Alumni Association and the Dental Hygienists Alumni Association have always been to support the UMKC School of Dentistry and its community. With that in mind, these three groups have come together to provide $39,000 in matching funds for the Student Staff Emergency Fund. The donations will specifically offer financial assistance to those unable to meet essential expenses during this public health crisis.

The School of Dentistry is deeply appreciative of these generous gifts that ensure any contribution made will go twice as far. If you are interested and able, the school welcomes your support of this fund, as it knows there will be many who need extra help even as we transition back to the building. Or, if you’d like to make an unrestricted gift to the school to help with new or unforeseen concerns that arise during the restart, the school would welcome these donations, as well.

The School of Dentistry understands not everyone can contribute funds at this time and is incredibly grateful for all of the ways you continue to support the school. It is the actions from kind and compassionate supporters like you that will help us get through this time together. To make a gift, please go here, click pledge support, choose designation “other” and specify SOD Emergency Fund or Rinehart Unrestricted to join in supporting the school and its future dental professionals.