The University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) Advanced Endodontics Residency Program hosted an Educational Symposium on October 17, 2025, featuring Dr. Diwakar Kinra, Dr. Joel Small, and Jonathan Moffat. The event drew residents and faculty from both local and out-of-state programs, offering a curated blend of academic insight and practical application designed to support clinical excellence and professional growth.
The symposium covered a range of timely topics, including the business aspects of endodontics, financial literacy for dental professionals, emerging clinical technologies, and evidence-based clinical decision making.
“The understanding of the financial responsibilities to own and work in a dental practice are complex, let alone to know how to deal with staff and personality issues. This seminar brought together experts in the field of financial practice management, human resource management, and investment management all into a one-day seminar,” says Dr. Ken Frick, Clinical Associate Professor and Director of the Advanced Education Program in Endodontics.
According to Dr. Frick, more than 30 attendees participated in this year’s symposium—the second of its kind.
“UMKC is proud to be able to host specialized events for Midwestern Endodontic Programs to attend and network together in. Endodontic Residents and faculty from Nebraska (UNMC), Illinois (SIU), and Missouri (UMKC) participated in this unique educational event,” he said. “We are thankful to DentsplySirona for making this event possible by their sponsorship of Drs. Kinra and Small and Mr. Moffatt, thus making this a no-cost event to attendees.”
Attendees praised the symposium’s practical relevance and depth.
Dr. Daniel Lee, pictured above right, current endodontic resident at the UMKC School of Dentistry, says, “Dr. Kinra’s presentation provided a comprehensive overview of endodontic practice management, offering valuable insights for associates, partners, and owners alike. The subsequent lectures by Dr. Small and Jonathan Moffet further expanded on key business and management considerations in endodontics.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Frick shared that he plans to continue hosting events that bring together leading educators and clinicians in the field of endodontics—further strengthening UMKC’s role as a hub for advanced dental education and collaboration.