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UMKC School of Dentistry Alumni News Fall 2020

Vol. 77 No. 2

Ready for the future

Amid uncertain times, the school and profession make plans for a promising future contents message from the interim dean

Features UMKC School of Dentistry Alumni News

8 The global pandemic has shifted many plans for the future and the dental profession is no different. We catch up with industry Explorer is published twice each year for alumni leaders (including our alumni, and friends of the University of Missouri-Kansas I AM TRULY HONORED to serve as interim dean of the of course) to get a glimpse into City School of Dentistry. UMKC is an equal School of Dentistry. For several years, I have taught in the opportunity, affirmative action, ADA institution. what the future holds. We also dental curriculum and facilitated various interprofessional learn that those preparing our INTERIM DEAN, SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY education activities, allowing me to see firsthand how future dental professionals are Russell B. Melchert, Ph.D. great our students are — and to learn our staff, faculty not only adapting but thriving. MANAGER OF ALUMNI RELATIONS and alumni are second to none. In my current role, this Becky Higgins becomes more evident each day. DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Hilary Wheat To me, “resilient” is the word that best describes our school

EXECUTIVE EDITORS — a family of students, staff, faculty and alumni on the front Lisa Mallow lines of oral health and critical health science research. 12 Passion and excellent patient Anne Hartung Spenner Throughout the pandemic, everyone here remained care drive our alumni, and that EDITORS committed to the health and well-being of our students, can take them on a variety of Becky Higgins staff, faculty and patients. Everyone also worked hard to Bill Marse paths. Two of our alumni share ensure our students remained on time for completion their unique experiences of how MANAGING EDITOR of their programs. Learning continued through video Bryce Puntenney faith and the school’s dedication conferencing, recordings, online discussions and, of course, to service have guided them DESIGNER experiential education in clinics when we were able to reopen them. Indeed, we graduated another professionally. Jason Yates outstanding class of practice-ready dentists, hygienists, new specialists and scientists in 2020. STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS John Carmody While the pandemic forced us to recalibrate and refocus, I believe we are emerging stronger and Brandon Parigo better prepared for the future. No doubt, it has been challenging in light of the severe, acute impact PUBLISHED BY: the pandemic has had on our educational and financial resources, especially when combined UMKC School of Dentistry Office of Alumni and Development with the pre-existing and chronic financial strain placed on higher education by reduced state 650 E. 25th St. appropriations. The university continues to reevaluate all academic programs and search for Kansas City, MO 64108 efficiencies and will likely have to make some difficult decisions in the coming years. Given the key 816-235-2060 | Fax: 816-235-5892 Relay Missouri (TTY): 800-735-2966 role our school plays in the university’s mission, and its role as the only publicly supported dental Departments Email: [email protected] school in the state, I expect the School of Dentistry to maintain its prominence at both UMKC and Web: dentistry.umkc.edu within the UM System. 2 Honor Roll of Donors SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: UMKC School of Dentistry 6 New Scholarships and UMKC Dental Alumni Though my role is temporary, I am absolutely committed to helping the school maintain its 15 Alumni News LinkedIn: UMKC Dental Alumni excellence and offer the most attractive dental school dean job in the country. I thank everyone 17 School News Instagram: @UMKCDentalAlumni for welcoming and teaching me about the key issues facing the school and the dental professions. Twitter: @UMKCDentalAlum 21 Coming Alumni Events A special thank you to the Rinehart Foundation and alumni boards for the continued and valued 21 Continuing Dental Education support given to our students, faculty and staff. Finally, I want to recognize and honor all donors contributing to our various programs. You are invaluable to our success.

With gratitude,

The School of Dentistry is a vital partner of Russell B. Melchert, Ph.D. the UMKC Health Sciences District, a group of health care institutions collaborating on Interim Dean, UMKC School of Dentistry research, clinical care, community wellness and health sciences education.

www.umkchealthsciencesdistrict.org.

2 UMKC SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY ALUMNI NEWS « DENTISTRY.UMKC.EDU FALL 2020 » honor roll of donors honor roll of donors

A Message From the Chair Thanks to Our Many Generous Donors

I’M NOT SURE WHY, but when summer turns to fall and the heat finally relents to cool autumn days, a wave of nostalgia flows through me. $100,000+ Mrs. Judith B. Haynes Mr. William A. Marse I am taken back to my high school, college and Dr. Randall S. Honda Ms. Carole P. McKnight especially dental school days. Those dental school Mr. Kent Sunderland Ms. Andrea Margolis Dr. Mark R. Medina days I’m reminded of are now more than 20 years The Sunderland Foundation Dr. Charles C. McGinty Dr. Ward A. Meyerhoeffer Jr. ago, the early days of internet and cellphones. Dr. Richardson L. McGuire Missouri Dental Association I remember filling out financial aid forms, taking Dr. Allen B. Reavis Missouri Fellows of the International out loans and lamenting the high cost of higher Dr. Russell and Mrs. Loretta Tabata College of Dentists education. When I received word I had been $50,000 - $99,999 Tigras Charitable Foundation Dr. Andrew S. Moore given a Rinehart scholarship my first semester Mr. M. Dean Wright Dr. James G. Nail at UMKC SOD, I was surprised and thankful. S. Orlando Somers Trust Dr. John and Ms. Frances Yoder Nail Dental The alumni fund certainly eased my burden, Dr. Alvin and Ms. Colleen Yoshida Dr. Julie E. Olson and I was touched by the generosity. Dr. Pamela R. Overman Dr. Douglas and Mrs. Bonnie Pearson And then I think about the plight of dental $25,000 - $49,999 Dr. Bernard W. Petkovich students today, especially in the middle of the $1,000 - $2,499 Dr. Phillip M. Poynter COVID-19 pandemic. My burden 20 years ago McDavid Dental Educational Trust Mr. William C. Quigg and Dr. Suzanne seems minuscule compared with that of the Dr. Paul and Ms. Devon Albertson Newell Quigg current student. As many of you know, the Dr. Richard Lawrence Anema Dr. Peter and Ms. Letticia Robinson amount of dental student debt is staggering. Drs. Mark and Melodee Armfield Dr. Gary McCabe Ross, DDS The pandemic has only increased the stress and $10,000 - $24,999 Drs. Blake and Clare Borello Dr. and Ms. Allan Y. Segawa burden on current students. The Roy J. Rinehart Dr. Jerry and Dr. Richard L. Briscoe Dr. William F. Slagle Jr. Foundation mission is to support these students, in Dr. Lawrence and Ms. Richelle Fujioka Ms. Sherry M. Burns Drs. David and Kelly Suchman addition to faculty and staff, through scholarships, GFT Charity Inc. Drs. Chris and Jayne Buttner Russell Tom, DDS endowments and professional development. KC Orthodontic Support & Research Dr. Robert L. Claassen University Dental Study Club Foundation Dr. Fred W. Distelhorst Mr. Robin and Dr. Crystal Walker An example of this support is the Student and Staff Emergency Fund, which has been set up recently Dr. Nancy L. Newhouse Dr. David J. Dung Drs. Robert and Loretta White with the goal to help students and staff in emergency situations where they are experiencing financial Noble Biocare Ms. Leslie Fankhauser Dr. Jarrod L. Williams hardship. Through this fund, I am proud to say that the foundation helped many students during this Dr. Herman and Mrs. Ardyce Sakimoto Fidelity Charitable Dr. Donald and Mrs. Kimberly Wilson difficult time. Fourth-year dental students were unable to start work because of postponed board Dr. and Dr. Ken J. Frick Dr. Ralph and Mrs. Lynda Younger exams, and many other students who had jobs during school were unable to work those jobs because Dr. and Mrs. Milton M. Fujiuchi of the pandemic. The stories I have read on the applications are heart-wrenching and I am glad the Dr. Eric Gottman school has this avenue to support its students. $5,000 - $9,999 Dr. Stephen Harrison Ms. Karen E. Haynes Every effort has been made to accurately I encourage all of you, as I do this time of year, to take a step back to your college days and Dr. Sam and Mrs. B. Jeannene Hayes Dr. Steven and Mrs. Leigh Hechler list each donor who has supported remember what it was like to be a student. The roller-coaster ride of highs and lows, the fun and Ms. Harriet Masunaga Dr. Ralph M. Hennessee the UMKC School of Dentistry from the stress. And remember those who helped and guided you through mentorship and generosity. Dr. R. Wayne and Mrs. I. Joyce Thompson Mrs. Paula M. Hiatt July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020. Obviously, the current students need our help now, more than ever. Thank you from the Rinehart Thompson Family Foundation Dr. Stephen and Ms. Sydney Hiatt If your name is misspelled, omitted or Committee, the staff and especially the students at UMKC SOD! UMKC Dental Hygienists' Alumni High Desert Dental incorrectly listed, we sincerely apologize Association Dr. Jay and Mrs. Rosalyn Hiramoto and ask you to call the Office of Alumni Dr. David Suchman (DDS ’00) Dr. Laila B. Hishaw and Development, 816-235-2060, so Chair, Rinehart Foundation Dr. James Brian Indiveri corrections can be made. Mrs. Ann L. Jett $2,500 - $4,999 Dr. and Mrs. Harry Jett Fund Visit dentistry.umkc.edu/foundation to Mark L. Johnson, Ph.D. see a complete list of the school’s donors. AdventHealth Foundation Shawnee Dr. Gordon M. Kanemaru Mission Dr. Kurt and Ms. Stephanie Kavanaugh AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Dr. Charles and Mrs. Angela Leins Associates of Dentistry, LLC Dr. Ronald Lemmo and Dr. Marsha Pyle Dr. Charles and Mrs. Sally Cobb Dr. T. Wayne and Ms. Linda Lewis Commerce Bancshares Foundation Drs. Darren and Sarah Mahaffey Free Dental Clinic Trust Fund Dr. Steven and Mrs. Donna Malmstrom

