Message From the Dean

IT IS AN HONOR to serve as the interim dean of the School of Dentistry once again. During my previous time, I was impressed by the resilience shown by alumni, faculty, staff and students during the pandemic. It is more evident than ever the School of Dentistry is an invaluable part of UMKC and beyond, and I am fully committed to help the school maintain that merit.

Although I am the dean of the School of Pharmacy, my experience at UMKC has been influenced by the dental school through previously teaching in the dental curriculum, facilitating interprofessional opportunities and receiving dental care from faculty and alumni of the school.

I would like to thank Dean Steven Haas for his service. His leadership steered the dental school toward success, and although I cannot fill his shoes, I will do all I can for the school during my time here.

I’d like to express my appreciation to the many donors of the school who have been tremendously generous in supporting our students, programs and tradition. I cannot say enough how much your collective contributions – alongside our staff, faculty, administration, researchers and students – impact our school and future, but I hope this donor appreciation issue of Explorer is a start.

As you may know, we’re hard at work with our new Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building (HDIB), slated to open in Fall 2026. Despite the change in leadership, the project continues to move forward. I’m grateful to see how many alumni have already taken active leadership roles to support the project as philanthropists and advocates.

While HDIB construction is of great importance, the work in our current school continues. We are looking at options for addressing dental shortages in underserved rural areas and are continuing to look at ways to serve the community through new partnerships that allow for a larger patient reach and a unique care experience for our students. Additionally, with the school’s accreditation process underway, we’re hard at work preparing for our site visit next year.

It is humbling and heartening to read through our list of donors (pages 2-3) who have chosen to include the school in their giving. To those who have chosen to donate, thank you. To those who haven’t, there are many ways you can help.

Donations are always welcome, particularly for the new HDIB (find out how on pages 2 and 9), but we also ask you to consider giving your time, talent and expertise. We have faculty positions available, both part- and full-time, that would allow you to give back as educators. You never know who you may touch. In this issue, you’ll meet UMKC dental student Michael Luong (page 18). He was working at a nail salon when he met an alumna who encouraged him to explore dentistry.

Although our time together is temporary, I enjoy taking this time to reflect on who makes UMKC’s prosperous future possible – you – our alumni, donors and friends. I cannot thank you enough for ensuring the school remains a top-tier education facility with graduates who are the best of the best.

With gratitude,

Russell B. Melchert, Ph.D.
Interim dean, UMKC School of Dentistry