College of Dentistry Alumni Reunion
October 9-10, 2026, in Lincoln.
All graduates are invited and honor years are those with class years ending in "1" or "6".
The Class of 1976, including dentists and hygienists, will be inducted into the Half Century Club. Several honor classes have leaders organizing gatherings during the reunion weekend, and information will be shared with applicable classes.
Weekend Highlights
- Attend an engaging continuing education session presented by a College of Dentistry legacy family.
- Learn about new and exciting initiatives at the College of Dentistry.
- Talk with current students and tour the building.
- Enjoy networking with fellow alumni and friends, and celebrate the Class of 1976 and the 2026 award recipients at the Friday evening reception.
- Cheer on the Husker football team.
We look forward to seeing you this fall! Invitation and registration to follow, July 2026.
Why this date?
October 9-10, 2026
Selecting the reunion date for Fall 2026 was more complex than usual due to the unusually late announcement of the Big Ten football schedule, which includes the Husker football schedule. This was the latest the full schedule has been released in recent years, and as many of our alumni know, the College of Dentistry Reunion has traditionally been planned around a home football game. We know how much our alumni enjoy the chance to return to Lincoln for both the reunion and the game.
Before the schedule was released, the Alumni Board reviewed its options carefully and identified a preferred date based on venue availability and several other important considerations.
Once the football schedule was finally announced, we revisited all available options and weighed multiple factors—including home and away games, venue availability, and holidays. For instance, while there is a home game on Halloween weekend, we did not want to schedule the reunion at a time that may be especially meaningful for alumni with children or grandchildren.
Ultimately, October 9–10, the weekend of the Indiana at Nebraska game, emerged as the best available option. We recognize that this date coincides with the American Dental Association Annual Meeting in Indianapolis. In recent years, attendance at our alumni reception at the ADA meeting has been small, and with that in mind, we felt it was reasonable to move forward with this weekend for 2026.
We want to emphasize that scheduling the reunion during the ADA meeting is not something we intend to do regularly. This was a one‑year decision made after careful consideration of all available factors, and we do not plan to schedule over the national ADA meeting in the future.
We have reserved a block of rooms at the Embassy Suites Lincoln. You’re welcome to book within this block or choose any lodging you prefer.
Thursday, October 8, 2026
Can be booked as a one-night stay.
- 2 Queen Beds | $149/night + taxes and fees
- Standard King | $129/night + taxes and fees
Friday, October 9 & Saturday, October 10
Both Friday & Saturday nights must be booked due to the home Husker football game. In order to cancel your booking, the request must be made at least 30 days prior to check-in.
- 2 Queen Beds | $349/night + taxes and fees
- Standard King | $299/night + taxes and fees
Parking for guests staying at the hotel is available at an overnight self‑parking rate of $13.50.
Parking for tailgate attendees who are not staying at the hotel will be charged at the standard hourly rate. The first hour is complimentary, followed by $1.50 per hour, up to a daily maximum of $13.50.
Valet parking is also available for $25 per day.
Booking Details:
- Room block available until September 17, 2026, or until filled.
- Book online or call 402-474-1111 and request to book in the UNMC College of Dentistry Alumni Weekend block.
Read about the 2026 recipients.
Alumni Achievement Award
- Corinne M. Van Osdel, DDS ‘19
- James Free, DDS ‘74
- Robert A. Schoettger, DDS ‘81, MS
- Mark Beatty, DDS, MSE, MS, MSD
- Kim Theesen
Show your reunion name tag for a complimentary cup of ice cream. Name tag pickup will be at the check-in table at East Union from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. and at the College from 2:30 – 3:45 p.m.
Dr. Stan Harn will have a display of history museum artifacts available for viewing. More information will be shared as the date gets closer.
Pricing
Continuing Education (Lunch included)- DDS alumni and DDS non-alumni: $75
- Hygiene and auxiliary staff: $45
- 2021-2026 Graduates (both DDS and Hygiene): FREE
- Sponsor a student for CE: $25
- $50/person for dinner buffet and two drink tickets
- $30/person for admission, two-entree meal, dessert, and iced tea. Cash bar available.