2 UMKC SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY ALUMNI NEWS « DENTISTRY.UMKC.EDU FALL 2020 » honor roll of donors going the extra mile

Estate Gifts Medallion and

THESE DONORS HAVE indicated that the UMKC School of Dentistry is in their estate plan. We are grateful for the lasting Pin Recipients legacy they are creating. PHILANTHROPY MEDALLIONS Dr. Lloyd Alquist* Dr. Patrick K. Hardman Ms. Ida Mae Niblo* The Rinehart Medallion honors Anonymous Donor Dr. Grant B. Hatfield Jr.* Dr. James W. Osborne the memory of Dr. Roy J. Rinehart, Dr. Dan L. Blackwell Dr. Richard M. Haun* Dr. Robert E. Peterson longtime dean of the UMKC School Dr. Robert E. Butler Dr. William J. Hayden Jr.* Dr. V. Leroy Riley* of Dentistry. The Rinehart Medallion Dr. James M. Callender III Dr. Phil E. Held Myrtle H. Rinehart* is bestowed on alumni and friends of Ms. Louise G. Chapman* Mrs. Carolyn Abney Hodges Dr. Gary McCabe Ross the school who have distinguished Dr. Robert and Mrs. Lucille E. Cowan* Dr. Frank J. Holtz* Ms. Tomiyo Seo* themselves through philanthropy or Florence Irene Dengel* Dr. Harry Jett* Dr. William F. Slagle Jr. service. Each year, Rinehart Medallions Dr. J. Dennis Dlabal Mrs. Hazel Johns* Mrs. Eloise Sloan* are given to recognize lifetime donors Dr. David K. H. Dung* Colonel Onas Johns* Mr. John and Mrs. Effie Speas* of $10,000 or more. Annual donations Dr. Adam Edwin Ericsson* Dr. Gregory K. Johnson Dr. Charles F. Squire to the Rinehart Foundation provide Your support ensures the UMKC School of Dentistry is among the elite dental Mr. Leonard Faulconer Jr.* Dr. Michael G. Johnson Dr. Rodger L. Suchman the School of Dentistry invaluable schools for generations to come. Dr. Newell O. Feeley* Dr. Theron C. Johnson Dr. Donald J. Thompson* support that enables it to improve Dr. Brett L. Ferguson Dr. Thomas A. Jones Dr. George X. Trimble* the quality and expand the scope of Protect What Matters Most, Now and Always Dr. John E. Franks Jr. Dr. J. Edward Kendrick Ms. Rosemary L. Wiley* its educational, research, clinical and Dr. Frank R. Fullerton Jr.* Dr. Dan L. Lavitt Dr. Terry C. Williams outreach programs. WITH SO MUCH uncertainty at the moment, our work to educate the Dr. Carl and Mrs. Marguerite Fyler* Dr. Carolyn S. Magnuson Professor Emeritus Leslie Young Jr.* highest-quality dental professionals is of vital importance. And while you Dr. John D. Gardner Dr. Grant W. Merritt Medallions: may be unsure of a way to support the School of Dentistry right now, here are Dr. Otis B. Gentry* Dr. Michael L. Milford Dr. David L. Suchman (DDS ’00, some key changes for the 2020 tax filing year that may be beneficial to you Mrs. Ruth Somers Gilman* Dr. William and Mrs. Bonney Miller* * Deceased AEGD ’01) and your family. Dr. Liz Kaz (BSDH ’86, MS ’87) Dr. Damon Jensen (DDS ’07) 1. Additional Income Tax Charitable Deduction: As part Dr. David L. May (DDS ’77) of the CARES Act, you can deduct up to $300 above the standard Dr. J. Don Spillers (ORTHO ’93) deduction for individuals in charitable contributions. This is for Dr. Jason E. Wagle (DDS ’97, PERIO ’99) everyone, even if you have no other itemizations. Dr. Justin R. Kohlhorst (DDS ’88, A New Way to PERIO ’90) 2. No “RMDs” from your IRA, but QCDS are still a smarter way Dr. Loretta R. White (BSDH ’74, DDS ’82, to give: For individuals with IRA accounts, the CARES Act Secure the Future ORTHO ’84) specifies there are no Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) this year. However, giving pre-tax funds out of your IRA will still IN THIS ISSUE, Brett Ferguson RINEHART BENEFACTOR PINS lower your future tax burden compared to giving cash. If you (DDS ’81, OMS ’90) discusses how Many of our alumni have continued are interested in this method of giving, please contact your he took a different path to his estate to give long after they received their IRA custodian. gift. Through some forward-thinking Rinehart Medallion. We recognize their financial planning, he was able to continued generosity and the impact 3. Creating a planned gift costs you nothing today and is a powerful “make sure somebody gets the of their gifts by awarding a lapel pin to way to make a lasting impact. Writing a will is one of the most opportunity to do something I’ve donors at the $25,000, $50,000 and important steps to take, though understandably scary or done.” To find out more, check out $100,000 lifetime-giving levels. uncomfortable given the current crisis. But now more than ever, the story “Planning for a Bright Future” it’s important to protect what matters most to you and have on page 8. Pins: a plan in place. We hope you will join the many people who have $25,000 – $49,999 included us in their will, trust or beneficiary designations, and Dr. Crystal Walker (DDS ’04, PEDO ’06) we are available if you would like some guidance in wording a Dr. James A. Dryden (DDS ’66, charitable contribution as part of your estate. ENDO ’72) Dr. Scott S. Masunaga (DDS ’82) We hope you find this information useful as you make important decisions about how to best support dental education this year. If you have any further questions or just want to reach out, please feel free to contact Hilary Wheat Brett Ferguson (DDS ’81, OMS ’90) at 816-235-2173 or [email protected].

