Family and guests of our graduates lined the halls of the dental school for an afternoon of mingling, celebrations, photobooth fun, cupcakes and tours for the annual School of Dentistry Open House.
This event takes place before the dental Hooding Ceremony and allows everyone accompanying the alumni-to-be to gather in the place their students have spent years working towards their degree in and get to know the classmates, faculty and staff that helped along the way.
The School of Dentistry’s annual Senior Scholarship Day celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2024, kicking off with poster, portfolio and case study presentations.
Guests enjoyed clinical instruction and videos from the class, then gathered for lunch to mingle with fellow classmates, friends and families. The Student Awards and Pinning Ceremony were true highlights of the day, allowing faculty and staff to honor the students’ hard work through award presentations and giving each student their hygiene pin. Each pin was placed on a card that read, “What we know matters, but who we are matters more,” a quote from Brené Brown, professor and social worker, chosen by the hygiene faculty.
Applause filled the room following the pinning and awards as the Class of 2024 stood in their scrub jackets and celebrated the milestone.
Congratulations to the entire class on their achievements! And to the individuals below on their awards:
Academy Of Dentistry for Persons with Disabilities Award
Lillyann Swyers
American Association of Public Health Dentistry
Derick Lopez
Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals Star Award
Julia Struckhoff
Golden Scaler Award
Alexis Parke
MDHA Outstanding Student Award
Abby Loch
UMKC DHAA Sherry Burns Outstanding Clinician Award
Madison Lara
American College of Dentists – Dental Hygiene Ethics Award
Adison Basey
Procter And Gamble Crest Oral B Preventive Dentistry Hygiene Award
Elle Augustine
Dean’s Academic Distinction Award
Anna Daveline and Alexis Parke
Dental Hygiene Faculty of the Year Award
Prof. Julie Sutton
The annual hooding ceremony is an opportunity to honor our graduates and those that supported their journey to their doctoral degree. Dr. Eric Gottman, Director of Clinical Operations and Clinical Professor, presided as Master of Ceremony, and graduates and audience members also heard from Dr. Steven Haas, Dean, Dr. Derek Williams, Lieutenant Commander, United States Navy, Clinical Associate Professor and Dr. Luke Wezeman, Clinical Assistant Professor and Interim Vice Chair of the Department of Restorative Clinical Sciences.
Legacy Hooders, family members of the graduating class that are dental school alumni, participated in honoring the class at this years Hooding Ceremony, continuing this unique tradition and special moment for graduates and families, in addition to the three designated hooders, chosen by the graduates, Dr. Harlan Hassen, Clinical Assistant Professor, Dr. Todd Brower, Clinical Assistant Professor and Team 2 Leader, and Dr. Douglas Pearson, Clinical Assistant Professor.
Dr. Pearson elaborated on the history and significance of the hood itself, stating that the hood, which is draped on each graduate, was originally used as a head covering, shoulder cape or a bag for collecting alms. Today, the hoods are kept for their symbolic and decorative effect and to distinguish graduate level recognition.
“Doctoral hoods differ from the Master’s hoods as they are much longer, have wider velvet edging and expose more of the silk lining,” he said, “The silk lining is associated with the graduate’s school colors, which for UMKC, is blue and gold.”
There is also a lilac edging or trim of the hood, which is the designated “color of dentistry”, conveying compassion, purpose and inspiration.
The placing of the hood upon the shoulders of the graduate also carries significant meaning. Dr. Pearson explained, “For the School of Dentistry’s faculty, this moment represents the faculty’s approval and recognition of the student’s attainment of the honors and privileges to be called a dentist.”
Dean Haas emphasized the incredible accomplishments of the class, noting, the entire dental class passed their Integrated National Dental Board Exam on the first attempt, fulfilled all degree requirements which included 191 total credit hours, and in addition to volunteers work with student and national associations and organization’s, treated 11,189 patients total while in school and through extramural rotations.
“To be at this point in your journey has required a great deal of dedication, sacrifice, resilience, stretching, humility, care, and accomplishment,” he said, “I know that everyone here agrees when we say we are so proud of you!”
Three dental graduates were also commissioned as they prepare to enter active duty in the U.S. Navy, Army and Air Force. Sworn in, they receive the rank of Lieutenant or Captain, depending the branch of service.
Nine dentists, pictured above, from as far away as Cuba and India will begin their dream of practicing in the United States at the UMKC School of Dentistry thanks to a new program at the school.