Registration
Registration will open in mid-July and will close on Friday, September 25, 2026.
Confirmation
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with your selected events and guest(s). If you do not receive this email or if anything looks incorrect, please call the Alumni Association. About one week before the reunion, you will receive a second email with important details to review before arriving on campus.
Nebraska East Union
1705 Arbor Drive – Lincoln, Nebraska
11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Check in for Continuing Education
Nebraska East Union, outside of the Great Plains Room
12 – 2:30 p.m.
Continuing Education for Dentists & Hygienists – Lunch included
Nebraska East Union - Great Plains Room
Welcome remarks provided by Gerry Kugel, DMD, PhD, Dean, UNMC College of Dentistry.
All in the Family: Opioids, Optics, and Oral Health
This two-hour session will be presented by College of Dentistry legacy family Jim Jenkins, DDS ‘84, and Marty Wolff, DDS ‘18 (Jim’s son-in-law), with speaker introductions by Bailey Jenkins-Kerr, DH’15 (Jim’s daughter).
- Fentanyl and Fluoride Update 2026: What Every Oral Health Professional Should Know
Presented by Jim Jenkins, DDS ‘84
In this fast-paced seminar, Dr. Jenkins will discuss the fentanyl epidemic on a national and local basis. Also discussed will be the status of fluoride in public water systems in Nebraska and nationally, proposed legislation banning its use in those water systems, and the effects on public health.
Learning objectives:
- Understand the status of fentanyl use in the United States and how even the smallest dose of fentanyl can lead to death.
- Intervene on behalf of a patient as it relates to the use of fentanyl.
- Understand how pending legislation will impact fluoride use.
- Evidence-Based Use of Diode Lasers in Dental Practice
Presented by Marty Wolff, DDS ‘18
This course provides an evidence‑based overview of dental laser technology and clinical applications in dentistry and dental hygiene. Participants will learn the fundamentals of laser physics, including laser wavelengths, tissue interaction, and safety principles necessary for responsible clinical use. The course specifically reviews diode laser systems and explains indications, advantages, and limitations. Emphasis is placed on the role of lasers in periodontal therapy, soft‑tissue procedures, desensitization, and adjunctive use in preventive and therapeutic dental hygiene care. Clinical protocols, patient selection, contraindications, and documentation requirements are discussed to support safe, effective, and legally compliant treatment.
Learning objectives:
- Describe how laser technology enhances patient comfort.
- Expand treatment options for patients using laser technology within the scope of dental and dental hygiene practice.
The University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry Office of Continuing Education is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at ADA.org/CERP. The college is a member of the American Dental Education Association and the Association for Continuing Dental Education. The University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry Office of Continuing Education designates this activity for CE Hours - 2 hours of continuing education.
2:45 – 3 p.m.
State of the College Update
UNMC College of Dentistry - Dixon Auditorium
Provided by Gerry Kugel, DMD, PhD, Dean, UNMC College of Dentistry
3 – 3:45 p.m.
Student-led Tours of the College
Depart from Dixon Auditorium
5 – 8 p.m.
College of Dentistry Alumni Reunion Reception
Nebraska East Union – Great Plains Room
Registration includes a dinner buffet and two drink tickets. The evening program will include remarks from the Dean, alumni awards, honor class recognition, and musical entertainment. Honor classes will be seated together, recognized during the program, and have a group photo taken by the reunion photographer.
Time TBA as of June 2026
Indiana at Nebraska Football Game
- Tickets: The College of Dentistry Alumni Board has secured a block of 30 football game tickets, available for purchase in pairs. Tickets are $80 each and will be added to your registration fee. Tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis through online registration. Please note that, per the Nebraska Athletic Department, all tickets will be delivered electronically via the Huskers app. Printed tickets are not available.
- Pre-Game Tailgate: Join the College of Dentistry Alumni Association for an indoor tailgate at the Embassy Suites Downtown Lincoln in the Ballroom. The tailgate will open two and a half hours before the announced game time. The cost is $30/person and includes a two-entree meal, dessert, and iced tea. Cash bar available. Pre-registration for the tailgate is required for space planning purposes.