The UNMC College of Dentistry has restarted its longtime dental caravan, sending out college leaders, faculty and staff across the state to connect with alumni and friends of the college.
The caravan was a college of dentistry mainstay for years before it stopped for a break in 2017, then relaunched in 2019 only to go on hiatus through the pandemic years.
M.W. “Dub” Vogt, DDS, associate dean for student affairs, admissions, alumni and external relations for the UNMC College of Dentistry, said alums have been asking for the caravan, and it meets the college’s goals to foster relationships with alumni, especially practitioners in rural Nebraska.
“It was a success,” said Dr. Vogt, who joined the caravan, which ran from May 12-15. “For the relaunch, it was great to be back with our alums across the state.”
From a practical perspective, the events – held virtually from Norfolk and at in-person events in Kearney and Scottsbluff – offered participants 3.5 credits of free continuing education.
Gerry Kugel, DMD, PhD, dean of the UNMC College of Dentistry, gave attendees an update on the college and detailed the VETSmile clinic that he started for the college and has championed.
Amy Killeen, DDS, associate professor of periodontics and the B.J. and Ann Moran Professor of Periodontology, gave a presentation on the connection between periodontal and mental health disorders that Dr. Vogt said “blew a lot of people out of the water.”
James Jenkins, DDS, associate professor in the UNMC Department of Adult Restorative Dentistry, offered an update on trends in methamphetamine and fentanyl use in the state.
Also joining the caravan was Connie Kugel, director of continuing education for the college, who organized the events along with Dr. Vogt.
Dr. Vogt said the UNMC College of Dentistry is centered on people and relationships – including its small class sizes – which contributes to alumni remaining strongly engaged with the college.
The events brought out a mix of recent graduates and newer alumni, midcareer professionals and some retired dentists, too – and a mix of dental hygienists and dentists, who often bring their office staff and assistants.
After the caravan, the participants attended the South Dakota Dental Association’s annual session, drawing an incredible turnout in Rapid City, S.D., for an alumni reception, Dr. Vogt said.
Dr. Vogt said he expects the caravan will continue to offer a valuable forum for the college to bring college updates, dental education, research initiatives and important advancements to alumni and professionals across the state.
“It’s just an incredible opportunity to network with alumni across the state.”
Thanks for bringing back this incredible event.