Dr. Jane Atkinson (DDS ’81)
2017 Alumni Achievement Award – Dental
Dr. Atkinson’s nominee writes, “[Dr. Atkinson] has had an impressive career with the National Institutes of Health in Washington, D.C., where she has treated significantly ill patients, gained tremendous knowledge of their diseases, and supported future research to one day alleviate these maladies affecting our nation’s youngest patients. She is indeed worthy of this distinguished honor.
She began her studies at the UMKC School of Dentistry, where she graduated with her DDS degree in 1981. She then attended the University of Maryland, where she spent a year serving a general practice residency at the University of Maryland Hospital. Following a four-year period in private practice, she began her affiliation with the National Institute of Dental Research as a dental staff fellow. As she continued her work there, she realized its necessity and had the desire to further her knowledge and skills. She attained her certificate in Oral Medicine in 1988 and a certificate with commendation in Clinical Research in 2004.
Through her many accomplishments at the Institute, including a guest researcher position at Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany, she rose to be director of the Oral Medicine Training Program. In this role, she taught and guided many future health professionals to care for our most vulnerable patients beyond the walls of the Institute.
Dr. Atkinson’s leadership and professional skills then led her to the University of Maryland, where she served as a full professor and assistant dean of Clinical Affairs for fours year. Her love of the Institute, t
hough, brought her back to their leadership ranks in 2004. She has served in various capacities, including her current directorship positon at the NIH Center for Clinical Research.
She has spent a lifetime sharing her knowledge nationally and internationally through presentations, research, publications, and book chapters. Her work has expanded horizons for the treatment of HIV infected patients, particularly children, and has opened new doors in the treatment and diagnosis of salivary gland disorders across all patient populations. She has truly changed the lives of patients who suffer from these diseases.
Dr. Atkinson stands apart in her worldwide contributions to teaching, science, treatment of critically ill patients, and research. She is so worthy of this wonderful recognition!”
Dr. Mary Elizabeth Kaz (BSDH ’86, MS ’87)
2017 Alumni Achievement Award — Dental Hygiene
Dr. Kaz’s nominee writes, “When I look at the list of Liz Kaz’s professional accomplishments, I am proud to have her as one of our alumni and extremely proud to be able to nominate her for the UMKC Dental Hygiene Alumni Achievement Award. Liz has been in dental and dental hygiene education since she earned her MS degree in Dental Hygiene Education from the UMKC School of Dentistry in 1987.
Liz was an early adopter of the use of distance technology to deliver dental hygiene education to parts of states with areas underserved by dental hygienists. [Her CV illustrates] she took the lead in developing and leading one of the first dental hygiene programs delivered via distance throughout the state of Wisconsin. Liz was then recruited to the Phoenix area where she helped develop an innovative approach to delivering dental hygiene education in the Maricopa County Community College District. Liz has experience in developing curricula at a new dental school. She joined the UMKC faculty in 2015 serving our dental hygiene program and directing our continuing education program.
In terms of professional service, Liz has been active within the licensure community as well as the accreditation community. She currently serves on the Predoctoral Review Committee of the Commission on Dental Accreditation. She just completed a term on the National Board Test Construction Committee on the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations. She also just finished a term on the Dental Hygiene Board of the Arizona Board of Dental Examiners. These are highly sought after positions, and those appointed to serve have the respect and trust of their colleagues for their commitment to excellence and high ethical standards. Liz has made many contributions to dental hygiene education and is a credit to her alma mater. It is an honor to recommend her for this award.”