Each year, more than 29 million Americans see a dentist but no medical provider. For these individuals, the dental chair is their first and only meaningful point of contact with the healthcare system. And yet, dentists are too often excluded from broader conversations about a patient’s overall care.
The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry will play a key role in the upcoming 2026 Land-grant Engagement Bus Tour, a university-wide initiative designed to strengthen partnerships and better understand community needs across Western Kentucky.
On February 20, first-year dental students from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry made an early impact beyond the classroom, bringing oral health education to students at Roundstone Elementary in Rockcastle County. Through hands-on activities, interactive lessons, and meaningful conversations, the outreach event aimed to promote healthy habits while inspiring the next generation to think about careers in health care.
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Two first-year students at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry have been selected for the U.S. Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), a prestigious national program that supports the education of future military healthcare professionals while preparing them to serve as commissioned officers.
At the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry (UKCD), student leadership plays an essential role in shaping both the academic experience and the profession’s commitment to service. As president of the Class of 2029, Donte Reed has emerged as a steady hand and thoughtful voice for his classmates during their first year of dental school.
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and as a pediatric dentist, I see this month as more than a reminder to brush and floss. It’s an opportunity to reflect on how oral health is inseparable from a child’s overall health and how prevention, access, and advocacy can shape a child’s future.
When University of Kentucky College of Dentistry (UKCD) student Myranda Elliott learned she had been selected as the American Student Dental Association’s (ASDA) National Legislative Liaison of the Year, the recognition came as a surprise — and a powerful affirmation of her passion for advocacy. “I was surprised, thrilled, and so proud,” Elliott said. “I didn’t think I would be able to win a national award in my first time serving in this role, especially as a D2. Advocacy is a passion of mine, and being recognized for my efforts in such a big way is incredible.”
The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry is pleased to welcome Ivan Squire as its new Assistant Dean of Finance & Administration, bringing more than two decades of financial leadership experience across multiple industries to support the College’s mission of education, service, and patient care.
For Lillian Jones, character is rooted in integrity—and in the willingness to slow down, think critically, and choose what is right, even when it is not easy. “In dentistry and in life,” she explains, “there are many moments when the easy choice and the right choice are not the same.” To Lillian, true character shows up when you take the time to fully understand a situation, consider different perspectives, and make decisions that benefit others, even when doing so complicates your own path.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 10, 2025) — The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry (UKCD), in partnership with UK HealthCare, has been awarded $35,975 through the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education’s Healthcare Workforce Investment Fund (HWIF) to support full-tuition scholarships for students enrolled in the Dental Assistant/Expanded Duties Dental Assistant (EDDA) training program. The award includes a $17,987.50 match from CPE, paired with a $17,987.50 contribution from UK HealthCare.