At this time of year, I always catch myself thinking, “That went fast. How is it already graduation? How is it already time to prepare for our new students?” What a whirlwind Spring Semester was here at the School of Dentistry.
It is always an exciting time when our graduates walk across the stage (pages 21–25) as we send them off armed with the best education and clinical experience, setting them up for success in their individual endeavors. Both graduating classes have much for which to be proud. The Class of 2023 dental students achieved a 100% pass rate on the new INDB exam, and the Class of 2023 dental hygiene students had a 100% pass rate on their DH clinical boards. This success is a testament to their hard work and the faculty’s dedication in preparing them.
We have made some innovative changes to curriculum that better prepare our students. The D1s are getting patient care experience even earlier than before, with clinical care incorporated during their first year. Dental and dental hygiene students are collaborating on care. Dental students are performing dental hygiene patient checks, much like they would in a practice setting.
In addition to graduation and the success of our students, we are riding high from the opportunity we had to connect with so many alumni, colleagues, professional partners and friends at this year’s Midwest Dental Conference (pages 2–5). And what a celebration it was recognizing the impressive 100-year milestone of the Alumni Meeting. Our alumni should be proud of the legacy they have built and loyally support.
I hope we can continue to grow and build those relationships and excitement as we move forward with plans for the new Healthcare Innovation and Delivery Building, where our pre-doctoral clinics will be housed. During the Midwest Dental Conference, we opened the School of Dentistry up for tours. I hope you took the opportunity to take one because, in a few short years, the the pre-doctoral clinic will look very different and will be about two blocks east of its current location, in a new, state-of- the-art facility.
As we prepare for Fall Semester and beyond, we look forward to so much. I am proud to be a part of this institution, and to have the strong support that our alumni and donors have built as we continue to strengthen our mission and pursue our goals.
With gratitude,
Steven E. Haas, D.M.D., J.D., MBA
Dean, UMKC School of Dentistry
