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Speaker Helps Celebrate National Prosthodontics Week

Dr. Brandon James, an Overland Park, KS Prosthodontist and President of the Kansas section of the American College of Prosthodontists, made a special presentation to dental students and faculty as a part of National Prosthodontics Awareness week on April 22nd.

The title of his presentation was “An assortment of Restorative private practice experience and wisdom,-how to talk about treatment options, the psychology of patient interactions, case acceptance, running a restorative practice, staff management, and keeping stimulated and fresh professionally”.

The event included lunch for attendees.

See other photos here.

Dental Alums Dr. Brett Durbin (DDS ’14) and Dr. Jacqueline Miller (DDS ‘91) honored by the MDA

Dr. Brett Durbin (DDS 2014) has been named the 2024 Missouri Dental Association (MDA) Outstanding New Dental Leader Award winner. This award recognizes an MDA member in dental practice 10 years or fewer who has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities, professional and ethical conduct, and volunteer activities in their community and organized dentistry.

Dr. Durbin A Springfield, MO native and practitioner, has been a notable new dentist leader since his graduation from the UMKC School of Dentistry in 2014. He has served in numerous roles at the state level, including trustee to the MDA Board, delegate to the MDA House, MDA Legislative and Regulatory Committee member and past president of the Greater Springfield Dental Society, past member of the Missouri Academy of General Dentistry Board and the Academy of General Dentistry New Dentist Committee, a fellow of the American College of Dentists, the Pierre Fauchard Academy and the International College of Dentists.

“Being a member of our wonderful profession and giving back to it in every way possible – whether through leadership, advocacy, outreach, education or participation in our rich community – is a sincere passion for me and I am thankful to be part of organized dentistry,” he said.

Dr. Jacqueline Miller, DDS, MS, MPH, (DDS ’91) has been named the 2024 Missouri Dental Association (MDA) Dentist of the Year Award winner. The Dentist of the Year Award recognizes a member dentist who has demonstrated outstanding service to the Association, to the profession of dentistry, and/or to the community in the past year.

Dr. Miller, a retired St. Louis area Orthodontist, served as State Dental Director in the Office of Dental Health (ODH) for the state of Missouri from August 1, 2022, to July 31, 2024. She accomplished a great deal on behalf of the oral health of the public as well as the profession during her time in the role. She actively engaged with Missouri dentists, and with organized dentistry, and was part of a key group to create the curriculum and training processes for the Oral Preventive Assistant pilot program, a type of expanded function dental auxiliary to help provide increased access to dental care. She provided orthodontic care in the communities of Washington, Union and Sullivan for 30 years.

Dr. Miller is a founding member of the Washington Overseas Medical and Dental Mission which has been taking place since 1992. She has been Vice President for 32 years, packing and coordinating 32 dental mission trips, and participating in country on 26 dental and construction mission trips as of 2024 and authored numerous grants funded through community organizations to fund this work.

In addition to completing her MPH degree in 2022, in 1991 she graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry and in 1993, completed her Master of Science and Certificate in Orthodontics from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry.

School of Dentistry Inspires Future Dentists at Youth Summit 2025

The UMKC School of Dentistry recently hosted 50 students from Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas City, Kansas public schools at a youth summit, providing hands-on experiences, educational insights and mentorship to inspire them to consider a career in dentistry.

Alumna Laila Hishaw (DDS ’00), a pediatric dentist in Tucson, Arizona, founded Diversity in Dentistry Mentorships, Inc., which presented the summit at UMKC on April 11. Community dentists and dental students provided a series of engaging hands-on activities with dental instruments and interactive discussions on dental anatomy, oral health and the process of becoming a dentist. The students were paired with dental mentors who provided valuable guidance and encouragement.

The Diversify Dentistry Youth Summit 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. The summit highlighted Dr. Hishaw’s goal to strengthen pathways from middle school to dental school, getting students on a path to success through mentorships, education and exposure. She says she hopes the program will spark interest and plant what she calls “a seed of possibility.”

Find photos from the event here.