4 UMKC SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY ALUMNI NEWS « DENTISTRY.UMKC.EDU FALL 2020 » new scholarships endowed class scholarships

1943a: $17,930.53 1947: $22,294.40 1 949: $25,662.68 1950: $20,414.17 1955: $10,856.62 1956: $16,832.06 1957: $30,186.34 1958: $19,203.84 1959: $45,250.85 1960: $42,478.96 1962: $64,164.54 1963: $25,700.49 1964: $24,526.63

Dr. L.E. Wiley (DDS ’15) Members of the Class of 1994 gather for a smile at a 1965: $62,651.80 recent reunion. 1965 b: $22,864.89 1966: $44,404.00 Dr. L.E. Wiley Scholarship Fund Class of 1994 1967: $78,128.26 1968: $83,416.47 This scholarship was established upon her death by Rosemary The DDS Class of 1994 came together to establish a 1969: $41,277.49 Wiley in honor of her father, Dr. L.E. Wiley, a 1915 alumnus of scholarship for DDS students in honor of their graduating the School of Dentistry. Although Dr. Wiley passed away in class. May the recipients of this award enjoy long and 1970: $166,508.93 1991, his legacy will continue with the hundreds of students thriving careers in the practice of dentistry like their 1972: $86,609.82 this scholarship will help. Third- and fourth-year DDS students generous benefactors. 1973: $64,641.98 for decades to come will benefit from his and Rosemary’s 1974: $19,293.32 planning and generosity. 1975: $22,466.35 1976: $34,174.83 1977: $80,587.26 1978: $20,550.83 1979: $53,793.48 1980: $29,904.35 1981: $41,491.37 1982: $20,646.40 1983: $43,032.94 1984: $55,471.25 1985: $37,730.95 1986: $36,246.64 1987c: $88,317.54 1988: $25,619.68 1991: $16,715.79 1992: $26,886.09 1994: $12,678.13 1996: $16,254.55 aSept Scholarship 2000: $25,606.14 bDavid L. Moore Award c 2002 d: $13,830.70 Dr. Daniel Cruz Memorial Scholarship dHeidi Garren Everley Scholarship e 2014 : $31,628.73 eJi Blanchfield Scholarship

Not yet endowed scholarships** Scholarships help support the next generation of oral health care professionals. 1948: $5,000.00 1961: $5,225.00 1995: $8,650.00 2003: $3,785.00 2008: $600.00 1951: $1,000.00 1971: $8,826.00 1997: $1,200.00 2004: $1,000.00 2009: $1,700.00 1952: $5,530.00 1989: $6,310.00 1998: $4,407.80 2005: $8,600.00 2010: $300.00 ** When your class fund reaches 1953: $2,220.00 1990: $1,100.00 1999: $9,625.00 2006: $850.00 2012: $2,921.57 $10,000, we look forward to 6 UMKC SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY ALUMNI NEWS « DENTISTRY.UMKC.EDU 1954: $7,093.56 1993: $6,050.00 2001: $1,750.00 2007: $3,800.00 2017: $3,099.36FALL 2020 making» EXPLORER your first award. 7 PLANNINGPLANNING for a BRIGHTBRIGHT FUTUREFUTURE

The UMKC School of he forecast for the UMKC Going above and beyond the waiting area, where easily disinfected Prevention, the Occupational Safety and transitioning four years of didactic School of Dentistry and the During the COVID-19 pandemic, and well-spaced plastic chairs have Health Administration, the American courses in dentistry and dental Dentistry and the dental Tprofession itself: bright, and the UMKC School of Dentistry is replaced densely packed cloth-covered Dental Association and the Academy of hygiene online. It meant certifying something to smile about. taking extra precautions to keep ones. Patients are contacted the night General Dentistry. instructors in online teaching for profession are thinking To get a glimpse into the future, everyone safe. More than 300 students, before an appointment to make sure they “COVID-19 has changed everything,” accreditation purposes. and moving forward. we caught up with current profession faculty and staff treat 65,000 patients are well, and they are screened again on says Russell Melchert, interim dean of “We had to move fast and learn leaders. By the way, we couldn’t help in a typical year in its clinics. arrival, including a temperature check. the UMKC School of Dentistry. “I’m online ways of instruction on the The COVID-19 pandemic but notice how many prominent For starters, there are dozens of Patients use one entrance; faculty, proud of the faculty, students and staff fly,” Kaz says. “Those who want to be national organizations are led by external oral suction systems (EOS) staff and students use another, with who continue to teach and learn about in this profession tend to be ‘people made tomorrow’s plans UMKC School of Dentistry alumni. that quickly remove 98% of fluid- their swipe cards recorded to aid contact the next generation of oral health care, by persons’ so this was all challenging.” happen right now. We also learned that even during filled particles. A bipolar ionization tracing should it be found later that going above and beyond with new the challenges and uncertainties filtration system, which kills viruses, someone in the building tested positive and better ways.” of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been added to the heating and for the coronavirus. The change was dramatic, says Pictured above, in an ever-evolving those training future oral health air-conditioning system in the clinic. The school has been helped in Liz Kaz, associate dean for academic profession, the school is ready to professionals are demonstrating Scheduling has changed to shorten reopening by safety guidelines from affairs and clinic associate professor prepare the next generation of oral By STACY DOWNS how to adapt, evolve and thrive. wait times and reduce patient loads in the Centers for Disease Control and (BSDH ’86, MSDH ’87). It meant health care professionals.

