“Today, we gather here to recognize, celebrate, and hopefully inspire each of our exceptional students who have transformed into health care providers,” opened the annual ceremony held at the Unity Temple on the Plaza on Friday, June 5, 2026. This year’s ceremony welcomed the DDS Class of 2028 and DH Class of 2027 to the clinical phase of their educational programs.
Dr. Eric Gottman, Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, served as master of ceremonies and Dean Paul Luepke welcomed and shared remarks with the over 1,200 in attendance. Dean Luepke asked the students to leverage their mindset by contemplating the words ‘belief’ or ‘believe.’ “The real driver of motivation is belief,” he stated. “I want you to close your eyes and visualize your patient in the chair. You are confident, your patient is confident in you, you have just transformed this patient’s smile, and they are so excited to show the world.” Dean Luepke continued by emphasizing the importance of character. “Remember to believe in who you are inside the coat,” he said. “I am so looking forward to going on this belief journey with you and have great faith that you will all become great dentists and hygienists.”
The keynote address was provided by UMKC Dental alumna and President of the Dental Alumni Association, Dr. Sarah Mahaffey, DDS 2005, from Springfield, Missouri. Dr. Mahaffey shared stories from her dental journey, including the challenges and rewards she has experienced. She highlighted the importance of professional values, support of community, and fostering relationships with patients and colleagues as students maneuver through their own professional and personal journeys. Prof. Louise Davis, Associate Clinical Professor in the Division of Dental Hygiene, and Dr. John Ball, Clinical Professor in the Department of Restorative Clinical Sciences, were chosen by the transitioning classes to share brief remarks celebrating the experiences and accomplishments of each class. Following the remarks, each class rose in unison to read their respective Code of Ethics, which were then signed by students as they crossed the stage after being presented with a white coat (DDS students) or scrub jacket (DH students). Students left the ceremony with a reaffirmed dedication to their patients, education, each other, and their profession.
Family and friends had the special opportunity to witness and celebrate this significant accomplishment in the students’ careers. Supporters from several dental organizations contributed to the ceremony, including the following: Dr. Roy J. Rinehart Memorial Foundation, Dental Hygienists Alumni Association, Dental Alumni Association; Missouri Dental Association, Pierre Fauchard Academy Kansas Section; American College of Dentists Kansas Section and the School of Dentistry Office of the Dean.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the ceremony a success, and to all those who joined us in celebrating these remarkable students!
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