Academic Support Services 

The School of Dentistry provides a comprehensive academic support program which includes time management, study strategies, and test taking skills.  An interceptive system of continuous academic monitoring is in effect. Students who may be experiencing academic difficulty during a term are identified and advised. This results in an individualized plan of action to overcome any deficiencies. In addition, personal counseling assistance requests and documented accommodation support is available. 

Office of the Dean

Through an Academic Support Coordinator staff position students receive support through the following approaches:

• Early-alert academic monitoring and advising
• Tutoring
• Coaching for time management, study strategies, and test taking skills
• Action planning
• Personal and life coaching
• Counseling and emergency referrals
• Classroom accommodation support for documented students

Office of Student Programs

The Dental School's Office of Student Programs focuses on the following support services:  

• Pathway programming, recruitment, and admissions
• Registration, records, and graduation
• Scholarships
• Student events and recognitions
• Student organizations
• Student leadership and mentoring
• Diversity programming
• Career connections
• Room scheduling
• Student support services

The majority of dental school student services are provided by this office and the office serves as a liaison to the appropriate UMKC student support services such as financial aid, health and wellness, career services, recreation services, housing, campus safety, parking, etc. 

Office of the Dean for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

The Assistant Dean works closely with students, staff, faculty, and administration to create a climate of belonging and inclusion for the entire school of dentistry community.  This includes support initiatives related to:

• Recruitment and retention efforts for underrepresented students, faculty, and staff
• Student mentoring and advising (Student National Dental Association, Hispanic Student Dental Association, and Dental Pride Alliance)
• DEI programming, education, and training
• Facilitation of the SOD DEI Committee
• Alumni and community relations
• Organizational strategic planning, evaluation, resource allocation, and policy review
• Person-centered care curriculum support
• Conflict reporting, resolution, and meditation
• Title IX and Affirmative Action support
• Liaison to the UMKC Vice Chancellor of Diversity and Inclusion

Financial Aid

Financial assistance is available from a number of sources, primarily those programs supported through the “Free Application for Federal Student Aid” (FAFSA).  Students should annually complete the FAFSA to be eligible for aid.  Additional information specifically for School of Dentistry programs is available through the UMKC Financial Aid & Scholarship Office at https://finaid.umkc.edu/affordability/dentistry-cost-estimate.html. 

The UMKC Financial Aid & Scholarship Office has two locations: 

• UMKC Volker Campus
  5115 Oak Street, 101 Administrative Center
  Kansas City, MO 64112
• UMKC Hospital Hill Campus
  2464 Charlotte, 1418 Health Sciences Building
  Kansas City, MO 64108
  816-235-6783 / finaidhospitalhill@umkc.edu

Student Organizations/Activities

For students interested in extracurricular activities, there are a variety of student organization with a focus on professional service and development. Most are affiliated with national dental organizations. Students may also participate in other non-dentistry oriented organizations.

Active student organizations within the school include:

• Academy of LDS Dentists
• American Academy Cosmetic Dentistry
• American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• American Association for Dental Research-Student Research Group
• American Association of Women Dentists
• American Student Dental Association
• Christian Medical-Dental Association
• Delta Sigma Delta Fraternity
• Hispanic Dental Association
• Interfraternity Council
• Psi Omega Fraternity
• Student American Dental Hygienist's Association
• Student National Dental Association
• Student Professionalism & Ethics Association
• Students Take Action
• UMKC Chapter of the Academy of LDS Dentists
• UMKC Student Council
• Xi Psi Phi Fraternity