Flavia Santos Bada, Advanced Standing Program student, working in the pre-clinic lab
The advanced standing dental education program, launched at the school in January, will enable these practitioners and all those who follow them in the program to work as dentists in the United States. Without programs like this, dentists from other countries face limited options to practice oral health care in the U.S.
Hadrik Patel, Advanced Standing Program student, working in the pre-clinic lab
“It’s going to be a life-changing opportunity for these students,” said Gustavo Leal, interim director of the advanced standing program. “These students are fighters who have been working hard to achieve this dream.”
The advanced standing students will finish their dental degree in 2 1/2 years, compared to students in the traditional degree program, who attend school for four years. The shorter timeline condenses two years of coursework into six months, and includes labs, lectures, pre-clinic skills training and exposure to different disciplines. According to Leal, students in the program proved in their skill tests and board exams that they had the knowledge base and skills to handle the accelerated timeline.
The students will join the existing third-year students in the fall of 2024, following the same timeline the next two years. The first cohort of nine students began the program in January and are slated to graduate in May 2027.
Click here to read for the full story.
Story by: Bryce Puntenney, puntenneyb@umkc.edu.
Diversify Dentistry Youth Summit presented by the Arizona-based nonprofit, Diversity in Dentistry Mentorships Inc., offers high school students from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds hands-on experiences, educational insights, and mentorship to inspire them to consider a career in dentistry. On April 19, the Summit brought together community dentists, dental students, and 50 students from the local Kansas City Public Schools to the UMKC School of Dentistry.
“It was an incredibly moving experience to stand before these young people, many of whom had never considered a future in dentistry, and share that I once sat in the very same room nearly 25 years ago, feeling out of place because I didn’t see others who looked like me,” said Dr. Laila Hishaw, Tucson pediatric dentist, founder of Diversity in Dentistry Mentorships, Inc. and UMKC School of Dentistry Alumna, Class of 2000, pictured above, “But thanks to the Diversify Dentistry Youth Summit at UMKC, we were able to show them that they truly belong in this field and that we need them to ensure better oral and overall health outcomes for all communities.”
The organization aims to address the disparity of the dental workforce, which is associated with the lack of proper access to care and poor oral health outcomes in underrepresented communities by encouraging minority youth into the profession.
The event involves a series of engaging hands-on activities with dental instruments, interactive discussions on dental anatomy, oral health, and the process of becoming a dentist. The students are paired with dental mentors who provide valuable guidance and encouragement.
The day culminated with a White Coat Ceremony, a traditional rite of passage for dentists, in which a white coat is placed on their shoulders signifying their entrance into dentistry.
Dean Steven Haas presided over the ceremony, highlighting the important of the white coat. “The white coat is a traditional garment worn by health professionals that symbolizes trust,” said Haas. “Patients must trust that you will use what you have learned to do good, beneficence, and to do no harm, nonmaleficence. This means that dentists are entrusted to honor the tradition of the learned professions in placing the interest of the patients above self.”
This is all part of Dr. Hishaw’s goal to strengthen pathway from middle school to dental school and get students on the right path to success through mentorships, education and exposure. She hopes the program will spark interest and plant, what she calls, “a seed of possibility”.
In their post-summit survey, many students said they will now consider dentistry since experiencing the event, and shared kind and encouraging words about what they most enjoyed about the day: “I loved my mentor, the doctors and I am grateful for the heartfelt experience!” said one. Another shared, “I most liked seeing Black and Brown med. Everything was super cool!”
Joyce Hernandez, Manager of College Access and Success for Kansas City Public Schools, said, “My staff reported that the students remarked that the event was “life-changing, career confirming, and can’t wait to apply to UMKC”.
“It was the students favorite field trip ever according to my busload of students and better than any amusement park,” Hernandez continued, “One resounding opinion was that you had so many staff and students who looked like our students and representation can’t be beat. ”
You can view photos from the event by clicking here, and see some video recaps from Diversity in Dentistry Mentorships Inc., below:
Diversify Dentistry Youth Summit at UMKC recap for social media
On April 16, multiple faculty, staff and students received accolades for their remarkable achievements, dedication and commitment to the school.
Claire Feng, Student Council Committee member, said, “Every year, each Dental Hygiene and Dental Classes elect and vote for who they want to be recognized as Student, Faculty, Clinical Faculty, and Staff of the year. This is a great way to show recognition to the students and staff here at school for their dedication, selflessness, service, those that go above and beyond.”
