On September 17, the University of Missouri-Kansas City welcomed leaders from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in Bellville, South Africa.

The visit marked 40 years of partnership between the University of Missouri System and UWC through the University of Missouri South African Education Program (UMSAEP), which has fostered collaboration in teaching and research and opened doors to opportunities such as student and faculty exchanges.

Dean Yengopal and Professor Uphoff speak in a faculty meeting

As part of this commemorative visit, the School of Dentistry welcomed Dean of the UWC Faculty of Dentistry Dr. Jeff Yengopal and University of Missouri Professor Emeritus and UMSAEP Director Rod Uphoff.

Greeting our guests and leading the day’s tour and discussion were Dean of the School of Dentistry Dr. Paul Luepke, Associate Dean for Clinical Programs Dr. Eric Gottman, Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr. Melanie Simmer-Beck, and Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs Dr. Erin Bumann.

Dean Yengopal, Professor Uphoff, and School of Dentistry faculty pose for a group photo

The group toured our clinic spaces on the first floor, watching dental and dental hygiene students at work. While observing, Dean Yengopal and our faculty discussed each institution’s approaches to dental education, patient care, and more.

The group had the opportunity to observe dental students providing care in the pediatric dentistry clinic and met the Chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Laila Hishaw, for a thoughtful conversation before continuing the tour.

Dean Yengopal and Professor Uphoff speak with Dr. Hishaw

On the third floor, the group visited the school's research spaces. Drs. Sarah Dallas and Rose Wang of the Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences (OCS) welcomed the guests into their labs, explained the technology used in their research, and discussed the projects currently underway at the school.

Dr. Dallas shows equipment in OCS lab

Dr. Wang discusses research in OCS lab

After meeting with the OCS faculty, the group shared a final conversation, wrapping up the visit that celebrated 40 years of continued collaboration.

The School of Dentistry was honored to host Dean Yengopal and Professor Uphoff for a morning of new connections and meaningful conversations. We look forward to seeing our partnership grow throughout the years to come.

See more photos from the day.