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Educating the Dentist of the Future, Now

The UK College of Dentistry (UKCD) is recognized as one of the nation’s best dental schools, with a reputation for innovation in oral health education and a commitment to serving the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. 

Located in the suburban setting of Lexington, UKCD has a reputation for its dynamic and innovative approaches to dental education. In addition to offering a DMD program, the college offers advanced dental education programs to assist graduate dentists in expanding their knowledge to support specialty practice, research, and teaching. Total enrollment for all programs is around 315 students, allowing for a personalized learning experience. 

Dental students in simulation lab D611.

News

Santamaria selected for international periodontology workshop

LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 4, 2026) — Mauro Santamaria, D.D.S., Ph.D., M.S., associate professor in the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry Division of Periodontology, has been selected to participate in one of the most prestigious scientific gatherings in the field of periodontology.

UKCD Dean Honored with Dentistry Organization's Highest Education Award

LEXINGTON, Ky. — For more than five decades, Jeffrey P. Okeson, D.M.D., has shaped the way dentists around the world diagnose and treat orofacial pain, transforming a once-overlooked area of care into a recognized specialty through education, research and clinical leadership. That lifelong commitment earned the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry dean one of the profession's highest honors.

College of Dentistry alumnus honored with Distinguished Service Award

LEXINGTON, Ky. — University of Kentucky College of Dentistry alumnus Dr. Alan Jones has received the University of Kentucky Alumni Association's 2026 Distinguished Service Award, one of the association's highest honors recognizing alumni who have demonstrated sustained service to the university while making meaningful contributions to their professions and communities.

Events

S3 Meeting

“Critical Thinking in an Age of Misinformation” PRESENTED BY: Travis Shaddox, PhD At the S3 Meetings, presentations are given by the various dental subspecialties, and following each presentation, experts in the audience—including general and specialty dentists—discuss the unique cases and challenges that present at the UK College of Dentistry.  The goal of these rounds is to assist those in attendance in staying at the forefront of dental treatments and technology in use at the UK College of Dentistry.

AADOCR Kentucky Fall Symposium 2026

The AADOCR Kentucky Fall Symposium 2026 will take place on September 23, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Louisville Clinical Translational Research Building. This year’s symposium will feature Dr. Nisha D’Silva as the keynote speaker. Dr. D’Silva is a nationally recognized expert in oral pathology and cancer research, currently serving as Professor and Associate Chair at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and Professor of Pathology at the University of Michigan Medical School.

UKCD Homecoming

Join us for the UK College of Dentistry’s Annual Fall Symposium & Alumni Weekend, Thursday, October 8 - Saturday, October 10, 2026. Don’t miss a fun weekend of reminiscing with fellow alumni, former and current faculty, staff, students, and friends.  All College of Dentistry alumni are welcome, especially the Reunion Classes of 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016, and 2021. The Division of Periodontology will also celebrate its 60th anniversary.