School of Dentistry at UMMC

08/29/2026

Today, students and our Dean Dr. Pia Kirk represented UMMC School of Dentistry by serving patients at the Jackson Free Clinic, providing compassionate care while gaining valuable hands-on experience in community dentistry.

Faculty: Dr. Pia Kirk, Dean

D4 Students: Elijah Rummels, Anna Prell Kennedy, Holden Sumrall, Blake Sonnier-Johnson, Victor Razi

D3 Students: Becca Breckenridge, Ann Michael Armstrong

D2 Students: Eeshawn Bajaj, Madi Hill

D1 Students: Piper Warren, Carolyn Vaughn, Embry Hollowell

Thank you for representing the School of Dentistry with excellence and a heart for service. 🦷💙

08/28/2026

The UMMC School of Dentistry was proud to participate in Student Success Central, hosted by the Office of Student Affairs! 💙🦷

Jennifer Roach, Aleisia Summers, and Helana Robinson represented the School of Dentistry, connecting with students and sharing information about our programs, patient care, education, service, research, and resources.

We’re always excited for opportunities to engage with the UMMC community and help students learn more about all that the School of Dentistry has to offer!

08/28/2026

08/28/2026

Reconnect. Network. Strengthen our community. 💙

UMMC School of Dentistry alumni, save the date for the 6th Annual School of Dentistry Connection Reception! Join us for an evening of reconnecting with familiar faces, building new connections, and celebrating the community that continues to make the School of Dentistry special.

📅 Thursday, September 17
⏰ 5:00 p.m.
📍 CHAR Restaurant | Jackson, Mississippi

We look forward to welcoming our alumni back together for another memorable evening. Connecting today. Building tomorrow.

08/21/2026

PATIENT CARE DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT FRIDAY 🦷💙

This Friday, we're shining the spotlight on our Dental Hygiene Department! ✨

From professional cleanings and fluoride treatments to personalized oral hygiene education, our Dental Hygiene Clinic is dedicated to helping patients prevent oral disease and maintain healthy smiles. 🪥🦷

Healthy smiles start with prevention! 💙

📞 To schedule an appointment with the Dental Hygiene Student Clinic, call 601-984-6340.

08/20/2026

Thank you to everyone who participated in the UMMC School of Dentistry State of the School and Faculty & Staff Retreat. Today was an opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments, strengthen collaboration, discuss future goals, and continue our commitment to excellence in education, patient care, research, and service.

We were also proud to celebrate the dedication and achievements of our faculty and staff through employment recognitions for 1, 5, and 20 years of service. A special congratulations goes to **Dr. Gatewood** for an incredible **45 years of service** and commitment to the School of Dentistry.

We also recognized outstanding team members whose contributions continue to make a lasting impact:
🏆 **Extra Mile Award:** Aleisia Summers
💎 **Transcend Award:** Winnie Lenson

Thank you for all that you do to support our mission and help shape the future of dentistry. Together, we continue to move forward with purpose, innovation, and excellence.

08/20/2026

Celebrating Leadership & Service! 🦷💙

We’re proud to recognize Dr. Almas Binnal for her continued leadership and service at the national level!

Dr. Binnal currently serves as:
🔹 Secretary, Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology Section – ADEA, beginning a three-year leadership succession from Secretary to Chair-Elect to Chair
🔹 Member, Predoctoral Education Committee – AAOMR
🔹 Member, Membership Recruitment & Retention Committee – AAOMR

Through these roles, Dr. Binnal is contributing to the advancement of dental education and oral & maxillofacial radiology while representing the UMMC School of Dentistry nationally.

Congratulations, Dr. Binnal! We’re proud to celebrate your leadership and dedication! 👏💙

08/19/2026

D1 Creative Waxing Contest Winners! ✨🦷

What better way to get to know our newest D1 students and see their creativity in action than with a little friendly competition? 👏
The D1 Creative Waxing Contest gave students an opportunity to showcase their waxing skills.

Congratulations to our winners! 🎉

🥇 1st Place: Olivia Breisacher
🥈 2nd Place: Elijah McIntyre
🥉 3rd Place: John Eric Herrington

We’re excited to see what this talented group of D1s creates throughout the year! 💙🦷

08/18/2026

📚 SCHOOL’S BACK… SO LET’S CELEBRATE! 🦷🔥

Kick off the new school year with the Academy of General Dentistry at their Back to School Party! 🎶

📅 Wednesday, August 19
⏰ 6–9 PM
📍 Dogmud Tavern

Come hungry, bring your friends, and get ready for food, drinks, music, laughs, and GOOD VIBES! 🥳✨

Let’s make some memories and start the semester off RIGHT! 🎉💙

08/17/2026

This week our D4s will take on their board exams, and we’re cheering you on every step of the way! Your dedication, hard work, and countless hours of preparation have brought you to this moment.

Take a deep breath, trust your preparation, and show them what you know! Wishing all of our D4s the very best of luck on boards! We believe in you! 🩵🦷✨