8 UMKC SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY ALUMNI NEWS « DENTISTRY.UMKC.EDU FALL 2020 » chairman of Oral and Maxillofacial the UMKC School of Pharmacy 11 years Health grants and attention from media Surgery at Truman Medical Centers, ago, he sought out the clinic for his around the country and the globe for a past chair on the Rinehart dental care. its research in dental biomaterials and Foundation Board and past president “I recommend it to everybody,” bone biology. of the American Association of Oral says Melchert, who began his interim Like few others in the country, its and Maxillofacial Surgery. And he is position in September following the learning environment is uniquely a proud School of Dentistry donor. retirement of Marsha Pyle, who had positioned as well. The UMKC “What I wanted to accomplish was served as dean since 2009. A national School of Dentistry is part of the to give back and make sure somebody search for the new dean of the UMKC UMKC Health Sciences District, gets the opportunity to do something School of Dentistry began in November. collaborating with the UMKC Schools that I’ve done,” he says. “I needed to “What an awesome opportunity for of Medicine, Nursing and Health find a way to give financial support to someone to lead a place that is known Studies, and Pharmacy, as well as those entities that I care about.” locally, regionally, nationally and Children’s Mercy, Truman Medical Estate giving, by way of a life even internationally for its research,” Centers and city, county and state insurance policy, was his answer. Melchert says. health institutions. Patient safety remains paramount at UMKC. Online or in person, dental education After calling his insurance Founded in 1881 as the Kansas City “The UMKC School of Dentistry carries on. company and explaining what he Dental College, the UMKC School is a huge asset to the Kansas City wanted to do, he learned he could do of Dentistry is the only public dental community, delivering clinical care to In the Fall Semester, many courses medical service,” says Craig Herre Springfield, Missouri, specializes in it through a life insurance policy. school in Missouri and Kansas, and more than 65,000 patients each year,” are online but there is in-person (DDS ’81), who serves as first vice same-day dentistry. “A policy wasn’t that expensive and most of the oral health professionals says UMKC Provost Jenny Lundgren. instruction in clinics and for president of the American Dental With dental restorations, it often I could write it off,” Ferguson says. in those states are alumni. “We’re looking for strong candidates first-year students to help foster Association and has a practice in takes a few weeks for them to be made, “It’s a great way for alumni donors The school also has a large alumni who can build on the enormous community and connection. Leawood, Kansas. “People were so as well as a few patient visits with trays to give because it doesn’t really hurt base across the ocean in Hawaii that impact of this more-than-century- While much of the curriculum at the happy about that because dentists are of impressions, sending them to a lab to but yet they can see what they are dates back to World War II, when old institution and continue to move school already focuses on future dental well-respected and are important to be made and fitted. doing. It was very, very easy to do, much of the United States was seized the dental profession into the future trends such as group practice (versus people’s health.” Instead, Olson uses CEREC or chair- and to get tax benefits on top of being with fear of Americans of Japanese through compassion, education solo practitioner) and new technologies, Herre sees more dentists specializing side economical restoration of esthetic able to provide for those you want to descent; the dean at the time took a and innovation.” the pandemic pushed a foray this in pediatric dentistry and focusing on ceramic. This is a system that uses CAD support, it was a no brainer.” different path and welcomed Japanese- Lundgren says the search semester into teledentistry. This works health issues including sleep disorders and CAM — computer-aided design and As the school adapts to meet the American students with open arms. In committee also will be looking for a by having patients see their general and TMJ (temporomandibular joint computer-aided manufacturing — to changes in both the dental industry 2016, the school was one of only three dean who can build on community dentist, but receive guidance from a dysfunction), and the opportunity fabricate dental restorations including and the educational programming dental schools in the country to be engagement and fundraising. In 2019, specialist elsewhere during that visit. It for other niches including geriatric crowns, inlays, fixed bridges, veneers, needed to prepare future dental recognized with a Health Professions the school opened a new state-of-the- means convenience and less travel for dentistry and serving those with implants, dentures and orthodontic professionals, support from its alumni patients, especially those in rural areas. developmental disabilities. appliances. Olson’s practice has six mills becomes even more important. “This technology has taken off for “There’s something for everyone,” in the office. Ferguson knows this well and medicine, and it has really moved he says. “A patient can be in and out of here encourages others to “find out what "The UMKC School of Dentistry is a huge asset us down that field,” Kaz says. “This According to Herre, the profession is within an hour with a new crown, a the school is trying to accomplish and semester, we’re piloting a program always changing because of generational new smile within the day,” Olson says. in some aspect get involved. Keeping to the Kansas City community, delivering that sends information from clinic shifts and preferences. All his life, he’s “We have a lot of patients come in a strong line of attachment with the to clinic. It’s showing what a had a front-row seat to this evolution. from out of town so this is convenient School of Dentistry is what we are clinical care to more than 65,000 patients teledentistry environment would His father, Bill Herre (DDS ’53), was a for them and the precision of the trying to build.” He advises to start mean in their practice.” dentist and the founder of their family’s technology is more accurate and makes small, create a connection and then each year." practice, and now his son, Tim Herre for a better restoration.” ultimately move to talking about — JENNIFER LUNDGREN, Ph.D. Next generation (DDS ’08) is a dentist in the practice. Most labs still do it the weeks-long legacy gifts. “That is a good way to Each year, U.S. News and World Most of today’s dentists are way, he says. But now this type of digital build up your corpus over time,” Report ranks top jobs based on Generation X with large numbers of dentistry is part of the education UMKC he says. categories including future demand and millennials and Generation Z becoming is delivering through its dental school. Higher Education Excellence in art simulation lab funded through growth, work/life balance, and salary dentists, Craig Herre says. Everything “Technologies continue to advance,” ‘An awesome opportunity’ Diversity Award from INSIGHT Into donor support, largely from alumni. and stress levels. Consistently, dentists from how appointments are made to Olson says. “And the school is on top As you all know, the UMKC School of Diversity magazine, the oldest and The next dean of the UMKC School rank in the Top 5 (No. 2 in 2020), and patient billing to service expectations of that.” Dentistry has a great reputation. Starting largest diversity-focused publication in of Dentistry is expected to be hired in orthodontists and dental hygienists is much different from what's typical when he was a kid in a dental chair in higher education. the spring with an anticipated start in rank high as well. of baby boomers, who are retiring. So A new way to secure the future Western Kansas, Interim Dean Melchert The UMKC School of Dentistry the summer of 2021. Will the pandemic affect this much of this is due to technology. Brett Ferguson wanted to give back grew up knowing about the school is known around the world for its “It’s going to attract some of the best detrimentally? Leaders don’t think so. For example, Grant Olson, (DDS to the UMKC School of Dentistry. because his dentist was an alumnus. research, consistently winning candidates in the country,” Melchert “Dentistry was deemed an essential ’11) owner of Innovative Dental in A graduate in 1981, today Ferguson is So when Melchert started as dean at significant National Institutes of says. “That’s exciting!” •

