Dr. Gerry Kugel named UNMC College of Dentistry dean

Gerard “Gerry” Kugel, DMD, PhD, has been selected as the next dean of the UNMC College of Dentistry. Dr. Kugel will begin at UNMC on Sept. 18.


“Amid all of the highly qualified candidates, Dr. Kugel stood out for his vision and passion,” said Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, chancellor of UNMC. “His research and educational experience, as well as his clinical experience, is impressive."


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Dr. Paula Harre changed the lives of countless students, faculty, staff and patients

After almost three decades of teaching orthodontics residents and dental students, Paula Harre, DDS '82, '95, a clinical instructor in the department of growth and development, has retired.


“The biggest reward as an educator is to see the hundreds of students I have taught over the years become successful, dedicated dental providers,” Dr. Harre said.


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Darlene Carritt retires after 38 years of teaching

Darlene Carritt, RDH '78, a clinical instructor in the department of dental hygiene, retired this summer after 38 years of teaching at the College of Dentistry.


“Darlene has been a great mentor to all her students and colleagues, always encouraging and demanding the best from us. Thank you for always demonstrating drive and perseverance,” said Jane Broekemeier, RDH.


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Dr. Jack Brown posthumously inducted into San Luis Valley Health Wall of Fame

Jack Brown, DDS '54, was posthumously inducted into the San Luis Valley Health Medical Wall of Fame in Alamosa, Colorado.


His granddaughter, Shelby Fisher, DDS, a 2023 graduate of the UNMC College of Dentistry, said, “My grandfather was not just a successful dentist – he left a profound legacy and inspired his patients, colleagues and family, including myself.”


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Dr. Gerald Tussing celebrates 56 years at the College of Dentistry

During his 56 years at the college, Gerald J. Tussing, DDS, MSD '67, a professor in the department of surgical specialties, has led the UNMC Periodontics Program to national and international prominence.


“Dr. Tussing has contributed to UNMC Periodontics in so many facets: program director, chair, teacher, exemplary clinician and mentor. His long-term impact has essentially shaped much of what is noteworthy about our college,” said Richard A. Reinhardt, DDS, PhD, a professor in the college.


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Drs. Thomas Petro and Amy Killeen receive Tussing-Kaldahl Scholar Awards

Thomas M. Petro, PhD, a professor in the department of oral biology, and Amy C. Killeen, DDS '06, MS '10, an associate professor in the department of surgical specialties, received the inaugural Tussing-Kaldahl Scholar Awards.


The awards support new and ongoing basic, clinical and translational research projects centered on understanding immunity/inflammation within the oral mucosa and periodontium.


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Dr. Meenakshi Vishwanath elected to the board of directors of the American Board of Orthodontics

Meenakshi Vishwanath, BDS, MDS, MS, an associate professor in the department of growth and development was elected to the board of directors of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO).


“I believe I am the first director to serve the board as a director from my university and the state of Nebraska, as well as the first director of Indian descent. It is an honor to represent my university, state and my heritage,” Dr. Vishwanath said.


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Lisa Moravec receives Professional Achievement Award

Lisa Moravec, RDH '02, MSDH, PHRDH, an associate professor in the department of dental hygiene, received the 2023 Professional Achievement Award from the Idaho State University College of Health, where she earned her master’s degree in dental hygiene in 2011.


Lisa has contributed greatly to the dental hygiene profession through her endeavors in leadership, education, research, public health and community service.


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Dr. Jessica Meeske named Pediatric Dentist of the Year

Jessica Meeske, DDS, a clinical instructor in the department of growth and development, was named the 2023 Pediatric Dentist of the Year by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) during the organization’s 2023 annual meeting in May.


The award recognizes Dr. Meeske’s significant contributions to the profession. She is a leader in the area of Medicaid reform and works to ensure all children have affordable access to dental care.


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UNMC alumni invited to volunteer at Veterans Mission of Mercy Oct. 6-7

The UNMC College of Dentistry is partnering with the Nebraska DHHS Office of Oral Health & Dentistry, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Nebraska National Guard and Creighton University to hold a Veterans Mission of Mercy where eligible veterans and their spouses will receive free dental care.


The two-day clinic will be held at the Titan Army National Guard Readiness Center in Yutan, NE on Friday, October 6 and Saturday, October 7.


Volunteers are needed to help provide dental care (triage, hygiene, adult restorative, oral surgery, endo, prosthetics, radiology, sterilization, etc.) and for setup/takedown and patient check-in/check-out.


Learn more & sign up to volunteer.

Meet Our New Students

Dental Class of 2027


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Dental Hygiene Class of 2025


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