 

Dental Hygienists Complete ECP-III Lab Competency

On Saturday, April 26th, 20 Registered Dental Hygienists filled the labs at the UMKC School of Dentistry to participate in the Lab Competency portion of the ECP-III Training Course.  The training course is the only course approved by the Kansas Dental Board for hygienists interested in earning the ECP-III credential. It was first offered in 2013 and has been offered annually each spring since then.

To date, over 270 hygienists have completed the course and most have gone on to earn their ECP-III from the Kansas Dental Board to provide expanded dental hygiene services to vulnerable populations and Kansas residents with access to dental care issues.

Prior to attending in the Lab Competency day at the School of Dentistry , participants had to successfully complete 12 weeks of online coursework.  This prepared them for the lab competency exam, which provided hands-on practice and training for the following modules:  Atraumatic Restorative Technique, Temporary Fillings and Materials, Primary Tooth Extraction, and Denture Adjustments and Temporary Relines/Tissue Conditioners.

The course is directed by Prof. Kylie Austin, Research Assistant, Department of Dental Public Health and Behavioral Science, Dr. Becky Smith, Clinical Professor, Department of Restorative Clinical Sciences and Team 1 Leader and Prof. Ashley Hobbs, Clinical Assistant Professor, Division of Dental Hygiene.

Photos from the course here.

Outstanding School of Dentistry Alumni Honored

Each year the University of Missouri – Kansas City recognizes outstanding alumni for their lifelong commitments and contributions. The UMKC School of Dentistry was proud to have both an alumna and a family recognized at the 2025 Alumni Awards event held Friday, April 25th.

Dr. Jessica Meeske (DDS ’96) is the 2025 School of Dentistry Alumni Achievement Award recipient, one of twelve representing the university academic units who have achieved notable success in his or her professional field and rendered outstanding service to the community.  Dr. Meeske is a pediatric dentist in Hastings and Grand Island, Nebraska and the senior partner of Pediatric Dental Specialists of Greater Nebraska. After graduating from Hastings College, Meeske graduated with her DDS from UMKC and followed it with further training in pediatric dentistry and public health at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. She is board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Meeske has been an advocate to the American Dental Association, president of the Nebraska Dental Association, helping pass more than 17 bills relating to access to dental care. She has held numerous roles in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, including past trustee and councils of membership, dental benefits and government affairs. She is on the faculty of the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry, has lecture extensively on children’s oral health issues and has been recognized with numerous awards and honors including the AAPD’s Pediatric Dentist of the Year, NDA’s 2003 New Dentist of the Year, the ADA’s 2002 Golden Apple New Dentist of the Year, the Nebraska Rural Health Association’s 2002 Health Care Provider of the Year and UMKC School of Dentistry’s 2003 Young Alumnus of the Year.

The Legacy Award recognizes one family with a tradition of attending the University of Missouri-Kansas City and has a record of outstanding service to the University, the Alumni Association, their community or profession and this year it was awarded to the Mahaffey family, Dr. Charles Mahaffey (DDS ’72), Dr. Darren Mahaffey (DDS ’05), Dr. Sarah Mahaffey (DDS ’05) and Dr. Samantha Mahaffey (DDS ’22).

For three generations, the Mahaffey family has made an impact on the dental profession, the Springfield, Missouri, community and oral healthcare throughout Missouri. Charles Mahaffey graduated from the UMKC School of Dentistry in 1972 and then completed a general practice residency through the United States Air Force before settling into private practice in Springfield in 1975. Though Charles is now officially retired, the practice continues to thrive under the leadership of his family. He has been a loyal and active member of both local and state levels of organized dentistry for 49 years, including the many leadership positions he held, which led to him receiving two Distinguished Service Awards.

Following in his footsteps, his son, Darren Mahaffey, graduated from the School of Dentistry in 2005 along with his wife, Sarah Mahaffey (Brown). With such a great example of leadership and patient care set by Charles, it is no surprise what Darren and Sarah have accomplished. Darren has served in numerous leadership roles at the local level, including as president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary of the Greater Springfield Dental Society. He has also contributed at the state level, serving as a board member of the Missouri Dental Foundation since 2011, and as its president for the last three years. Darren and Sarah had a vision of starting a large-scale dental clinic to provide free oral healthcare to patients of all ages who cannot otherwise afford or have access to care in Missouri. They executed the first Missouri Mission of Mercy (MOMOM) in 2011 – when 1,100 volunteers provided more than $1 million worth of free dental care to 1,856 patients. That was just the beginning. There have been subsequent clinics and the Mahaffey’s have played a role in each one.