10 UMKC SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY ALUMNI NEWS « DENTISTRY.UMKC.EDU FALL 2020 » generous and live humbly throughout their 44-year marriage. Early in their marriage, the couple made a decision that would influence their life direction. “We decided that we would gauge our success not on how big our house was, or what kind of car we drove, or how much money we had in the bank, but rather on how significant we were in the lives of others,” he said. His interest in dentistry started early. His father was a dental lab technician and had a dentist friend who lived and worked in central Africa. “This doctor would stay with our family any time he came back to the U.S.A. on furlough,” Dakin said. ”I was enamored with his stories and photos, Faith, gratitude as he was the only dentist in the bush lead to unique of the Central African Republic.” And after many years of hearing these Their work in Africa required some interesting travel accommodations including Connecting accounts, “I decided I wanted to be landing on a dirt runway that needed camels run off before they could land. careers and a a dentist when I was a junior in high focus on serving school,” he said. regions of Kenya with the intent of And among his most important After earning a biology degree at developing permanent and full-time lessons? “Learning to love and call Wichita State, he was off to UMKC. health care in those previously unserved dear friends those who are of different By GREG HACK “The School of Dentistry taught me the areas,” said Dakin, who has been to cultures and religions,” he said. and Caring essentials, and gave me the confidence Kenya six times but had to put off two to practice and to continue to learn,” trips in 2020 because of COVID-19. Always ready to help Dakin said. “I still have many friends On other trips, he left what he calls To say that J. Don Harris (DDS Dakin and his wife, Karen, with a tribal from those school days.” “donkey-able” equipment — portable ’64) has stories to tell is a bit like king they befriended in Nairobi. Besides his many trips to Albania, items you can pack on the back of a saying Safeway and Kroger have a few Dakin has worked extensively in the donkey and take anywhere — with grocery stores. poverty-stricken Mathare Valley in local dentists so that they can carry There are stories of Harris starting lumni of the UMKC School of villages in the northern Balkan Alps I have been to Turkey nine times Nairobi, Kenya, starting in 2009. on the work. “One dentist friend clinics to help those in need, in both Dentistry share a passion for by helicopter,” he said. “It really altogether. This got my name out He said he learned quickly that of mine who is a Kazakh has taken his native Oklahoma City and overseas. Aexcellent patient care, but that emboldened me to be able to go into there, so I was invited to set up relief work needs to be immediate my equipment and done four dental And then there’s the story of Harris’ can play out along many different paths, other very remote and potentially clinics in orphanages and villages in and temporary, so it will not foster missions of his own to Tajikistan. first success treating a college football from private practices and community dangerous places.” Kazakhstan and Liberia. These led dependence, and to enable communities This is very gratifying.” player and how it led to treating clinics to research and academia, In 26 years of taking his dental to teaching opportunities in Fiji, and to develop their own sustainable systems. Dakin also brings his volunteer athletes from many teams and sports. and from military service to missions practice overseas, Dakin has returned Ontario, Canada.” “I put together a detailed, step- efforts closer to home, where he serves There’s even a story about his foray into overseas. Here’s a look at two alumni to Albania 19 times, along with trips Dakin also has had a practice in his by-step proposal on how to develop as the vice president of the Kansas the motion picture business. whose unique practices flowed from to several other countries in Africa native Wichita, Kansas for 36 years, permanent, full-time health care in Dental Association and will serve as The thread tying this unusual dental their faith and from living out the and Asia. which has helped finance his overseas the Mathare Valley,” he said. president in two years. career together? A keen interest in school’s dedication to service to society. “I realized that there was a great work. He said he and his wife, Karen, He presented that proposal to the For Dakin, his overseas work has virtually everyone he meets, and a unmet dental need among these share “a gift that comes with a burden.” Kenyan government’s chief medical taught him a lot. desire to help those people any way he ‘To make things better’ people,” he said. “I began going back “The gift is that we see the world full officer and chief dental officer, and “I have learned the true meaning of can. And Harris, 83, expects to keep Rob Dakin (DDS ’83) still recalls to Albania during other times of the of people,” Dakin said. “The burden is it soon became reality. hospitality, what unconditional love is, collecting stories for years to come. his “very adventurous initiation” into year to set up dental clinics in villages that we feel compelled to try to do what He worked with many others, and what it means to be truly grateful,” “I did finally sell my practice last mission work, bringing dental aid and Gypsy communities no matter how we can to make things better for them including U.S. dentists like himself, he said. “I have learned to depend year,” he said, “but I still work two to Albania in the early 1990s after remote or secluded. This connection in whatever way we can, particularly and they developed and built a clinic on God, and I have learned to push or three days a week at the Crossings the Communist government there opened the doors to earthquake relief through dentistry.” that is now staffed by Kenyan dentists. through my fears and anxieties to get Church’s free clinic.” collapsed. in Turkey, which encompassed six The Dakins also credit their “I most recently have set up clinics in among people and groups that are so Accepting requests for help has been “We flew in to remote mountain different trips in a year and a half. Christian faith for leading them to be in the northeastern and northwestern totally different from my own.” a hallmark of Harris’ career. “The first

