The end of the school year always brings a flurry of events and joyous celebrations. This year, we have much to celebrate as a school. A new class of graduates walked across the stage, becoming our newest alumni and colleagues. We welcomed new dental and dental hygiene students into the clinic and patient care at the Transitioning into the Profession Ceremony. Read more about these events starting on page 24.

The Midwest Dental Conference was a tremendous success. It was truly a reunion, with so many alumni in person who enjoyed top-notch continuing education and the opportunity to see friends. I enjoyed meeting alumni and putting faces with names. Pouring From the Heart returned to its traditional format and was a rousing success. I’d heard a lot about the event, wasn’t sure what I’d find, and it surpassed all expectations. The excitement of the evening was matched only by the overwhelming generosity of the donors in support of such an important cause. Next year is the 100th anniversary of the Alumni Meeting and Midwest Dental Conference. Join us to celebrate, April 13-16, 2023.

Another cause for celebration is the proposed expansion of UMKC’s Health Science District and the School of Dentistry’s involvement in the project. Thanks to the vision of our chancellor and support from the governor and Missouri legislature, the importance of expanding our footprint and improving health-care opportunities in the city is becoming a reality. Read more about this exciting news on page 23.

The school is on an exciting trajectory. In addition to the proposed new building, we are conducting key administrative searches, exploring next-generation patient care technology, looking at potential expansion of our programs and re-imagining existing programs. We are also excited about the promise of talented new classes joining our programs in the next month. All possible, in large measure, to your undying interest and support. Joyous celebrations, like those that take place at the Midwest Dental Conference, are as much yours as they are mine. I look forward to what the future of dentistry looks like at the UMKC School of Dentistry and am grateful to have you be a part of our foundation and future.

With gratitude,

Steven E. Haas, D.M.D., J.D., M.B.A. Dean, UMKC School of Dentistry