Much like the need she and her husband saw for MOMOM, Sarah saw a need for mentoring and supporting new dentists and bringing new energy to organized dentistry in Missouri. She created a new dentist conference in conjunction with the Missouri Dental Association (MDA) called Connect4Success. The inaugural conference tapped into a sense of informal inclusion and development that has since generated many strong MDA leaders. Over time, this event has grown to include all members and has become the annual meeting of the MDA.

Even with their numerous commitments at the local and state levels, the Mahaffey’s have stayed active and engaged with the UMKC School of Dentistry. There isn’t a Midwest Dental Conference without at least one Mahaffey family member present. Charles has served as president of the Dental Alumni Association Board and Sarah is currently serving as a vice president. Not only do they give their time, but they also give and support the Rinehart Foundation, earning medallions and pins for their lifetime giving contributions.

The School of Dentistry was happy to welcome another Mahaffey family member to our community with Samantha Mahaffey (DDS ’22), granddaughter to Charles and niece to Darren and Sarah. Samantha, who is now practicing at Mahaffey Family Dentistry, graduated a few years ago and went on to pursue an advanced education general dentistry residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Prior to entering dental school and throughout her time as a dental student, Samantha participated in several MOMOM events, embodying the family’s legacy in providing care and service to the community.

Photos from the event here.

School Welcomes Dental Hygiene Class of 2027

The school’s Office of Student Programs and Division of Dental Hygiene were pleased to host the Dental Hygiene Welcome Reception for the Class of 2027 on March 18, 2025, at the UMKC School of Dentistry.

This event provided an excellent opportunity for our incoming students to connect with faculty, staff, and fellow classmates as they begin their journey toward a rewarding career in dental hygiene. The reception allowed students to learn more about the academic and clinical aspects of the program, ask questions about their upcoming coursework, and establish valuable connections that will support them throughout their time at UMKC. We would like to extend our gratitude to all attendees, as well as to our faculty and staff, who made the event such a success.

We are excited to watch the Class of 2027 grow and thrive as they embark on their education and training in dental hygiene.

Photos from the event here.

Student Council Honors Faculty, Staff and Students at Annual Awards Ceremony

Faculty, staff and students received recognition for their remarkable achievements, dedication and commitment to the school at the annual Student Council Awards Banquet, April 16th. Student Council President Elise Artzer and Student Council Vice-President Matthew Straetker presided with a welcome from Interim Dean Russ Melchert and then awards presented by representatives of each class. Richie Bigham, Assistant Dean for Student Programs closed the proceeding with an acknowledgement of the achievements and comments of appreciation for the commitment and hard work of all faculty, students and staff at the school.

Dental Hygiene Class of 2026
Clinic Faculty of the Year: Prof. Andrea Tresner
Student of the Year: Charlotte Kettler
Lecturer of the Year: Prof. Julie Sutton
Staff of the Year: Migel Angel Guzman

Dental Hygiene Class of 2025
Clinic Faculty of the Year: Prof. Kaitlyn Jondahl
Student of the Year: Carrington Kudrna
Lecturer of the Year: Prof. Ashley Hobbs
Staff of the Year: Deja Lamb

DDS Class of 2028
Clinic Faculty of the Year: Dr. Harlan Hassen
Student of the Year: Mary Gipson
Lecturer of the Year: Dr. Gerald Wyckoff
Staff of the Year: Officer David Lucas

DDS Class of 2027
Clinic Faculty of the Year: Dr. Ross Hildebrand
Student of the Year: Sage Newton
Lecturer of the Year: Dr. Luke Wezeman
Staff of the Year: Officer David Lucas

DDS Class of 2026
Team 1 Faculty of the Year: Dr. Kathleen Cooper
Team 2 Faculty of the Year: Dr. Todd Brower
Team 3 Faculty of the Year: Dr. Robert Hurst
Student of the Year: Kylee Townsend
Rotation Faculty of the Year: Dr. John Fasbinder
Staff of the Year: Tammy Woods

DDS Class of 2025
Team 1 Faculty of the Year: Dr. Harlan Hassen
Team 2 Faculty of the Year: Dr. Wendy Weimer
Team 3 Faculty of the Year: Dr. Lana Krause
Student of the Year: Ian Ngo
Rotation Faculty of the Year: Dr. John Fasbinder
Staff of the Year: Migel Angel Guzman

Dr. John Killip Student Leadership Award presented to
Michael Gimotty III

Enjoy photos from the dinner here.