12 UMKC SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY ALUMNI NEWS « DENTISTRY.UMKC.EDU FALL 2020 » alumni news

time was when a woman named Alice Such connections also led Harris Speaking of stars, Harris got to Greens for Green! Alumni Virtual Kirk came to me and said she was starting to Barry Switzer, the University of meet a few in a different field in the a clinic and wanted me to be the dentist. Oklahoma Sooners football coach for mid-1980s when he led Spectrum AFTER BEING RESCHEDULED from Game Night I said I’d be glad to help, but didn’t really 16 seasons, who called one day with Cinema, a fledging motion picture the original May date, golfers enjoyed expect to hear from her again.” a problem. “They were about to play company. “The governor at that time, fantastic weather and a fun, but safe, day ALUMNI FROM CALIFORNIA, But Kirk meant business. She was part Texas, the big rival for many years,” George Nigh, had wondered for years of golf on Oct 1, a Thursday, at Shoal Creek Hawaii, Minnesota and of course of a growing social services network Harris said. “Barry’s kicker, Uwe von why we couldn’t make some movies Golf Course for the annual UMKC Dental closer to school all came together in Oklahoma City: the Neighborhood Schamann, had a terrible toothache and in Oklahoma and keep some of that Alumni Scholarship Golf Tournament. The for a cut-throat game of virtual trivia Service Organization, or NSO. She was needed a dentist right away. I got the Hollywood money here,” Harris said. 68 golfers and 11 hole sponsors enjoyed on Oct. 14. There were five rounds back a few months later after securing a tooth drained and taken care of, and he When several like-minded Oklahoma food, fun, putting contests, a few mulligans, of 10 trivia questions such as “What vacant building that needed rehabbing was good by game time. I guess word investors came together in 1986, and the new best dressed team prize. was the first toy advertised on TV?” and equipping. Harris stepped up to help got around after that.” Spectrum Cinema was born, with The Alumni Scholarship Golf and “What element is often referred with those tasks and provided care. Soon, Before long, more Sooners came to Harris at the helm. Tournament, now in its 20th year, has to as quicksilver?” Each team had a free dental clinic was born. him for their dentistry, followed by pro Oklahoma and the movie business awarded more than $260,000 in individual one minute to answer each question. Several years later, when the golfers coming through town on tour, were not a great match, though, and scholarships to UMKC School of Dentistry Then teams had a chance for extra organization wanted to recognize his and players from the city’s minor league the curtain came down on Spectrum students. Thank you to the steering points from bonus questions about efforts, Harris got back in touch with hockey and baseball teams. His last after a few projects. But Harris added committee led once again by Dr. Joe the School of Dentistry such as, Kirk and made sure she was recognized, regular work with a professional team executive producer to his resume, Spalitto that included Dr. Chad Barth, Dr. “In how many U.S. states are there too, for making the clinic a reality. was in the early 2000s, he said, with the working on Ruth Gordon’s last movie, Reese Graue and Dr. Michael McCunniff. UMKC School of Dentistry alumni?” Over the years Harris helped with Thank you to all of the players and (The answer, by the way, is 49.) It many church and community efforts, sponsors for a great day of golf, raising was a close game, but only one team even traveling to Catacamas, Honduras, money for student scholarships! Don’t miss could reign supreme. The alumni of and mountainous outlying areas. out next year when we are back on a Friday. You Can’t Handle the Tooth took all “We started with an abandoned school, the glory (and prizes). It was a fun and now they have a full hospital and night and a great way to connect with surgical suite,” Harris said. “I’ve been alumni spread out across the country. back three or four times.” His greatest outreach effort, however, began in 1986 in Oklahoma. “Two of my daughters have developmental disabilities, so it was In Memoriam personal to me to start D-DENT: Dentists for the Disabled and Elderly Dr. Edward G. Cantrell (DDS ’88) Needing Treatment.” Dr. Bob E. Craven (DDS ’65) The non-profit organization has Dr. James V. Hall (DDS ’64) matched patients in need with 500 Dr. Dorwin E. Hawthorne (DDS ’54) dentists throughout the state who donate Dr. John I. Hense (DDS ’51) their time. Over the years, Harris said, Dr. Kirk C. Hoerman (DDS ’47) D-DENT volunteers have offered an Dr. Mike A. Kippenberger (DDS ’69) estimated $26 million in free care. Whether it’s in a clinic like this one in the mountain regions of Honduras or behind Dr. Robert K. Klein (DDS ’75) “I’ve been blessed and done my best the scenes for the Oklahoma City Thunder, the common thread for Harris’s career Dr. Paul Dean Lambert (DDS ’60) to use the faith and skills God gave me,” is connecting with people. Dr. Jacob Laudie (DDS ’06) Harris said. Dr. Anthony W. Martin (DDS ’65) That included a natural ability to Oklahoma City Thunder in the National Mugsy’s Girls. “I also got to go to Dr. Jay F. Morris (DDS ’66, PEDO ’68) engage others. As he built his dental Basketball Association. the Cannes Film Festival, which was Dr. Robert D. Pokorny (DDS ’58) practice in Oklahoma City, he met his Sports dentistry might not provide something,” he said. Dr. Lonnie G. Prince (DDS ’68) share of interesting and successful people the same workload of, say, being Not bad for an Oklahoma boy who Dr. Michael C. Reynolds (DDS ’69) who supported his community work. a National Football League team never expected to see the world. Or be Dr. C.E. Ricketts (DDS ’78) “Whenever I attended a social orthopedic surgeon or physician. a dentist, for that matter, until a local Dr. Ronald D. Sanders (DDS ’57) function, I had a goal to get to know as But Harris, who played football dentist’s red sports car caught his eye. Dr. Norman A. Smith Jr. (DDS ’81) many people as I could and to recruit in college, said it was enjoyable to But that’s another story. at least two patients,” Harris said. “I’ve be able to attend games and, in his “Dentistry has been a wonderful taken care of several mayors and, being Thunder job, rub shoulders with career for me,” Harris said. “It opened in the capital city, four governors over stars such as Kevin Durant and a lot of doors for me, so I’ve always the years.” Russell Westbrook. been ready to help.” •

