The DDS Class of 2025 and DH Class of 2023 are ready to dive into their courses after wrapping up orientation on Friday with faculty panels, a joint presentation on the school’s culture of diversity and respect, and information on wider UMKC resources such as libraries and counseling services.

Precious K. Hollins traveled farther than most of her classmates to be a part of the School of Dentistry. “I am from the Mississippi Delta and got my undergraduate degree at Jackson State University. I am feeling very excited to be mentally stretched throughout these next four years.”

Though she’s from Mississippi, Hollins said she spent a great deal of her childhood in the St. Louis area, and STAHR Scholars Dentistry, a 10-week summer program that develops culturally diverse dentistry candidates, also helped her decide on UMKC.

Though the program had to go online because of the pandemic, she said, “STAHR made an amazing first impression on me. I virtually met some people who have been integral in my dental journey. It was nice to receive unconditional support from someone who never met me in person.”

Hollins summed up: “Dentistry is a complex challenge, and I love a good challenge!”

DH students also were happy to wrap up orientation and ready to start their courses. One DH student, Cameron Nhotharack, said, “I am feeling excitement heading into dental hygiene school. It’ll be a new experience and I am looking forward to learning more about dentistry.”

Nhotharack said she always wanted to work in health care, and dental hygiene piqued her interest the most when she did her career search. Nhotharack, a transfer student from Johnson County Community College, wanted to stay near her family and said she chose UMKC because unlike other area programs it offered a bachelor’s degree.

Another student, Francisco Flores from Lawrence, Kansas, typified the excitement of concluding orientation and heading into the school year.

“Since I was a junior in high school, I have seen the UMKC School of Dentistry as the place for me. What had always seemed a ways away is here. Dental school is no longer my future, but my reality, and I can’t wait to begin!”

Find photos here.