Makena Sundine, DDS, teaches diagnosis, treatment planning and introductory clinical courses in the preclinical curriculum at UNMC College of Dentistry. She also works closely with students in the clinic, guiding them in patient care and skill development.

Her passion for education and improving dental training led her to join the faculty shortly after graduation. She serves on multiple college committees focused on enhancing student preparation and patient care. With a strong interest in digital dentistry, she has helped expand the college’s use of technologies such as digital dentures, CAD/CAM systems, nightguards, surgical guides and esthetic wax-ups. She finds the most rewarding part of teaching to be helping students reach “aha” moments by discovering how they learn best.