University Of Missouri–Kansas City School Of Dentistry

University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Dentistry (UMKC School of Dentistry) is a public dental school located in Kansas City, Missouri. It is part of the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) and is one of the oldest dental schools in the United States, having been established in 1881. The school offers a comprehensive range of dental programs, including the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Advanced Education Programs in various dental specialties, and a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene.

History

The UMKC School of Dentistry was originally founded as the Kansas City Dental College in 1881. It merged with the Western Dental College in 1919, becoming the Kansas City-Western Dental College. The college was then incorporated into the University of Missouri system in 1941, becoming the School of Dentistry of the University of Kansas City, which later became UMKC in 1963.

Programs

The UMKC School of Dentistry offers several academic programs aimed at preparing students for careers in dentistry and dental hygiene.

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)

The DDS program is a four-year curriculum that prepares students for the practice of general dentistry. It combines a rigorous academic schedule with extensive clinical experience.

Advanced Education Programs

The school offers postgraduate training in several dental specialties, including:

• Endodontics
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Periodontics
• Prosthodontics

These programs vary in length and provide residents with specialized training beyond the DDS degree.

Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program is a two-year program that prepares students for careers as dental hygienists. The curriculum focuses on preventive oral health care and the promotion of good oral hygiene practices.

Research

The UMKC School of Dentistry is actively involved in dental research, with a focus on improving oral health care and outcomes. The school's research efforts are supported by state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories. Research areas include, but are not limited to, biomaterials, oral microbiology, and public health dentistry.

Facilities

The school is housed in a modern facility equipped with the latest in dental technology and equipment. This includes comprehensive clinical areas, research laboratories, and classrooms. The school also operates several community clinics, providing students with hands-on experience in treating a diverse patient population.

Community Engagement

The UMKC School of Dentistry is committed to serving the community through various outreach programs. These include free or reduced-cost dental clinics, oral health education programs, and participation in community health fairs. The school's efforts not only provide essential dental care to underserved populations but also offer students valuable real-world experience.

Accreditation

The UMKC School of Dentistry is accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). This accreditation ensures that the school meets or exceeds the quality standards for dental education set by the profession.

Notable Alumni

Over the years, the UMKC School of Dentistry has produced many distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions to the field of dentistry and dental education.

External Links

• Official website

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