Paul Luepke, D.D.S., M.S., FACD Announced as New Dean of UMKC School of Dentistry

After a national search, Paul Luepke, D.D.S., M.S., FACD, will serve as the new UMKC dean of the School of Dentistry. His first day will be June 1.

Luepke comes from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center where he has held leadership and faculty positions since 2020, most recently as associate dean of faculty affairs, interim associate dean for clinical and extramural affairs and chair of periodontology in the College of Dentistry.

“We are happy to welcome Dr. Luepke, an oral healthcare leader at both the university and national levels,” Provost Jenny Lundgren said. “His leadership will be a great asset not only to the School of Dentistry but to UMKC in our dedication to excellence.”

In his role as dean, Luepke will lead the School of Dentistry, the only public dental school in Missouri and Kansas, with clinics providing more than 70,000 patient visits and $500,000 in uncompensated care per year. He also will help guide our transition to the new Healthcare Delivery and Innovation building when it is complete in 2026 and will take point on the proposed expansion of the School of Dentistry to a satellite campus in St. Joseph, part of our effort to better meet rural dental-care needs. The school also has a robust research portfolio that contributes to the university’s research enterprise as a Carnegie R1 institution, and Luepke’s background also includes research.

“I look forward to leading the UMKC School of Dentistry, which has a passionate alumni base across the nation,” Luepke said. “There is incredible forward momentum at this world-class university, and I’m committed to collaborating with campus and community leaders in service to the region.”

Luepke is active in the field of dentistry as diplomate, director and president of the American Board of Periodontology and serves on the board of the Commission on Dental Accreditation, or CODA. The American Academy of Periodontology has honored him several times for education mentorship. He received his periodontal training (certificate and master’s) from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. In 2008, he retired from the Navy with the rank of captain after 21 years.

Luepke’s professional background includes leadership and faculty positions at the Marquette University School of Dentistry. He graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry from Monmouth College in Illinois and with a Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Illinois Chicago School of Dentistry.

Russell Melchert, dean of the UMKC School of Pharmacy, has been serving as interim dean of the UMKC School of Dentistry since Nov. 1.

From UMKC Insider

Midwest Dental Conference Comes to a Close

The final day of the conference began with the annual Dental Alumni Trustees’ and Alumni Past Presidents’ Breakfast, followed by the last round of insightful scientific sessions.

After a weekend filled with fun, learning, and celebration, attended by more than 2,000 dental professionals, the conference wrapped up on a high note.

The UMKC Dental Alumni and Dental Hygienists’ Associations extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this year’s event one to remember!

Be sure to save the date for next year’s #UMKCMDC, April 23-26, 2026.

See photos from the day here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/YBDVvRbpjTDHAb9c6

Celebrations and Sessions Continue at the 2025 Midwest Dental Conference

The excitement continued on Saturday at the Sheraton hotel, starting with a complimentary coffee bar sponsored by the UMKC Dental Hygienists’ Alumni Association. The day was filled with engaging lectures and hands-on workshops that ran throughout the day.

The Rinehart Foundation and UMKC Dental Alumni Association hosted a heartfelt Gratitude Luncheon to honor the generous donors and supporters of the school. A special highlight of the event was the chance to reconnect with our Hawaiian alumni, who share a rich legacy with the dental school.

Many reunion classes celebrated their time together once again, whether through dinners in the city or casual get-togethers at the hotel. The SNDA/HSDA also hosted an alumni and friends reception, complete with delicious food and plenty of fun.

See photos from the day here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/A4KCvEX7TV2n4GGP8