I AM TRULY HONORED to serve as interim dean of the School of Dentistry. For several years, I have taught in the dental curriculum and facilitated various interprofessional education activities, allowing me to see firsthand how great our students are — and to learn our staff, faculty and alumni are second to none. In my current role, this becomes more evident each day.
To me, “resilient” is the word that best describes our school — a family of students, staff, faculty and alumni on the front lines of oral health and critical health science research. Throughout the pandemic, everyone here remained committed to the health and well-being of our students, staff, faculty and patients. Everyone also worked hard to ensure our students remained on time for completion of their programs. Learning continued through video conferencing, recordings, online discussions and, of course, experiential education in clinics when we were able to reopen them. Indeed, we graduated another outstanding class of practice-ready dentists, hygienists, new specialists and scientists in 2020.
While the pandemic forced us to recalibrate and refocus, I believe we are emerging stronger and better prepared for the future. No doubt, it has been challenging in light of the severe, acute impact the pandemic has had on our educational and financial resources, especially when combined with the pre-existing and chronic financial strain placed on higher education by reduced state appropriations. The university continues to reevaluate all academic programs and search for efficiencies and will likely have to make some difficult decisions in the coming years. Given the key role our school plays in the university’s mission, and its role as the only publicly supported dental school in the state, I expect the School of Dentistry to maintain its prominence at both UMKC and within the UM System.
Though my role is temporary, I am absolutely committed to helping the school maintain its excellence and offer the most attractive dental school dean job in the country. I thank everyone for welcoming and teaching me about the key issues facing the school and the dental professions. A special thank you to the Rinehart Foundation and alumni boards for the continued and valued support given to our students, faculty and staff. Finally, I want to recognize and honor all donors contributing to our various programs. You are invaluable to our success.
With gratitude,

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