Dean Steven Haas welcomed attendees, emphasizing the honor of recognizing our dental school community and paying tribute to the, “countless hours spent in the pursuit of knowledge, the tireless dedication to clinical excellence, and the compassionate care bestowed upon every patient.” He continued, “You have excelled in academic endeavors, countless hours passing on knowledge, but have also displayed remarkable leadership, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to serving others.”
Awards were given by each class for categories of Lecture Faculty of the Year, Clinical Faculty of the Year, Staff of the Year, Student of the Year, Team Leaders of the Year and more.
See the winners below:
Dental Hygiene Class of 2025
Lecture Faculty of the Year: Dr. Michelle Briner
Clinical Faculty of the Year: Prof. Katie Mills
Faculty of the Year: Prof. Ashley Hobbs
Student of the Year: Lauren Bailey
Dental Hygiene Class of 2024
Lecture Faculty of the Year: Dr. Jordan M. Rowe
Clinical Faculty of the Year: Prof. Whitney Zamora
Staff of the Year: Emily Koesterer
Student of the Year: Tessa Travelute
DDS Class of 2027
Lecture Faculty of the Year: Dr. Gerald Wyckoff
Clinical Faculty of the Year: Dr. John Kiesendahl
Staff of the Year: Richie Bigham
Student of the Year: Colton Barnett
DDS Class of 2026
Lecture Faculty of the Year: Dr. Luke Wezeman
Clinical Faculty of the Year: Dr. Luke Wezeman
Staff of the Year: Claire Tira
Student of the Year: Michael Luong
DDS Class of 2025
Team 1 Clinical Faculty of the Year: Dr. Harlan Hassen
Team 2 Clinical Faculty of the Year: Dr. Wendy Weimer
Team 3 Clinical Faculty of the Year: Dr. Susan Kessler
Rotation Faculty of the Year: Dr. Niko Liberty, Dr. Berdj Odabachian
Staff of the Year: Cheryl Littlejohn
Student of the Year: Michael Gimotty III
DDS Class of 2024
Team 1 Clinical Faculty of the Year: Dr. Harlan Hassen
Team 2 Clinical Faculty of the Year: Dr. Wendy Weimer
Team 3 Clinical Faculty of the Year: Dr. Douglas Pearson
Rotation Faculty of the Year: Dr. Solon Kao
Staff of the Year: Cheryl Littlejohn
Student of the Year: Lauren Wilson
Dr. John Killip Student Leadership Award
Shonte Reed
The final day of the conference led with the annual Dental Alumni Trustees’ and Alumni Past President’s Breakfast, followed by the last round of scientific sessions. After a fun, education and celebration-filled weekend attended by more than 2,500 dental professionals, the conference closed on a high note. The UMKC Dental Alumni and Dental Hygienists’ Associations extend their thanks for making the conference another success! Save the date for next year’s #UMKCMDC April 3 – 6, 2025.
The Sheraton and Westin Crown Center hotels were buzzing on Saturday, kicking off with a complimentary coffee bar sponsored by the UMKC Dental Hygienists’ Alumni Association, followed by the start of lectures and hands-on workshops that lasted throughout the day. The Rinehart Foundation and UMKC Dental Alumni Association hosted a Gratitude Luncheon, recognizing our generous donors and supporters of the school for all they do. A special highlight was hearing from and seeing our Hawaiian alumni who have a long legacy at the dental school. Many of the reunion classes celebrated being back together again after years apart, through dinners out on the town and get togethers at the hotel. SNDA/HSDA held an alumni and friends reception at the Sheraton with plenty of food and fun.
The Midwest Dental Conference started day two with more than 2,000 attendees and exhibitors at the Sheraton and Westin hotels for a day of learning, viewing exhibits and gathering with friends and colleagues. The Exhibit Hall opened to attendees for a full day of displaying the latest and greatest in dental technology and trends. Students presented their research posters in a public viewing for attendees, and there was no shortage of ways to connect with the Exhibit Hall happy hour followed by the all-attendee Welcome Party.
The Ballroom of the Westin Crown Center Hotel filled with hundreds of guests gathering to party with a purpose on Thursday, April 11.
Now in its 24th year, this philanthropic gala aims to support students and patients of the UMKC School of Dentistry.
This year, funds raised through ticket sales, raffles, live and silent auction items went towards patient care vouchers that are given to our students to allow them to receive the necessary experiences to graduate, while also making sure our Kansas City community can receive the crucial care they need.
Guests enjoyed delectable food and wine pairings and heard from UMKC leadership and students before bidding on some of the exciting items, with everything from autographed Chiefs memorabilia to a “Ferrari Fantasy” trip to Italy.