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Class Notes Classes of the 1980s Mike Hawkins (DDS ’86) sold his practice Masks Can’t Hide Excitement at Orientation All is well for Floyd Tanoue (DDS ’80) in 2012 and fully retired in 2020. He Classes of the 1960s after having practiced for 40 years. enjoys the mountain lifestyle of Colorado THE SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY held Finneran’s choice of UMKC, along with J. Don Harris (DDS ’64) retired after 55 He continues to practice in Aiea, Hawaii, and is waiting on grandchildren. orientation sessions August 19-21, the school’s “tremendous reputation years of practice but reports that he is now and has a daughter that is in her junior complete with masks and a review of and challenging academics.” working three days a week at Crossings year at Creighton University School of Mark Herzog (DDS ’86) has been in extensive pandemic safety precautions, Finneran moved to Kansas City from Charity Clinic. He also retired from OKC Dentistry. She will join his practice when private practice in Ellsworth since that certainly looked different from Illinois four years ago and completed County Board of Health, where he served she graduates in 2022. He has a patient graduation. years past. But that didn’t keep the new her preliminary classes at UMKC, in for 50 years including as chairman of in the second-year class at the UMKC dental and dental hygiene students from addition to working as a dental assistant Partners in Public Health Foundation. School of Dentistry. His son attends Kurt Kavanaugh (DDS ’86) is still working bringing the same focus, enthusiasm for three years. He recently had the J. Don Harris Service UNLV and hopes to enter its dental as an orthodontist in Kansas City. He has and desire for learning. “The hands-on experiences that I Award named in his honor. He has retired school in two years as he is currently been married for 31 years and has three Cole Daniel, one of the 109 members gained have renewed my passion for from his team dentist role for the OKC a junior, majoring in biology. children: Tyler, 27; Matthew, 25; Molly, 20. of the Dentistry Class of 2024, is from dental hygiene and solidified that I Thunder and the Board of Directors of the Little Rock, Arkansas, and earned his am meant to be a dental hygienist,” Academy Professional Sports Dentistry. Daniel Ketteman (DDS ’81) is the director Classes of the 1990s undergraduate degree at the University Finneran said. “I thoroughly enjoy direct He received one of only eight Dental of the International Advanced Placement Tressa (Bridges) Parkinson (DDS ’96) Marsha Pyle, DDS, MEd of Arkansas. But he said he came to patient care. I want to be able to educate Service Awards and founded D-DENT Program at Southern Illinois University is teaching at the UMKC School UMKC because “it felt like home.” future patients on the importance of oral which has provided more than $26.3 School of Dental Medicine. of Dentistry. Dean Pyle Leaves “From the interview to health for whole body wellness.” million in free dental care since 1985. communicating with the admissions Starting their School of Dentistry Maria Kunstadter (DDS ’81) has four Classes of the 2000s Lasting Legacy office I knew that UMKC would take education during a pandemic wasn’t James Elliott (DDS ’66) retired after 52 kids, two grandkids! David Hart (DDS ’06) married Susan care of me as a student,” Daniel said. what the new classes originally had in years of practice. He plays golf two to four Kulakowski on Feb. 1, 2020. SHORTLY AFTER the opening of the “The emphasis on being a great clinical mind. But with the school’s extensive times per week. He has a condo in Florida Jerry Paz (DDS ’81) is keeping up with School of Dentistry’s state-of-the-art school was also really important to me.” preparation and precautions making and spends three to four months a year seven kids and 14 grandkids. He is Classes of the 2010s Pre-clinical Lab in 2019, Marsha Pyle, Daniel, who has several family a good impression, students said they there where he visits his four grandchildren. enjoying being a grandparent with his Adam McClellan (DDS ’10, PERIO ’12) DDS, MEd, announced she would be members in dentistry, added, “I truly were both excited and reassured. His wife, Judy, is still teaching Spanish for wife, Barbara. He is preparing to retire to is enjoying his periodontal practices on stepping down as dean in 2020. She think it is a career that has everything “It is definitely a weird time to the University of Missouri's Osher Lifelong Lake of the Ozarks. He has been leading both sides of the state line. He and his had spent nearly 12 years leading the you could ask for. Every day you get to be starting dental school … a unique Learning Institute. dental missions to Haiti since 1994. wife, Julia, are excited to welcome their dental school and securing its reputation see a tangible difference you made in experience,” Daniel said. “But all you first child — a little girl — in February. as a leading academic program. someone’s life, work with your hands can control is your attitude and Edward Read (DDS ’66) is retired and Joe Richardson (DDS ’81) retired after He is trying to play as much golf as he Rather than coast to retirement, and make a good living.” respond to the situation you are given. is working as a courier and playing 39 years on June 30, 2020. He covers for can, while he can. however, Pyle oversaw multiple At UMKC they also have the one I think UMKC is doing everything that racquetball. the dentist who purchased his practice challenges brought on by the dental hygiene program in the Kansas can be done to prepare us and make as needed. He also helps his wife at Cyndi Blalock (DDS ’11) is raising two coronavirus pandemic, which forced City area that offers a full bachelor’s this unusual time be as seamless Classes of the 1970s her health food store and chases his kids and building a business! She is doing the closure of almost all school degree. That was one factor in Shannon as possible.” Robert Gillum (DDS ’71) retired in grandkids around when they are visiting general dentistry and treating lip and facilities in March. Pyle and her team 2016 and now helps with child care from out-of-state. tongue tie with laser. She enjoys serving worked tirelessly to shift classes and assists his son with building and mothers and babies and says they are online, shut down the school’s dental remodeling houses. Richard Allinson (DDS ’85) started a such an amazing population of people. clinics, revamp them with new safety job as assistant professor of restorative She is proud to empower mothers and equipment and procedures, and then James Burke (DDS ’72) is a part-time dentistry at A.T. Still University's Missouri help the tiniest patients in her practice. reopen slowly and carefully. associate clinical professor for the School of Dentistry and Oral Health in She and her husband treat oral facial At the same time, Pyle and her Department of Prosthodontics at the Kirksville, Missouri, in July 2019. pain patients together in the office they team made sure that the classes of O.U. College of Dentistry. share. They have built a multidisciplinary 2020 would graduate on time, despite Mark Bentele (DDS ’86) retired from an practice and enjoy working together. not being able to screen patients Ron Shrum (DDS ’73) has been retired Air Force career in 2007 and has been in in anticipation of impending dental since 2017. His family moved to Arizona in private orthodontic practice in Colorado Kyle Shull (DDS ’11) opened his own licensure board exams. May of 2015 and he is happy in retirement Springs since then. He is a member of practice in Columbia, Missouri, in 2018 Making the Pre-clinic Lab a spending quality time with family, working the Children's Hospital Colorado Cleft Lip (Bear Creek Family Dental). In 2019, reality, navigating the pandemic and diligently on his golf game four or five days and Palate team, as well. he was awarded the Fellowship in the graduating the classes of 2020 were per week, and continuing exploration and Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD). quite a trifecta to cap a career. painting with water colors. Kenneth Frick (DDS ’86) is starting his He and his wife have three wonderful “I remain impressed by the level of ninth year as director of the Advanced children, ages 6, 4, and 1. education, research and service that we Program in Endodontics. provide, daily by those who thoroughly love what they do,” Pyle said. An eager student participates in this year’s unique orientation experience.

16 UMKC SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY ALUMNI NEWS « DENTISTRY.UMKC.EDU FALL 2020 » school news school news

Welcome Our Incoming Classes and See How They Stack Up! Faculty Appointments

Tanya Villalpando Mitchell (DH ˇ95, MS ˇ01), RDH, MS, professor and director of Graduate Studies, Division of Dental Hygiene, has been appointed to a two year term as the Chair of the Division of Dental Hygiene. Students were all smiles behind the masks at this year’s ceremony. Dr. Bhavika Thakkar, clinical A Different Look but Still a Cause for Celebration associate professor, Department of as Students Transition into the Profession Restorative Clinical Sciences, has been THE LOOK WAS different but the The DDS class members were split appointed interim purpose was the same at this year’s into three groups and the DH students assistant director Transitioning Into the Profession were a fourth group. Each group had its of the Advanced Education in General Legacy Students Ceremony. The Dental Surgery Class of own ceremony, at which DDS students Dentistry program. 2022 and Dental Hygiene Class of 2021 received their white coat and DH students THE SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY is proud to have many multigenerational families and realizes success comes in part from its rich were welcomed to the clinical phase of their scrubs. Each student also was able to Dr. R. Scott history, with roots stretching back to 1881. Here are the legacy students from the DDS Class of 2024 and DH Class of 2022. their educational programs Sept. 18. have a portrait taken without a mask. Conley, associate As with many things in education The ceremony included remarks by professor, Fares Alsafar: Dr. Anwar Albanna, Annemarie LaBarca: Dr. John LaBarca, Nolan Sachse: Dr. Michael Abels, uncle during the pandemic, the ceremony was interim Dean Russ Melchert, who praised Department of father's cousin (DDS ’99) father (DDS ’94) (DDS ’83) a hybrid affair. The class members got the students’ efforts and advancement. Orthodontics their white coats in person at the School He also spoke of the importance of and Dentofacial Piyom Aramoon: Dr. Sophia Aramoon, Angela Marulanda: Dr. Nidya De LaTorre, Ashley Sankey: Dr. Nealy Newkirk, aunt of Dentistry — in appropriately small professionalism, noting that star athletes Orthopedics, has sibling (DDS ’18) Fatema Behbahani: aunt (DDS ’08) (DDS ’05) groups, with masks and distancing. And often display it — as do health care been appointed Dr. Faraj Behbehani, cousin (DDS ‘96); their families, friends, faculty and staff professionals such as Anthony Fauci, director of the Advanced Education Dr. Alaa Jamal, cousin (DDS ’98); Connor Massey: Dr. Mark Massey, father Andrew Sheehy: Tara Sheehy Craven, were able to see them and celebrate M.D., director of the National Institute of in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Mohammad Behbehani, cousin (DDS ‘20); (DDS ’95) cousin (DDS Class of 2021) them online. Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Orthopedics Program. Raghad Behbehani, cousin (DDS Class of 2021); Jumanah Behbehani, cousin Mollie Maupin: Dr. Matt Niewald, cousin Saxon Teubner: Dr. Daniel Teubner, (DDS Class of 2022) (DDS ’01); Dr. David Mattingly, cousin’s father (DDS ’85); Glenn Teubner, sibling husband (DDS ’10); Dr. Emily Mattingly, (DDS Class of 2022) Paying Tribute to Retirees with Nearly 100 Years of Combined Collin Brant: Dr. Dale Brant, father cousin (DDS ’12) (DDS ’88) Jay Trivedi: Vaidehi Trivedi, sibling Service to the School Alameen Nuru: Dr. Mohammed Nuru, (DDS ’20) John Burnett: Dr. Bradley Burnett, father sibling (DDS ’19) THE UMKC SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY faculty, staff and students shared a virtual farewell with Dean Marsha Pyle and (DDS ’93) Matthew Wahle: Dr. John Wahle, father six others who are retiring with nearly 100 years of combined service to the school. Colleagues paid tribute to Dean Pyle, Zachary Ortinau: Dr. Mark Ortinau, (DDS ’87) who is leaving after almost 12 years at the helm, and these others: Van Hopkins: Dr. George Hopkins, cousin (DDS ’74) grandfather (DDS ’53) Allison Weber: Dr. Jordan Weber, sibling Dr. Sharon Furby (20 years) Ms. Babs Landess (8 years) Dr. Gerald Ogilvie (DDS ’73) (7 years) Hannah Ragsdale: Rachel Ragsdale, (DDS ’19) Clinical Associate Professor Office Support Assistant IV Clinical Assistant Professor Riley Katsev: Dr. Mike Katsev, father sister (DDS ’20) Restorative Clinical Sciences (Patient Accounts), Advanced Education in General Dentistry/ (DDS ’86); Dr. Tracey Katsev, mother (DDS Dental Clinic Restorative Clinical Sciences ’86); Dr. Emily Franke, cousin (DDS ’13) Lauren Reynolds: Dr. Wendy Reynolds, Ms. Mona Jarman (17 years) mother (DDS ’95); Jewel Frankebery, Dental Assistant II Ms. Joy Neumann (10 years) Mr. John Pinkston (25 years) grandparent (DH ’64) Dental Clinic Dental Assistant II Senior Research Assistant Advanced Education in General Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences

18 UMKC SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY ALUMNI NEWS « DENTISTRY.UMKC.EDU FALL 2020 » school news

UMKC Dental Faculty News of Note Save the date

Students Featured DR. TIMOTHY for these upcoming COX, professor in Contour and endowed alumni events Magazine chair in Dental & Mineralized Royals Opening Day Tissue Thursday, April 1, 2021 THE AUGUST 2020 issue of Research, ASDA Contour Magazine featured Department Midwest Dental Conference and Alumni articles from the following students: of Oral and Class Reunions Craniofacial April 15-18, 2021 • How to Vote as an Out-of-State Sciences, is an Student (p. 10) – Kika Masunaga, author on four Rinehart and Dental Alumni Board meetings DDS Class of 2021 Timothy Cox, PhD publications: Thursday, April 15, 2021 Contour magazine Nature: Microcomputed tomography of Pouring from the Heart • Life-Changing Dental Care for Kids: TeamSmile (p. 14) – Geoff Kerns, craniofacial mineralized tissue: A practical Thursday, April 15, 2021 DDS Class of 2021 user’s guide to study planning and generating quality data. Cox, T.C. (2020). • 5 Steps for Success for Running Your First Race (p. 36) – Alyssa Kieschnick, DDS, Class of 2021, District 8 Wellness Chair BONE (Invited review) doi: 10.1016/j. For more information about alumni events and news, visit dentistry.umkc.edu/alumni. bone. Effects of multi-generational soft You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter. • Book Review: “This is Your Brain on Sports” (p. 44) – Brianne Schmiegelow, DDS diet consumption on mouse craniofacial Class of 2021, Contour Contributing Editorial Board morphology. Hassan, M.G., Kaler, H., Zhang, B., Cox, T.C., Young, N. & Jheon, A.H. (2020) CARRYING ON CONTINUING EDUCATION Frontiers in Physiology (Craniofacial Biology & Dental Research). doi: 10.3389/ IN A VIRTUAL WORLD fphys.2020.00783. A synonymous exonic splice silencer variant in IRF6 as a novel and Because of COVID-19, we have made the difficult decision to cancel all in-person courses for the remainder cryptic cause of non-syndromic cleft lip and of 2020, with the intention to begin our in-person courses again in 2021. We are working on setting up new palate. Sylvester, B., Brindopke, F… Cox, T.C…(9 authors contributed equally) (2020) dates and times for each in-person course, keeping in mind the safety of all attendees. We will be updating the courses on our Continuing Education website as dates are confirmed:http://bit.ly/UMKCCE2021 Kika Masunaga Geoff Kerns Alyssa Kieschnick Brianne Genes (Special Issue: Molecular Genetics Schmiegelow of Facial Traits & Malformations) In the meantime, you can join us virtually for the following webinar, which has two available dates: doi:10.3390/genes11080903a. A survey of spiking activity reveals a functional hierarchy of mouse cortical and thalamic SPANISH FOR THE DENTAL PROFESSIONAL: Education and Dental Emergencies Webinar UMKC School of Dentistry Predoctoral visual. Siegle, J.H…Cox, T.C…(90 authors Nicole Montiel, LDH, Founder and CEO of ¡Anda! Language Solutions contributed equally) (2020). Nature Periodontics Study Club Goes Virtual (accepted Aug. 31, 2020). DATE LOCATION TUITION REGISTER ONLINE AT THE UMKC SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY Predoctoral Periodontics Study Club Also in the Cox Lab, Dr. SOUMYA Dec. 1, 2020 Done online via Ring $150 http://bit.ly/UMKCCE2021 hosted its first-ever virtual presentation, titled "Periodontal and Peri-implant RAO, postdoctoral fellow attended or Central webinar. Link to Plastic Surgery," with guest lecturer Dr. Lorenzo Tavelli, DDS, MS, on Oct. 7. the 61st McKusick Short Course on Dec. 12, 2020 webinar will be sent out CREDITS Tavelli graduated from the University of Milan in 2017 and completed his three- Human and Mammalian Genetics and upon registration. 3 ADA-Recognized hours year residency in periodontics and his master of science degree in 2020 at the Genomics, which this year was held TIME University of Michigan. His main focus has been to conduct clinical research in virtually July 20-30, 2020. Dr. Li Qin 7 PM – 8:30 PM COURSE NUMBER AUDIENCE periodontal and peri-implant plastic surgery, publishing more than 50 scholarly Zhang, research associate, joined the or 20121 Dentists, dental hygienists publications in international peer-reviewed journals and receiving several research Cox Lab on Sept. 1. She was previously 9 AM – 10:30 AM Central and dental assistants awards. In July 2020, Tavelli joined the Department of Periodontics and Oral an NTT research associate professor in Medicine at the University of Michigan as a clinical lecturer. the School of Medicine.

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