The UMKC School of Dentistry packed in a lot of information for its newest students on Thursday, the second of three days of orientation for the Dental Class of 2023 and the Dental Hygiene Class of 2021.
For the 109 DDS students and 31 DH students, the day started with breakfast and a welcoming session with representatives from the Student Programs office, the dental hygiene program and the school’s alumni. After a “getting to know each other” game, two sessions on student success rounded out the morning. The sessions covered everything from building access and safety to class organizations, student opportunities, support services, the curriculum and academic and non-academic policies. After lunch they heard about counseling and health services, libraries and tutoring available to them.
The classes split up for lunch and separate sessions at which DDS students toured the school with mentors and the DH students heard about “Navigating the Dental Hygiene Program.” After lunch, DDS students had a session on handling finances and another on what the Missouri Dental Association has to offer. DH students were able to get the dental instruments they will use throughout the year.
Orientation will wrap up Friday with an overview of the professionals, faculty panel presentations and team building exercises.