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.
Reed stepped into his leadership role during a period of transition in the first- and second-year curriculum. The Class of 2029 is the first group to take the new Systems-Based Integrated Biomedical Science courses (OBI 803, 805, 807, 809, and 811), designed to strengthen clinical reasoning early in dental training. In these Oral Biology courses, each body system is taught as an integrated unit: students learn the foundations of anatomy and physiology, then explore disease processes and related pharmaceuticals, followed by case-based small-group sessions where they apply this knowledge to realistic patient scenarios. This systems-based approach differs from the traditional model, in which anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology are taught separately during the first two years.
While guiding his classmates through the new curriculum, Reed stressed that communication and empathy from both students and faculty are essential for a successful transition. “Change often comes with growing pains,” Reed said. “For many, this is their first experience with system-based learning, and I’ve seen how clear communication, active listening, and accessibility can make a meaningful difference.” By advocating for his classmates while understanding the goals of faculty and administration, he works to ensure concerns are addressed constructively. “When communication is transparent and respectful on both sides, progress happens more smoothly and people truly feel heard.”
Reed’s leadership philosophy is grounded in fairness, honesty, and respect. A first-generation college graduate from southeastern Kentucky, he credits his upbringing with shaping his values. “I was raised to work hard, keep my word, and look out for the people around me,” he said. “To me, leadership means serving first, being willing to have tough conversations, making decisions that benefit everyone, and supporting classmates even when it requires extra time or effort.”
That commitment to service extends beyond the classroom. Reed brings a perspective shaped by firsthand awareness of rural healthcare disparities and the importance of access to care. “Dentistry is not just a profession, but a responsibility to serve the communities I’m part of.” He put those values into action during a SEAL KY trip to Greenup County, where he provided preventive care in a Health Professional Shortage Area. The experience allowed him to apply classroom learning while serving a community like the one where he grew up and “reminded me why I chose UKCD and dentistry in the first place,” he said.
Motivated by his Seal KY experience, Reed helped organize an outreach initiative at Roundstone Elementary in Rockcastle County to provide oral health education and encourage healthy habits among young students. “I wanted our class to step outside the walls of the College and connect with students who may not regularly see dental professionals,” he said. The initiative also introduced children to careers in healthcare, helping them see opportunities that may otherwise feel out of reach.
These leadership and outreach experiences continue to motivate Reed to step forward when he sees a need. He is driven by the belief that even small actions can improve someone’s quality of life. “If you’re in a position to help, you do,” he said. “I’ve been blessed with mentors who stepped up for me at critical moments in my life, and taking initiative is one way I honor them.”
Looking ahead, Reed hopes to carry these lessons into his future career. He aims to combine clinical excellence with community leadership and plans to return home to rural Kentucky to expand access to quality dental care in underserved areas. “I want to be the kind of dentist who not only treats patients but also shows up for their community and invests in the next generation the way others have invested in me,” he said.
Through professionalism, advocacy, and a commitment to service, Donte Reed exemplifies the leadership values that define UKCD and the future of dentistry in Kentucky.