On January 16, the dental school hosted an orientation for the nine inaugural Advanced Standing Dental Program students. The program focuses on training dentists who have a degree from a foreign dental school and are now U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Many students have worked as dental assistants, dental hygienists, researchers, and educators while living in the U.S. and now desire to have a United States dental degree from a CODA approved institutional program, allowing them to be eligible to practice in the United States.
It includes a semester-long didactic, laboratory and patient care orientation to the school’s dental curriculum and course of study. The cohort will then “transition” into the third-year dental class, the DDS Class of 2026, during the summer term and complete the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) curriculum.
Hosted by the Interim Program Director, Dr. Gustavo Leal, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Restorative Clinical Sciences, and Dr. Yesim Stevens, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Restorative Clinical Sciences, students met with school leadership and faculty, including Dean Steven Haas, department chairs and team leaders.
After introductions, students learned about what will make them successful in dental school and the tools and resources available to them to do so, followed by computer checks, composite photos and gathering their instruments. After a full day of learning all that they will be doing now that they’ve joined UMKC, students got together for lunch and a group photo.
Cohort Profile: 9 students
Gender: 8 females, 1 males
Countries Where Dental School Completed: Cuba, India, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates
Average Dental School GPA: 3.72
Passage of Integrated National Dental Board Exam: All Students
U.S. States of Resident: California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina
Congratulations to our inaugural program members! Wishing you every success as you begin your journey with us.
For more details on the program, click here.
To view photos from the day, click here.