For the School of Dentistry Community
A message from the Dean
This year has been a year of excellence at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. Our students, faculty and staff continue to be exceptional in their education, delivery of patient care and pursuit of new knowledge through research.
Campus connections
Your annual updates from campus
Welcoming our newest learners
The School of Dentistry proudly welcomed 135 first-year clinical learners to the fall 2025 semester. Together, they comprise the DDS Class of 2029, Dental Therapy Class of 2028 and Dental Hygiene Class of 2027.
Moments from Moos Tower
From orientation to graduation and everything in between, here's what happened on campus this year.
Hats off, Class of 2025!
The School of Dentistry celebrated its 187 newest alumni at the 136th annual Commencement Ceremony on May 9, 2025. “You are all oral health professionals,” reflected Dean Keith Mays, DDS, MS, PhD, during the ceremony. “I congratulate you on persevering and getting to the finish line.” Graduates heard a keynote address from Michael Brooks, Jr., DDS ’13, Dental Clinic Director for NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center. Read more about Brooks and his address in this edition’s feature story.
Smiles all around
On February 8, clinics were filled with smiles from patients and volunteers for Give Kids a Smile, an annual event providing oral health care to children in need. More than 100 volunteers served 66 patients, undeterred by a major snowstorm. Co-chairs Bridget Ahern, DDS ’26, Charlie Brimacombe, DDS ’26, and Libby Isaacson, DDS ’26, focused their efforts on creating a dental home for participants, “ensuring they receive continuous care and return to us for their dental needs,” according to Ahern. “Beyond treating immediate needs, we also focus on educating the children about habits that will ensure they can maintain a healthy smile.”
White Coat Ceremony
The School of Dentistry welcomed first-year clinical learners with the White Coat Ceremony on September 12. A time-honored tradition, the ceremony recognizes the professionalism and patient-centered care of the health care professional and bestows them with their first white coat. Merecedes VanDeWiele, BSDH, MSDH ’22, clinical assistant professor of dental hygiene, provided the ceremony’s keynote address. “This coat is more than a garment of clothing,” she shared. “It represents a commitment to your patients, a commitment to lifelong learning and a commitment to ethical practice. Wear your white coat with pride, honor your oath with integrity and always lead with compassion.”
Student life
Get to know current students, and see how they are making an impact in and outside the clinics.
Providing care and connection
Clinical excellence provides more than patient satisfaction at the School of Dentistry. It fosters relationships and shapes empathetic, caring providers for the future.
This Year in Research
The School of Dentistry maintains a commitment to lifelong discovery through research. Our researchers have 59 active awards, including awards from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the National Cancer Institute and Industry leaders. Researchers produced 123 publications in Calendar Year 2023.
Other notable research accomplishments
Alumni and Development updates
Chief Development Officer Emily Best, MPA
Director of Alumni Relations Noelle McComb Simonson
Get to know SODAS president Robert Springer
Robert Springer, DDS ’19, is a general dentist at Isles Dental and the president of the School of Dentistry Alumni Society Board (SODAS). Dentistry Magazine spoke with Springer about his role with SODAS, and what he most looks forward to in the coming year.
Class Notes
Get updates on what your fellow alumni have been up to. If you have an update to share, please submit it at z.umn.edu/SODclassnotes.
Ken Hargreaves, DDS, PhD, Certificate in Endodontics ’93, became the dean of the UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry on May 1, 2025.
Alyssa Hedstrom, DDS ’04, is a leader in the Sawtooth Mountain Task Force, which received a 2024 Rural Minnesota Health Award.
Gaurav Jain, DDS PASS '16, Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry '24, received a 2024 Resident Recognition Award from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Quentin Knutson, DDS ’19, Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry ’21, had the chance to make a lasting impact with silver diamine fluoride (SDF).
Alumni Weekend brought alumni together to celebrate connection through care. Held concurrently with the University's homecoming, the fifth annual celebration brought alumni together for continuing education, research sharing, networking and connection.
Le'erin Voss, DDS ’20, MPH, recently started as faculty at Marquette University in the role of Director of Externships. Externships are a component of community-based dentistry where dental students train in community clinics. It’s a great position for her in that it combines her leadership skills, public health training and love of teaching. In addition, she will continue her position at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and continue to care for pediatric populations. She leaves Rock River Dental Clinic in Fort Atkinson and will miss many of the people there.
PDF and print versions of this magazine are available upon request. Please contact [email protected] for more information.