Fourth annual alumni weekend celebrates stories, smiles and communities

Guests at Alumni Weekend
Alumni guest posing with Goldy
Guests at alumni weekend around table.
Guests at alumni weekend with awards
Guests standing in lab at alumni weekend.
Guests at alumni weekend standing outside mobile dental clinic.
Guests at alumni weekend tabling.

The School of Dentistry hosted its fourth annual Alumni Weekend on November 8-9, 2024.

Alumni across years and programs gathered for two days of continuing education, networking, connections with their alma mater and celebration. The Classes of 1969, 1989, 2014 and 2019 also gathered for individual celebrations honoring their 55, 35, 10 and 5 year graduation anniversaries.

Guests with Goldy at alumni weekend

This year’s theme, “Sharing Stories, Shaping Smiles, Strengthening Communities,” highlighted the school’s commitment to addressing disparities in oral health care and ensuring access for all. The weekend’s programming showcased the vital role the School of Dentistry plays in advancing health equity through innovative research, community outreach and education.

The weekend kicked off with a keynote from Angela Hastings, DMD, Director of the Division of Community Outreach and Engagement, sharing the work and successes of the school’s Mobile Dental Clinic.

“We have had this mobile dental clinic for over 20 years now and what we learned is that we're actually the only dental school in the country that has this unique partnership where we have a nonprofit insurance company, UCare,” she said.

Attendees then enjoyed continuing education programming on digital dentistry from Arpit Nirkhiwale, BDS, MS, CAGS, FICOI, clinical assistant professor of prosthodontics, and on the newly-instituted Orofacial MRI Center from Co-Director Laurence Gaalas, DDS ’12, MS, clinical associate professor of oral radiology.

Dog at PAWS event

The afternoon consisted of tours of the School of Dentistry and an open house for the Mobile Dental Clinic, as well as a wellness fair featuring chair massages and PAWS Therapy Animals.

A Gophers Hiring Gophers job fair connected current DDS, Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy students with alumni to discuss career pathways, network and explore position openings at practices throughout the state.

The Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony celebrated Scott Lingle, DDS ’79, recipient of the 2023 Distinguished Dental Alumni Award, and Shelley Rice, GDH ’84, BSDH, recipient of the 2023 Distinguished Dental Hygiene Alumni Award.

“I try to put passion into all of that, leaving the world a better place than when I started, giving back more than I take, and just being out and representing the University of Minnesota, dental professionals and dental hygienists in the state of Minnesota,” said Rice.

Friday concluded with an all school and alumni reception, where alumni, faculty, staff and students gathered to make connections and enjoy time together.

On Saturday, November 9, alumni gathered at Pauly’s Pub and Grill to enjoy a game watch as the Gophers took on Rutgers.

Thanks to the alumni who returned to campus to connect and celebrate stories, smiles and communities!

Enova Illumination sponsored Alumni Weekend. The School of Dentistry and Alumni Society thank Enova for their generous support.