Dentistry is a rewarding career, offering individuals the opportunity to enjoy a profession that mixes science, art, and community service. The curricular demands of dental education are strenuous, however, many dentists appreciate the work-life balance and career flexibility afforded to them following program completion.
The UK College of Dentistry was founded on three principles believed to be essential qualities of a successful dentist. Our students need to be biologically oriented, technically capable, and socially sensitive. These principles continue to inspire and drive our efforts today, helping the college graduate experienced, skillful, and compassionate dental care providers supporting the needs of Kentuckians.
Equally important as our guiding principles are the talented faculty and staff who are sincerely interested in the success of our learners and the care we provide to our patients. The college’s faculty and staff are passionate about providing students with opportunities and support to learn and become knowledgeable and skilled via a variety of experiences, including advancements in digital dentistry workflows, unique research options, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
I encourage you to learn more about the college by browsing this website and reaching out to the appropriate area with any questions.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey P. Okeson, DMD Dean, UK College of Dentistry
Dr. Jeffrey P. Okeson was named dean of the UK College of Dentistry in August 2020, after serving as interim dean since September 2019. Okeson has dedicated his career to educating students, residents, and clinicians in the areas of occlusion, temporomandibular disorders, and orofacial pain, serving as a full-time faculty member at the University of Kentucky for over 50 years. He is recognized worldwide as an authority in the field of TMD and orofacial pain, lecturing in every state and 61 countries. Okeson’s textbooks have been translated into fourteen languages and become a standard for teaching worldwide. He has received numerous awards, honors, and recognitions for his outstanding teaching and educational abilities, including UK’s Great Teacher Award and Provost’s Distinguished Service Professorship, the American Academy of Orofacial Pain’s Service Award, and the first-ever Distinguished Alumni Award from the College of Dentistry. Okeson has also received “The International Dentist of the Year Award” from the Academy of Dentistry International. Okeson is a graduate of the UKCD. He completed a General Practice Residency at the United States Public Health Service in Phoenix, AZ.